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EVENT RECAP: SheROCKS 2015 (3/28/15)

Posted by tagdmv on April 5, 2015
Posted in: Art, Comedy, Events, Fashion, Music, Poetry, Uncategorized. Tagged: , , . Leave a comment

There are a lot of artists, entrepreneurs, philanthropists, and good doers in the world. Some you hear about, and some you don’t. In the arts & entertainment industry, there’s a noticeable group of people that you don’t hear about (either not that often or not at all)…women! Timea Gaines, Founder & CEO of Love Life Media, saw that need & decided to meet it through establishing a community (of both women & men alike)…and on Saturday, March 28, 2015, that community came together (for the 3rd time) to simply say, “SheROCKS“!



SheROCKS is “an event celebrating women who are culture curators, innovative artists and industry moguls dominating the arts world and impacting their communities”, according to the Love Life Media team. For the past 3 years, this event has taken place in the DMV area during Women’s History Month, to honor the women who strive everyday to live out their passions through their art. These are the women who step outside of their personal lives and set trends in arenas that are outwardly dominated by male counterparts. 
The venue was the District Architecture Center in Downtown DC…an openly creative space, which helped to foster the artistic vibes and community environment of the evening. No matter who you were in title, status or years of experience…everyone was on a leveled playing field and all that mattered in that moment was sharing in the creatively genius & talented moments that flowed throughout this community. 



Aisha Graham (Art by Aisha)



There were an array of vendors, from food & sweets bar (compliments of Elle & Emma’s Bake Shop), to accessories (such as jewelry, handbags, makeup, etc.), to books (including  authors such as Natasha T. Brown), to paintings (from artists such as Aisha Graham). While a lot of the community was supporting the vending artists, there was also a stage in which the community was able to listen to and support the performing artists. Hosted by comedienne Tea Love, the range of performing artists included singer/guitarist Danni, poets (such as Canden Webb & Just a Vessel), dancers (such as Queen P & Queenlin), rapper Jazzarae, runway fashions by Gerri Beatty, and other performers from outside of the DMV (including Geminelle Rollins & Good Girl). 



Gerri Beatty Designs





Danni



Just a Vessel



Queen P

In addition to these forms of community support, the ultimate show of support is being able to honor these hard working artists. There were 4 SheROCKS 2015 honorees that evening, including Jasmine Crowe (Woman of the Year), Charly & Margaux (Artists of the Year), Jessie Adore (Industry Power Player of the Year), and Neesh Finney (Graphic Designer of the Year). 



Jasmine Crowe (Woman of the Year)



Neesh Finney (Graphic Designer of the Year)



All in all, it was a great time in community and fellowship. The vision of Timea Gaines has definitely come to fruition in ways which will continue to impact not just the DMV artistic community, but the artistic and business communities across the country. You can stay in touch with Love Life Media and their future projects, through Facebook (http://facebook.com/LoveLifeMedia), Instagram & Twitter (@LLM_LoveLife). 



Timea Gaines (Creator of SheROCKS)

-EMW

 

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Artist Spotlight: Monica Scott Haynes

Posted by tagdmv on February 27, 2015
Posted in: Acting, Fashion. Tagged: , , , , , , . Leave a comment

It’s not every day that someone fortuitously starts a modeling career on the runway, instantaneously becomes a print modeling sensation for internationally branded companies, transitions into acting from commercials with locally successful businesses to nationally award-winning television and online series, and even appear in a legendary feature film sequel that’s decades in the making! Now, imagine accomplishing all of this in JUST 3 YEARS!!!! The person to accomplish this is none other than Monica Haynes!

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Monica was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, and grew up very much a local sports player and enthusiast (or as she would say, “Go BENGALS, BEARCATS & BUCKEYES!”). As a player that excelled in both basketball and volleyball, Monica arrived in the DMV on a full athletic scholarship to play volleyball at Morgan State University. When she wasn’t making history (as her 1998 team became the first HBCU to ever go to the Division I NCAA Tournament), she excelled academically also, achieving both a B.S. in Marketing & an M.B.A. from the Baltimore institution in 2001.

After working a 15-year corporate career in territory sales, Monica found that something was lacking…passion and purpose! Thus, she became an entrepreneur and pursued a modeling career in 2012, which, in turn, lead her to quit her corporate job in January 2014 and become her own boss! She states that it was “a scary leap of faith, but I am so happy I did”. In addition to running her health & wellness business, called “Wrap Maven” (www.WrapMaven.com), she also has a beautiful family, with a husband, Leonard IV, and 2 children, Hayden & Leonard V (aka “LV”)…aka her #1 fans, of course!

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Now, as far as Monica’s modeling career, A LOT can happen in 3 years! Ok, so here’s the rundown…are you ready? So, she has 3 (not 1, not 2…but 3) agencies (Modelogic Wilhelmina, Click Models, and Marilyn’s Model and Talent Management); her print publications include: Walmart, Canon USA, Gaylord Hotels, VistHershey.com, University of Pennsylvania, National Smithsonian Air & Space Museum, Essence.com, and JET Magazine; and her runway appearances include: Korto Momolu (Project Runway season 5 runner-up), Seth Aaron (Project Runway season 7 winner), Luis Valenzuela, Bolivia Moda, SaintCHiC. The culmination of these things (and much more), have led her to be nominated all 3 years as “Print Model of the Year” & the winner for 2014 Fashion Awards MD (FAMD).

Fortunately, Monica’s good talents don’t stop at modeling, but has also extended to acting! Her television commercial projects include: Koons Automotive, Mercedes-Benz of Catonsville, New Homes Guide, Carmax, Carolina Kitchen Restaurant, and Northrop Grumman. Also, she’s hit the big time in TV shows & movies, but we’ll let her tell you more about that later!

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Speaking of which, let’s see what else she has to say about journey thus far:

Q: What part of the DMV are you reppin’?
A: I’m repping for Anne Arundel County, Maryland. Woot Woot! While I am a native of Ohio, and my husband is a native of Louisiana, we fell in love with the DMV area after attending college here. We love it here!

Q: What influenced you to engage in your talents/gifts?
A: Growing up as an extremely shy and conservative girl from the Midwest, I absolutely LOVED the camera. I never really thought the modeling industry would be something for me, but I was introduced to the industry through my daughter’s interactions. In July of 2012, I took her to an audition for a huge fashion show happening in the National Harbor of MD that was to showcase a girl’s line of clothing called, My Bougie Baby. Immediately following Hayden’s audition, a fashion designer by the name Kenny “Kas” Flanagan, asked me if I would consider modeling in his adult line of clothing called Kas Collections, Inc., an amazing line of couture designs that was to be the highlight of the National Harbor event. With no runway experience or training, he asked me to audition on the spot. EEKS! Long story short, Kenny added me to his lineup of models for the show. Who knew? While I was so fearful [with emotions], my runway debut was one of THE best moments of my life. What I thought would be just a fun, one-time “bucket list” experience turned into me pursuing this industry head on. I have not looked back since. I want to thank any and every body who has given me an opportunity. You know who you are!! Your belief in me and your encouragement has meant the world. XOXO

Q: How has your community influenced you, and vice versa?
A: The DMV fashion community is a talented group of professionals. It’s a small community, and from my 3+ years of working as a model, I have built some pretty awesome relationships with some amazing people. While runway was my first experience, I developed a niche in the Lifestyle and Commercial Print realm of modeling. I absolutely love the industry and hope to continue as a print model for years to come. I am blessed to find work in the DMV area, but also along the entire East Coast. I am represented by 3 wonderful modeling agencies, and I also freelance from time to time. Last year, I was humbled in being selected “Print Model of the Year” for the Fashion Awards MD (FAMD). What an honor to be recognized by the DMV community and my peers. Shout out to FAMD’s creator, Lana Rae, for the opportunity!

Q: When did acting become a passion of yours?
A: As a model, you essentially are acting in front of that camera. I got the itch to pursue acting while doing a few TV commercials with my daughter. I have been blessed to play her “mother” on many occasions, which has been such a joy. This Fall, I landed a small acting role in the hit Neflix TV series “House of Cards”. I appear in Season 3 as a secret service agent. Landing that small role was so exciting, and made me want to explore acting even more. I have done a few other acting projects and commercials since then, and can’t wait for what else is in store for me.

Q: How is it to work with your favorite co-stars…your kids?
A: I call my daughter, Hayden, the “veteran” as she started in the industry before me. I admire her fearlessness and confidence. She takes direction so well and has a true passion for what she does. Modeling and acting with her has been priceless. We have created memories to last us a lifetime. My son, LV, has done a few projects with us too. We are “testing the waters” with him, but he has held his own so far. While I don’t think he has the “bug” like Hayden, it has been so much fun having him tag along on a few projects. I’ve even dragged my husband on a few shoots where the client preferred a “real” family, and it was a blast. He won’t admit it, but I think Leonard loved it. lol

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Q: If there’s anything that you would want your peers & supporters to know about you (assuming that they don’t already), what would it be?
A: Thanks for asking this question, Erica. My journey so far has been such a rewarding one – but it almost did not happen. I want to remind the readers that you are never TOO old or TOO young to DREAM, or even re-DREAM. If you have a passion for something, GO FOR IT! Be purposeful, be intentional and conquer the world with that passion. It’s a beautiful thing when a career and a passion come together. I encourage those who’s dreams have not yet come to fruition…keep dreaming, keep pressing forward, don’t ever give up. Remember, your dreams do not have an expiration date.

Q: What’s next?!
A: Season 3 of “House of Cards” will be released on Netflix on 2/27/15. I’m a fan of the show, so I am so honored to play a small part in the new season. I also have small background parts on the new season of HBO’s “Veep” (airing in March) and an upcoming motion picture, “Creed” (Rocky 7), starring Sylvester Stallone. I recently had the pleasure of shooting an episode of “House of Horrors: Kidnapped” that will air on the Investigation Discovery (ID) channel in May. Stay tuned for more, this is just the beginning – I am dreaming BIGGER!

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Continue to keep up with Monica’s big dreams through her social media sites: Facebook (Monica Scott Haynes) and Instagram (@WrapMaven).

– EMW

Artist Spotlight: Pages Matam

Posted by tagdmv on February 20, 2015
Posted in: Events, Fashion, Poetry, Spoken Word. Tagged: , , , , , . Leave a comment

What does an author, educator, activist, playwright, host, event organizer, Award winning slam poet, proud father, gummy bear elitist, bowtie enthusiast, professional hugger & anime fanatic have in common? (*take a breath*) That’s right…they’re all the same person! Meet Pages Matam!

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Pages is a birthed native of the central African country of Cameroon, and groomed native of the DMV area. He is a graduate of Parkdale High School (PG County, MD) & Montgomery College.

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“As both an emcee & spoken word artist, the same versatility in his pen is also embodied in his performance” (www.pagesmatam.com). His features have included The Kennedy Center & world famous Apollo Theater, and numerous colleges and universities around the country. He also participates as one of the hosts for Busboys and Poets Open Mics, a co-host/slam coordinator for GraffitiDC (one of D.C.’s premier Slam Series), and a member of the recently formed group of “artists & educators committed to using poetry as a tool for bridging cultural divides and creating transformative leading experiences”…thus called, The Drawbridge Collective.

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As an artist, he has opened for countless dope artists, including Chrisette Michele, Raheem DeVaughn, and Afrika Bambaata; he has also shared the stage with the likes of Common, Mos Def, Rosario Dawson, and Amiri Baraka.

So, what is Pages doing when he’s not rocking the stage? Sharing his gifts to better the community and the future of it, of course! His works include being a coach for the 2014 national winning D.C. Youth Poetry Slam Team, a Teaching Artist and Assistant Coordinator for Youth Programs of the non-profit organization, Split This Rock, and one of the main organizers for the nationally acclaimed Louder Than a Bomb (DMV, of course). Couple these experiences along with being an educator, a cultural ambassador for the Office of Human Rights of D.C. (leading the successful campaign on immigration), and a plethora more contributions previously exhibited (and to come).

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Now, what else can we learn about this awesome individual? Here’s more insight from the man himself:

Q: What part of the DMV are you reppin’?
A: Brookland NE & Silver Spring MD

Q: What influenced you to engage in your talents/gifts?
A: An episode of power rangers inspired me to write my first poem. I thought it would be a nice way to get a girl I had a crush on to notice me. Didn’t work out, but I kept writing, and then was blessed to gain a mentor who showed me other work, and books, and challenged me on my path while allowing me to nurture my gift…and here I am years later.

Q: How has your community influenced you, and vice versa?
A: My community, without support and love and them challenging me to not only make or do my art better, but also do and be better of a person, I would not be the person I am today. They influence the way I think critically about the world around me, how I respond to it in my art, and how I remain humble and constantly a vessel to engage and learn just as much as I may teach.

Q: As a gummy bear elitist, which one(s) are your favorite?
A: Black Forest Gummy Bears and milk chocolate covered gummy bears from Nuts.com!

Q: How did you come into creating your own bowties?
A: I was bored…I wanted to turn an old set of my brother’s ugly neck ties I didn’t always like wearing, and so one day I converted one into a bowtie. I liked it alot, so I did to others, then gained other ideas and here we are now.

Q: If there’s anything that you would want your peers & supporters to know about you (assuming that they don’t already), what would it be?
A: I really, really like, plantains!

Q: What’s next?!
A: Collective projects, individual visual and performance projects, travels, and teaching art therapy. Oh, and more gummy bears and bowties for everyone.

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Keep up with this versatile artist, via his website: www.pagesmatam.com, and his social media platforms: Facebook (Pages.d Matam) IG & Twitter (@pagesofle). The futures of artistry and education are very bright, especially when donned by dope bowties, lyrics, gummy bears & plenty of hugs!

– EMW

From Our Perspective: Bel Nouvo Pop-Up Shop & Products (2/7/15)

Posted by tagdmv on February 17, 2015
Posted in: Events, Hair Care, Uncategorized. Tagged: , , , . Leave a comment

Over the valley and through the woods I go, to a little spot in NW Washington, DC (called Coffy Café) to partake in the Bel Nouvo pop up shop. This was an event dedicated to handmade artisan products including body butters, lotions, soaps, sugar scrubs, and what I was looking for: natural hair products.

It is here that we met with the ever so vibrant and enthusiastic Arcman Durosier, owner and creator of Bel Nouvo. The Florida native established Bel Nouvo 4 years ago, well before the recent “natural movement”, and has surely created a following.

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So is the hype worth it?

As I gazed upon the table of products, I couldn’t help myself. There was so much to choose from: body butter, beard balms, curling puddy, leave-in conditioner, lotions, co-wash products, soaps…you name it! Being that I was unfamiliar with his line, I tried the three more popular items: the co-wash, curling puddy, and leave-in conditioner.

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Now, I like to consider myself a connoisseur of hair care products. I use them, I make them, and I try everything…ok, well almost everything.

I must say after using Bel Nouvo products for a week, I am VERY impressed! The co-wash was lightweight, lavish, left no residue and smelled pleasant. My curls were left feeling very refreshed. I followed up with the leave-in conditioner, which was nourishing, non-sticky, and also left no residue. This is the part of the process that is very important to natural hair; locking in moisture is pivotal to the definition, feel, and elasticity of natural hair. The last step of the process was adding the finishing touch with the curling puddy. Everyone wants those perfectly shaped, polished and luxurious curls, and the curling puddy does just that. My hair stayed hydrated, defined and manageable days after trying the line. I was also impressed with the minimal shrinkage that occurred…I can definitely understand why these three products are so popular.

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Often products are misleading and filled with counter productive ingredients. Bel Nouvo leaves the worry of maintaining natural hair behind with its line of no gimmick products. It takes the worry and questions out of the equation and leaves you to play in the amazing results.

Now, there was one let down with Bel Nouvo. I also used their facial soap after the owner’s encouraging commentary. Unfortunately, I was not impressed. During the washing process my face felt soothed, but after I rinsed off the soap my face was left feeling very dry. Keeping in mind that I suffer from very sensitive facial skin, I am pleased to announce I did not have any adverse reactions. Perhaps pairing the facial soap with a facial Bel Nouvomoisturizer would be the answer to this let down.

​A bonus of attending an event dedicated to natural hair was the diversity of products. A featured line, So Sheeba, which specializes in healthy hair growth (FOR ALL HAIR TYPES) at first glance appears to be a miracle cure. I was so flabbergasted by the testimonials of real people that use the products that I bought both, the concentrated and un-concentrated versions, to test out. The instructions suggest that after 4 weeks one should start seeing results and I sure hope so. In addition to the signature growth serum, So Sheeba also offers custom hair units.

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Overall, visiting Bel Nouvo’s pop up shop experience was without doubt a positive one. Not to mention, both lines are locally owned and operated small businesses that know how to get results. I will certainly be a returning customer!

You can find both brands and their products at:
www.belnouvo.com
www.sosheeba.bigcartel.com

– Jessica Galloway

Artist Spotlight: BOOMscat

Posted by tagdmv on January 9, 2015
Posted in: Music, Spoken Word. Leave a comment

It’s not often that you hear music that creates a mindful inner peace, AND makes your outer body roll in the process. If that’s the case, you haven’t had the pleasure of meeting The Peace & Body Roll Duo themselves. Well, here’s your opportunity: meet BOOMscat!

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This amazing duo is comprised of keyboardist-drummer-producer, Asha Santee (BOOM), and vocalist-songwriter, Jennifer Patience Rowe (scat). BOOM is a native of San Francisco, but arrived in the DMV as a student at Howard University. Scat is a DMV native that attending both Wilson & Blair High Schools, and went away to attend Columbia College in Chicago. Both had already gigged around the DMV as respected artists in their own right & with other bands, before they came together in the fall of 2012.

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The BOOMscat name is pretty simple; Asha is a drummer, whose beats often pack the bass of the rhythm, thus BOOM! Patience is a vocalist who uses her jazzy flair that often complements the rhythmic sounds of their music, thus scat! Together, their overall sound is familiar, yet experimental; powerful, yet soft & sultry.

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BOOMscat initially released their first mixtape, The Trilogy, after their inception. In February of 2014, they released their first EP, The West Wing Project Live. They’ve most recently released their second EP, No Life Jacket, in December 2014. This project is a special one, as it is a product of their House Grant award, provided by House Studios DC. They have performed at several venues in Chicago & locally on their “Peace & Body Roll Tour” (including their most recent performance at the Baltimore Soundstage in December, opening for national recording duo, Kindred the Family Soul), and gained support from gospel music legend Richard Smallwood.

Here’s more from the ladies themselves:

Q: What part of the DMV are you reppin’?

A: BOOM – I’m originally from San Francisco, and I came to DC to attend Howard…so I’ve been here for about 10 years now & stay in Hyattsville; scat – I grew up NE DC, around Brookland area.

Q: What influenced you to engage in your talents/gifts?

A: B – I started making beats & drumming since I was 6., and I started drumming [as a gig] in 2011, because I broke my leg playing basketball; s – I’ve been singing all of life, and all of family are singers, also! I went to school in Chicago for radio production, and landed back here [in the DMV] and started singing around the area.

Q: How did BOOMScat come to fuition?

A: B – I started drumming behind Patience’s poetry, and many people found it difficult to sing over my beats. So, she started singing over my beats & we just started vibing out musically and creating songs. It worked out well since people already trusted us in our own lanes.

Q: How has your community influenced you, and vice versa?

A: B – We’ve received a lot of support from DC & Baltimore, in terms of pre-ordering, buying, sharing & playing our music; s – The DMV is such a very talented community, and being surrounded by the experiences is so different that it allows us to be ourselves without having to adapt.

Q: What was your process to achieving the House Grant like?

A: B – Our friend, Dez the Prez, made us apply, and it was one of those particular process. We went through a judging screen, and we had backing from our connections at Grammy WDC (and people knew us already from the other band that I’m in, Lowercase Letters Band).

Q: If there’s anything that you would want your peers & supporters to know about you (assuming that they don’t already), what would it be?

A: s – For me, the music is pretty transformative and it has made me grow. I know I’m grateful for [our supporters], their transformations and growing along with us. I’m also a poet. B – I’m very grateful for BOOMscat! It allowed me to breakout of a shell of being nervous as a singer, but it’s still growing because, in the beginning, patience told me to sing and I was very hesitant. Lol. I also paint, so people buy my paintings, which are displayed throughout my basement walls.

Q: What’s next?!

A: We just opened for Kindred the Family Soul (which was an amazing opportunity provided to us through our friends at Grammy WDC), and hopefully we’ll have more shows to come. People [our supporters] want a “Private Show” video, so we may do that, or “Simple Things” or “Alright”…we’ll see though. We also have a residency coming up at Joe’s Emporium, for a week [the first week in March], where we get a stipend, and the opportunity to host shows, work & create in their studio, and do a final show. Finally, we hope to get material together for a full album.

Continue to follow these awesome artists via their website (http://www.boomscat.com/), or social media platforms: Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/BOOMscatMUSIC), Instagram (@boomscatmusic), & Twitter (@BOOMscatMusic). Also, you can find their music on iTunes & Soundcloud (https://soundcloud.com/boomscat-music).

– EMW

Titan Arts Awards 2014: Complete List of Winners

Posted by tagdmv on December 15, 2014
Posted in: Uncategorized. Tagged: , . Leave a comment

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Here is the list of all winners from the Titan Arts Awards 2014:

Actress of the Year – Tatyana Scott
Makeup Artist of the Year – Kym Lee
Film Director of the Year – Teresa Davis
Musical Producer of the Year – Tree Gotti
Model of the Year – Lena Chase
DJ of the Year – DJ Mim
Internet Radio Host of the Year – Eddie Kayne
Graphic Designer of the Year – Creative Junk Food
Actor of the Year – Mike Brooks
Fashion Designer of the Year – Original Crackage
Choreographer of the Year – Demarcko “Retro” Price
Painter of the Year – Dez Customz
Female Group of the Year – Bella Donna
Video of the Year – Visto “Witcha”
Host of the Year – Eddie Kayne
Videographer of the Year – Chasity Corset Films
Blogger of the Year – Pat is Dope
Film of the Year – “Run” by Karim Mowatt
Rising Star Award – Main Girl
Male Hip Hop Artist of the Year – Fats Da Big Fella
Best Male Group of the Year – 4EY
Magazine of the Year – DMV Life
Female Vocalist of the Year – Reesa Renee
Male Vocalist of the Year – Pearis J
Fashion Troupe of the Year – Models Inc.
Breakout Artist of the Year – 4EY
Female Hip Hop Artist of the Year – Pinky KillaCorn
Dance Troupe of the Year – RAW Element
Internet Radio of the Year – Listen Vision
Promoter of the Year – Eddie Kane
Photographer of the Year – MidiEast
Special Honors: Nonchalant, Raheem DeVaughm, KAS, Ed the Artist, Anthony Tilghman & Will Rap 4 Food

Congratulations to all of the winners, and more to come on the Titan Awards 2014 soon!

Made in the DMV: The Free Conference That You Should NOT Have Missed!

Posted by tagdmv on December 9, 2014
Posted in: Events, Music. Tagged: , , , , , , . Leave a comment

Free conference?! Did someone say a FREE conference?! How good can it be? Well, the inaugural Made in the DMV Conference challenged that very question.

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On a very rainy Saturday of December 6th, 2014, DMV’s elite music artists, producers, DJs, executives, media, and supporters, came out to the first Made in the DMV Conference (which was put together by Will Rap 4 Food & I Got it 4 Free). The conference (held at the R.I.S.E. Demonstration Center in SE DC) was a melting pot of uplifting, empowerment, education and networking. The conference kicked-off bright and early (at 9am) with a Town Hall meeting, featuring a powerful panel of local community leaders and philanthropists, including Will Rap 4 Food CEO, Pro’Verb, Santa Cause Philanthropist, Mo Betta, community activist, Tony Lewis, Jr, and Dreamswork Inc. leader, Dan Bradley.

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Record Breakers DJ Panel

After the Town Hall meeting, there were a wide array of panel discussions, as well as interactive workshops. The workshops (which were led by a Who’s Who’s of the local and national music industry) ranged from Record Breakers DJ (covering the secrets to success as a DJ and as an artist trying to break through on the radio), to Writing Your Story: New Leaders Writers/Bloggers Panel (in 2 parts), to Deal or No Deal (covering being an indie artist vs. being signed to a label), to Evolution of the DMV Music Panel (which discussed the various reasons why some DMV artists have broken through to mainstream thus far – vs those that have not but probably should have – and what we as a community can do to help our local artists to achieve success beyond the DMV).

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TOP: Deal or No Deal Panel; BOTTOM: Monetize Your Movement
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Writing Your Story: New Leaders Writers/Bloggers Panel 1

The interactive workshops included photography, videography, production, engineering, as well as PR techniques (which was led by 2 of the event’s organizers, Angela Byrd – I Got it 4 Free – and Natasha Brown – Think Brown Ink).

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Visual Interactive Workshop

After the conference portion wrapped, everyone had just enough time to rest a bit from all of the serious dialogue, freshen up & head to Cafe Asia for The Show, which is where everything came to life! This portion started with the Producer’s Showcase, which was hosted by the always energetic Paperboy Prince of the Suburbs. The tracks, which featured beats from local DMV producers, definitely turned up the crowd, and got this portion of the party started off right! Next up, was the Artist Showcase, which featured both rappers & singers of local area talent. The judges from both segments included from WPGC 95.5, DJ Heat, from MTV News & Sway in the Morning, Rob Markman, Baltimore Hip Hop Journalist, Jay Holzman, and host of PUV Radio on Blis.FM, Ms. Kitten.

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Kerim the DJ blessed the speakers with some unlikely, but dope, mixes during the transition to our featured local artist performances. PUV Radio hosts Ms. Kitten & Jus Paul hosted the featured performances and kept the crowd live! Backed by The Legendary Cloud 9 band as the house band, the local hip hop performances included the likes of Laelo, Jacob Sinatra, Black Cobain, Pinky Killacorn & Visto. Needless to say, this became one of THE biggest DMV Hip Hop concerts of the year, to date!

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LEFT TO RIGHT: Paperboy Prince of the Suburbs, Ms. Kitten & Jus Paul
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Visto Performs with The Legendary Cloud 9 band.

When we checked-in with Pro’Verb, he noted that “this was only the 2nd full-out concert that [Will Rap 4 Food] has done thus far”, and he was “surprised that there was a crowd of people to come out to the conference, AND to have a crowd of people to show up [at The Show] too…it [was] amazing”!

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The Crowd Supports “Don’t Shoot” During “The Show”!

For all of these reasons, and more, if you did NOT make it out this year, you SHOULD NOT miss Made in the DMV next year! Also, to see what you may have missed this year (and for more details about next year), be sure to follow @MadeInTheDMV, @WillRap4Food & @IGotIt4Free, and show some love/support to OUR DMV artists, producers, DJ, and media, also.

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Sponsors of Made in the DMV

– EMW

Artist Spotlight: Anthony Tilghman

Posted by tagdmv on November 7, 2014
Posted in: Photography, Uncategorized. Tagged: , , , , . Leave a comment

He is one of the most accomplished photographers in the DMV area. Garnering publishing credits with the Associated Press, The Washington Post & Huffington Post, and requested photography gigs, from the Grammy’s & Oscars, to both Inaugural Ceremonies of President Barack Obama; and he JUST started his photography journey in 2008!!! Meet Anthony Tilghman!

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Anthony was born and raised in the Prince George’s County, MD area, and was a graduate of Crossland High School. This renaissance entrepreneur was accepted into Howard University in 1999. However, he could not afford to attend this institution, due to being homeless. Anthony lived from shelter to shelter, and received assistance from programs, such as Covenant House & Thrive DC; but the one thing that he did have was a grinding, go-getter personality! No matter what situation he found himself in, he was always determined to do anything to help change the circumstances.

With Anthony not being able to afford attending HU, he still stuck by the area and started working at the Up Against the Wall, just off of the campus. Working for clothes may not seem appealing, but it was a terrific start to a life-long mantra that stays true to his nature: grind, gain, give! Sooner than later, Anthony would put his hustle mentality into an unexpected gift and skill…photography.

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Anthony’s photography became the definition of “you can do anything that you set your mind to”! Although just picking up the camera in 2008, he became a student of photography; studying, researching, and experimenting with all aspects of this artistic talent. With a focus on both landscape/street and people-oriented photography, soon, some of his independent photographs turned into published works and requests from organizations, companies and publications to photograph for them, also. With photography being his main source, yet still embodying his grind, Anthony Tilghman Photography quickly became Anthony Tilghman Enterprises.

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Halle Berry at the Academy Awards

Anthony Tilghman Enterprises also includes his locally top selling energy drink, Rebirth, his internet radio network, DC Now Radio, a new gossip blogging site, All Gossip Everything, and even a television show in New York, Picture Perfect on Suite 929 (which is in its third season – http://www.suite929.tv/shows/pictureperfect/). Now that he’s gained from his empire, Anthony also continues give, by working closely with those that helped him in Thrive DC & Covenant House. His donations help to pay his blessings forward. If that’s not enough, every year, Anthony donates $1,000 to an arts based student for college scholarship!

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Now, let’s hear what else Anthony has to say about his gifts & blessings:

Q: What part of the DMV are you reppin’?
A: I grew up in Capitol Heights, MD, but I’ve lived all over the PG County area.

Q: What influenced you to engage in your talents/gifts?
A: It was kind of weird. I started doing PR/marketing events for Glenn Jackson, TV One, etc. Then one day, I hired a photographer for an event, and he never showed up. So, I had to go out, buy a camera, and do it myself. After that, I started to do the research of it & never hired another photographer! My favorite camera is Nikon; I learned all the ins and outs of their cameras (so I only use Nikon to shoot), and am now I’m an authorized user of it.

Q: How has your community influenced you, and vice versa?
A: DC is different, but I love the city & giving back to the community. If you surround yourself with inspirational people, inspirational things happen. One thing about me is that I like for everyone that I hang around to make money. I give 50% of my income to charities, and Thrive DC is one of my favorites. My goal is to end homelessness in DC, and for everyone. You are blessed for what you have. Every day, I look at my success, and I’m like “wow, I did this”! The community has changed me, from DC Now Radio, to Anthony Tilghman Photography, and Rebirth. DC Now Radio is my platform to help promote business owners, and Rebirth I made specifically for the city. Everything I do is for the city! I consider myself the “Shark Tank of DC”, where I like to invest in many businesses…lol.

Q: What has been your favorite gig thus far?
A: The Washington Monument. I love the monument at sunset; it’s my favorite picture to capture. I’d been covering the monument for 10 yrs, and [that specific shot] took me 4 tries to get it. Now, I work for the National Parks & Planning Commission shooting this monument.

Q: President Obama’s Inauguration or Red Carpet at the Grammys/Oscars?
A: Obama’s Inauguration. He’s the first black president, and it was an honor to be asked to cover both inaugurations. For my shot that was published [from the 2013 inauguration], it was freezing cold outside and extra crowded, where you could barely move. They had the media team sitting on a platform, so I hopped up, took the shot, and that’s how I got it.

Q: If there’s anything that you would want your peers & supporters to know about you (assuming that they don’t already), what would it be?
A: Support the brands! AnthonyTilghman.com is my portal for everything, so your support is important, because the movement is real!

Q: What’s next?!
A: To do whatever I can to provide and help people grow. So when I get bored, I’ll start something else J!

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The Washington Monument

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The 2013 Presidential Inauguration

Aside from the numerous businesses previously mentioned, Anthony is engaged in multiple other business endeavors and investments, also. To keep up with what all is happening (and what is going to happen) in Anthony’s world, follow his advice and head to www.AnthonyTilghman.com. Also, you can follow him, and his brands, on social media via Facebook (Anthony Tilghman, All Gossip Everything, Rebirth Energy Drink, & DC Now Radio), Instagram (@AnthonyTilghman), Twitter (@AnthonyTilghman) & YouTube (Anthony Tilghman). With everything that this guy has going, we haven’t even seen the half of the grind, gain, give power that he will possess in the future!

– EMW

Artist Spotlight: Rebecca Dupas

Posted by tagdmv on October 24, 2014
Posted in: Events, Photography, Spoken Word. Tagged: , , , , , , , . Leave a comment

Poet, host, producer, photographer…and just to think, this is only “A Dose of Dupas”!

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Rebecca Dupas is a multi-talented artist that arrived in the DMV at the age of 6, via the great state of Louisiana. This graduate of Friendly High School (in Prince George’s County, MD), Towson University (undergraduate) & Cappella University (graduate), has taken the Baltimore and DC areas by storm, as a prolific & sought-after poet/spoken word artist and host of numerous open mics.

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Her openly candid, honest and thought provoking storytelling poetic contents have garnered her with the opportunities to host & feature in events/programs, such as Warm Wednesdays in Baltimore and Busboys and Poets in Hyattsville, MD. On top of that, her poetic gifts led her to Centric‘s “Lyric Cafe“.  Click here to check out some of her captivating pieces.

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Rebecca’s assortment of gifts have also led her behind the scenes, founding her own production company, “A Dose of Dupas“, as well as the Rebecca Dupas Photography company (also known as B-Sharp Imaging). Stepping behind the scenes has allowed her to influence others in DMV community as well, especially through hosting an annual gathering called “The Baltimore Host Retreat“, which gathers event hosts from the Baltimore and DC areas to trade and learn best practices, while growing and fostering a level of support for each other (and other artists).

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Rebecca shared more of her story with us, below:

Q: What part of the DMV are you reppin’?
A: It’s difficult to decide which part of the DMV I represent. It really depends on who you ask. People introduce me in connection to both [Baltimore & DC]. It depends on where they met me, what venue I was hosting at the time, or where I was featuring. I grew up on the Baltimore City art scene with amazing artists like Lamar Hill and Archie the Messenger…artists who, like me, moved to the city and made a home there. I adore it and do a great deal of work there to include writing and hosting workshops. Most of the events I produced or hosted have been in Baltimore city. Still, I have love and respect for the DC scene as well. As a host of Busboys & Poets, and as a poet who takes the drive up and down I-95 (like it’s a corner-store run), I’ve worked to be sure that I’m connected to the great things happening in both cities.

Q: What influenced you to engage in your talents/gifts?
A: My mother and sister encouraged my poetry writing when I was a young girl in Mansura, Louisiana. They are both writers. Friends in high school and college encouraged me to perform. After my first night at an open mic in Baltimore City, I was hooked! I’ve been performing my poetry since 2000, and writing since my middle school years. Things transpired perfectly. I’m pretty sure that I am supposed to be a poet, host, producer, and author, among other things. I’ve recently established myself as a photographer as well.

Q: How has your community influenced you, and vice versa?
A: I find inspiration all around me. Those who follow me on social media, let alone are familiar with my work, know that I turn the most random and unassuming moments into either a post or a poem. However, I also take a great deal of subject matter from my personal life. Surprisingly enough, those that I meet still say that I am telling their story. From the business perspective, I continue to produce events because I know that art saves lives, whether we are expressing it or listening to another do so. The same is true for photography; I appreciate the opportunity to help document people and things in my community, as well as capture moments that help others to feel strong and beautiful.

Q: What other DMV artist(s) have you enjoyed working with the most?
A: My production company houses several live art events. It has afforded me the chance to work with amazing artists and producers. One of my most recent endeavors is the production of a show called “Come On Son“. It is a touring poetry showcase starring myself, LOVE the poet, Shelly Says So & Bria McCormick. It’s always an inspiring experience. I enjoy sharing the stage with these powerful sisters…we always have a great time! Our audiences do too!

I also enjoy working with the team at Busboys and Poets. I’ve met amazing hosts in the DMV and poets from all over the country.

My favorite photographers to work with and learn from are Tya Anthony, Daryl Taylor and Anthony Tilghman.

Q: If there’s anything that you would want your peers & supporters to know about you (assuming that they don’t already), what would it be?
A: I’m quite the introvert. Most assume because I host and perform that I am a social butterfly. I’m such the opposite. I prefer a quiet corner and a view of the action. My shyness and reservation are often misunderstood. Poetry and photography are tools to continuously pull me out of my shell. I’m grateful for both.

Q: What’s next?!
A: My fourth CD, Decade Three, drops this year! I’m excited to share this project and hope people will follow my journey at rebeccadupas.com.

My photography is taking off and I’m excited to dig into this new(er) venture. People can find our more at bexshotit.com!

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Be there to help Rebecca celebrate the release of her new album on Tue., Nov 18th at the Sports Zone in Gerogetown! You can also find her on your favorite social media networks, including Facebook (Rebecca Dupas II), Instagram (@rebeccadupas & @bexshotit), Twitter (@rebeccadupas & @ADoseofDupas), and YouTube. This star is continuing to rise, and we’re looking forward to more artistic Doses of Dupas to come!

ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: Jennifer Dunston

Posted by tagdmv on September 12, 2014
Posted in: Fashion, Music, Uncategorized. Tagged: , , , , , . Leave a comment

There’s a rising jewel amongst the DMV that will sooth the studios and stages, and slay the runway and magazines. Please meet Jennifer Dunston!

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Jennifer, who has migrated to the D(M)V area within recent years, is a multi-talented artist, who spans both the music and fashion genres. On the music scene, she has been known as a lead vocalist for the band, Sound Connection. She has also recently been working on her solo efforts (including her new single called “Get Lit“, which will be launching really soon), as well as covers of a few recent hits, such as “Girl on Fire” by Alicia Keys (http://m.soundcloud.com/jenniferdunston/girl-on-fire-alicia-keys) and “Thinkin’ Bout You” by Frank Ocean (https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=LM7CTMl2bIo&feature=youtube_gdata_player).

On the fashion scene, Jennifer has also been a sought after model. She has been a finalist in the competition to find “the face” of newly releasing local hair care line, House of Bombshell. She has also worked with local veteran photographer, Roy Cox.

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Check out more of what Jennifer has to say about her talents:

Q: What part of the DMV are you reppin’?
A: I‘m originally from Providence Rhode Island, but for now Maryland is home.

Q: What influenced you to engage in your talents/gifts?
A: Every Sunday I sung in the children’s choir and growing up I was inspired by the great Whitney Houston. I just love to sing and I have always had a passion for music!

Q: How has your community influenced you, and vice versa?
A: I have been influenced by individuals in the community but not by the community as a whole. Maybe as time passes that will change.

Q: If there’s anything that you would want your peers & supporters to know about you (assuming that they don’t already), what would it be?
A: I wanted to be a Kindergarten or 1st grade teacher.

Q: Which do you prefer, music or fashion? Why?
A: Music! Music is my heart and it is second nature to me. Fashion is fun for me!

Q: What’s next?!
A: My new single, “Get Lit“, will be released this month, and my EP, Get to Know Me, is forthcoming this fall. “Get to Know Me” more by visiting my new website that will launch on September 19, 2014 at: www.jenniferdunston.com.

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You can also catch up with Jennifer on social media at Jennifer Dunston (on Facebook) and @hollywoodivajd (on Instagram). Keep following…she’s JUST getting started!

– EMW