ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: Jarrett Hendrix, Brilliant Artistry

Posted by tagdmv on July 31, 2014
Posted in: Photography, Uncategorized. Tagged: , , , , , , . 3 Comments

Photography…weddings, families, babies, senior class, sports teams, and selfies can all be forms of pictures that are taken. What about the simple artistic nature of just the environment that surrounds and inspires you each day?! Meet Jarrett Hendrix!

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Jarrett is a native of the DMV area, and a graduate of Largo High School and the University of Maryland College Park. He recently emerged onto the photography scene with a simple, yet common, canvas to display his works…Instagram (known on there as @BrilliantArtistry). Staying true to the original purpose of IG, his style of photography is that which takes the everyday elements (landscape and structural) and catches the beauty of the DC area (as well as other areas) as it exists, better known as street photography.

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Connecting with fellow photographers, such as IGDC, they have formed a community of like minded individuals that inspire and influence each other to continue building their artistry. One of the things that they bring out of each other is the creativity in which they use to get each shot. In a lot of Jarrett’s shots that you see, you may recognize and see these places/locations everyday. However, sometimes is all about the angle that people usually do not see. Those types of shots take creativity and risk! For example, getting a shot of a well-known street, but from the angle/perspective of the double-yellow lines right in the middle of that street…or going into a popular tourist building, but getting a look at a room/area that the average tourist does not get to see. These risky and awesome shots, coupled with thought provoking quotes, makes Jarrett’s @BrilliantArtistry page one that definitely separates itself from the average page that you would see on IG.

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We caught up with Jarrett to hear his prospective of his work, community, and aspirations:

Q: What part(s) of the DMV are you reppin’?!
A: I’m from DC (Benning Rd Area), but I currently reside in MD.

Q: What inspired you to engage in your artistic abilities?
A: I had a video camera that used a cassette tape about 25 years ago…and I’m 30 now. I just started getting seriously into it recently. I used IG as a way to see if I should pursue photography, it turned out to be a positive thing for me.

Q: How has your community influenced your gifts, and vice versa?
A: There’s 2 types of IG: 1) for photographers that want to network with other photographers (therefore more community based)…with that, I have met people from around the globe! And 2) then there’s IG for people to post selfies all day (like my sister…lol). If I go to NY, I can just reach out to people that I met on IG and we can build a group and shoot. I’m a street photographer, and that’s not an easy thing to do. So, since that community is so small, we tend to band together.

Q: What is your favorite place to shoot?
A: I like shooting NY, because there’s always something to shoot. While I like shooting NY, I like the challenge of shooting DC. In DC you have to keep your eyes open, and look for those pics that stand out amongst other pics. The most favorite thing I’ve ever shot was interior of the Library of Congress.

Q: What’s next?!
A: I do stop photography…so like, if you watch the news and they use file photos, I contribute to them. So, I’m trying to get into photo journalism next.

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Definitely reach out and follow Jarrett’s next level shots on his @brilliantartistry IG page (as well as @IGDC), and also follow him on Twitter (@Focusthenshoot).

– EMW

ORGANIZATION SPOTLIGHT – Will Rap 4 Food, Inc. (WR4F)

Posted by tagdmv on July 17, 2014
Posted in: Music, Uncategorized. Tagged: , , , , , . Leave a comment

What do you get when you combine the love and artistry of Hip-Hop culture with the passion and drive to create change in your community? Here’s a good hint…it’s an awesome organization called, Will Rap 4 Food, Inc. (WR4F)!

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On the surface, this “family” of Hip-Hop cultured artists and lovers are a group of talented individuals that come together for a common purpose…to spread their love and artistry of Rap! Usually, when you see their team out and about at events, some of them are sporting their “Will Rap 4 Food” logo t-shirts & hoodies. So once you find out how dope they are as artists, one begs the question…”What exactly is ‘Will Rap 4 Food‘?!”

Once you dig a little deeper, you see way more than just Hip-Hop & artistry…you see purpose through philanthropy! According to the organization’s website, WR4F‘s mission is that one that “educates, empowers, and mobilizes the hip hop community to be agents of change in the global eradication of hunger through awareness, unity, and the powerful influence of art” (The Mission, www.willrap4food.org). That’s right…every time that they share their gift of artistry, they also raise money to donate towards ending world hunger 1, 2 or 1,000 bags at a time!!!

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We caught up with the man who started it all, WR4F‘s CEO, Pro’verb! Here’s what he had to say about the organization and journey:

Q: What part of the DMV are you reppin’?
A: PG County, Maryland…Landover to be specific. 301 or none.

Q: Who’s in your crew?
A: Well first off Will Rap 4 Food is my family…Lol! I have a pretty big family as you can see and we are pretty much everywhere. In terms of my music there’s Zzz Gang (We do this in our sleep) which is comprised of Tese Fever, RAtheMC, AP the Prince, Lyriciss, G*two and myself…that’s my inner circle within this industry. I don’t really do the “friends” thing…either we are family or associates, ya know?

Q: What influenced you to create this organization?
A: I’ve been apart of community outreach missions and programs since I was a kid. I’m a preachers kid, so I’ve always been around these types of organizations. I just felt like we were the new leaders of this generation so we should start acting like it. Let’s take charge and make changing our neighborhoods personal using music as the catalyst. Why wait until we’re rich and famous to try and “give back” to the community…let’s do it now! So guess what we did…we brainstormed and executed an amazing idea called Will Rap 4 Food, Inc.

Q: How has your community influenced you, and vice versa?
A: PG county pretty much made me a man. I was heavily influenced by the evils and greatness that exist in this area. That duality created a balance and perspective that is unlike any other, in my opinion. I’ve had money and lost money but my mission never changed. I always strived to be a positive impact but when you are in the jungle sometimes you have to adapt to the mentality of the jungle. My work is far from over and Will Rap 4 Food is just one of the ways I plan to affect my community. This is a lifetime commitment.

Q: Do you guys embrace other artistic genres outside of Rap/Hip Hop?
A: Will “Rap” 4 Food is a concept…not a rule. We know Hip-Hop is a culture and an energy; it’s more than music…it’s a large part of this generations identity. We are simply saying that Hip-Hop can do positive things and be a sincere catalyst for change in our communities. We encourage all forms of art within our organization. We have poets, instrumentalists, vocalists, producers…just about anything you could think of. If you have any talent at all you can do “it” for food!

Q: What’s next?!
A: Elevation and evolution. I’m working on my third mixtape called, Over thinkers EP, which will be dropping later this year while still handling duties as CEO of Will Rap 4 Food, Inc. I’m also ghostwriting for a few artists and bands working on placements as we speak. I’m staying as busy as I can until I’m literally too old to handle it anymore…lol. Just make sure you follow the organization @WillRap4FoodInc because greatness is on the horizon! You can also find me personally @allproallday on both IG and twitter.

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Community Outreach Coordinator Adding Influence, DMV Legendary Painter Demont “Peekaso” Pinder, and CEO Pro’verb.

If you would like to volunteer and help them to share the love, you can email them at volunteer@willrap4food.org. For the fellow Hip-Hop artists and lovers, you can catch them EVERY Monday at their event, M Street Mondays, at the Sports Zone Elite in Georgetown & during their Cool World Order tour through July & the beginning of August. You can keep up with their other artistic ventures through their social media pages, and continue to help change the world 1 or 1,000 meals at a time!

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– EMW

EVENT SPOTLIGHT: Fashion Awards MD 2014 (6/21/14)

Posted by tagdmv on June 23, 2014
Posted in: Events, Fashion. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , . Leave a comment

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High fashion, edge-of-seat entertainment, beautiful atmosphere, even more beautiful people, great times…that is how many would describe the much anticipated 3rd Annual Fashion Awards MD, which took place this past Saturday at The Brown Center (which is a part of MICA – Maryland Institute College of Art).

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The Brown Center at MICA

The upscale, yet intimate, setting provided a night to remember for many that were there. Fashion Awards MD founder & producer, Lana Rae, created this event back in the Spring of 2011, with the mission “to highlight, celebrate and recognize the talents of those who have made contributions to the fashion industry in the state of Maryland and beyond” (www.fashionawardsmd.com). The categories range from designers and stylists, to models and photographers, to accessories and boutiques, to media and bloggers. Anyone who takes a part in the making the fashion industry of the Maryland area a success is notably recognized and appreciated (talk about good vibes!).

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Host Jaslene Gonzalez & Producer Lana Rae

The theme for the 2014 awards program was “Traveling Fashion Circus”. The theme definitely reigned true in all aspects of the program, which featured circus-esque acts throughout the event, the abstract fashions that were featured during the runway portions of the show, and the face-painted (yet high fashioned) models that displayed the nominees and winners of each category. This year’s host/ringmaster, America’s Next Top Model Cycle 8 Winner, Jaslene Gonzalez, not only kept the fashions upscale and true to form (which she was Styled by Thea – Fashion Awards MD EMERGE 2014 award winner for Best Emerging Stylist & TAGDMV Featured Spotlighter), but also kept the crowd entertained with interactive raffle drawings (which included prizes from a new car – toy car that is – to a gift bag provided by event sponsor, Jack Daniels Honey, to “15 minutes of fame” – which was slayed by DMV media blogger & personality, Rich Rocket – to gift cards – which was also won by yours truly :-)!!!

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Other judges and presenters included Christopher Schafer, of Christopher Schafer Clothier and former President of the Baltimore Fashion Alliance, who was paired with Caprece Jackson-Garrett, who is the current President of the BFA, Sen. Catherine Pugh, who is also the Founder of the Baltimore Design School, Theresa & Joe Dyer, Producers of MD Fashion Week, and Isis King, America’s Next Top Model Cycle 11 contestant, fashion designer and motivational speaker. Both nominees and winners were equally excited to just be in the building and participate in this program that acknowledges their hard work.

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Sen. Catherine Pugh, Christopher Schafer & Caprece Jackson-Garrett, and Isis King

Check out @TAGDMV & @FashionAwardsMD Instagram page for more pictures, and be sure to visit the www.FashionAwardsMD.com website for more info on the judges, presenters, past winners & and to keep up with more events and pics going forward! Many thanks to Lana Rae and her team for not just giving back to her community, but also paying it forward!

– EMW

Artist Spotlight: Dr. Glenn Caldwell

Posted by tagdmv on June 9, 2014
Posted in: Music, Uncategorized. Tagged: , , , , , . Leave a comment

There are artists that perform, and there are artists that create. This artist creates, composes, theorizes and orchestrates beyond what most average musicians could dream…in fact, often times some of the top musicians need his help too! Meet Dr. Glenn Caldwell!

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Glenn is a current resident of Columbia, MD and a music theory professor at McDaniel College. He is also a sought after musician, composer and orchestrator whom has worked with numerous popular artists, such as classical great Denyce Graves, and gospel greats Dorinda Clark-Cole & Richard Smallwood.

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Glenn was born in Gastonia, North Carolina but grew up and attended public schools in nearby Clover, South Carolina which is about eight miles away. His earliest formal training in music took place when he was around the age of seven or eight. Glenn took piano lessons but soon stopped because he felt that he was “missing too many important episodes of ‘Batman’” (yes – that’s right, Adam West). He continued to use the piano as a writing tool but picked up the clarinet and saxophone to study more seriously.

After completing high school Glenn attended North Carolina A&T State University to pursue a degree in music. While there he studied privately with William C. Smiley (sax), but was also encouraged by professors to compose and arrange music for A&T’s marching and concert bands. Nearing the completion of college, Glenn and several students met with former A&T president, Samuel DeWitt Proctor, who was, at that time, Director of African-American Studies at Rutgers University. Proctor’s influence prompted Glenn to attend graduate school at Rutgers and complete a masters in education. While there Glenn worked as a teaching assistant in the jazz division under jazz notables Kenny Barron, Paul Jeffrey, Bill Fielder, Larry Ridley, and Ted Dunbar. It was also there that his interest in jazz performance and composition intensified.

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Glenn’s first job after Rutgers was Director of Bands in the public school system of Mullins, South Carolina. It was, as he states, “my first music-related job so I knew that further graduate work would be needed to pursue my interests in composition and arranging.” After two years he re-entered graduate school in the music theory division at The Ohio State University. After the completion of the masters degree he was accepted into the music theory doctoral program. He studied composition with Marshall Barnes and also continued to pursue his interest in jazz by studying privately with Vince Andrews (sax) and Hank Marr (piano).

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Let’s hear more from Glenn and his experiences that led him to where he is today:

Q: What part of the DMV are you reppin’?
A: I’m reppin’ Columbia, MD.

Q: What influenced you to engage in your talents/gifts?
A: As a kid growing up in the country – in South Carolina – I had fed outlets except a piano that stayed in the living room. It was either “discover music” or “listen to the birds chirp”. At least that what I thought my options were. As time went pass, I began to “hear” my own music and I also grew an interest in orchestrating and arranging.

Q: How has your community influenced you, and vice versa?
A: Yes. I grew up hearing spirituals that folks rarely hear today and that music, to some degree, affects how I compose. Also, while attending North Carolina A&T State University, I heard classic jazz for the first time and that surrounding community, in Greensboro, affected my music as well. In addition, the gospel “community” of Columbus, Ohio affected me in that many of the jazz performers there were also great gospel performers.

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 really a small-town person.

Q: Who is your favorite artist/group to have worked with thus far?
A: Well . . . . . . I’d say Byron Cage because he tends to be open to ideas outside of his own. The most recognized name of someone that I’ve done orchestrations/arrangements for is Stevie Wonder but it was “subcontract” work. I met him once but I doubt that he remembers me.

Q: What’s next?!
A: Johannesburg, South Africa and a book. I’m doing 15 orchestrations for a gospel concert that is to take place at Rhema Church in Johannesburg on September 20, 2014. This church, to my understanding, holds 7,000 people and I’m also doing the conducting the Johannesburg Music Initiative Orchestra in this concert. With the orchestra there will be a choir, rhythm section, and a host of featured gospel vocalists. Jonathan Butler will be one of the featured artists. I don’t speak Zulu but I’ll need to introduce a couple of the South African artists to the audience.
I’m also writing a book on Rogers Simon, a Harlem hairstylist who was most noted for putting the “s-wave” in processed/conked hair. He was a personal barber for boxer Sugar Ray Robinson, Duke Ellington, Nat King Cole, and many, many others. My main interest in him is that he wrote pop/jazz tunes from the 1940s through the 1970s.

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You can keep up with Glenn and his future endeavors via his Facebook page (Glenn Caldwell) and his website at www.gcaldwellmusic.com. There’s no telling what type of great musicianship will come next!

– EMW

ORGANIZATION SPOTLIGHT: DMVME

Posted by tagdmv on May 20, 2014
Posted in: Art, Comedy, Events, Music, Spoken Word. Tagged: , , , , , , . Leave a comment

In the DMV, there are numerous concerts, performances, events, festivals, etc. Often times, the performers/artists are a combination of locals and non-locals, or they’re limited to one type of artistic genre. What if there was an organization made in the DMV, whose sole purpose was to showcase the great artistic talents of the DMV?! Meet DMVME!

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The DMV Music & Entertainment (DMVME) brand provides a unique opportunity for Washington DC metro area artists, songwriters, producers, DJs, managers, music industry professionals and fans to meet, network and further their careers. They introduce some of the hottest up and coming urban music and entertainment artists; from Hip-Hop, R&B, Go-Go, Spoken Word and Comedy. The DMVME team consists of: Janey (Founder of DMVME), Shea Atkins (Event Operations Manager), Ray Williams (Social Media Manager), Alethena McCoy (Sponsorship Coordinator), and TaKeyia Monique (Public Relations, Haute Hipsters Media).

The DMVME team has hit the ground running since their recent initial creation, and has made great strides to set up their initial expo weekend in just the past month, which is set to take place on June 6-8, 2014. “We had to do something different. If you want change, be the change,” said Janey…and that’s exactly what they did! The DMV Music & Entertainment Expo modifies the Hip-Hop shows we’re accustomed to and merges those rap performances with other urban media entertainment (R&B, Go-Go, Spoken Word, etc.) in addition to bridging the gap with artists and their potential fans.

Each night of the expo will focus on various genres, and here’s what you have to look forward to:
Friday, June 6th – Pre-Expo Kick Off Party (Doors open at 10pm) at DaLuft Lounge, hosted by RaRa the Party Starter & music by Mr. Primetime DJ Ron + DJ Naph.
Saturday, June 7th – DMV Music & Entertainment Expo (9pm-3am) at Twelve Lounge, which features artists such as Visto, B. Blunt, Demi Rose, Detroit Boat, Black Passion Band, and more; with an opening reception hosted by comedian Tony Woods.
Sunday, June 8th – Farewell Brunch (11am-3pm) + Day Party (3pm-7pm) at Smith Commons, featuring live performances by spoken word artists DMVPoet, Orville the Poet and more, live painting by Michelle Izquierdo & Music by DJ Zyon.

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We were able to catch up with Janey & Social Media Manager, Ray Williams, to learn a little more about what makes their team!

Q: What part(s) of the DMV are you reppin’?
A: Janey – Ft. Washington & SE for a short time also; Alethena – grew up NW DC, currently resides in Oxon Hill; Shea – NE DC; Ray – Forestville; and TaKeyia – Washington, DC

Q: How has your community influenced you, and vice versa?
A: (Janey) I’ve been a rapper, and I’ve had a lot of difficulty getting material out. I had a label in 2006, and the hip hop was always separated. I want to bring everything together so that we can make enough noise to get out there. Why would you up root yourself and leave the area, when you have success?! Everyone thus far has been on-board and lending a hand in the process, and we’ve received nothing but undeniable support from the DMV community.
(Ray) I’m a fan of hip hop, and I believe that there’s a great means of artists in the area, but they don’t know how to get seen and heard.

Q: If there’s anything that you would want your peers & supporters to know about your organization (assuming that they don’t already), what would it be?
A: (Janey) Our tagline is: connect, network, advance! Even though our tagline is on our site, sometimes it can get lost in the brand, and I wanted to throw it out there just to reinforce our purpose.
(Ray) Something that everyone may not know about me is that…I love different types of whiskey…lol!

Q: What’s next?!
A: (Janey) We will have another EXPO in Sept, and will add a producers battle on a separate night. Also, we will have a monthly industry HH, which starts Friday (5/30) at Pure Lounge, to keep the momentum going from the EXPO and we will more than likely pick a specific artist to perform for each HH as a preview to the next EXPO. DJ DNITTY from Ripped Radio will be the DJ on those events.
(Ray) Even for something that we started a month ago, we had people from Pittsburg to LA to Canada willing to come out and participate. Even though we’re only targeting DMV artists, I think that says a lot about how much we’ve grown and made and impact thus far!

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Be sure to check out their website for more up-to-date info & to purchase your tickets for the Expo on Saturday night: www.dmvmeexpo.com. Also, be sure to follow them on their social media pages also, including FaceBook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. This is going to be a weekend to remember, and you don’t want to miss the action!

Artist Spotlight – Terrence Shingler

Posted by tagdmv on May 9, 2014
Posted in: Acting, Music, Uncategorized. Tagged: , , , , , , , , . 1 Comment

There are those that study the art of acting, and there are those that were born to do so. Please meet Terrence Shingler!

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Terrence is a native of the DMV area, a graduate of Central High School and Prince George’s Community College. Rising as a singer and theatrical performer, he has been performing on stage and singing since the young age of 2 years old. Over the course of his early years, he’s performed in places such as the local, iconic staple, John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

Terrence’s personal philosophy of humility, hard work, and patience (coupled with the discipline, determination, and drive learned through his many talents), have equipped him with the tools to be successful in the entertainment business.

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Musically, he has shared the stage, co-starring and singing background, with various artists, such as Grammy nominated artists Ledisi, Kenny Lattimore, Kim Burrell, Marvin Winans, Grammy Award winning Gospel artist Tye Tribbett, and the Legendary Godfather of Go-Go, the late Chuck Brown. In 2012, Terrence was also selected to be apart of an ensemble who performed at Dr. Martin Luther King’s memorial dedication ceremony at DAR Constitution Hall, in DC.

2013-14 has opened many doors for Terrence in the realm of acting the extends well beyond his previous theatrical experiences! With his raw talent and ability, he was able to book TV commercials for companies such as Shentel Cable Company & Koons Automotive. Not only did he stop there, but Terrence has also started to make his mark on popular TV & Online series’, such as Emmy Award Winning Netflix show, “House of Cards – Season 2”, Emmy Award Winning HBO series, “VEEP”, NBC‘s new TV series, “The Blacklist”, as well as new shows on ID Network.

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Netflix series, “House of Cards”

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Commercial for Shentel Cable Company

Terrence shares more with us about his journey thus far:

Q: What part of the DMV are you reppin’?
A: I rep both NW Washington, DC and Suitland, MD…I grew up part of my life in both areas.

Q: What influenced you to engage in your talents/gifts?
A: God, my wife, the support of my friends, family and belief in my God given ability is what influenced me to engage in my talents/gifts. I also had to leave my fear behind and step out on faith.

Q: How has your community influenced you, and vice versa?
A: My community has impacted me in a major way. It has humbled me so much, that no matter how successful I become, I will never forget where I came from. You will still be able to walk up to me and not have to worry about me getting “BRAND NEW” on you. I will stop and talk to you because at the end of the day, I am human just like you.

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: You can check out my website (www.actorterrence.com) to find out all that I’m working on.

Q: What’s next?!
A: I will soon be working on two web-series: “Anacostia”, written by Indie Award Winning Writer and Director, Anthony Anderson, and “Chocolate City”, written by Landra V. Phillips.

Keep up with Terrence’s many talents, including his VoiceOver work, at his website (mentioned above), and his official IMDb page! Also, connect personally with him via various social networking sites, including FaceBook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. With God’s hand guiding him, the skies the limit for this talented young man.

– EMW

EVENT SPOTLIGHT: DMVPOET Album Recording – Heart & Mind of a Gemini

Posted by tagdmv on May 5, 2014
Posted in: Album Review, Events, Music, Spoken Word. Leave a comment

Saturday evening, May 3, 2014, at the Artiz Gallery Lounge in Mt. Ranier, MD; a group of family, friends and supporters are gathering for an intimate, yet exciting event. DMVPOET is finally recording his debut spoken word album, Heart & Mind of a Gemini.

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The evening starts with mingling, food, drinks and smooth grooves from the In Da Cut Band, which consists of keyboardist (and founder), Clayton Morrow, drummer, David Suggs, and bassist, Pap Mensah. After some time of connecting over good food and good times, the show began as local media showman, Rich Rocket, welcomed everyone as the evening’s host. The first act to the stage was singer Davonne D’Neil. She rocked the stage with her band while performing originals and covers in her own spin. The crowd was grooving as she put Hip-Hop/R&B spins on songs, such as Adele‘s “Rolling in the Deep”.

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Up next was the man of the hour, DMVPOET! He blessed the stage with excitement and grace, as he prepared to share and record material with us that had been years in the making. His accompaniment included artists that already impressed the crowd previously, In Da Cut as his band and Davonne D’Neil as his accompanied singer. Here’s what you can look forward to on the album:

“Politician”: DMVPOET deemed this as his theme song, keying in on what it’s like to grow up in the DMV.
“Fallen Star”: This is a personal track about the friends that he’s grown up with, yet lost along the way.
“Trayvon”: A touching tribute song to another “fallen star”, Trayvon Martin.
“Rebirth”: A love song that embraces “the beauty of you” as “Isis”; DMVPOET notes that this song was “written for all the women that holds up someone…everyone has an Isis”)
“Knees Remain Closed”: A song about the sensitivity of a young girl losing her virginity and the emotional pain that comes along with it.
“Cold Sheets”: Could be considered a follow-up to “Knees Remain Closed”; DMVPOET notes that this song is about “a cycle where the love was never there, but the physicality was…this piece represents the man or woman that doesn’t necessarily know how to get out of it”.
“Inadequacy”: A track about the pressures of trying to live up to, often times, impossible standards and the feeling of heartbreak that comes along with it.
“A Letter To You from Me”: A way to close out the album on a high note; an uptempo piece that celebrates life and love.

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As the evening came to a close, DMVPOET‘s closing remarks to his supporters expressed how he was, “so proud to have given you a piece of me from the last 7 years”! Be on the look out for Heart & Mind of a Gemini this coming Fall 2014, and also look out for Davonne D’Neil‘s 3rd solo project, Round Midnight, which will be out this August 2014. To keep up with the artists featured in this event, follow them on their social networking sites (including Facebook, Instagram & Twitter), and be sure to check out www.DMVPOET.com for album updates, and spoken word blessings near you in the future!

– EMW

Artist Spotlight: Queen Aishah

Posted by tagdmv on April 14, 2014
Posted in: Acting, Events, Uncategorized. Tagged: , , , , , , . Leave a comment

A renaissance woman of many talents and gifts: Comedienne, Actress, Producer, Radio Personality and Humanitarian. She is best known for her frank, high energy and hilarious style of comedy: “She says what many are thinking but dare not say”. Ladies and gentlemen, please meet Queen Aishah!

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Comedienne Queen Aishah is known nationally, and internationally! Hailing from Newark, New Jersey, she has made the DMV her home turf for about 23 years! She is known for her Momma, Auntie, Sister, Friend personality, as she shares personal stories and life events with her unique style and twist.

Queen Aisha has been spreading laughter for many years, starting her professional comedy career in the DC metropolitan area 19 years ago. She has hosted and headlined countless comedy shows in the United States and abroad including several trips to entertain our troops in Japan, S. Korea, Europe, as well as Haiti (for a fundraiser after the 2010 earthquake). Always expanding her talents, Queen Aishah has been featured in Verizon Communications commercials, as well as print and radio ads. She has been seen on television programs such as, VH-1 series Awesomely Bad, BET ComicView, and ShowTime @ The Apollo; she has also been a celebrity guest and mentor on several episodes of Ricki Lake and Judge Hattchet, as well as doing an impromptu performance at The OPRAH Winfrey Show!

Queen Aishah is currently also the Executive Producer of the hit, All Female, Diverse Comedy Tour, “Comedienne Queen Aishah presents Funny-n-Stilettos”. The tour showcases female comedians of all cultures and backgrounds, and was most recently featured at the Howard Theater. The show is an awesome experience, receiving rave reviews from the U.S. to England, with audience members in their 80’s enjoying the show!

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She has worked with noted comedians, such as Kevin Hart, Steve Harvey, Cedric the Entertainer, Mike Epps and Rickey Smiley to name a few. She has also shared the stage with vocal artists, such as the late Chuck Brown, Yolanda Adams, Heather Headley, Howard Hewitt, Tyrese, Jaheim, K-CI and Jo Jo. Her comedic flair gained the attention of several stage producers, such as YYP’s tours where she was lead actress of “The Vagina Monologues” and “Pocketbook Monologues”. These tours offered the opportunity to work with extraordinary actresses and entertainers as Sherri Sheppard, LisaRaye McCoy, Star Jones, Ella Royce, Phyllis Yvonne Stickney, Vanessa L. Williams, and a host of other remarkable personalities. Queen Aishah was also casted in the stage play, “Love Under New Management”. She’s received numerous accolades from her peers but is most proud of remarks made by Comedian and Activist Dick Gregory who said of her performance in the “Vagina Monologues”, “Outstanding”!

Let’s see what this renaissance woman has to say about her journey into her gifts/talents:

Q: What part of the DMV are you reppin’?
A: Well, when I first came to the DMV from my hometown of Newark, NJ area 23 years ago I lived in NW with family. Near Takoma Park. Red line ;-). It was the only metro line I knew for a very long time. I lived in Lewisdale/Adelphi, MD, and now I reside in Bowie. I came back to DC when I got my first apartment in DC off of Georgia Avenue. My rent was $245.00. They wanted $250.00, but I told the leasing company that extra $5.00 wasn’t in the budget.

Q: What influenced you to engage in your talents/gifts?
A: Wow, I was working in retail and co-workers and customers commented on the things I would say. Saying they were funny and asked if I did comedy or thought about doing it. I brushed it off and a few years later new people in my life asked if I thought of doing comedy. I’m a true believer of messages coming to us through people and life experiences. So, I prepared myself for the stage and started studying my craft: reading books, watching stand-up comedy shows and attending comedy shows. I spoke with my mom about being afraid of going on stage. Yes, I was shy and some more stuff. She encouraged me to do some volunteer work with a local radio station to build up my confidence. Not only did I gain confidence. I met some of my greatest friends and was hired on the Russ Parr Morning where I learned a lot about comedy through radio and much more.

Q: How has your community influenced you, and vice versa?
A: I love what I do. If I’m having a not some great day and can put a smile on one persons face it lifts my spirits. I believe we are all here to assist one another in reaching and experiencing our greatest joy, whether its in front of a huge crowd or one on one.

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 am inspired by both my peers and supporters. Watching fellow comedians do their thing gets me hyped. The best show for me is a great line-up and an audience that came to laugh because in the end we all achieved funny together.

Q: What’s next?!
A: I’m working on getting my all female diverse comedy tour Comedienne Queen Aishah presents Funny-n-Stilettos on television and a major world tour.

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Queen Aishah currently manages her own company, QA Enterprises, LLC, as well as engages in philanthropic ventures. She is the founder of THE M.A.R.R.K.(Massive Action to Reach and Rescue Our Kids) FOUNDATION, based out of her hometown of Newark. The foundation was established to support and promote leadership in the inner city, where stewardship can be aspired. Queen Aishah also makes it a priority to lend her support to youth around the country through various speaking engagements at schools and youth outreach programs. She currently works with the Michael Walton Foundation: Speak out to Reach Out tour based in Washington, DC.

Most recently, she was a featured comedian with the Radio One: Family Comedy Tour in Detroit, appearing with other artists such as Joe Clair (from WHUR‘s The Frank Ski Show) & and Marcus D. Wiley (from Praise‘s Yolanda Adams Morning Show). Coming up next, you can catch her back in the DM[V], headlining a show in Richmond this coming Thursday, April 17th! To continue following Queen Aishah and figuring out your next opportunity to see her live, follow her at these social media avenues: Facebook (Queen Aishah), Instagram & Twitter (@QueenAishah & @funnynstilettos).

– EMW

Artist Spotlight – Emperess

Posted by tagdmv on April 11, 2014
Posted in: Music, Uncategorized. Tagged: , , . 1 Comment

The bold and conscious verses & flow of Ms. Lauryn Hill, Missy Elliot and MC Lyte; the smooth hip-hop groves likened to those of A Tribe Called Quest, De La Soul and Leaders of the New School; this, ladies and gentlemen, is Emperess!
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Emperess is a DMV native of Prince George’s County, and a graduate of Central High School. Coming from a musical family, she honed her skills as an emcee starting at the age of 14, following in her brother’s footsteps. She has always had, and will continue to have, a style that is unique to herself, and is a lover of things abstract artistic (especially photography), old-school music and all things that are just plain dope!
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By 2010, Emperess had released 2 mixtapes, A Verse a Day Keeps the Posers Away and FairyTaleWorld (FTW). While A Verse a Day… establishes her traditional sound, which is early 90’s hip-hop meets jazz meets Neo-Retro-Soul and proves that she’s no where near a sucka emcee, FTW explores more of the current sounds of 21st century hip-hop and experimental sounds. However, FTW does still include classic samples, such as “Lady in My Life” by the late, great Michael Jackson, which is used on her track, “…Like This…”. She also has a track dedicated to one of her biggest production influences, called “Dear Mr. Mosley”, aka super-producer, Timbaland.

Emperess spent a few years in Philly, building on her craft and performing gigs with some of the hottest up-and-coming/underground hip-hop artists. She notes that her biggest gig was opening for fellow hip-hop artists Jean Grae and Roc Marciano. She has recently moved back to the DMV, and is ready to take over the hip-hop scene!
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Let’s hear some more about Emperess on a personal level:

Q: What part of the DMV are you reppin’?
A: I am the oddball of PG County.

Q: What influenced you to engage in your talents/gifts?
A: I come from a very musical family. Dad was a DJ, granddad, aunts, uncles and a slew of cousins are singers, but my brother was the emcee. So a lot of the influence came from him.

Q: How has your community influenced you, and vice versa?
A: I’ve always been outside of the norm and I try to stay that way. My community has pretty much influenced me to not settle and follow a trend.

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 starting to come out of hiding a little bit more as of late but I would like folks to know that silence doesn’t equal complacence. Everybody is about to be bum rushed with a ton of stuff from me. Lol!

Q: What’s next?!
A: Hopefully an actual album…finally…
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In 2014, Emperess has launched 2 more single tracks, “Leave it Up to Me…” & “The Other…”, which have burned up to social media waves, including having a feature of “The Other…” published on the This is Real Music blog site. Keep up with her on her social media sites: Facebook (Emperess Michelle), Instagram (@Emperess_), Twitter (@Emperess), SoundCloud, ReverbNation, and BandCamp (emperess.bandcamp.com). Also, if you so happen to be in the Philly area this weekend, she will be performing this Sat. night, April, 12th during The Phlight Plan, at The Fire!

– EMW