DJ Chocolate In the Mix!

The Alabama native, DJ Chocolate has made entertainment her life. Growing up, she knew that music would direct her path. After receiving her degree in Mass Communications at the University of Montevallo, DJ Chocolate launched her career in radio. She has worked with the best in the radio business at stations like; WJXM 105.7 in Meridian, Mississippi, WBHJ 95.7 Jamz and WAGG Heaven 610 in Birmingham Alabama, as Radio Personality and Assistant Program Director. She also worked as a producer for Radio One’s nationally syndicated radio program The Rickey Smiley Morning Show.

While working in radio, DJ Chocolate wanted to explore a new way of defining herself in music. Along with her mentor Dj D_Cas of Atlanta, she pursued the art of Djing. As a result, becoming a DJ was a natural transition.

Now, DJ Chocolate, is one of the region’s most sought after Female DJs. With her knowledge for Music, she is proving herself as a powerhouse. DJ Chocolate has been featured in magazines, on blogs, as a headliner in major events and concerts. This powerhouse Dj, is also a member of a few elite Dj Organizations, such as XSquad Djs and Connections Djs of Atlanta Georgia; and Mind Kontrol Djz of Birmingham, Alabama. With her new Mixtape Series entitled “Dipped in Chocolate”, she has created a outlet for fans to get the latest music by Independent & Major Artists.

Dj Chocolate is a gift to the Entertainment/Music World. She is changing the world with her talent. This quote is one of her favorite quotes, “Music is the mediator between the spiritual and the sensual life.” by ~Ludwig van Beethoven.

For more information about Dj Chocolate, please visit www.Djcholocate1.com

Pastor Sam Dansby building faith through sports

For most of his life Pastor Sam Dansby has been preaching the word of God.  His sermons and teachings are always filled with examples from his own life.  As a pastor he is first to admit that God had to do some work on him.  Growing up in East Birmingham he was faced with many challenges and life defining moments. He often highlights times in his life where he knew he could have died if it was not for the Grace of God.

Dansby attended, Alabama A&M University as a star basketball player.  He pledged Kappa Alphi Psi and enjoyed college life to its fullest but always kept God in his heart.

After college Pastor Dansby taught in the Alabama Public School system for 25 years as a Special Education Teacher and Speech Language Pathologist.  He was the head basketball coach for Dora High School in Dora, Alabama and Hayes and Wenonah High Schools in Birmingham, Alabama.

In 1989 Pastor Dansby founded Bibles and Balls in the Collegeville Community of Birmingham, Alabama. He saw a need to reach the youth in the area as well as provide a safe and family like atmosphere. This  along with his passion for young people and ministry led to the establishment of the Bibles and Balls Outreach, a community program under the  non-profit  organization Appointed Time Outreach Ministries.

The program reaches young people through sports and seeks to sustain and motivate them through faith. Pastor Dansby and his  staff share the word of God with attendees then teaches them skills in selected sports such as basketball, football, baseball and golf.  Pastor Dansby’s vision is to build a state of the art gym that will give area young people a retreat that will allow them to grow in spirit, faith and athletic abilities.

In addition to the Bible and Balls Outreach Camp Pastor Dansby coordinates efforts to give parents of student athletes information on NCAA Clearing House, ACT/SAT Preparation, Campus Tours as well as a final opportunity to be seen by college recruiters through the Magic City Basketball Showcase. New editions to the Appointed Time Outreach offerings include Family Tech Day, a community program designed to encourage minority students to pursue careers in technology, a developing program that will offer free or low cost sports equipment to low income families and public/private speaking opportunities.

Appointed Time Outreach has grown to offer several key community programs.  Under the non profit Dansby offers Bibles and Balls Sports Camps, The Magic City Showcase, annual college recruitment showcase giving graduating and upper class athletes a chance to display their basketball abilities to recruiters as well as mentoring and information on the college recruiting process. New additions to the program includes Family Tech Day, a community outreach program designed to promote the use of technology in the home as well as highlight technical career options as a choice for minority students and the “On Course” Golf Tournament.   Dansby is also organizing new efforts at a newly renovated community center in Leeds, Alabama that will offer many of his programs to local students.

U Can Make A Difference

At 6:00 pm on Saturday, April 28, 2012, Appointed Time Outreach will host its inaugural “U Can Make A Difference” Banquet and Fundraiser in support of Bibles and Balls and other programs under the non profit.  Pastor Dansby’s son, Miami Linebacker Karlos Dansby, will be the guest speaker for the event with Councilor James “Jay” Roberson serving as Master of Ceremony.   The banquet will take place at the Birmingham Sheraton Hotel in Downtown Birmingham and tickets can be purchased for $75.00 online at www.appointedtimeoutreach.org or by calling (205) 218-0605.

Pastor Dansby has been married for 34 years to Johnnie and they have two sons, Samuel III and Karlos, one daughter, Talisha and two grandchildren.

For more information on the Bibles and Balls Outreach and additional Appointed Time Ministries programs visit www.appointedtimeoutreach.org.

 

 

 

 

 

Nancy Stricklin and the Flex Flow Exhibit

Acclaimed artist Nancy Stricklin has had several exhibits and has sold her paintings nationwide. She now presents the Flow Flex Exhibit from January 16 – March 11, 2012 at the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute.

These paintings display a variety of styles and techniques proving Ms. Stricklin’s ability to create stories and emotions through paint.

This art displays the beauty of flexibility in the human form and the flow of colors that defines the beauty in art.

Now through March 11, 2012
The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute
(Milestone Gallery)
520 16th Street North
Birmingham, AL 35203
Phone: (205) 328-9696

www.nancystricklin.com

Audiostate 55 Entertainment! Signs Sensational Artists J.A. & THA PREZ

Dec 29, 2011 – Birmingham AL USA – Audiostate 55 Entertainment is proud to announce the signing of the collective style of J.A. & THA PREZ to its recording label.  Brothers J.A. (Justin Arrington) and THA PREZ (Adam Arrington) have been exciting audiences with their brand of positive pop and praise party music. Having been featured at The Basement, the explosive Christian youth movement led by Mat Pitt, J.A. & THA PREZ’s presentation is amazingly creative and fresh and provides a wonderful alternative for those seeking youthful, positive, and wholesome pop music. Award-winning producer, arranger, and conductor Dr. Henry Panion, III, president and founder of Audiostate 55 Entertainment! says “J.A. & THA PREZ were exactly what we were looking for to complete the roster of artists on the label,” which includes Overfloe Jazz, Church Boy, Curtiss Glenn & Free2Worship, Neo Collective, and Denita Gibbs, whose single, “Nothing Better Than You” is soon to be released.

J.A. & THA PREZ was formed while Justin and Adam were students at Oral Roberts University (ORU) and was quickly recognized for their exceptional talent.  In just their short existence J.A. & THA PREZ has been afforded the opportunity to open for the likes of Canton Jones, Sho Baraka, and Mase. In the crowded space of pop and hip-hop, Dr. Panion says, “If a new group doesn’t have anything new and fresh to offer, why bother.” But upon witnessing J.A. & THA PREZ, he states, “Once you see and hear J.A. & THA PREZ, you will be a believer. They have so much to offer.” Audiostate 55 Entertainment! will have J.A. & THA PREZ in the studio immediately working to release their first single.

Unleash Magazine presents K9s & Kuties!

Check out local model Rebecca Sampson and her pet companion on the set of Unleashed Magazine – The Lifestyle Magazine for Dog Owners.

Check out the article at http://unleashmagazine.com/k9s-a-cuties/409-k9s-a-kuties

Jimi Newtron ….. My Own

Charisma, swagger, creativity and funny sums up multi-talent hip hop artist and actor, JIMI NEWTRON. His birth name ‘Seatrione Eutsay’, was born January 23, 1989 in Huntsville Alabama where his mother was serving active duty in the U.S. Army. When his mother was transferred to Germany, Jimi was sent to live with his grandmother, in Quincy, Florida, at the age of three.

Jimi Newtron states, “I think that music is a part of my soul because even at a young age, I was beating on pots and pans, with forks and spoons”. However, it was during the next few years that he was introduced to the world of rap music, through the eyes of rap legend Tupac Shukar. By age 10, Tupac had become the rapper that Newtron wanted to emulate. “His style was hard and street, but there was also a true life side to his music” said Jimi.

“Once I became a teenager, I started to develop my own style”, says Newtron. He further states, “I found that although the beat had to be good, mastering punch lines and metaphors became my obsession. I wanted people to know what I was saying. I didn’t want to be another rapper with a great beat, but saying nothing. I wanted my music to be fun, upbeat and creative, with a touch of swag”. That’s when Jimi Newtron was born!! Jimi began his career free-styling. He became so good at it; he was titled the ‘Freestyle King’, in Tallahassee, Florida; where his family settled in at after his mother finished her term in the military. To this day, he still holds the title. Jimi states, “Free styling against the best of the best is how I got my name in the streets. Everyone wanted a shot at the title. This landed me a role on a small television show called FLAT BROKE TV. The rest is history”. Currently, Jimi Newtron spends every waking hour in the studio recording. Having recorded to date over 100 original songs, he’s constantly asked to perform in Tallahassee and the surrounding areas. Several of his songs have been played on local radio stations including song titled “Ordinary Man” which was chosen as song of the day for three weeks on “WHO DAT MUSIK’. Newtron’s music can be found as far as Miami to New York. Not to say the least, he has already developed an ever growing fan base along the way. Jimi Newtron’s new single titled “My Own” is certain to be a ‘billboard 100’ chart topper. Jimi comments, “Most people that I talk to, tell me that my music is a breath of fresh air; different from everything that’s currently out. It’s flattering that some people try to compare me to Lil Wayne and Young Jeezy, but watch out world; it’s your boy JIMI NEWTRON!” You can follow Jimi on Twitter, Facebook, Myspace, & YoHolla. His new single is also available on iTunes, Rhapsody, Amazon and other major online retailers.

Believe in God, yourself, & your dreams.

The check out Jimi Nu’s music video My Own

 

 

http://www.youtube.com/jiminutv

Rebecca Sampson, September Jet Beauty of the week

Local model and actress Rebecca Sampson recently joined the ranks of Jet Beauty and can be found in the September 12th, 2011 edition of Jet.

The Birmingham beauty and communications student has been featured in a number of music videos, commercials, print ad campaigns, calendars and can now add Jet Beauty to her resume.

Stop by http://twitter.com/imreallyrebecca and congratulate Rebecca!

Photo Credits: Anthony Cole

 

Jolanda Green, album release entitled Sacred Serenade (A Love Song)

For the last few years, Jolanda Green has helped provide back-up vocals on songs for musical greats such as Shirley Ceasar, Dorinda Clark Cole and Byron Cage.

But in August 2011, she’ll step from behind the back-up mic and take center stage as she prepares to release her first solo CD, “Secret Serenade” from Sonra’ Records. She will have a CD release party and concert on Friday, Aug. 26 at Guiding Light Church, 1800 John Rogers Drive. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the concert will start at 8 p.m.

Jolanda said the CD has been a long time in the making.

“I’ve been writing lyrics in notebooks for years, waiting for just the right time to present my personal songs. God showed me that now was that time,” she said. “I’m ready to show others what has been growing in my soul for decades.”

The Birmingham resident said her songs flow out of a deep love and passion for God and she’d like to think that her songs will make the whole world want to sing.

“There is nothing like good music. It can lift you, enlighten you, touch you and take you on an evolution,” she said.

Jolanda first demonstrated her love to sing when she performed in her grade school Christmas drama, which was directed by Evelyn Starks Hardy, who was one of the original Gospel Harmonettes of Birmingham.  The experience impressed Jolanda and she knew that singing was meant for her.

By the time Jolanda made it to high school, singing had become her way of life. She was singing in the high school choir, talent shows, weddings, church programs and performing during her school’s half-time shows.

She took her talents to Alabama A&M University in Normal, Alabama, where she performed in the school’s choir. In 1989, she was chosen to be the opening lead vocalist for the “Stars Fell on Alabama” concert, which featured jazz great, Lionel Hampton. She graduated from the school in 1990, with an even stronger desire to sing.

In 2003, she participated in the “Gospel Goes Classical” mass choir, which featured Dorinda Clark Cole and Byron Cage. In 2005, she sang on the live recording of Joe Pace’s “Mighty Long Way”.  In 2006, she sang on the live recording of the “Gospel Goes Classical,” featuring Juanita Bynum and Jonathan Butler with Dr. Henry Panion III & The Alabama Symphony Orchestra. She was a vocalist in the featured choir on the Inspiration Broadcasting Network which featured Pastor Shirley Caesar.

As a wife of 18 years, and a mother of two daughters (11 and 7 years old), Jolanda understands the demands of ministry and the challenge of balancing family. She’s managed to do that and now pursue a new recording path. “We should weigh those things that are most important and keep priorities in order”, she said.

With the release of her new CD, her vision is to heal, build and encourage wholeness by being an instrument of anointed music and words of inspiration. She hopes that all who hear her music will be elevated and ultimately develop a deeper level of intimacy with the Lord. She is a member of Guiding Light Church in Birmingham.

Roman James and the Business of Acting

Roman James, CEO of Actors’ Innovative Resource was listed by Rolling Out Magazine as 10 to know in Atlanta: Women Living Out Their Purpose.  The actress/business woman is certainly enjoying the opportunity to do what she loves while helping others reach their potential.  James has found success in combining her love for acting and desire to develop talent into the perfect business.      As the founder and CEO of Actors’ Innovative Resources, James is instrumental if providing film, television and theater workshops through her company and assisting novice to professional actors enhance their skills. James also serves as a regular host with In the Mix, a popular Atlanta entertainment industry mixer coordinated by the Georgia Entertainment Association (GEA).

Roman James began her career in entertainment nearly 15 years ago as the assistant to an entertainment attorney in Washington, D.C. A Bachelors of Science graduate in the field of Biology, James joined the D.C. chapter of Women in Film & Video where she earned an internship at a full-service production company. In less than a year, she ascended from intern to associate producer.

James relocated to Los Angeles, California to pursue a career in writing, but was bitten by the proverbial acting bug. She started studying with acting coaches throughout Los Angeles, performing onstage from the Valley to Hollywood before transitioning into commercials. She appeared in ads for Visa, Miller Genuine Draft, Coors and Stevenson Automotive of Denver. All the while she continued to produce on projects from PSAs for Union Rescue Mission to pilots to short films. In 2007, James toured with the national hit stage play, The Bachelorette Party, written by Don B. Welch and produced in association with Will Smith. In early 2008, James performed in the St. Louis Actor’s Studio staging of Samm-Art Williams The Waiting Room.

Since moving to Atlanta, James has appeared in three stage productions including a staging of Shay Youngblood’s Square Blues at the Southwest Arts Center. She has recorded a radio spot for Publix and played principal roles in the films Life.less, Eros and Fate String and the web series, Chameleons.

You can catch Roman James in Alabama on July 29th at the Highland Conference Center at In the Mix: Birmingham.  This special event, hosted by the Georgia Entertainment Association, will offer an opportunity for locals interested in film and television to network with industry professionals, ask questions and seek out opportunities.   James along with actor Brad James and director Hadjii Hand will host an acting and film workshop on July 30th also held at the Highland Conference Center.

For more information on Actor’s Innovative Resource visit www.aireatl.com

In the Mix Birmingham
Friday, July 29, 2011
The Highland Conference Center
2012 Magnolia Avenue in Five Points South
Time: 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Admission: $10.00

Alvin Garrett talks about the new Noel Gourdin Project and more

Greater Birmingham based producer, song writer and musician Alvin “Cornbread” Garrett talks about the songs he wrote and produced on the new Noel Gourdin project Fresh: The Definition.

Tell us how this project with Noel came about.

Alvin: For the past few years, I’ve been writing and producing with a few of Noel Gourdin’s band members that I met in Boston (I call them THE TWINS, because they’re twins). When Noel got a new record deal, they had the inside scoop on everything. They said he was looking for something soulful and D’Angelo-ish. Fortunately, I had a song sitting in my catalog called “Not Around” and they absolutely fell in love with it. He recorded it, and asked for more songs, and I went on a writing spree after that. Basically, it was a match made in heaven. My voice and writing style was perfect for him, and the chemistry was amazing throughout the process.

What songs did you write on this new project?

Alvin: actually wrote and co-wrote nine songs for the album, and they are as follows: “Not Around” (which is slated to be his 2nd single), “Been a Long Time” and “Love Only You” (I co-wrote with my boy Ruben Studdard), “In Love” and “Get Close” (I wrote and produced exclusively), “Assurance Policy” and “Change for You” (I co-wrote with Noel Gourdin), “Puppet”,  and “No Regrets”.

What’s your favorite track on the new CD?

Alvin: It’s hard to say that I have a favorite, because that title seems to evolve from time to time when I listen to the CD. But, the most consistent is “Been a Long Time”. It’s a vintage ballad that takes you back to the feelings you get listening to a  Marvin Gaye song.

You are really gifted at writing great songs.  What do you do to prepare for writing a song and what inspires you?

Alvin: In my younger years as a writer and producer, I was inspired to write whatever I was feeling at the time. Maybe I heard a track and got an idea, or just heard a whole song in my head and produced it myself. Lately, I’ve been writing for artists and producers specifically, which sometimes lends no window for inspiration. First, I try to figure out the purpose, vision, and marketing strategy of the artist and label. I am much better at writing and producing when I know more details. I prefer not to write “blind”, but I have to do it the majority of the time. So I prepare by exercising my body, clearing my mind, and meditating before I start working. Then, every now and then…BOOOOM- a great one just smacks you in the face and you just start singing. I love those.

Give us the short list of artist you have written and produced for?

Alvin: Jordan Knight from The New Kids on the Block, Deitrick Haddon (“Power” on his latest cd, Church on The Moon), Trinitee-5-7, Mishon (from the TV show, Lincoln heights), and several more. I’m just now starting to expand outside of Birmingham as a writer and producer, so I’m praying the list continues to grow.  There are many other artists I’ve written for; but until I’m relatively sure they’re releasing my songs, I try not to mention them. No need for hype, if you know what I’m saying.

Is there any particular artist you would like to work with?

Alvin: I can’t say that I have thought much about this question, because I’m not driven by whom I work with. I’m driven by my passion for music and business. But, I would really like to do an album with my band, Just A Few Cats, and our boy Ruben Studdard. We’ve never put out any music with him since he won American Idol, and I think that would be really nice. Who knows? Maybe that will happen one day.

What’s your next project that you can share with us?

Artist: Well, like I said earlier, I really like to keep that under wraps until I’m fairly confident that the music will actually be released. But one artist I’m really flattered to be working with is Jordan Knight. I mean- it’s a New Kid on The Block. How cool is that. That project should be coming out in May or June. I’ll keep you posted.

Click below to listen to snippets and to purchase the new Noel Gourdin CD Fresh: The Definition Today!

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