R&B singer Alicia Keys attended the National Black Theatre’s Communication Arts Program Symposium Friday in New York City. In other Alicia news, she recently announced that despite her talented musical background, she had to learn how to play the cello for her role in The Secret Life of Bees, on DVD March 31st. She added that even though she stopped practicing after filming wrapped, she does have plans on pursuing the instrument in the future.

“I had to work hard at it and I was constantly practicing, constantly learning and re-learning the proper way to play. It takes a year or so just to learn how to hold the bow properly and use it the right way, so just making it feel effortless and look effortless was a challenge. It had to look as if I’d been playing for 15 or 20 years. That took a lot of practice – but I’m used to discipline and practice … I didn’t play after finishing the film but I do want to rediscover it and I will probably start again from the beginning and learn properly,” said the star.”

Singer Eric Benet posed for pictures at Day 3 of the 2009 Winter Music Conference at The Raleigh Hotel in the Armani Music Lounge in Miami Beach, Florida Friday afternoon.

Actor Boris Kodjoe was photographed with PR rep Jonell Whitt (right) at an event celebrating outstanding accomplishments in music and film, held at the Four Seasons Midtown hotel in Atlanta, GA Thursday night.

Miss Usa 2008 Crystle Stewart hit up the Tesla Group’s 1st annual “Walk With Style” fashion gala at the West Side Loft Thursday evening in New York City.

Singer Jordin Sparks attended the “One Splendid Evening” event sponsored by Carnival Cruise Lines in San Pedro, California Thursday night. The purpose of the event was to benefit VH1′s Save the Music Foundation.

Rapper Eve attned the “One Splendid Evening” event too.

Regina King and her son Ian Desdude posed for photos at Day 2 of Melanie Segal’s Kids’ Choice Awards Lounge presented by Stouffer’s at The Magic Castle Thursday afternoon in Los Angeles. The 2009 KCA’s airs live from LA on Nickelodeon tonight at 8 PM/7c. Check your local listings for more details.

Former America’s Next Top Model hopeful Kenya Barris hit up the Armani Exchange Music Lounge at Penthouse at the Raleigh Hotel Thursday afternoon in Miami Beach, FL. She was attending Day 2 of the 2009 Winter Music Conference.

Serena Williams unveiled her new Signature Statement clothing and accessories line Wednesday at Day 3 of the Sony Ericsson Tennis Tournament. The line will be sold exclusively on the Home Shopping Network (HSN) and hsn.com beginning April 30th. Each item will be under $100 bucks, so the prices are definitely recession friendly.

PHOTOS: WIRE IMAGE

Tyler Perry‘s Madea Goes to Jail hits theaters this Friday, and you know Black Hollywood came out to support the Atlanta native and his new movie. Folks like Mary J. Blige, Monica, Keisha Knight Pulliam, Derek Luke, Ray J and more all attended the NY Premiere of Madea Goes to Jail last night the AMC Loews Lincoln Center. Continue reading for the rest of the photos.

PHOTOS: WIRE IMAGE / GETTY IMAGES