Author: GO BANG MAG

Music: UPDATE ON LOFIET BROWNS’ “LET’S WORK!” GOSPEL HOUSE SONG

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Here is an update to an interview GO BANG! Magazine had with Mr. Lofiet Brown which published in the July 1, 2020 issue:
(Previously published 7/1/20 interview):
Click here: https://gobangmagazine.com/2020/07/01/music-lofiet-brown-gospel-house/

UPDATE:

Since the 7/1/20 interview in Go Bang! Magazine, the response has been overwhelmingly positive and such a blessing. The interview allowed me to reach people all over the world, to introduce many to Gospel House music and give my testimony regarding my health. I wanted to shed light on renal failure through my personal journey.

I continue to promote the Gospel House song “Let’s Work (aka the Gospel Workout).” It has received 17 Gospel Award nominations and still counting! It has been very humbling and a blessing to be nominated. Also, it is groundbreaking to have Gospel House music be recognized and appreciated by the Greater Gospel community. It has been so amazing to see people doing the “Gospel House Workout Challenge” on Facebook and TikTok!

DJ Slugo, Eric and I are so honored our song has been played on stations all over the country. Special thanks to: Derek “Smoke House” sessions, Angel Bennett Show, V Network, D. Curtis Randall, Synergy 1 Radio, EGP Radio, NIA Network, One Way Radio, Lynn White Gospel Train, Bishop Shane Paisley, Shunice Hill Sullivan, Janice Peterson Townsend, VSC Network, Beacon Of Light Gospel Radio station, Sir Sax Gospel Skate Party, JAM OKC 86, Love Life Community Radio, Life 97.5 Radio (Kingdoms Shakers) GMAP Radio, Tyrone Bowman WTMR Radio, Shonique’s Sweet Sounds, and so many more!

God has also blessed me to be featured in multiple magazines including Gospel USA Magazine and Keep the Faith Magazine (UK) to name a few.

We were also blessed to chart as high as #2 on the Independent charts in the Gospel USA Magazine. As independent artists, we know that this is a big accomplishment. Independent artist rely on networking and true appreciation from all the listeners to have their music received so positively, so this means so much more.

Special thanks to all of the people that shared and promoted our material and/or assisted with anything contributing to the success of Get Down Gospel song “Let’s Work” , including Reggie Grantham, Debra Curry, Trina Ruffin, Shontelle Yvette, Bradford Howard Jr., James Birdsong, My Father and My Wife, who help me religiously.

At this time, Eric and I are working on a hot new Gospel House track to follow the “Let’s work” track. Also, soon to come out from Get Down Gospel label, the talented Bernetta Donaldson. Bernetta, aka Netta B is right out of the Chicago Mass Choir and she will be dropping her track on the Get Down Gospel label in the near future.

Thank You Go Bang! Magazine!

GO BANG! MAGAZINE:   You’re welcome bro!  Continued success to you and good health to you and yours! PEACE!

 

You can follow Lofiet Brown & Get Down Gospel Music on ALL social media:

@LofietBrown & @GetDownGospel Music

LISTEN TO “Let Work”:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N1m6vFKORqw

PURCHASE: “Let’s Work” :  https://music.apple.com/us/artist/lofiet-brown/1488648888

 

Pierre A. Evans is a freelance writer of Entertainment, Music, Art, Culture, Fashion and Current Events, and freelanced previously for SoulTrain.com,  NDigo.com,  ChicagoDefender.com,  EmpireRadioMagazine.com, and UrbanMuseMag.com, an author, singer/songwriter, actor, model, poet, dancer, and DJ. He is also the Owner of Pinnacle Entertainment Productions and the Owner/Publisher of GO BANG! Magazine.  Follow him on Facebook @Pierre Andre Evans, Twitter @Playerre, and on Instagram @Pierre_Andre_Evans.

Business: DR. MOHAMED SHALABI / HEALTH 1st CENTER

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We are a family-owned and operated full service Chiropractic Wellness Center in Palos Heights IL, dedicated to the overall health of our patients and community. Contrary to an impersonal franchise run clinic, at Health 1st Center our patients are like family!

Our goal is to provide you with top quality care and simple, common-sense tips to prevent disease and live a fuller, healthier, pain-free life through the chiropractic lifestyle. We specialize in chiropractic care for the entire family, from spinal correction to nutritional recommendations; we proudly boast a 93% improvement and satisfaction rate where our patients physically see a positive difference in their quality of life.

Put your trust in our local family-oriented chiropractic practice with 17+ years of experience, delivering top rated Chiropractic Care and Pain relief in Palos Heights.

Dr. Mohamed Shalabi is a graduate of Life University’s School of Chiropractic 2001. He is an active member of the Illinois Chiropractic Society, International Chiropractic Association, and the Life College Alumni Association.

He specializes in chiropractic care for the entire family. His dedication and commitment is to help families live healthier lives. His desire is to help more people experience the wonderful benefits of chiropractic care starting with his own family. He is the proud father of four boys and one girl.

Dr. Shalabi lectures to local communities on various topics including health, inspiration, motivation, and personal power. Over his career he has given chiropractic adjustments to patients of all ages, ranging from 1 hour old to 100 years old. Dr. Shalabi is passionate and energetic about the chiropractic profession, and it shows in everything he does.

GO BANG! Magazine: Dr. Mohamed Shalabi, where did you grow up and spend your childhood?

Dr. Shalabi: I grew up in Egypt. I finished high school there and moved to the states right away. I was 18 years old.

GO BANG! Magazine: How did you get involved in Chiropractic Care?

Dr. Shalabi: I always loved to help people as much as I can and I don’t like to see people in pain. I knew there was something out there to help people get out of pain without using medications or surgery. Chiropractic is it! I finished my undergrad school in Chicago then moved to Atlanta, GA to attend the Chiropractic School Life University.

GO BANG! Magazine: What is it about Chiropractic Care that interests you?

Dr. Shalabi: Dealing with patients all the time. Helping people get out of pain without medications and surgery. Seeing patients live their life again to the fullest, without any limitations.

GO BANG! Magazine: Could you please describe to our readers what exactly Chiropractic Care is?

Dr. Shalabi: The word “chiropractic” means “to be done by hand.” Chiropractors use adjustments to restore joint function and support the nervous system. We help patients maintain optimal health, while avoiding unnecessary drugs or surgery.

GO BANG! Magazine: Many people are afraid to get chiropractic care because it looks painful or fear that the doctor may do the wrong thing and the patient ends up paralyzed or something terrible like that. What would you say to anyone that may have those fears?

Dr. Shalabi: Chiropractic adjustment is a very safe, specific, controlled force applied to a joint to restore proper function and mobility. We do an exam and take any medically necessity x-rays before adjusting the patients.

GO BANG! Magazine: You currently have a Health 1st Center in Palos Heights, in the Chicagoland area and I recently visited and received my first chiropractic care. It changed my life and gave my lower back pain and stiff neck relief that had bothered me for years. That is the reason why I had to interview you for my magazine.

(WATCH FACEBOOK LINK OF MY 1ST ADJUSTMENT:  https://www.facebook.com/152536780828/videos/474675117036311)

 

You improved my quality of life and I know you can change others, if they only knew about you. I know you may hear that often, but I want to know, how does that make you feel, knowing you’re changing people’s lives?

Dr. Shalabi: Oh man that is the best feeling ever! Thank God!

It is my pleasure and honor to hear that brother. I am very happy always to hear that. I always thank God and pray for my patients to get better. This is what gives me the fire to keep going every day for the last 20 years of my practice! I always try my best to help patients get out of pain. It is not just about me giving them and adjustment. No, I try to show them how to charge their life style to live a healthy life with no pain and do whatever they want without any discomfort.

I could not do that with the help of my awesome staff, Anetka and Brenda. We are always working together as one team to succeed and help as many people as we can. One person cannot do that alone, you always have to have the right team to support you.

GO BANG! Magazine: What motivated you to advertise on social media and how is that working out for you?

Dr. Shalabi: I have been on social media since 2007. I used to post a few videos here and there. But, in the last 3 years, I found out that I have been getting a lot of interest in the videos. I started to post more and more and getting great results with it. Thank God!

Now, I have patients driving 8 to 10 hours to come to see me and others flying in from all over the states to see me. I am very thankful for that. It is really an honor for such a thing. If it was not for social media, none of this would’ve happened.

GO BANG! Magazine: When people see your advertising spots on social media, they hear the snapping and cracking of the patients’ neck and back bones and joints, as you adjust their spines. Their reactions are funny and it’s an overall entertaining promotional tool. That’s how I became aware of your business, from Facebook. You even featured me in one of your ads after treating me. I like to say, “I got my back cracked and my neck snatched!” Thank YOU Doc!

But, what’s even more entertaining is after your adjust one spot, after another, you step back and cross your legs and let the patients absorb what just happened. Many on social media say “That Dr.’s ‘step back’ game is tight!” What do you think about all of the attention you’re getting?

Dr. Shalabi: Thank you brother, it is my pleasure! Man I did not notice I do that until people started to point that out. My staff even told me they always noticed me doing this. I guess we all do things we don’t realize until someone points it out to us. I actually step back to watch and enjoy the patients enjoying their relief. I really love to see their reaction to the first adjustment.

Most of us have pain and discomfort that we’ve had for a long time and our body adapted to it and it became our normal. Once they get their first chiropractic adjustment and feel the relief, it is like, “Wow I can turn my neck more!” “I don’t have a headache anymore!” “I can breathe better!” “I can touch my toes!” “I can arch my back with no pain!” “I can lie down on my back without any pain!” “My leg and arm are not numb anymore!”

Yes, I get a lot of funny reactions too, but I do get a lot of very emotional reactions too. It gets really emotional sometimes. This is real life-changing that I am talking about. Me sitting here answering this question, I have a lot of emotion running in my head thinking about just the patients that I’ve seen today and yesterday. I really cannot describe to you the feeling I get from that. I can tell you it is the best feeling in the world and I will never replace that with anything.

God choose each one of us to do something and I am very thankful to God every day for giving me such an opportunity to do this every day. I could talk about this topic forever. All I will say is thank God and I pray for it to continue!!!

GO BANG! Magazine: In conclusion, the COVID-19 pandemic has caught the world off guard. How are you dealing with it?

Dr. Shalabi: We here at Health 1st Center are doing our part and being compliant with the CDC guidelines. We are also staying open to take care of patient’s pain so that they don’t have to go to the hospital, which adds more burdens on them, if it is something we can help with.

Health 1st Center is located at 12750 S. Harlem Ave. in Palos Heights. For more information, call 708-598-2000 or visit health1stcenter.com.

YOU CAN FOLLOW DR. SHALABI ON SOCIAL MEDIA:
@Health 1st Center
@Mohamed Shalabi


Pierre A. Evans is a freelance writer of Entertainment, Music, Art, Culture, Fashion and Current Events, and previously for SoulTrain.com, NDigo.com, ChicagoDefender.com, EmpireRadioMagazine.com, and UrbanMuseMag.com, an author, singer/songwriter, actor, model, poet, dancer, and DJ. He is also the Owner of Pinnacle Entertainment Productions and the Owner/Publisher of GO BANG! Magazine. Follow him on Facebook @Pierre Andre Evans, Twitter @Playerre, and on Instagram @Pierre_Andre_Evans.

National Association of Black Journalist’s NEWEST MEMBER!

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CONGRATULATIONS ARE IN ORDER!

Go Bang! Magazine founder, Pierre Andre’ Evans is the NEWEST, PROUDEST member of the National Association of Black Journalist (NABJ), as of March 27, 2021!

NABJ is an organization of journalists, students and media-related professionals that provides quality programs and services to and advocates on behalf of Black journalists worldwide. #NABJ

I feel honored to be a part of this PRESTIGIOUS family!

MAYOR LORI LIGHTFOOT: “Two years ago, we made history!”

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Pierre,

On April 2, 2019, we made history in Chicago. I was proud and humbled to win the runoff election and later to be inaugurated as our city’s first Black woman and LGBTQ mayor.

I feel the weight of that history every day in City Hall, and I hope that thousands of young people in Chicago, from all walks of life, can see a new path forming ahead of them that once was unimaginable.

We’ll have much more to discuss next month as we reach the official midpoint of my first term, but for now I’d like to highlight some of the biggest achievements that our movement helped make possible:

*Strengthening our Welcoming City Ordinance to eliminate loopholes that put undocumented Chicagoans at risk

*Raising the minimum wage to $15 an hour by this July

*Passing the nation’s most expansive fair scheduling law for hourly workers

*Battling COVID and rolling out vaccines in a data-driven and equitable manner

*Taking on aldermanic prerogative and strengthening the Inspector General’s office

*Reforming fines and fees, ending water shut offs and ending the cycle of debt

*Creating INVEST South/West, a collaboration between government, businesses, philanthropies, and community leaders that will align more than $750 million in public funding toward 10 neighborhoods on Chicago’s South and West sides

None of us expected to have a pandemic to contend with for such a long stretch of my first term, but there is still great work that my administration and our City Council is doing that will change our city for generations. As we emerge from COVID, I’m optimistic that Chicago will reopen stronger and more equitable.

Pierre, there’s more work to do. We’re going to finish this term strong, and your support will help us keep fighting for Chicago.

Thank you,

Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot

Event/TV/Music/Radio: ANDREW KITCHEN & “ATTACK OF THE BOOGIE” TV SHOW RECORD RELEASE

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Photo Credit:  Roy “Doc” Kemp 

(L to R) Go Bang!Magazine’s Pierre A. Evans, Andrew Kitchen, Harold Leffridge and Roy “Doc” Kemp

APRIL 1, 2021 UPDATE!!!!

ATTACK OF THE BOOGIE PREMIERS FRIDAY, APRIL 9th AT MIDNIGHT ON WJYS Channel 62 in Chicago & SYNDICATED Nationally in 25 cities

Andrew Kitchen comes to us from right here in Chicago. He started as a dancer and toured with the two-time award winning group ”Kitchen, and his Dancin’ Magicians, which he founded. He became an original Soul Train dancer in 1971 at the tender age of 11 years old, after lying about his age to meet the high school age requirement of the show.

Recently, the Soul Train dancer veteran, who was also the host of hundreds of episodes of his own tv dance show, the legendary Attack of the Boogie (1983-2014) on local cable access network (CAN TV), celebrated the reissue of his dance show’s 1984 theme song. His original release “Attack of the Boogie” is still today one of the most popular and in-demand songs in France and it’s hard to find here in the U.S.

Kitchen’s latest project is a remix of the tv show’s theme song, which is available on a compilation 12-inch from Chicago label Star Creature Universal Vibrations. Kitchen is thinking about rebooting Attack of the Boogie tv show and renaming it Attack of the Boogie Reloaded.

“Attack of the Boogie” 1984 Pilot (Fashion edition) link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MFYGG60IfRo

Classic “Attack Of The Boogie” tv show link (kids edition):  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L4Jl2TX8c6E

GO BANG! Magazine had a chance to meet and hang out with Andrew Kitchen at his record-release party, which was held in Chicago at the Promontory (upper patio) in Chicago’s trendy Hyde Park neighborhood. He attended, along with his longtime DJ Kool Hersh, who hosted the event. Of course RSVPs, masks and temperature checks were required, due to the current Covid-19 pandemic the world is currently going through.

Even with a pandemic going on, the event turned out great and it was such an honor and pleasure to meet and chill with him, his family and friends.

GO BANG! Magazine: When and how did you know that you wanted to professionally be a part of the entertainment industry as a dancer?

Andrew Kitchen: Well, I was dipping into art, doing sketches, drawing comic books, pictures, until one day my dad said to me, ”WOW’, you’re a good artist! You’re gonna make a lot of money after you die.” I was done. (lol) I started watching local tv dance shows and got interested in dancing fast.

GO BANG! Magazine: Being a former dancer on the original Soul Train show is quite an honor and historic. Please describe to our readers what it felt like to be an 11 year-old boy on the set of Soul Train.

Andrew Kitchen: It felt like another world, knowing that everyone was at least a few years older than me. But they made me feel welcome. Especially after a few dance moves that always turned out different than the original dance moves everyone else was doing. Which caught the host’s attention..

GO BANG! Magazine: How long did you dance on Soul Train and what is one of your best memories from the show?

Andrew Kitchen: I danced on the show for at least five years. My best memory from the show was performing in two high energy dance groups:

1.) The Ten Commandments (but there were only 5 of us, so we change the name to ”THE COMMANDMENTS”

2.) Dancing Super Heros”.

GO BANG! Magazine: Don Cornelius, the founder of Soul Train, was a talented but complicated Black man. Please describe to our readers your memory of him.

Andrew Kitchen: Don was sort of complicated. Kind of hard headed at times. But he knew what he wanted. He wanted to do SOUL TRAIN so bad, that after Channel 26 (WCIU) picked it up and the show got popular, Channel 26 could have taken the show and the rights and replaced Don. Don did not own the rights to the show at the time. His idea was never copyright / registered. Lucky for him his associates informed him so he could take immediate action.

GO BANG! Magazine: Having an entrepreneurial drive, you founded and hosted your own tv dance show, Attack of the Boogie in 1983. Why did you think that you could launch a dance show, host it and make it successful?

Andrew Kitchen: After Soul Train ended in Chicago, I felt there was a void. I always wanted to have my own dance show, but wanted it to stand out more. After the success that Don had with Soul Train in Chicago, I knew it was time for something new. So, I did what no other dance show has ever done. I created ”ATTACK OF THE BOOGIE” (the name had to stand out and get people talking) The dancers had to live up to the name when performing. We also did something that no other dance show had ever done at the time. We added a live studio audience to cheer the dancers on, along with a Fashion segment for up and coming models and designers/boutiques. The show was only 30 minutes, but had a big impact and the excitement to keep fans tuning in every week. After a few years, there was a waiting list, for up to a year, to be part of the studio audience.

GO BANG! Magazine: Many of our readers remember the tv show and especially the catchy theme song. What made you decide to re-release the theme song as a remix?

Andrew Kitchen: After seeing copies online like ebay bidding as high as a couple of hundred (dollars) and constant requests for any available copies anywhere, I didn’t have any idea where to go until DJ Kool Hersh contacted me about a reissue of the theme as a remix on vinyl.

GO BANG! Magazine: At the recent record release party in Chicago, your longtime DJ Kool Hersh hosted the event. How did you two first meet and what is it that keeps you two working together?

Andrew Kitchen: Our first meeting was at Starbucks, where he told me he was a big fan of the theme song (he had won the bid on ebay to purchase it.) He told me about the labels plans (Star Creature Records) to release a vinyl 12-inch featuring the theme song as a remix and title the Vinyl Release ”Attack Of The Chicago Boogie.” I like the direction the label is going. I like working with DJ Kool Hersh because he has great communication and fresh ideas to keep moving forward in this ever changing music world.

GO BANG! Magazine: There’s also talk about you bringing Attack of the Boogie dance show back to television. Tell us if this is true and if so, tell us more about the rebooted show.

Andrew Kitchen: Yes! We are working on bringing the show back to fans, because we love our fans, and this is something that they have asked and requested for years. So there will be not one, but two versions.

First off, while Covid-19 is still in effect, in early 2021 we will be releasing a weekly re-edited version of the show called ”ATTACK OF THE BOOGIE RELOADED” featuring classic episodes with fresh new interviews from your favorite dancers and classic performances from big name artists and entertainers.

After Covid-19 has ended, (being positive), we will be bringing back a full NEW live version of ”ATTACK OF THE BOOGIE.” We promise it will be just as entertaining as the Original and it will still feature the popular ”POWER DANCE CIRCLE!”

GO BANG! Magazine: The Covid-19 pandemic has dampened and ruined the entire year of 2020 thus far, for many people. They are dealing with it in various ways. Some are doing just fine, while others are depressed because of loneliness or death to loved ones, due to the virus. How has the pandemic affected you?

Andrew Kitchen: You are so correct. It has done damage for many people, businesses and entertainers in so many ways. Many projects for me also stopped, due to no studio audience and the lack of dancers and actors to complete the production in a quality way. The challenge of staying healthy is still at risk. I’m praying for everyone for a positive and healthy outcome.

GO BANG! Magazine: Being a Black man in America today is dangerous on a daily basis. We have ALL experienced it in different ways. How have you been affected by systematic racism and have you witnessed White privilege? If so, please describe the instance for our readers.

Andrew Kitchen: During the years of my career, I have experienced more than my share. From being in the right place at the wrong time to being pulled over for taking friends home (and did I mention not making it home?) It’s something that we have to be smarter about in certain situations if you want to get through it. But, it is always easier said than done)

GO BANG! Magazine: In conclusion, what are your current plans for the future?

Andrew: We are producing a NEW FRIDAY MORNING WAKE UP ENTERTAINMENT SHOW CALLED: ”THE WEEKEND PARTY” that I will be hosting along with a co-host (to assist people to get up for that final drive to work for the weekend with energy, incentives, music, on-location events, guest and a happy/fun feeling to make it through the final work day before the weekend.)

The show will premiere in EARLY 2021 (On local Broadcast Channels) ALSO A BRAND NEW NU-POP/SINGLE WILL BE RELEASE IN A THE NEXT MONTH OR SO ENTITLED: ”MY HEART PLAYS FOR YOU” (ANDREW KITCHEN-FEATURING PEPPER GOMEZ) I feel this is my best musical work to date. (Original & Fresh) I hope you enjoy it.

Lastly, to To GO BANG! Magazine, “THANK YOU and MUCH SUCCESS to you.


YOU CAN WATCH
“Attack Of The Boogie” Andrew Kitchen 4 Real Music Official Video Edit By Marcus Mixx
Video Link: https://youtu.be/izEEgP0OMoc


Follow Andrew Kitchen on ALL social media formats @Andrew Kitchen





Pierre A. Evans is a freelance writer of Entertainment, Music, Art, Culture, Fashion and Current Events, and previously for SoulTrain.com, NDigo.com, ChicagoDefender.com, EmpireRadioMagazine.com, and UrbanMuseMag.com, an author, singer/songwriter, actor, model, poet, dancer, and DJ. He is also the owner of Pinnacle Entertainment Productions. Follow him on Facebook, Twitter, and on Instagram

The Latest On INVEST South/West

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The Evergreen Imagine Development Team bringing equitable development to Auburn Gresham

Photo courtesy of Lightfoot for Chicago

 

 

Pierre,

When I ran for mayor, I promised to bring real equity to the way the City invests in communities. This week, we took a giant step forward in fulfilling that promise. Through our signature $750 million INVEST South/West program, we announced the three sites we’ll be focusing major investment in next, located in Austin, on the West Side, and the Auburn Gresham and Englewood neighborhoods on the South Side.

The projects, which are valued at more than $65 million, include a mixed-use residential complex anchored by a blues museum and cafe, a 56-unit affordable rental building with tenant gardens, and a sustainable food and culinary campus–and much more.

What is historic about these projects is not just that we are making good on our commitments to historically disinvested neighborhoods. There are also two other important aspects of these projects which revolve around my commitment to wealth building in all communities. First, we required that the developers come forward with diverse teams. I am happy to report that each of these teams is led by a person of color, and all of the teams are incredibly diverse.

Second, for the first time ever, we also required the teams to demonstrate what they would do to spread wealth in each of these communities–not just in construction but also after the developments are complete.

You can read all about these new developments here.

Even during the pandemic, we were able to make $70 million in investments across the INVEST South/West neighborhoods–and, remarkably, we wrangled some $300 million in private investment. And more is on the way.

For too long, government and the private sector have disinvested from our Black and Brown communities–especially on the South and West Sides. Through INVEST South/West, we’re working to flip that dynamic on its head, driving attention and investment to the communities that need it most–and planting seeds for even more progress in the future.

The next round of these investments is already in the works–our Department of Planning and Development is accepting proposals through March 30 for development projects in Bronzeville, New City-Back of the Yards, North Lawndale and South Chicago. I can’t wait to see what incredible ideas our residents come up with next.

Thanks for joining us in our commitment to real equity. There’s much more to do, but I couldn’t be more proud of what we’ve already achieved.

Sincerely,

Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot

Theatre: Victory Gardens Announces Artists for “The Black Monologues”

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Artists announced for The Black Monologues
at the 5th edition of Black Beauty Festival: Joy & Magic

April 10-11, 2021

Chicago, IL– Victory Gardens Theater, in partnership with The Black Women’s Expo and Black Owned Chicago, presents the 5th Edition of the Black Beauty Festival (BBF), April 10-11, 2021. Offered virtually for the first time, Black Beauty Festival: Joy & Magic is a free two-day event that uplifts Black-owned businesses while creating conversations around beauty, health, and wellness.

This year’s theme is Joy & Magic, two words that perfectly encompass the celebratory BBF experience. BBF will include online shopping for Black-owned businesses, free performances from The Black Monologues, a jam session with up-and-coming artists, a haircut tutorial, yoga hour, paint & sip afternoon, and raffle giveaways. Each event is free, though pre-registration is required. For more information or to RSVP for an event, visit www.victorygardens.org.

The festival kicks off with a performance by The Black Monologues, created and produced by Tanikia “Nikki” Carpenter and under the direction of Deanna Reed-Foster. Festival writers include Tanikia Carpenter, Reginald Edmund, and Tiffany Oglesby. Performers include Demetra Dee, Maya Hooks, Renee Lockett, Marcus D. Moore, Jermaine Robinson Jr. and Frederick Paul Williams. Desireé Applewhite is the stage manager.

Black Beauty Festival: Joy & Magic Lineup
Saturday, April 10, 2021
The Black Monologues
2:00-3:00 p.m. CT on Zoom

In partnership with Black Owned Chicago, The Black Monologues returns to Black Beauty Festival for its annual performance. Created and produced by Tanikia “Nikki” Carpenter and under the direction of Jeff Award-winning actress Deanna Reed-Foster, The Black Monologues is a showcase of solo performances that capture the African American experience as it pertains to a specific theme. This year, performances will be a celebration of the Black experience through generations.

Haircut Tutorial
4:30-5:30 p.m. CT on Zoom

Join Headrest Barbershop’s Tim Johnson as he teaches you the fundamentals of cutting hair. This is an informational session to learn new techniques and ask questions; no need to bring anything to this workshop other than yourself!

Jam Session
7:00-8:00 p.m. CT on Zoom

Need a reason to get on your feet? Be sure to tune into this virtual mini-concert, featuring performances by up-and-coming musicians!

Sunday, April 11, 2021
Yoga Hour
1:00-2:00 p.m. CT on Zoom

Relax and unwind in this 45-minute yoga session led by Wellness Specialist Daryl Satcher. All skill levels are welcome to attend. If you don’t have a yoga mat, you can use a large towel or a carpeted floor. For the best experience, bring water and a small towel for sweat.

Paint & Sip
3:00-4:00 p.m. CT on Zoom

Sip on our special BBF cocktails, sponsored by Love Cork Screw, as you create a masterpiece from the comfort of your home with Alexie Young and Art West Chicago! No experience necessary. FREE art supply kits available for all registrants (25 people maximum).

Vendor Chat
5:00-6:00 p.m. CT on Zoom

Come get to know the business-savvy entrepreneurs featured in this year’s Black Beauty Festival! This event will be facilitated by Alex Jones, owner of Fad2Fresh vintage clothing and memorabilia.

Some of the 2021 Black Beauty Festival vendors include Dressed 2 The Tee Apparel & Accessories; Dr. Herbal’s Organic & Vegan Hair Care; Dzigns by Deb; Fad2Fresh; Gill Family Jewels; Luv That Scrub; Model Esteem; North Lawndale Employment Network – Sweet Beginnings, LLC; philosofher: The Life of•The Love of•Her; Suuri Design; and TBE Cosmetics.

For more information about Victory Gardens, visit www.victorygardens.org.  Follow us on Facebook at Facebook.com/victorygardens, Twitter @VictoryGardens, and Instagram @victorygardenstheater.

Business/Literature: ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF GO BANG! MAGAZINE

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On November 24, 2019, I accepted an offer for my dream job with a radio station, as a freelance writer and social media manager. This was my first time fully pursuing my dream of being self-employed, so I took a leap of faith and accepted the position, as a side hustle to my main job. I could work from home as well. Everything was going well on the dream job. I felt that the job was secure and it was paying twice the pay as my main job. I continued doing both jobs and on December 20, 2019 I went on vacation from my main job.

From December 20th throughout the holiday season, I was on cloud nine, loving my new career. While on vacation from my main job, I had time to really think about what I wanted to do. I decided that I was sick of my regular “9 to 5” and I should pursue my dream full-time. My new dream job was a part of the iHeart Media family.

On January 6, 2020, when I returned from vacation to my main job, I submitted my letter of resignation, effective immediately. I was fully self-employed. Unfortunately, the next day, my dream job let me go, due to a massive and nationwide iHeart Media lay-off. Last hired, first fired. I didn’t know what I was going to do. Yesterday, I had two jobs and today I have NO job! Fortunately, I was eligible for Unemployment Compensation.

Since I’m home and got free time, I decided that now that I am unemployed and have plenty of free time, this would be the best time to go on a vacation. What better place to go, to lift my spirits, than New Orleans, Mardi Gras, on Fat Tuesday! So that’s what I did…me and my homie. From February 23, 2020 thru Wednesday February 26, 2020 I had a ball. This time included Fat Tuesday, February 25th. I had a great time, but I found that the people and the city were too slow for me. I’m high spirited and swift-minded and I found the city to be too laid back for me. So, I won’t be retuning there.

When I returned home, I learned of the Coronavirus and that it was spreading very fast in New Orleans. Luckily, I’d left just in time and didn’t really interact with many people, because I wasn’t feeling the city, as I stated already. All of my loved ones and friends reached out to me to make sure that I wasn’t sick. I wasn’t. Thank God!

Now it’s March 2020. On March 11, 2020 the Novel Coronavirus Disease, COVID-19, was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization. On March 13, 2020 a national emergency was declared in the United States concerning the COVID-19 Outbreak. The world has been shut down and everyone is locked down in their homes. WTF!!!

Now back at home during this time off, and with me already being a published writer, I wanted to kick it up a notch and start my own online magazine. I have always wanted to do that, but never had the time to invest in starting it. NOW I HAD THE TIME! The world is on lockdown! I pivoted from being an author to being a publisher.

The purpose of my magazine would be to enlighten my readers with stories, people and events that are making POSITIVE CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE WORLD, highlighting known and unknown individuals and events.

So, on April 1, 2020 I launched the first issue of my magazine, GO BANG! Magazine, (www.GoBangMagazine.com) with NO START UP MONEY and NO publishing EXPERIENCE. Having worked with historic and iconic media outlets such as The Chicago Defender Newspaper, N’Digo Magapaper and the Soul Train brand, I was fully groomed to start my own. All I had was a vision, passion and a dream! I would now be the CEO, Publisher, Senior Editor and Journalist, as well as the Promoter and Publicist.

April was just one month after COVID-19 was categorized as a pandemic. As I said, the world shut down, so the timing of my magazine couldn’t have been better. Everybody was at home and had nothing to do. Why not read GO BANG! Magazine?


September 2020 marked GO BANG! Magazine’s six-month anniversary. At this point, GO BANG! Magazine had been received overwhelmingly great across the planet, not just here in the United States. GO BANG! Magazine is global and includes readers in United Kingdom, China, Nigeria, Australia, Germany, Spain, France, Japan, Saint Lucia and United Arab Emirates. WOW, WOW & WOW!!!

I’m told that the public loves the in-depth interviews and the people that I select to interview. Many of the interviewees have commented on how they love the way I conduct the interviews, which are via email, the questions asked, and how they are allowed to fully express themselves, with no restrictions.

November 2020, I accepted a job with the Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership as a Lead Contact Tracer. I had always wanted to help rid the world of this deadly pandemic, and now I had the chance. This was a work-from-home position, so it wouldn’t interfere with publishing my magazine. My Contact Tracing duties include: leading 16 Contact Tracers in contacting individuals that may have been exposed to COVID-19 thru close contact with a COVID-19 infected individual and provide them with information and guidance to interrupt/reduce the ongoing transmission of the disease by obtaining symptom information, advising them to self-quarantine and to monitor their health, assisting exposed individuals in getting tested, connecting individuals to resources and support during self-quarantine and self-isolation.

March 2021, I initiated accepting promotional ads and offering sponsorship packages to individuals and businesses. As of now, ads are my focus. In the near future, as the world opens back up, I will focus on GO BANG! Magazine sponsored events, and therefore my focus will be more on soliciting sponsorship packages.

April 1, 2021: Celebrating ONE YEAR of publication, GO BANG! Magazine has achieved what many other media outlets haven’t.  April 1, 2021 marks the ONE YEAR Anniversary of GO BANG! Magazine!  In that one year, GO BANG! Magazine has become the reliable source for in-depth interviews and an internationally global successful medium.  The magazine has interviewed hundreds of celebrities and everyday individuals.  It proudly boasts, having readers from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, China, Italy, Nigeria, Australia, Germany, Spain, France, Japan, Saint Lucia and several other countries.   

In addition to that,  GO BANG! Magazine is now offering reasonably priced monthly AD SPACE  and seeking SPONSORSHIP opportunities for businesses and/or individuals interested in sponsoring upcoming events produced by the GO BANG! Magazine brand. 

In addition to the magazine, I have also launched a newsletter which creates a database of my readers and followers. I have sister sites of the magazine on all social media platforms as well. With all of these platforms, it has given me an audience to promote and sell merchandise, as well as fundraise. I have created promotional facemasks, hats and shirts with the GO BANG! Magazine logo on it! The items have been received positively by the public and sales have been great!

I am proud, amazed, thrilled and thankful for the first year of GO BANG! Magazine and I look forward to more years to come.

What I have learned during this wonderful journey is that you must be creative, be persistent, trust yourself, have faith, hang in for the long-haul, be flexible and always be willing to learn more about your field of business.

I had a DREAM…
COVID-19 Pandemic gave me TIME…
GOD gave me the GIFT to……

GO BANG!…

I DID!



Thank you ALL for your past, present and future support!!!!



Pierre A. Evans is a freelance writer of Entertainment, Music, Art, Culture, Fashion and Current Events, and previously for: SoulTrain.com, NDigo.com, ChicagoDefender.com, EmpireRadioMagazine.com, and UrbanMuseMag.com, an author, singer/songwriter, actor, model, poet, dancer, and DJ. He is also the owner of Pinnacle Entertainment Productions. Follow him on Facebook, Twitter, and on Instagram

COVID-19 Vaccine And The Black Community: A Tyler Perry Special

Posted on by GO BANG MAG

Photo courtesy of Twitter @TylerPerry

Video Property of TylerPerryStudios / Youtube link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M56q6TIJ890

 

CLICK HERE TO WATCH VIDEO

In the midst of a world health crisis, Perry sits down with top medical experts Carlos del Rio, MD Executive Associate Dean, Emory School of Medicine at Grady Health System, and Kimberly Dyan Manning, MD Professor of Medicine at Grady Health System to address the public’s concerns and fears about the COVID-19 vaccine.

The half-hour special provides helpful and factual information for viewers looking to protect themselves and their families from this unprecedented crisis. Tackling issues head-on, Perry asks the hard-hitting questions to help the community gain insight into this new vaccine.

“COVID-19 Vaccine and the Black Community A Tyler Perry Special” joins BET’s roster of informative specials that address the impacts of COVID-19 on the Black community and answers questions about the vaccine.

“COVID-19 Vaccine and the Black Community A Tyler Perry Special,” is Executive Produced by Tyler Perry for Tyler Perry Studios.

 

Music / Business: ANDRE “MUSIC MAN” WILLIAMS / A&W ECSTASY RECORDS

Posted on by GO BANG MAG

Andre was born and raised in Chicago Illinois. He has performed at many venues throughout the Midwest, East Coast & West Coast. Andre is a true entertainer / writer / producer / vocalist. Singing has always been a passion of his. Andre’s genuine love and appreciation for music has allowed him to emerge as one of the hottest new R&B artist today.

Andre’s music is refreshing and edgy. He is the founder of independent label A&W Ecstasy Records (www.twitter.com/Music007), which consists of producer Lothario Lee and Executive Producer Andre Williams “Music Man.”

Andre’s latest release “Them Girls,” (feat. Tony Poole) is a soulful delight of hip-hop and funk. Andre’s music is available on all digital download platforms worldwide, including Google Play, iHeart Radio, Tidal, Target Music, Amazon On Demand, Groove, Youtube Music, Spotify, E-Music, Simfy Africa, Shazam, iTunes & Apple Store, Rhapsody, Deezer, Juke, Claromusica, N.Music, & 8 Tracks.

To all of our fans & to all of the DJ’s who have been playing our songs and supporting us, “Much Love!!!


GO BANG! Magazine: How did you first become involved in music?

Andre Williams: My father Oscar Williams was in the music industry. As a young child, he taught me how to perform and dance. My mother, Jazz singer Loretta Lee, would have me singing alongside her during some of her performances. So, I guess it came naturally.

GO BANG! Magazine: Many of our readers may already know, some may not, that your mother, Ms. Loretta Lee, is a well-known entertainer as well. She’s an excellent Jazz singer, who portrays Billie Holiday, as well as performs excellently as herself. I happen to know her, even before I met you, through me working in the theater industry with the A Taste Of Theatre company, years ago. Tell us about your mother and how she did or did not influence your choice to enter the music business.

Andre Williams: My mother, Loretta Lee, would have me sing alongside of her and performing in some of her shows. Her influence taught me how music allows my creativity to be expressed through my voice. My message to the world changes the heart, just as music binds us even in diversity.

GO BANG! Magazine: When and how did you know that you wanted to be involved in the Entertainment industry professionally?

Andre Williams: I started writing my own songs and met mega-producer Lothario Lee and we started collaborating, I released my first single to many radio stations and they were very receptive. We received good responses from radio stations and audiences. Then, we released my first album “Permission”, which is available on all social media platforms.

GO BANG! Magazine: Please describe to our readers, the “Music Man” sound and discuss your independent label A&W Ecstasy Records.

Andre Williams: My sound is a diverse and distinctive rhythm of Soul, Jazz, Pop, R&B and Hip Hop, inter-twisting and contrasting, with vocals using a falsetto voice. A&W Ecstasy Records was founded in 2013 and it was my transition into being an independent record label artist

GO BANG! Magazine: As a Black man in the Entertainment industry and owning your own business, you are an inspiration to many. What advice would you give to a young person that’s trying to break into the Music industry or want to start their own business?

Andre Williams: We are interested in uplifting the culture and being a part of a positive movement. If you feel singing is a life-calling passion, then you would want to pursue it. There, between you and the rest of the world, is a door which can put your talents, passion, ideals, voice, and strengths in the public’s eye. You could make music a significant place to stand up in the music industry as musician and entrepreneur, live your dream, express yourself, become rich and even travel the world.

GO BANG! Magazine: I have personally witnessed you participating in several community events. I’ve participated with you on a couple as well. Why is it important for you to give back to the community?

Andre Williams: Giving back to the community allows you to know your community and its citizens. As you develop and grow as a person, your actions make an impact on others. It also contributes to the promotion of your business and a way to gain exposure as an artist.

GO BANG! Magazine: One such community event that we participated in together was an Entrepreneurial Business panel event organized by your Booking Manager Barbara Giles. I’m also friends with her and met her before I met you. Please tell our readers about Ms. Giles and how you two decided to work together.

Andre Williams: Oh yes, it was called “The 4-M’s to Brightening your future in Business of Music, Money, Media, and Mentorship.” Her panel connected many of the renowned go-getters in each of the industries. The panel included me, you, television star Harry Lennix (The Black List), Terry Bishop (WVON), Lady Royalty (Model) and Fred Mitchell (Sports commentator).

Ms. Giles is an innovative, nontraditional lady and go-getter in Business. She is what is called a connector in our industry. She connects artists of all strides together and through the use of viral marketing, allowing their connection to become a beacon for success. We met when I was introduce to her six years ago through my former manager, Joe Ali. He passed due to Covid-19 last year in 2020. He was an icon in “the business.” He will be missed.

GO BANG! Magazine: Are you currently working on anything or would you like to mention anything that you’d like our readers to check out?

Andre Williams: Presently we are looking to bring out my new recording with Jazz of Dru Hill. It will be released on my new album “Penetration” which I plan to release this year. My new single “Them Girls” features Tony Poole, is on the charts @www.Biggsradio.com. Radio Personality Dinahlynn Biggs of Radio.Net continues to get our music out. We also want to thank Cleveland’s KFSM Radio Network LLC and Mixleplix TV on Roku TV and Taiwan Barber of Intoodeep. There and so many other radio stations that I can’t remember, but want to mention. There’s too many to name. Much love from all of us.

GO BANG! Magazine: In conclusion, the COVID-19 pandemic has caught the world off guard. How are you dealing with it?

Andre Williams: Yes, Covid-19 has been a world-wind halt for many in the music industry. I have been dealing with it by continuing to invent new ways to get more music out to my fans. The internet and Smule app allows me to do that and keeps me on my toes. But, I look forward to starting to travel again and doing shows for the public.

“Them Girls”  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=53wgON2QRto

“Hit The Spot” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6vkemF-fLaY

“Let’s Party Feat. King Camil: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0o6YeWrOaio

“Coming Home To You”   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ZH7qSUWEqU

“Happy” feat. King Camil:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hWKdgJn3eBs

 

Follow Andre Williams on all social media @Andre Williams Music Man.

Email: andrewilliamsmusicman@yahoo.com

https://www.facebook.com/AndreWilliamsMusicMan

https://www.soundclick.com/bands3/default.cfm?bandID=1429516

https://music.amazon.com/albums/B01A7HCVTI

https://www.reverbnation.com/andrewilliamsmusicman

https://jp.linkedin.com/in/andre-williams-music-man-43649783

 

For Bookings:
Barbara Giles,
Envisioning Mgmt. B.G.T
773-993-7324





Pierre A. Evans is a freelance writer of Entertainment, Music, Art, Culture, Fashion and Current Events, and previously for SoulTrain.com, NDigo.com, ChicagoDefender.com, EmpireRadioMagazine.com, and UrbanMuseMag.com, an author, singer/songwriter, actor, model, poet, dancer, and DJ. He is also the Owner of Pinnacle Entertainment Productions and the Owner/Publisher of GO BANG! Magazine. Follow him on Facebook @Pierre Andre Evans, Twitter @Playerre, and on Instagram @Pierre_Andre_Evans.

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