Film company located in Chicago Illinois,
C.E.O. Billy Ray Valentine,
“Let us bring your vision to LIFE.”
CONTACT: (773) 793-7033
Author: GO BANG MAG
A Story of overcoming adversity.
A real life look at ENGLEWOOD, CHICAGO
A Real life story from DIRECTOR Billy Ray Valentine. Based on his life and true LIFE EVENTS.
FOLLOW BILLY RAY VALENTINE:
Facebook @Billy Ray Valentine
Instagram @ Billyrayvalentineee
Twitter @BlackDadd
KNOWN AS THE “SUPER PRODUCER”, LISA E. HAS BEEN WORKING IN RADIO SINCE SHE STARTED AS AN INTERN IN 1989 AT WGCI RADIO IN CHICAGO. SHE LATER STARTED PRODUCING AND DOING ENTERTAINMENT, AND BECOMING A SIDEKICK ON AIR. AFTER ALMOST 15 YEARS AT WGCI, LISA DECIDED TO TAKE A JOB AS EXECUTIVE PRODUCER AT POWER 92 WHERE SHE WORKED FOR ALMOST 6 YEARS, PRODUCING THE MORNING SHOW UNTIL THEY WERE REPLACED BY A SYNDICATED SHOW. SHE ALSO PRODUCED “TALK IT OUT” ON WVON FOR MAZE JACKSON & MONIQUE SPENCE, AS WELL AS THE A.C. GREEN SHOW AT 106.3. SHE CURRENTLY PRODUCES FOR THE RAMONSKI LOVE MORNING SHOW ON 95.1 FM “CHICAGO-HEARTBEAT FOR SOUL.” SHE ALSO HAS HER ENTERTAINMENT COMPANY AND WORKS WITH SEVERAL CELEBS!
LISA HAS PRODUCED FOR TOP RADIO PERSONALITIES DOUG BANKS,TOM JOYNER, CRAZY HOWARD MCGEE, RICK PARTY, SAM SYLK, JEANNE SPARROW, STEVE HARVEY & DAVANTE STONE. ALL OF THE SHOWS HELD #1 RATINGS!
LISA ALSO WORKS WITH MANY CELEBRITIES, HOSTING SHOWS, EVENTS, AND MANY CHARITY FUNDRAISERS, AS WELL AS INDIVIDUAL EVENTS FOR ORGANIZATIONS, ESPECIALLY FOR KIDS AND ANIMALS. SHE ALSO STARTED HER OWN COMPANY-LISA E ENTERTAINMENT “CONCIERGE TO THE STARS”. SHE HAS WORKED WITH ALL THE TOP CELEBRITIES IN THE MUSIC, SPORTS AND MOVIE-TV INDUSTRY.
LISA IS A HUGE BEARS, BULLS AND CUBS FAN AND HAS BEEN COVERING GAMES FOR OVER 20 YEARS. LISA ALSO WRITES FOR VARIOUS MAGAZINES & HAD HER OWN COLUMN IN EXPOSURE MAGAZINE CALLED “THE LOCKER ROOM-WITH LISA E”. HER COLUMN WAS ALWAYS IN PURPLE-SHE LOVES ANYTHING PURPLE! LISA LOVES TO LAUGH AND IS ALWAYS PLAYING JOKES ON EVERYONE!
LISA LOVES MUSIC AND IS VERY WELL ROUNDED. HER FAVORITE ARTISTS INCLUDE 50 CENT, L.L. COOL J, JOHN LEGEND, THE ROLLING STONES, EARTH WIND & FIRE, GUY, STXY, MICHAEL JACKSON, PRINCE, NEW EDITION AND BARRY MANILOW.
LISA BELIEVES THERE IS ONLY 1 RACE-THE HUMAN RACE!
GO BANG! Magazine: Please describe when you first knew that you were interested in Radio.
Lisa E.: I always wanted to be in the entertainment industry, ever since I was little. I started as a theater major when I went to University of Iowa. Then, when I transferred to Columbia College in Chicago, I wasn’t feeling some of the classes so I decided to try radio and fell in love right away. My first two instructors were Harold Rush (Exec Producer of Banks and Company on WGCI) and Roz Varon (traffic on WFYR radio).
*fun fact-our class helped Roz Varon put together a cool audition tape for ABC 7 TV to do traffic. Well, she got the job and 31 years later, with multiple Chicago Emmys, she is still going strong as Traffic reporter and Special Programming
GO BANG! Magazine: What Radio personalities inspired you as a youth?
Lisa E.: I always loved to listen to radio personalities from Wally Phillips, Larry Lujack, Tommy Edwards, John Records Landecker, Steve Dahl, Casey Kasem, Tom Joyner and then Doug Banks, who was my absolute favorite
GO BANG! Magazine: Who were your mentors and how did their mentoring influence you and your career?
Lisa E.: My two mentors would be Bonnie Deshong and Doug Banks. They both took me under their wing. Bonnie was the first person that let me do an interview, when the Phoenix Suns were in town. I felt so important being able to record with a mic and special recorder. I interviewed Wesley Person, who is still my friend to this day…(lol). Bonnie used it for her “Eye on Entertainment” segment. Watching Doug, I learned so much. I couldn’t wait to go to work every day, because you never knew what to expect from Doug, except that laughter would be involved.
GO BANG! Magazine: WGCI is a station that’s a staple in the community. Please explain how you became involved with the station, from 1989 – 2004 as Exec. Producer/On Air, and describe your time there.
Lisa E.: I started as an intern when I was a senior in college in 1989 and worked for a whole year for free, I got credit for one semester. I started by running the control board for Cliff Kelly on 1390 AM, which was “all talk” at the time. I learned how to produce, because Cliff would have high profiled guests on in the political world, as well as community. We didn’t have internet then so I would have to look up numbers in the phone book, etc. and rely on the newspapers and the AP news that would be sent to us throughout the day through a fax type of machine that we could use to print out the news. Once I graduated College, I got hired. I worked with Sybil Wilkes overnights at 1390 AM. I was her Board Operator/Engineer and would book guests.
When WGCI am switched formats in 1990 and became Dusty Radio 1390, I worked with Emilie McKendall from 7pm until 12am. I also worked with Ladonna Tittle and then I ran the Larry King show and played music overnights. While I was working on the AM side, I would sometimes sit in and got to know everyone on the FM side, mostly Banks & Company. I fit in really well with everyone. Our President and General Manager Marv Dyson thought I would be a good fit, to be a backup producer for Tom Joyner on WGCI FM and that’s how I started on 107.5 WGCI FM.
When Tom went syndicated and did mornings, Doug Banks started doing afternoons. I ended up producing for Doug and had a blast because you never knew what to expect, but we had so much fun! After Doug left and moved to Dallas and became syndicated, I started producing afternoons for Crazy Howard McGee, and then I produced for other top personalities Jeanne Sparrow, Irene Mojica, Rick Party, Davante Stone “The Stone Pony,” and Sam Sylk. All of those shows had # 1 ratings! I was also on air with all of them for bits, entertainment, etc. Many of these personalities are still very close friends that I consider family. I also filled in on Drex’s morning show on Kiss 103.5 FM a few times to do news and weather. I ended up getting moved to mornings to produce again for Crazy Howard McGee before I left in 2004 to work at Power 92. It was the hardest decision I ever had to make because it was a brand new opportunity for me to produce a new morning show, but so hard to leave a place and people I truly loved.
GO BANG! Magazine: After WGCI, you started working with Power 92 Radio. Describe your time there from 2004 – 2009.
Lisa E.: Working at Power 92 was also a wonderful time! We had a brand new morning show with Davante Stone “The Stone Pony”, who also left WGCI, and Cortney Hicks “The Baby Girl.” I was the Executive Producer. Leon Rogers was later added to the show. Within a few months of being there, Stone Pony and I got to broadcast live in Athens, Greece for the Olympics Cortney wasn’t able to travel due to health issues. It was one of the best experiences in my life!
After they changed the morning show, Trey “The Choklit Jock” was brought on board with co-host Kendra G, and later Alexx Dupri, I remained on as Executive Producer. In December 2009, we were told that our show would be replaced by Ricky Smiley’s syndicated show and due to budgets, etc I was being let go. It was tough, since I had never been let go in my career after 20 years. I did come back and produce a few shows on 106.3 (the A.C. Green Show) and Power 92 (The Afrozons show). Many of the personalities and staff over there are still very close friends as well.
GO BANG! Magazine: Over the years, you have worked with a variety of well-known radio personalities. Please name a few and what your memories are of them?
Lisa E.: I have had so many fun and wonderful memories with many of them who are still very close to me. I will just list a few:
Jeanne Sparrow: One of my closest friends to this day. She calls me her “Producer for Life.” One of my best memories is when we did a live broadcast from Disney World. They closed the Magic Kingdom down early, so that all of the media had the whole park to themselves. While everyone was sampling drinks, Jeanne and I were on all the rides, from Winnie the Pooh treehouse to the Flying Teacups. We were like two little kids and had the time of our lives. It’s also been kind of a tradition that we always go see Earth, Wind and Fire when they are in concert. We saw them in Disney World too.
Rick Party: I always used to give Rick piggyback rides. It started as joke. I also used to take peanuts or popcorn and throw it at him and he would always catch it in his mouth. He barely missed. We had fun doing live broadcasts, especially out of town from the Billboard Music Awards to Cancun. Rick gave me the name “Super Producer” and it has stuck ever since!
Davante Stone “The Stone Pony”: The best time we probably had was in Athens, Greece for the Olympics. We got to go see the Men’s Track & Field, which I love and it was such an incredible experience to hear your national anthem played when we won the gold medal! We both got a little choked up!
Sam Sylk: I also produced for Sam and booked guests for his show in Cleveland. We used to have some great bits. Sam, Big Poppa (Daniel Dees) who was also a part of the show, and I always laughed. We were a really good team. One funny memory is when we had “The Rock” on our show. He looked and smelled so good, and I just sat there and didn’t say anything. I guess I didn’t realize it. Sam went on the air and said “This is a first, my producer is at a loss for words…clean up in aisle two.”
Trey the Choklit Jok: We had a blast in Vegas during NBA All-Star weekend and for Chris Webbers star studded Charity Weekend. Trey was surprised to see all the celebs that were walking up to me to talk or give me a hug. I remember him saying “Wow u really do know all these people.”
Doug Banks: One great time was when Doug had arranged for Charles Barkley to call in. Everyone knew that Charles is one of my favorite people. The receptionist used to call me and say Charles was on the phone, but it was people pretending. This happened at least five times. This particular time, someone called us before the show in our newsroom saying it was Charles and Doug grabbed the phone. I thought they were playing a joke on me and then during the show Charles really called in. I didn’t believe it was really him at first, so I started asking questions that only Charles (or someone like me) would know the answers too. Doug just laughed and laughed.
*I was so heartbroken when Doug passed in 2016 still doesn’t seem real. He truly was the best!
GO BANG! Magazine: You have witnessed radio change over the years. Hip hop has saturated the air waves, and some say, in general, that the quality of the music has diminished. What are your thoughts on the quality of the current music landscape?
Lisa E.: I think music changes a little with each generation. Some of the hip hop today sounds so much alike to me. I definitely think we still have some great talent, but I don’t like it the way I love old school hip hop. I do like some artists now. I think R&B is also making a big comeback! People love to hear great music. I started to manage an R&B artist, Sean Wyte, a little over a year ago. He is about to blow up really big. He just wants to sing great R&B. He has already opened up for some big names including Joe, Avant, Dru Hill, Keke Wyatt, Faith Evans, Kool Moe Dee, Steve Arrington & Public Announcement. The celebs and artists have already welcomed him in that circle, and the ladies love him, his voice and his looks!
GO BANG! Magazine: Besides a career in radio, you have other talents, which include being an entrepreneur. In 2005, you launched your business Lisa E. Entertainment – Concierge to the Stars. Please describe how you decided to launch your own business, and what your business does.
Lisa E.: I started to help celebrities with their charity events, hosting party events and I just kind of fell into it. Jeanne Sparrow actually gave me the idea for the name. She used to joke on the air saying “I don’t know how Lisa does it, celebs and guests come on and they give her their private info. It’s a gift, don’t question it. She is like a concierge to the stars.” So that’s what I decided to call it. A concierge does so many things. If it’s something I can’t do, I usually know someone that can.
I host events, do voiceovers, book celebs for charity events (i.e. the Golf Classics are probably the biggest), do Grand Openings, Listening parties, some Media Relations, P.R. and Publicity. Sometimes I wear several hats for certain events.
GO BANG! Magazine: What advice would you give to an aspiring young person, trying to pursue a career in radio?
Lisa E.: I would tell them to never burn any bridges with anyone. One day, your intern could be your boss. Always communicate! Thats the key. Stay humble and check your ego at the door. There is enough fame and fortune for all of us. Your talents will lead the way. Especially to the ladies, don’t make it about a competition. At the end of the day, we can ALL be friends.
GO BANG! Magazine: In conclusion, the COVID-19 pandemic has caught the world off guard. How are you dealing with it?
Lisa E.: It’s a tough situation, because we have never experienced anything like this before. I really want people to take it seriously and stay at home. Take this time to spend quality time with the people you live with (children, spouse, etc). Call friends and family to check on them and just catch up with each other. Sometimes a phone call can make all the difference in the world.
FOLLOW LISA E:
Instagram and twitter @lisaeradio
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.
Okema “Seven” Gunn has been an educator for over 16 years in New York City and the Chicagoland area combined. She has a Bachelor degree in Psychology and Master in Secondary Education in Social Studies. Her students have won several awards for State Color Guard and National and State History Fair Competitions, where Ms. Gunn was an integral part. She has written articles for Chicago Now and N’digo Magapaper. She works as a blogger, filmmaker, and educator.
Recently, she wrote, directed, and produced a short film called, A Sisterhood of Signatures that premiered at the Black Harvest Film Festival in August of 2019. This film is making its way around the film festival circuit. Also, Ms. Gunn is in post-production of another YA short film Black Girl Vs. Ambiguous”, which she co-wrote, is co-writing a feature film screenplay, and working on a novel.
GO BANG! Magazine: Why did you write “A Sisterhood of Signatures?”
Okema “Seven Gunn: I wrote A Sisterhood of Signatures because I wanted people to think about the importance of cursive and signatures. There are still children and young adults that do not know how to sign their name. I think that it’s a skill that all of us should have in our toolkit. A signature is like our fingerprint, unique to each one of us. It speaks of our identity and tells a story.
GO BANG! Magazine: How did actor Cynda Williams become associated with the film, not only as an actor, but as a producer too?
Okema “Seven Gunn: I met Cynda at an industry party in 2007, then again at a “Soul Train Impact” event about 6 years ago.
From there, we spoke about doing a film for/or about teens. We kept in touch, and in 2018/2019 I approached her again to be an actress in the film. She also received an associate producer credit and screenplay credit. As an educator, Cynda also appreciates the significance of handwriting and its applications within the curriculum and in the real world.
GO BANG! Magazine: How would you describe the lead character of the film?
Okema “Seven Gunn: The main character, Tiyah Owens, is loosely based on my adolescent years in middle school. Tiyah is someone that is a leader, proactive, and is very inquisitive, like most teenagers. She wants to know about her family heritage and challenges her inner circle to be progressive and critical thinking as well.
GO BANG! Magazine: How did you discover the young actor, Maya Hooks, and why did you select her as the lead?
Okema “Seven Gunn: Maya Hooks was recommended by Second City acting instructor Harold Dennis. I asked her to audition and do a cursive writing sample. She reminded me of how I was at that age. If you look at pictures of me in elementary school and you look at some of Maya’s elementary pictures; they are very similar. She studied her lines very well and did a great audition (taking great direction)!
GO BANG! Magazine: You are a Blogger, Film Critic, Educator, Screenwriter, Writer, Producer, Director, and Entrepreneur. Of those talents, which one do you love the best, and why?
Okema “Seven Gunn: I think I like screenwriting/writing the best because although my life is great, I can be somebody else and create characters that have their own world. It’s also about development of self for me and pushing my boundaries of creativity. Character development and world building are essential to creating great stories and I want to evolve as an artist in screenwriting first, and then build as a director, producer, etc. Education and Film criticism have definitely helped sharpen my skills as a content creator.
GO BANG! Magazine: As a screenwriter, what type of films are you interested in making?
Okema “Seven Gunn: Right now, I’m focused on Middle School/YA content. I like sci-fi and drama. But I also love a good western. So we’ll see how this journey goes.
GO BANG! Magazine: What is the mission of your company 7 Gunn Media?
Okema “Seven Gunn: 7 Gunn Media is a visionary company that provides innovative and extraordinary multimedia services, which inspires people to pursue their dreams. Consultations include article writing, blogging, vlogging, press kits, screenwriting, directing, and producing.
GO BANG! Magazine: Imagine this…if you had the opportunity to write your own blockbuster movie. You could choose the Producer, Director and Actors of your choice. What would your movie be about, who would you choose to be involved and why?
Okema “Seven Gunn: I have several indie projects waiting for development that could also be blockbuster movies. But I can’t really divulge at the moment. I would love to work with (in no particular order) Spike Lee, Brad Pitt, Leonardo DiCaprio, Barry Jenkins, Deborah Riley Draper, Blair Underwood, Jamie Foxx, Denzel Washington, Viola Davis, Angela Bassett, Kasi Lemmons, Dee Rees, Wood Harris, Larenz Tate, Queen Latifah, B. Monet, Eric Dean Seaton, and Deon Taylor.
GO BANG! Magazine: Who inspires or motivates you?
Okema “Seven Gunn: I have a small tribe of family and friends that have really helped me. I’ve gained some and lost some…But the motivation comes from me and from God. If you don’t want it for yourself, it won’t happen! You have to be hungry and relentless. There will be obstacles and storms, but you have to push through them. It took me a long time to get to where I am…..and to change my thinking.
GO BANG! Magazine: In conclusion, the COVID-19 pandemic has caught the world off guard. How are you dealing with it?
Okema “Seven Gunn: After school ended, I took a vacation and did nothing. I needed the break after my Chicago screening. Now, I am taking online classes to improve some skills, working on self-publishing, film project development, and maybe some film reviews. This is a great time to re-invent yourself and get busy on the things that you have put on the back burner or have pushed aside (ie like getting finances in order, re-assessing goals, and working on health and mental wellness).
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.
7 Gunn Media is a visionary company that provides innovative and extraordinary multimedia services, which inspires people to pursue their dreams. Consultations include article writing, blogging, vlogging, press kits, screenwriting, directing, and producing.
Owner: Okema “Seven” Gunn
Contact: 847-845-6846
“A Sisterhood of Signatures”, is an award-winning short film about a middle-school tween who discovers a letter from her great-grandmother and challenges her friends to begin a cursive-letter writing club. The film addresses education, personal legacy, civil rights, and the importance of the history of signatures for minorities. The film stars Christopher Greer, Cynda Williams and features Maya Hooks.
Okema “Seven” Gunn has been an educator for over 16 years in New York City and the Chicagoland area combined. She has a Bachelors degree in Psychology and Masters in Secondary Education in Social Studies. Her students have won several awards for State Color Guard and National and State History Fair Competitions, where Ms. Gunn was an integral part. She has written articles for Chicago Now and N’digo Magapaper. She works as a blogger, filmmaker, and educator. Recently, she wrote, directed, and produced a short film called, “A Sisterhood fo Signatures” that premiered at the Black Harvest Film Festival in August of 2019. This film is making its way around the film festival circuit. Also, Ms. Gunn is in post-production of another YA short film “Black Girl Vs. Ambiguous” she co-wrote, is co-writing a feature film screenplay, and working on a novel.
Christopher A. Greer is an actor, known for September Rayne (2017), Mom Told Me (2017) and Confusion 3: Trials of the Gods (2018). He is a musician, screenwriter, actor, director, composer and businessman. He went to Chicago Vocational High School (CVS) as an Instrumental Music major. He received The “Louis Armstrong Jazz Award” and four music scholarships to several colleges.
He began acting in high school in the drama club. He began on network television and feature films at age 16, with Martin Mull, Ruth Gordon and Danny Aielio. He went to Bethune-Cookman University in Daytona Beach, Florida majoring in Political Science on a Music scholarship. After college, he continued to act in network television shows and feature films, which include Turks, Barbershop 2, The Lake House, Empire, APB, Fatal Attraction, Chicago Med and The Chi. He has also worked with some of the most inspiring directors and producers in the business, such as Cassandra Bell, Mark Harris, Doreon Johnson, Maurice Eleby Jones, and Cynda Williams.
He also has performed in some of the most prolific Independent movie projects in the Midwest, and in local plays and commercials for Commonwealth Edison, Coca Cola, Goose Island Beer and The Payton Manning Children’s Hospital in Indianapolis, Chicago and all over the Midwest.
He has a passion for feeding the homeless and providing meals and warming goods for the disadvantaged, through his organization, Eureka Charities. He feels, “to ones that much is given, much is expected.” He also owns and operates Gentlemen 2 Cool Cigar Company and Greer Music and Filmworks Studios.
He’s been blessed during his life, and he has to return these blessings to those who need it. He also mentors young men and women with life coaching and career advice.
GO BANG! Magazine: How did you get involved with “A Sisterhood of Signatures?”
Christopher Greer: Okema Seven Gunn reached out to me about a role in A Sisterhood of Signatures (SOS.) During our conversation, we found out we’re cousins. So, with a little bit of nepotism, I was selected.
GO BANG! Magazine: What about “A Sisterhood of Signatures” attracted you to want to be a part of it?
Christopher Greer: I became really interested after I read the script. I saw that it was a story that needed to be told. We still need cursive writing to be taught in schools.
GO BANG! Magazine: How would you describe your character in the film?
Christopher Greer: My character was a selfish father that bought a sports car, without talking to his wife about it first.
GO BANG! Magazine: How important is it to you, to preserve the art of cursive writing?
Christopher Greer: We all should be using it to sign checks and contracts. It’s just plain pretty!
GO BANG! Magazine: In what ways have you become more involved, behind the scenes, in the film industry?
Christopher Greer: I am a screenwriter myself, a director and score composer, so I am very hands on regarding the film industry.
GO BANG! Magazine: You are also a singer, actor, model and director. Of those talents, which one do you love the best, and why?
Christopher Greer: Wow! Making a call like that is like asking which child you love best. I’ve been singing and acting for most of my life, it’s part of me. Modeling and directing came later. But, if I had to choose, it would be acting. With acting, I can be whoever I want to be. It’s freedom!
GO BANG! Magazine: How long have you been singing and are you currently still performing?
Christopher Greer: I have been singing ever since I could remember. I come from a musical family. My Father played the bugle in the Army, my mother played piano and my brother is also a multi-instrumentalist. Music has been part of my life since birth. I still perform for special events and I still compose music, which I also sing on. I used to have a stepping band, but I broke it up once I started working on my first film. But, I still sing around the house and in the car to sold-out audiences.
GO BANG! Magazine: Modeling in this day and age has changed. As a male model of a certain age, how has modeling changed with the times, which allows older individuals opportunities?
Christopher Greer: With Modeling, it’s great to have opportunities where your look is wanted. Fortunately, my look covers a 20-25 year range. I can shave off my mustache and look like I’m in my forties, then let my beard grow out and look like a distinguished grandpa.
GO BANG! Magazine: For our readers that may not be familiar with the duties of a Director, can you please explain what Directors do and what you find most interesting about that role?
Christopher Greer: As a Director, you are responsible for everything! If you are fortunate to have a full crew, you can designate tasks and duties. Directors set up looks and try their best to nitpick everything, at least that’s what I do. Being a Director is a job for self-proclaimed control freaks, because if you’re not, you’re not going to get the look or outcome you want or expect. The end result, being flawless, is the ultimate goal. We have to be satisfied.
GO BANG! Magazine: In conclusion, the COVID-19 pandemic has caught the world off guard. How are you dealing with it?
Christopher Greer: With this virus going on is a blessing and a curse. Besides the deaths that are occurring, there may be a silver lining. We may to slow down as a human race sometimes. Work, school, and hanging out with friends may come in between interaction with our families. This virus took all that away, unless you are in an essential role. Now, we can hug our children tighter and be there with our loved ones. It was forced, but it IS needed.
I am a Community Service first responder and a Primary Caregiver for my mother, who is terminally ill. I also have a ministry that delivers meals, groceries and supplies to the elderly and needy. If someone needs food, I’m there. If a sick, shut in, elderly person needs someone to pick up their medicine, I’m your man. I stay in when I can, but if I gotta go, I gotta go. I have been blessed enormously by the Lord, so I try to give him glory by helping to take care of my brothers and sisters
GO BANG! Magazine: Thank you and ALL first responders for your service!
Follow Christopher Greer on social media:
Facebook: @Christopher A. Greer
Instagram: @Chrisgreer64
Twitter: @chrisgreer64
YouTube: @Christopher A. Greer
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.
Go Bang Magazine: When was Market Media Entertainment (MME) formed?
Market Media Entertainment: It was established July, 2018.
Go Bang Magazine: What is the mission of the company?
Market Media Entertainment: The mission is basically supporting and promoting Music and Fashion artists.
Go Bang Magazine: Who are the official members of the company, and their roles?
Market Media Entertainment: CEO, Daniel Dan Jemison; COO, Alexis Lex Means; Director of Marketing, Gary Dukes; and New Artist Development, Jerimiah Porter.
Go Bang Magazine: How does each member of the team complement each other, to make the company better?
Market Media Entertainment: We all click with each other, just like pieces of a puzzle. Once we come together , the full picture is created!
Go Bang Magazine: What type of events does the company produce?
Market Media Entertainment: We do live music events and fashion shows.
Go Bang Magazine: Does MME only produce events in the Chicagoland area?
Market Media Entertainment: Yes for now, but we will soon be expanding throughout the Midwest.
Go Bang Magazine: MME not only produce events, you also work with recording artists, models and partnerships. Please describe those other business areas.
Market Media Entertainment: We work with new artist and models to help them develop their vision
Go Bang Magazine: Are there any events coming up in the near future?
Market Media Entertainment: Yes!
Go Bang Magazine: MME has produced concerts, showcases and events in different genres, including R&B and Hip Hop. Soon, MME will also start producing House music events. How does the company feel about producing events for the huge House community?
Market Media Entertainment: We are looking to push House music events to our forefront. We’re making that our main focus. By collaborating with you Pierre, we hope to achieve that goal.
Go Bang Magazine: In conclusion, the COVID-19 pandemic has caught the world off guard. How is MME dealing with it?
Market Media Entertainment: As of now, everything is shut down due to virus. So we’re currently still in the planning stage.
YOU CAN FOLLOW DAN, LEX AND GARY ON FACEBOOK:
DAN: @Daniel Jemison
LEX: @Alexis Lex Means
GARY: @Gary Dukes
YOU CAN FOLLOW MARKET MEDIA ENTERTAINMENT:
FACEBOOK: @Market Media Entertainment
WEBSITTE: http://www.marketmediaentertainment.com/
Market Media Entertainment LLC
630-708-8493 Business
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.
Established: January 17, 2017
DJz that spin House Music from all Era’s. We spin all music for any event, but House music is our specialty.
Facebook Contact@The Original 4 Deep DJz
DJ Dink @Howard DJ DINK Moore
DJ Major @Robinson Robinson (DJ MAJOR)
DJ Marc B aka Dawg-Howse @Marc Balenton
Marcus Ben Balenton is a guy I met as a teenager in 1984. He was attending McCosh grammar school, on the south side of Chicago. I was attending Kenwood Academy in Hyde Park, although I lived in South Shore. At that time, I was DJ Playerre and was mixing with my brother Dorado aka DJ Jock, my uncle Varsai aka Big Time, and my cousin Cedric aka The Fly. We were known as DJ Jock and the Paramedics. My cousin Cedric introduced me and Marc and the rest is history. He’s the lil bro I never had and I’m the big bro he never had. We were no longer friends, we are brothers.
We and Marc vibed right from the start and I saw that he took an interest in learning how to mix. We started hanging out regularly, mixing my friends with his and vice versa. One day, he asked if he could learn to mix and I was more than happy to show him. Basically, I asked him, “Can you count? If so you can mix. All that you have to do is count the beats, 1,2,3,4 and do the same with the song you’re about to mix in. When they get on beat, bring it in! He caught on immediately, and has never stopped. DJ “Dawg Howse was born!
Since then, he has achieved great success and has DJ’d with several prominent DJs, including DJ Gene Hunt, as well as others.
GO BANG! Magazine: How and when did you get involved in the DJ game?
DJ Marc B: I got in the game in 1984. I loved watching the greats, and I also noticed that the ladies loved the DJs.
GO BANG! Magazine: How would you describe your DJ style?
DJ Marc B: It’s hard to describe my style, because I cover all spectrums of House.
GO BANG! Magazine: What DJs inspire or motivate you?
DJ Marc B: The DJs that inspired me are DJ Playerre, Ron Hardy, Frankie Knuckles, DJ Jocko, and Gene Hunt.
GO BANG! Magazine: You’ve been a part of the House community since the early years. How has House changed to you?
DJ Marc B: House has changed me in so many ways. It gave me comfort with the music, it also gave my peers and an outlet to do something, other than just hanging out.
GO BANG! Magazine: If you had the opportunity to share the stage with any DJs, who would they be, and why?
DJ Marc B: If I could share the stage with a DJ, it would be Steve “JM Silk” Hurley, because I’ve always wanted to, since the 80’s. I love his energy. He’s always been one of my idols. I forgot to mention him earlier, as one of the DJs that inspire me.
GO BANG! Magazine: You are a member of a DJ squad. Tell us more about it and the members.
DJ Marc B: I am a member of “The Original 4 Deep DJz.” The group was formed on January 17, 2017, and the group members are DJ Dink, DJ Major, and DJ Marc B aka Dawg-Howse. The thing that I love about this group is that no two DJs sound the same.
GO BANG! Magazine: If you weren’t a DJ, would you still be in the music industry. If not, what would you be doing?
DJ Marc B: Yes I would, because music is my life. I don’t think the world could survive without music. I’m grateful to you, my teacher, Pierre “DJ Playerre” Evans.
GO BANG! Magazine: Some DJs play for the crowd and some DJs play for themselves. How do you determine what songs you’re going to play at a gig?
DJ Marc B: I play for the crowd, I don’t come in with a plan I go where the music takes me.
GO BANG! Magazine: Is it true, that you have a secret passion to do comedy. Can you tell our readers more about that passion?
DJ Marc B: It’s not a secret, I pursued it. I did “Stand Up” for two years in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. To me, comedy and music go hand and hand. I feel that to be able to make people laugh and dance is a two for one.
GO BANG! Magazine: In conclusion, the COVID-19 pandemic has caught the world off-guard. How are you dealing with it?
DJ Marc B: I still have to go to work. But, when I get home, I jam out and get lost in the music, thinking about when this is over, the fun we will have this summer.
You can follow DJ Marc B aka Dawg Howse on FACEBOOK @Marc Balenton AND The Original 4 Deep Djs on FACEBOOK @The Original 4 Deep DJz
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.
