SJ Enterprises Hosts Invitation-Only Reception for HBO Movie Premiere of The Bessie Smith Story

MCLEAN, Va. - May 14, 2015 - PRLog -- Washington DC – Jazz Superstar Ski Johnson and SJ Enterprises in partnership with The Bessie Smith Family Estate will host a private reception for the world premiere of the HBO movie “Bessie” starring Oscar nominated and Grammy award winning recording artist Queen Latifah, on Saturday, May 16, 2015 at 6: 00pm. The biopic tells the story of Bessie Smith, known as the Empress of the Blues, one of the most influential musicians of the jazz and blues era and, who at the time, was one of the highest paid and well-known African American artists in the country.  The movie features an all-star cast of award winning stage, screen and television actors, directors and producers, including Oscar winner Mo’Nique; three time Emmy Award winner actor and director Charles S. Dutton; NAACP Image Award winner Khandi Alexander; Golden Globe winner Oliver Platt; NAACP Image Award and Gotham Award winner comedian, actor and producer Mike Epps, and actor and producer Michael Kenneth Williams and actress and producer Tika Sumpter.

The invitation-only reception will be hosted at a private estate in McLean, Virginia and feature a cocktail hour prior to the 8:00pm movie premiere.  The event will features models dressed in period costume and guests will hear music from the jazz and blues era.  They will also have an opportunity to meet Smith’s granddaughter Beverly Ann Clarke and other special guests.  Sponsors for the reception include Gemini Graphix, Family Affair Events, Key Concierge, Black Bag Productions, FlexFlop, American Summit Water, B'Milikah, and Basket Treats by Alexis Streets.

Johnson, for over twenty years, has been a prolific and versatile Jazz saxophone performer, with nine albums, two of which hit #1 on the Billboard charts. Recently, Johnson made world history at the New York Stock Exchange, as the first Saxophonist to perform on the Podium and Floor of the New York Stock Exchange at the Closing Bell. Johnson has teamed up with three-time Grammy winning producer Deezle for his new release “Shake it Like Ya Mean It” slated for release in June 2015.  For more information, visit the site www.skijohnson.us