Author: GO BANG MAG

DJ: GENE HUNT

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Gene Hunt is truly one of Chicago’s pioneers in the House music industry since the early 80s. He has been one of the top jocks moving and educating crowds and music lovers for the past 25 years of his career. Playing at the hottest venues around the world, such as The Music Box, Medusas, Green Dolphin, Smart Bar, Metro, the Mid, XOXO – UK, Hectors Lounge – Scotland, Dimensions Festival – Croatia, Field Maneuvers – Oxford UK, 212 – Leeds, and many more. This legend has worked with some of the heaviest hitters in the game, such as Ron Hardy, Frankie Knuckles, Farley Jack Master Funk, and Kenny Dope of M.A.W. Gene’s first EP in 1987, Living In The Land, was released on an old classic label where Chicago House music was exposed, called Traxx. He then moved on to several UK labels such as Djax, Hybrid, Mc Projects, Step 2 House, Svek and Rush Hour, where he made his mark abroad. Mr. Hunt has released his albums In Sound on Little Angel Recording – Harley & Muscle, and Seasoned on Unified Records. He’s recently joined the Aria team for Roland, sat on a panel and was interviewed for his opinion on their Pro-Audio Studio Gear for Music Production products.

Gene has appeared as headliner at many festivals such as Outside Lands, Glastonbury, Firefly, and Coachella in the Heineken Dome and performed at Chicago’s own Summer Dance, downtown. Nominated in 2016 and 2 times back to back winner of the NBC Chicago Music Award, Gene was listed as number one in 2011 for top dance album in the United Kingdom, with his Dance Track Volume One album. He’s performed at Boiler Room London and Boiler Room Chicago. He won the Global Mix Award, and performed at the Congress Theater, where he was interviewed for the release of the History of House Music Chicago LP, CD and DVD. Gene also has a custom line of headphones designed by his very self for some of the top house & hip hop legends in the industry. He was also the apprentice of the late legendary Ron Hardy of US Studio!

On any given night in Chicago, it’s more likely than not that Gene Hunt is somewhere, crouched over the decks and working his magic. One of the true representatives of Chicago House music, Gene is one of the top artists to emerge from the city, with a career spanning back to the initial wave in the early 1980s. As a teenager, he played at many of the key touchstones of the first generation of House music spots including the Warehouse, The Playground and The Music Box. He’s been best known in the last few years for a series of tracks made then with the legendary Ron Hardy.

As a producer, Gene Hunt’s first EP was Living in a Land, released on Chicago’s Trax Records and co-produced and shepherded by Armando Gallop. From an early age, Gene imprinted his stamp on his musical style with an alteration between soulful, vocal recordings and harder, rough “techy” tracks. (And sometimes both in the same release – see, for instance, “Twilight People” featuring Robert Owens on vocals). By 1999 he had more than enough releases on his belt for a Greatest Hits” double LP (Gene Hunt Classics, Dust Traxx).

In the years following, Gene Hunt released some of his best records on labels including Dope Wax, Track Mode, Got Soul and Unified, and delivered a tour de force in 2011 when noted Dutch label Rush Hour released Gene Hunt Presents Chicago Dance Tracks, a collection of some 16 unreleased records from the likes of Larry Heard & Marshall Jefferson, Steve “Silk” Hurley, Farley Jackmaster Funk, Lil Louis and Ron Hardy. As a follow up, in early 2012 Gene released an original two track EP, May The Funk Be With You, also on Rush Hour, with a remix from Theo Parrish.

Go Bang Magazine: As a resident of Chicago, the home of House Music, you are recognized as one of the pioneers. What influence, if any, do you feel you have brought to House music and how has House music influenced you?

Gene Hunt: I fell in love with house music the first time I heard it, but my mom and grandma told me I would not leave the house without taking records with me, so I guess it was in my blood from the start.

Go Bang Magazine: You’ve had the opportunity to travel around the world, in the name of House. How would you describe House’s acceptance in other countries, in comparison to here in the States?

Gene Hunt: Honestly, to me it has the same impact. That’s how strong the sound is. In general, they embrace it all over and they appreciate your talent in a major way.

Go Bang Magazine: Over the years, you morphed from being only a DJ. You’ve accomplished great success as an artist and producer. You’ve worked with many icons in the House music industry as well, including Ron Hardy, Frankie Knuckles, Farley Jack Master Funk, and Kenny Dope of M.A.W. What was it like to work with EACH one of those individuals?

Gene Hunt: There is nothing in the world greater than working with people that you’ve always admired and respected, and to find out that they feel the same way as you do, is an amazing feeling for sure!

Go Bang Magazine: After working with such high ranking DJs over the years, are there any DJs that you would love to work with now?

Gene Hunt: Of course! Louie Vega, Joe Clausell, Mark de Clive-Lowe, Terry Hunter, and Ron Trent.

Go Bang Magazine: Over the years, you’ve morphed from being only a DJ. You’ve accomplished great success as a recording artist, remixer, and producer. You’ve had great success and was even nominated in 2016, and won two years in a row, the NBC Chicago Music Award. Are you currently working on any new music?

Gene Hunt: Yes, I’m working on two albums, I won back to back awards, and I just won another in 2018.

Go Bang Magazine: You’ve traveled the world, but you’re still down to earth, humble and a considerate person. When others in the entertainment industry reach the level of success that you have, some of them go “Hollywood” and become arrogant and cold-hearted. You seem to have not gone down that path. How have you maintained your level-headedness and why is that important to you?

Gene Hunt: Being humble, it’s not that serious. Ego blocks your true nature of talent and there are some “Hollywoods” out there, but I don’t believe in that concept. Not to mention, it shows weakness, and they hide behind that. I’m not going to mention anyone, (lol) but you get my drift.

Go Bang Magazine: In addition to being a creative, you are a business man. Your single-ear custom DJ headphone, G Stick, has really taken off. What inspired you to design that unique headphone?

Gene Hunt: Being unique has it perks. The G Stick was something that took time to develop. Once I found my comfort zone, I just started to create. Hopefully, I can get with a major (manufacturer) and get them mass produced. (You) never know. But I do know this, that without goals and dreams… If it happens cool, if not cool. At least you tried and you didn’t quit!

Go Bang Magazine: Would you agree that House music has been commercially embraced in other countries, and not so much here in the USA? Why do you think that is?

Gene Hunt: Hmmmm, (it’s a) totally different vibe. They respect you more abroad. They embrace your more. Don’t get me wrong, they show love in the States as well, but over there you feel the vibe across the pond for sure!

Go Bang Magazine: Are you currently working on any new projects or would you like to mention anything that you’d like our readers to check out?

Gene Hunt: Go to my site mrgenehunt.com. I’m still working on uploading things to buy, but it should be fun to venture (on the site) once it is complete. Also be on  the look out for these two albums, Daddy ‘s Tool Box and Renaissance.

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

Gene Hunt: Coronavirus has put a damper in everything around us. This pandemic has totally saddened our entire planet, so we have to learn how to adjust to this world order that is being put in front of us. (We must) continue to find ways to adjust and get thought this trying time we are facing.

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

Actor: LEONARD STEWART

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Leonard Steward is a Chicago native that was born and raised on the south side of Chicago.  At an early age, he noticed that he had talent.  He started performing with the R&B group “New Wave” 30+ years ago, and found success doing that.

Then he was approached and asked to be a part of a brand new movie, “Magic,” that was being made by a Chicago screenwriter, Billy Ray Valentine.  This would be his first time acting, but he was up for the challenge.  He especially liked the character that he was playing, Big George, the gang leader of the BD’s (Black Disciples.)

After making the film, he was bitten by the “acting bug” and has not looked back.  He plans to do more acting in the very near future.

GO BANG! Magazine: How long have you been acting?

Leonard Steward: One year.

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

Leonard Steward: I received a personal invite directly from the Director.

GO BANG! Magazine: How did you get involved with the movie “Magic?”

Leonard Steward: Billy Ray was starting his first movie, called “Magic,” and I got the first phone call.

GO BANG! Magazine: What about “Magic” attracted you to want to be a part of it?

Leonard Steward: It was who I was playing. (LOL) I wanted to see if I could really pull it off.

GO BANG! Magazine: How would you describe your character in the film?

Leonard Steward: I was the leader of the BD’s (“Black Disciples”) in Chicago, on the south side of Englewood.

GO BANG! Magazine: You are also an Entertainer? Tell is more about that.

Leonard Steward: Yes, for 30 years and counting. I’m a member of the hottest R&B group in Chicago called “New Wave!” 30 + years in the business baby!!!

GO BANG! Magazine: As an actor, what type of roles are you currently interested in?

Leonard Steward: I’m currently signed to Singles Film and Entertainment, where we just signed a major deal with Maverick Films. I see myself completing whatever task comes my way. I have that type of talent.

GO BANG! Magazine: Who inspires or motivates you?

Leonard Steward: I’m inspired by the universe and my ancestors. That’s still paving the way for me. That’s were my energy comes from.

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

Leonard Steward: Research and understanding. I believe in signs and symbols to the conscious mind, so I pay attention to the smoke screen and the population control that’s taking place. Also the placement of the 5G, chemtrails, human meat, abductions of melanated people, cloning, media, etc. To me, this is just the first wave of the “New World Order!”

 

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.

Comedian: DARRICK J.

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Despite its humorous context, breaking into the comedy industry is no laughing matter. After experiencing the difficult politics of the funny business for himself, stand-up comedian, Darrick Jones, decided to take matters into his own hands. Inspired by his personal struggles within the field, he created an accessible platform for comedy s newcomers,

Darrick s Personal Battle with Comedy s Politics

Despite the fact that Darrick worked for Chicago s public transit system, he has always been a comedian at heart. Every morning, he would entertain his co-workers with jokes and anecdotes, creating a light and amusing atmosphere that everyone enjoyed. During this time, he was often told that he d missed his calling, but realized that this was not the case. He hadn t missed it. It was still waiting for him. After seventeen years with the Chicago Transit Authority, he took a risk, and quit his job to pursue comedy full time.

Upon entering the business, Darrick discovered that it required much more than the courage to stand on a stage and tell jokes (though this was a challenge in itself). New comedians also had to face the industry s strict hierarchies. According to Darrick, it s a common practice for venues to skip over the names of new comedians, giving coveted performance spots to those who had been in the industry much longer. This made it extremely difficult for Darrick to make a name for himself, and after a frustrating run on the circuit, he decided to call it quits.

A New Place for Comedians

For about two years, Darrick stayed away from the industry. But, in the end, he couldn t leave it behind. The joy he got from making people laugh and the way they relaxed as he turned real, culturally-infused anxieties into hilarious stories, was impossible to ignore. So, he decided to change the way the field operated, and created his own platform for stand-up. Not only that, but he made sure it was targeted towards new comedians, allowing them to enter the business without fighting through all of the politics he d witnessed himself.

Darrick believes that everyone can be extraordinary as long as they keep moving forward. Great things come to anyone willing to persistently pursue their passion, and if he can help provide a space for that passion to be displayed, he will. His Naughty Comedy Showcase and now Kill the Crowd Comedy Showcase is exactly that. It s an arena in which emerging comics can perform, without the fear of being replaced by bigger name comedians.

Darrick host Free Showcase/Open Mics thru out the month where you can see comedy in it’s rawest form, from this he brings you the Fantastically Funny Kill The Crowd Comedy Showcase! Showcasing the best of Comedy’s Up and coming Talent!

Search #DarrickJ #DarrickjComedy #NaughtyComedyShowcase #LaughsInLakeview #KillTheCrowdComedy #LeadersOfTheNewSchool

GO BANG! Magazine: Where did you grow up and spend your childhood?

Darrick J.: I grew up on Chicago’s southeast side. The neighborhood changed from Polish to Black and Latino. This was in the 70’s, and we were the second Black family to move in on the block.

GO BANG! Magazine: How did you get started in comedy?

Darrick J.: How I got started in comedy? That’s a perception question. I would say I’ve always been a comic since grammar school, but for the sake of this article, I got started like comics do, by going to “Open Mics” and trying to get noticed and practicing. I would go to the famous “Jokes and Notes” off 47th and King Dr. in Chicago. That’s where I got my first experiences in the Comedy scene.

GO BANG! Magazine: How would you describe your style of humor?

Darrick J.: I have a very energetic, in your face, clever, while delivering a message and being personable style. My style of stand-up is more of a conversational, storytelling style.

GO BANG! Magazine: What do you think sets you apart from other comedians?

Darrick J.: Never thought of it, but I would say that Im about taking the audience on a ride, a journey. Certain parts of my set are to be listened to until I hit you with the punch line. My sets are interesting, with a funny twist. Each night is different because each crowd is different. I like to start organically, and then go into my sets. Objective for me is for the audience not to know where my sets start, but we are having a long conversation, and they are in on it..

GO BANG! Magazine: The politics of the comedy circuit left a bad taste in your mouth. Please describe your past experiences in the comedy club scene.

Darrick J.: Starting out in comedy there were a lot of cliques. No one would give the new person a chance to fail unless you were recommended by someone who was in the “in crowd” it seemed. I saw people that would come, week after week, and not get a chance to go up. I was one of them. I didn’t know anyone. I didn’t know anything about comedy, just knew it was what I was suppose to do. After that experience, I stopped for two years until I made up my mind to try it again in 2014! It was brutal, with little to no assistance for the new comers. (There was) a lot of what I would call comedic hazing, if you didn’t do well, coming from the other comics. These experiences were a blessing. It gave me the platform to build one, that I saw was much needed, one that I still have and continue to build today.

GO BANG! Magazine: What advice would you give to an aspiring comic trying to break into the comedy world?

Darrick J.: Find out who you are on stage and don’t be afraid of it, trust in it and trust in yourself! Everyone will give you advice; take from that advice what you can use to benefit you, and anything else, put it to the side. No one knows your journey but you. Live in it and embrace it. Everything else will come!

GO BANG! Magazine: You’re a business man as well. You have branched out into business, giving up-and-coming comics a platform to perform. Tell us about your comedy showcases.

Darrick J.: All of my Showcases are based on my basic premise; you can’t be great, unless you help someone else be great. The first show that I created in 2014 was called “The Naughty Comedy Showcase.”  I basically used the same five comics every show, and it was a once a month. By doing that show, it opened up other opportunities.

I was able to get rooms to run a once-a-week “Open Mic.”  That’s where “Laughs In Lakeview” was born and has been running for about four years now. We are at Shakers on Clark, 3160 North Clark Street in Chicago, every Monday 8 pm, FREE! Here we do what is called “joke development.” If you want to get into comedy or you are a seasoned comic that needs to practice your sets, this is the place. This “Open Mic” is my spring board for my once a month showcase called “Kill The Crowd Comedy Showcase,” where I have the best comics from Chicago and the Midwest, come and showcase their comedy for Chicago!  What makes these shows different, is the variety that I showcase. I am the host for all of these events and they all can be found on Eventbrite.

GO BANG! Magazine: What comedians do you admire and/or inspire you?

Darrick J.: When I got into comedy, I didn’t study comedy or was a comedy buff. When I decided in 2014, that’s what I was doing, I started looking at comedy to see how it’s done. The people I most identify with are Patrice Oneal and Dave Chappelle. I say them because it wasn’t just about their comedy, but the journey they took to be who they were.

GO BANG! Magazine: What are you currently working on at this time, that you can tell our readers to be on the lookout for?

Darrick J.: Currently, because of the Coronavirus…NOTHING! JUTS KIDDING!! Be on the look out for” Kill The Crowd Comedy Showcase” coming to Shakers On Clark St., 3160 N. Clark Street in Chicago, as soon as we get off punishment!

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

Darrick J.: I’m doing my part by staying in the house and keeping with social distancing. We really must think of others at times like this…

Follow him on Facebook:
Darrick Jones Instagram DarrickJComedy Twitter @Darrick913

Video Link: https://youtu.be/mGAJpg4fKyk

Pierre A. Evans

Freelance Writer; Contributing Writer – Soultrain.com, Ndigo.com, EmpireRadioMagazine.com, UrbanMuseMag.com, and TheSOULetter.com; Singer/Songwriter; Actor; Model; Poet; DJ; TV Booking Agent – Chicago Talent Factory; TV Host – A Taste of Theater; Host – A Taste of Theater Festival; and Owner of Pinnacle Entertainment Productions. You can follow me on Facebook or on Twitter @Playerre, and on Instagram @ pierre_andre_evans

Business: MARKET MEDIA ENTERTAINMENT

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Market Media Entertainment is an Illinois base management company for MusIcians and Fashion Models. We help maximize there brand and advance their career. We help our musicIans by showing them how take advantage of different revenue streams from being an independent artist, in ways of booking shows, touring, streaming music and more. Our models are trained and shown how to “work it” on the runway. If you are a musician or model and looking to advance your career, let Market Media Entertainment help you.

We are looking to push House music events to our forefront.  We’re making that our main focus!

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

 

WEBSITE LINK: https://marketmediaentertainment.com/

630-708-8493 Business

 

Business: MODEL ESTEEM LLC.

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Model Esteem LLC is a model development, promotional modeling and brand ambassador organization geared towards educating youth and adults about the modeling/entertainment industry, while building self esteem through creative arts.

Model Esteem LLC also provides creative brand awareness solutions for companies looking to expand their market base by use of our trained talent and promotional marketing opportunities.

OWNER:  Shetimma Webb

WEBSITE LINK: http://www.modelesteem.com/

Business: THE CHOSEN FEW DJS

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Founded by Wayne Williams in 1977, the Chosen Few Disco Corp., a group of popular DJs from Chicago’s South Side – Williams, Jesse Saunders, Tony Hatchett, Alan King and Andre Hatchett – were part of the first wave of DJs and producers in Chicago who created the sound that became known as House Music. Later naming themselves the Chosen Few DJs, the collective first played their unique brand of soulful dance music to huge crowds throughout Chicago, then spread their sound across the world. To the original group of five, the Chosen Few DJs added two new members – Terry Hunter and Mike Dunn, in 2006 and 2012, respectively.

Since 1990, the group has organized the Chosen Few Picnic & Festival, which draws more than 40,000 House Music fans to Chicago’s Jackson Park each July. In addition to their signature event, the Chosen Few DJs regularly host events in Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and New York, perform at festivals around the globe, including the Amsterdam Dance Event, Winter Music Conference, Tribe Tambor Cruise, and Suncébeat, and continue to produce award-winning music.

WEBSITE LINK:  http://chosenfewdjs.com/

Business: S&S RECORDS

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S&S Records, Inc. (and S&S Chicago, Inc.) was established in 2005 by 4-time GRAMMY® nominated producer Steve “Silk” Hurley and global DJ/Producer Shannon “DJ Skip” Syas. Merging Hurley’s worldwide commercial success and Syas’ strong global following, the dance label has become home to numerous musical greats and one of the most respected blogs on the internet.

Our new initiative is S&S Brand Apparel. We want people to feel like they are a part of who we are and what we do, wear the same clothes that we wear—the ones you see us wearing in pictures. We’re not selling anything we don’t support ourselves.

It’s sporty and sexy, high quality merchandise that we are proud to have the S&S Chicago name on. The line is still growing but offers a lot in the way of variety.

https://sns-chicago.myshopify.com

S&S Records still consistently puts out fantastic music, on a day-to-day basis

https://snschicago.com

We encourage our supporters, fans and customers to join our Facebook group, S&S Records Inc. Global Family, an entertaining and interactive platform to highlight S&S Records, Inc. artists and producers associated with S&S Records, Inc. music, as well as foster open communication between artists, producers and supporters from around the world.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/snschi/

Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/snschi

On Twitter: @snschi

On Instagram: @snschi and @snschibrand

 

 

IT Specialist: ZACHARY COULTER

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GO BANG! Magazine: You were the website designer for GO BANG! Magazine. I think that you did a great job. How would you describe your experience?

Zachary Coulter: It was a great experience actually. Meeting Pierre was great! He has a lot of energy and is one of the biggest Househeads I know.

GO BANG! Magazine: When did you know that you had a talent with computers?

Zachary Coulter: I knew I had a talent with computers at a very young age. At first, it started off with a love for the Super Nintendo and Sega Genesis, but that led me to play computer games. There was a point when I was on the computer all day, and at that point I began to know the ins and out of a computer.

GO BANG! Magazine: Where did you receive your training, and what type of training did you receive?

Zachary Coulter: Most of my training simply came from self-teaching. Playing around with computers and internet research is where I gained the bulk of my knowledge. I also have attended classes for various IT certifications and surround myself with IT Specialists.

GO BANG! Magazine: Besides website design, what other type of computer work do you do?

Zachary Coulter: When it comes to technology, in general, I am a teacher. Anything you need to know about software or hardware I’m your guy. Also, I can build computers. For me, it’s like putting a puzzle together.

GO BANG! Magazine: I understand that you are also into podcasting. You recently launched a podcast. What is your podcast about and how can readers reached it?

Zachary Coulter: I have two podcasts. “Perspectives: Love, Life, Relationships” which is where every podcast is a subject related to dating and life, and “Perspectives: G-Double-3-K” where we talk about movies, tv shows, video games, anime, etc. You can find both of these podcasts on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts/Play, Spotify and iHeartRadio.

GO BANG! Magazine: Do you have any other talents besides the ones we have spoken of?

Zachary Coulter: I love to read people and situations. I’m always motivated to see what kind of people I’m interacting with.

GO BANG! Magazine: To someone starting out in technology, who may be interested in pursuing a career like yours, what advice would you give them?

Zachary Coulter: Always keep learning. Whether you know nothing of technology or are a technological genius, never stop learning about tech. Technology keeps changing, every single day.

GO BANG! Magazine: Ultimately, what do you plan to do with your skills in technology?

Zachary Coulter: I plan on creating an organization that focuses on teaching technology to poor communities. I want to create digital learning programs for kids, teens, and adults

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

Zachary Coulter: I’m joining everyone else in Quarantine (haha.) If I go out, I keep my distance from people and use hand sanitizer whenever I can. Also, I educate myself on how the virus works and the latest updates when it comes to a vaccine. In times like these, it’s always important to educate yourself.

YOU CAN FOLLOW ZACHARY COULTER ON ALL SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS.

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.

Dancer: JOEL HALL, Co-Founder/JOEL HALL DANCERS

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Joseph “Joel” Hall was born in Chicago, Illinois, on April 20, 1949. Hall began his dancing career in 1968 under the tutelage of Ed Parrish, and the following year, he moved to New York City, where he studied under Denise Jefferson. Returning to Chicago, he earned his B.A. degree in sociology from Northeastern Illinois University in 1972.

In 1974, Hall and Joseph Ehrenberg co-founded the Chicago City Theatre Company, which later became the Joel Hall Dance Center. Hall now serves as the artistic director and principal choreographer for the Joel Hall Dancers, and director and chief instructor of the training studio. Over the years, the Joel Hall Dancers have gained an international reputation and Hall has been widely acclaimed as a choreographer. His company has performed three seasons at the prestigious Joyce Theater in New York, and he has led the company on nine international tours, beginning with the Glasgow May Fest in 1985. Hall has created ballets for the Chicago City Ballet, the Zenon Dance Company in Minneapolis and Ballet Tennessee in Chattanooga, as well as choreographing the opera The Pearl Fishers at the Chicago Opera Theatre and Goldie Hawn’s film, Wildcats. In 1991, Hall choreographed the 50th Anniversary presentation of Duke Ellington’s musical Jump for Joy. In addition to these productions, he has created more than forty ballets for his own company.

Hall has also gained attention as an instructor of jazz dance. He has taught at Wayne State University, New York State University, Northern Illinois University, and Western Michigan University. He has also taught internationally, conducting classes in Liverpool, Glasgow, Inverness, Kirkcaldy, Belfast, and the United Kingdom. At the time of the interview, the Joel Hall Dance Center in Chicago offeredA2004.170 more than 150 classes a week to students ranging from age three to adults.
During the past 40 years, Hall has achieved an international reputation for his Dance Company and acclaim as a choreographer whose work; in his own unique dance style based in jazz, expresses a rich vocabulary embracing both the classical and modern dance idioms. Mr. Hall also served as one of Mayor Harold Washington’s international ambassadors for the arts. “Jazz dance at it’s best” says Dance Magazine.
Mr. Hall has studied both in Chicago at the Chicago Dance Center with Nana Shineflug , Al Gossan, Harry Laird, Ed Parish, Denise Jefferson, Sarah Singleton, Tom Baker and in New York with Thelma Hill, Pepsi Bethel, Lynn Simonson, Nat Horn, Robert Christopher, Michelle Murray, June Lewis and Finis Jung.
Over the years, Joel Hall has been the recipient of numerous awards and accolades.
Since the 70’s, Joel Hall has created more than seventy ballets for his own company and is notedin two major books on the contemporary dance arts; Black Dance by Edward Thorpe, dance critic for The London Standard, and The Black Tradition in American Dance by Richard Long.
“I started my own dance company because I have a personal dance statement to make. I can work in other mediums, such as ballet, but my message has to be conveyed according to my own personality. Audiences can relate to that.” Joel Hall, Chicago Sun-Times, December 11, 1974.

GO BANG! Magazine:  How did you get started in Dance?

Joel Hall:  Pierre, I started dance in formal training, later in the western dance training, at the age of 17. I was always a great street dancer, but once I saw dancers on TV that could do lifts and partnering, I wanted to learn more.

GO BANG! Magazine:  Where did you receive training?

 

Joel Hall:  I received my initial training here in Chicago with a ballet teacher by the name of Ed Parrish. I began to study what was then called modern dance with Miss Denise Jefferson and Nana Shineflug. I studied with many teachers here, mainly downtown and north side teachers, because all of the people I grew up with that took class were from Cabrini Green.

GO BANG! Magazine:  Who were your dance inspirations?

 

Joel Hall:  This list is long but here we go: Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Keith McDaniels, Mel Tomlinson, Judith Jamison, Pearl Primus, Eleo Pomare, Dianne McIntyre, Lynn Simonson, Al Gossan, and Harry Laird, to mention just a few.


GO BANG! Magazine:  When did you decide to open your own dance company, JOEL HALL DANCERS?

 Joel Hall:  The Joel Hall Dancers began out of a group of dancers that I was working with as a dancer and choreographer, started at Northeastern Illinois University around 1970. This was my initial company, which they named the Joel Hall Dancers as I was doing a lot of their choreography.

 

GO BANG! Magazine:  As a choreographer, you have trained dancers internationally.  Please describe a few of those international experiences.


Joel Hall:  Most of my international teaching has been done in Europe, mainly UK, Holland, Norway and Germany. It’s always interesting for me teaching internationally because they pay attention to your expertise and do not question your credentials or your teaching method because they wanted what I had to share with them as an instructor. RESPECT! Whereas in our country, I constantly have to share my values with, not all, but a lot of dancers, choreographers and audiences, to prove my value repeatedly.

GO BANG! Magazine:  You have been recognized for your choreography talents over the years.  Which moments of recognition stands out the most, and why?

 

Joel Hall:  Of course any recognition as an artist is always humbling for me. To be recognized and appreciated by my peers, audiences, students, and government is the most that any person can hope for. More important than the recognition is the importance I place upon my work myself, which can be more critical than most would realize. That is when I am creating what I’ll refer to as GREAT ART. Recognition is sometimes misleading the ego.  I’d like to stay WOKE, humble and receptive to ideas other than my own, to guide my recognition of myself.

GO BANG! Magazine:  Currently, you’ve reduced your involvement in the day-to-day business and serve as the Artistic Director of Joel Hall Dancers.  Where do you see the company going in the next 20 years?

 

Joel Hall: I am still involved in the day to day business, but in a different capacity.  More as a founder, advising when asked, and sometimes when not. The most important part for me, in being a leader, is learning when not to. I’ve learned also to lead by teaching others to become leaders in whatever area of concentration, within or outside of the arts, they choose to become involved in. I am considered to be a taskmaster.  As I am, my teacher’s and mentors were.

 

(It’s great to know) when it’s time to let go and trust that you have taught others through your mission as a leader to take on the work involved. I can stand by their side comfortably and say GO, GO, GO and keep going. I am fortunate to have worked with some of the same people for over 30 years, so it wasn’t a hard task. As an organization, we have a 200 year vision for the elevation of the organization, beyond Mars or Jupiter for that matter. The Joel Hall Dancers & Center will evolve with the times following in the footsteps of Master Miles Davis, who to me was the master of evolution with the times. Let’s keep it movin!

GO BANG! Magazine:  How would you describe Chicago’s “House Music” dance community?

 

Joel Hall:  House is my passion in music and is the evolution of BLACK MUSIC.  I love what many of the new DJ’s are doing, in learning from the old school and evolving into new school, but keeping what is need from OL G’s. Of course, I came out of the Frankie Knuckles period, but now listening to House, I see how it has evolved all over the world and morphed according to the culture of the country. I can go anywhere in the world and hear House in every culture I have visited. Everything we create is global, everything! We are the most creative entity on earth as we were created first and always will be FIRST in everything we do. THE CHOSEN CHILDREN IS TRUE AND REAL. We must continue letting our youth know how chosen they are.  NEGUS brothers would stop the madness and love each treasure trove that we are.

GO BANG! Magazine:  What is the next chapter for Joel Hall?

 

Joel Hall:  That remains unsure at this time, as the pandemic is in full swing. I can tell you that if I’m still around, we will see so much GREATNESS.  It will be stunningly blinding. I am over 70, so I am a perfect candidate for the virus, as we all are. Create GREAT ART is in this chapter.  There are more stories, especially now.  Let the OL G’s artists continue the mission of HOUSE MUSIC through teaching what it is we know, and how we hear that beat. I’m planning much more reading, writing, creating and gardening for Joel Hall.

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


Joel Hall:  The world has been expecting this since 1918, so it was a question of when it would recur. I am hopeful and optimistic that we will make it through this daunting, scary period.  I must keep hope that we vote this November, so we get someone that knows how to LEAD this country. I am holding a vision that the orange messmess is no longer trying to be king. Only we have that power to make that happen, by all means necessary. I am in the process of switching all of my studio classes to virtual classes. My first one was a couple of days ago with more success than anticipated because I had done television interviews and performances so it was not as difficult to do as I had imagined. We will continue to operate our classes virtually even after the lockdown. We had students attending my class from as far as Rwanda to Hawaii. There is more to come and all I can say without knowing where we are is be kind to each other, call and check on the ELDERS and GO, GO, GO and keep going and remember the ceiling only exists in other people’s thinking not yours. Thank you for letting me learn more and vent. Concentrate on what we can do for others, especially youth and we’re all good. Keep calling on our ancestors for guidance. Amen

 

YOU CAN FOLLOW JOEL HALL:  Visit http://www.joelhall.org

 

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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