;">"NY: Opening Night Of "Inspired" By Film At The Sapphire Lounge

NEW YORK, Feb. 6 /PRNewswire/ -- BOMBAY SAPPHIRE, the leading super-premium gin, is pleased to announce the countdown to 'INSPIRED' IN NEW YORK, an extraordinary week long tribute to the wealth of urban talent in America today. Taking place from February 11th - February 16th, 2007 in a legendary downtown loft space, 'INSPIRED' IN NEW YORK builds upon the rich artistic tradition of BOMBAY SAPPHIRE -- furthering contemporary design and video art around the world -- and upon the successes of the SAPPHIRE LOUNGE music and cultural event series.

Former editor of VIBE magazine and cultural wunderkind, Emil Wilbekin, has collaborated with BOMBAY SAPPHIRE as curator of 'INSPIRED' IN NEW YORK, which comprises a series of nightly events in an intimate 23rd Street location that has been temporarily re-designed as the ultimate SAPPHIRE LOUNGE and private performance space. Each night is inspired by a particular field of creativity -- art, film, fashion, business, literature and music -- and is co-hosted by a leading urban icon who will honor the talent that has inspired them.

The 'INSPIRED' IN NEW YORK line-up includes: -- Sway from MTV will
host the opening night with Thurgood Marshall College Fund on Sunday, 2/11. -- Actor Malik Yoba, who will showcase the work of new African American filmmakers on Monday 2/12. -- Kelly Rowland and Marley Marl co-host an evening of music honoring acclaimed beat-maker DJ Premier, with live performances from Talib Kweli and Big Daddy Kane on Tuesday 2/13. -- Author and art critic Brian Keith Jackson has curated a special exhibition of work by contemporary African American artists including new figurine sculptures by Kehinde Wiley on Wednesday 2/14. -- Leading fashion stylists Lysa Cooper, Misa Hylton, Alexander Allen, Coltrane Curtis, Emil Wilbekin and Memsor Kamarake will present urban-inspired
style on Thursday 2/15. -- National poetry slam champion Roger Bonair-Agard will MC a live performance with his terraNOVA Collective on the evening dedicated to the written and spoken word on Friday 2/16. (FSNEWS.findlaw.com)


Malik Yoba "NY Undercover" & "Girl Friends"


Michael K. Williams "Omar" from THE WIRE

Andrea Williams Director
"NY: Opening Night Of "Inspired" By Film At The Sapphire Lounge