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

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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

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