Author: GO BANG MAG

Arts & Culture: THE OBAMAS RETURN HOME TO SUPPORT CHICAGO’S YOUTH

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Story and photos courtesy of: Obama.org and The Obama Foundation

CLICK VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ikbWbQylWNc&t=250s

PHOTOS LINK:  https://www.flickr.com/photos/160187588@N03/sets/72177720302973317/?utm_source=crm&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Chicago%20wkly_102122&sfmc_s=0033600001gweZFAAY

Hi Pierre,

This week, Michelle and I traveled home to Chicago to meet with students on the South and West Sides and see the impact the Obama Foundation is already having on the ground there.

The two-day trip was an inspiring one! At 167 Green Street, President Obama surprised over 60 Chicago high school students for a day of activities and conversation. In collaboration with local businesses and support from Nike, students had the opportunity to engage in a wide range of activities – from yoga and meditation to art therapy and even a hair product creation tutorial.

As part of our My Brother’s Keeper Alliance initiative, Freedom Summer 2022, the President participated in a panel conversation with Chicago Bulls player, Ayo Dosunmo, Chicago Bulls Creative Strategy and Design Advisor, Don C., and Chicago high school students about their experiences, as well as the importance of utilizing community resources and organizations, like the Obama Foundation, to find their purpose.

President Obama also moderated a panel discussion with leaders from McDonald’s and Prudential, for an audience of small business owners and Chicago business leaders to discuss how small businesses and large corporations can work together to invest in economic growth for the South and West sides.

On the South Side, Mrs. Obama surprised students at Hyde Park Academy High School to formally kick off the Obama Foundation Futures Series for the 2022-23 school year. The Futures Series brings in speakers to expose students to the stories, experiences, and insights of leaders across a wide range of industries and paths in an effort to deepen their understanding of the various career pathways they could take upon graduation.

Mrs. Obama spent most of the hour-long conversation answering questions submitted by students around hardships, success, and finding one’s purpose. She also sat down with 10 girls from the Working on Womanhood (WOW) program, a year-long group counseling and clinical mentoring program for middle and high school girls, for an intimate discussion centered around their well being and developing a healthy sense of self.


“It’s been incredible to see the impact our programming has started to make on the lives of our young people – from the work with the My Brother’s Keeper Alliance and the Girls Opportunity Alliance to the Futures Series,” said Obama Foundation CEO Valerie Jarrett. “A part of our work at the Obama Foundation is to empower young people in underserved communities and increase their access to opportunities. It’s the kind of programming we will bring to the Obama Presidential Center when it opens in 2025.”

CLICK VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ikbWbQylWNc&t=250s

PHOTOS LINK:  https://www.flickr.com/photos/160187588@N03/sets/72177720302973317/?utm_source=crm&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Chicago%20wkly_102122&sfmc_s=0033600001gweZFAAY

Film/Television/Music: COMPOSER ROBERT “DIGGY” MORRISON

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Photo courtesy of:  Quincy  J. Trent


Rob Morrison has emerged as a powerful force in the film and entertainment industry. As an award-winning composer, Morrison has worked with a wide variety of artists across multiple genres. In 2004, Morrison became a highly sought-after composer when the world-renowned artist, Beyoncé released her multi-platinum album, “Dangerously In Love.” The album featured the smash hit, “Crazy In Love,” which earned the Chicago based composer a Grammy® and a certified gold record for his exceptional keyboard arrangement and musicianship for the remix.

Known as, “The Sixth Man of Music, ” Morrison has worked with the likes of the esteemed music producer, Vassal Benford, where he served as a session keyboardist that helped to showcase the music of many artists who have gone on to have great success. As a highly sought-after composer, Morrison has worked with various TV and film projects and spent a good amount of time with the Sophia Session Orchestra of Bulgaria conducting scoring sessions for various film projects. His work was well received, and he was subsequently considered for a nomination for the 62nd Grammy’s® regarding the song titled, “Imagine.”

Morrison has always stayed relevant by using his talent to create unique content for others. His many interviews also reflect his passion and purpose when it comes to his craft. He recently scored Carl Weber’s The Family Business on BET+. He is currently working on additional film and TV projects for various streaming networks. With an arsenal of experience in his entertainment portfolio, Morrison continues to show and prove why he is a top-notch composer with the talent and success record to thrive in today’s ever-evolving world.

It all matters!
Photo courtesy of: Rob Diggy

GO BANG! MAGAZINE: What is a film composer and what’s your role?

Rob Diggy: A film composer’s job is to create a flow of music that accentuates the actor’s movement and dialogue, and to create a theme around the characters to kinda help with the storyline. It’s the thing that a director can’t imagine.

GO BANG! MAGAZINE: Why is scoring so important to a film?

Rob Diggy: A really good score will connect your audience and bring something extra to the screen. Treat the film like it’s your right arm, that’s how important it is.

GO BANG! MAGAZINE: How long have you been scoring films?

Rob Diggy: I have been scoring films since the early 90’s. That’s kinda a late start, but I quickly figured out that I could have more fun with a full score, than a R&B track. Scoring a film is like chess. You gotta know when to move.

GO BANG! MAGAZINE: About how many films you have scored?

Rob Diggy: I have scored over 100 films and counting. All of them didn’t make it to IMDb.

GO BANG! MAGAZINE: What would you tell a young aspiring composer?

Rob Diggy: A young cat needs to stay hungry and stay ready. Study the latest sounds, subscribe to different sites about composing, create your style, and be you. Place your music online, like on Soundcloud or Distrokid. Invest in your craft. Spend damn near every penny on your talent. Google free sounds and create such an arsenal of sounds, that directors will wanna use you.
GO BANG! MAGAZINE: How did you get the job on BET+, scoring for The Family Business?

Rob Diggy: I had always said you never know when the phone will ring or get that email or text. Well, it was the phone that rang, and on the other end was the director for The Family Business, Trey Haley, who is President of Tri Destined Pictures. He introduced himself and asked if I was interested in scoring season four and was I busy. I told him I was good to go. He said he found me on my Instagram page and my Soundcloud link was there. He said he liked the sound and wanted me on board. A few days later, he called and laid out the details of how I was gonna receive the deliverables. He sent two episodes a week and I got started.

GO BANG! MAGAZINE: How many episodes did you score?

Rob Diggy: There were a total of 10 episodes, each having its own identity. Trey was very impressed. Once I got started, he really didn’t bother me much. He kinda allowed me to do my thing.

Photo courtesy of:  BET+


GO BANG! MAGAZINE: Did the series help you get other work as a result?

Rob Diggy: The series has opened some doors, yes. I have worked on a project for one of the producers of the show and some great referrals.

GO BANG! MAGAZINE: Did you feel a bit intimidated having to score scenes with such iconic stars?

Rob Diggy: Na… you seen one star; you’ve seen them all. But, excited to have scored Ernie Hudson’s scenes, as well as Stan Shaw’s scenes.

GO BANG! MAGAZINE: What advice would you give to aspiring film composers wanting to get into episodic tv?

Rob Diggy: Study other shows and network with some of the actors on social media. They may not respond but keep at it. Getting to know the showrunners is very important.

GO BANG! MAGAZINE: What were some of the challenges while scoring The Family Business?

Rob Diggy: I completely lost one of the episodes. My computer was having an episode lol! I never said anything, I just started over.

GO BANG! MAGAZINE: What is a theme and how did you know what character(s) need what music in an episode?

Rob Diggy: Themes are used to identify the characters. My best example is from the movie Jaws. Every time you saw him coming, you heard his theme music. It’s the recurring motif that plays when you see that character. Of course, you can manipulate it adding a sound or two, but still having its core.

GO BANG! MAGAZINE: What projects are you currently working on?

Rob Diggy: Currently I am working on a suspense thriller titled Lipstick starring Camille Winbush of the Bernie Mac Show, directed by Kimberly Connor. Also scoring a horror film titled The Unseen, directed by Vincent Shade, and a few more with Christopher Nolen.

GO BANG! MAGAZINE: What software do you use for making music?

Rob Diggy: I use Logic Pro X. It’s the industry standard for scoring films and making hip hop beats… a one stop shop.

GO BANG! MAGAZINE: You’ve really been getting great gigs, whose your publicist?

Rob Diggy:  Desirae Benson!  She has been helping me along the way and has continuously been pushing my name out there!!

GO BANG! MAGAZINE: How can people find you?

Rob Diggy: You can find me mostly in Dubai, but for now Instagram and Facebook. The handle is “Rob Diggy” or simply Google me.

Photo courtesy of:  Quincy J. Trent


GO BANG! MAGAZINE: Well Rob, thank you for this interview and good luck with all that you are doing. You have now officially been BANGED! GO BANG!

You can follow Rob Diggy and Composer4Filmz at the following links:

SoundCloud
Facebook
Instagram
ConradSeries



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.





Event: HAPPY INDIGENOUS PEOPLES DAY!!!

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Photo Credit: Jake Bacon/AP

 

U.S. Indigenous Peoples’ Day is celebrated on the second Monday of October, on October 10 this year, to honor the cultures and histories of the Native American people. The day is centered around reflecting on their tribal roots and the tragic stories that hurt but strengthened their communities.

The second Monday of October has been a national holiday for close to a century, but this will be only the second year that Indigenous Peoples Day has held that designation.

The celebrating of an Indigenous Peoples Day took root in 1977 at an international conference on discrimination sponsored by the United Nations. It’s grown as a day to honor Native American peoples and commemorates their histories and cultures.

Last year when Biden issued the proclamation for Indigenous Peoples Day, he also issued a proclamation of Columbus Day, established by Congress and first recognized as a national holiday in 1934 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

In his 2021 speech, Biden praised the role of Italian Americans in U.S. society, but also referenced the violence and harm Columbus and other explorers of the age brought about on the Americas.

“We also acknowledge the painful history of wrongs and atrocities that many European explorers inflicted on tribal nations and Indigenous communities,” Biden said. “It is a measure of our greatness as a nation that we do not seek to bury these shameful episodes of our past – that we face them honestly, we bring them to the light, and we do all we can to address them.”

Music: CHANTAY SAVAGE…CHICAGO’S OWN!

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Photo credit:  Ernest Collins

 

The daughter of a jazz musician who hails from Chicago, was raised on the sounds of jazz and soul legends Sarah Vaughn, Chaka Khan, Marvin Gaye, Al Green, and Anita Baker. Also, a Prince devotee, Chantay possesses a range and power that accentuates her vocal versatility. Like so many professional singers, she got her start in the church choir. After numerous standout solo performances, she was appointed “Minister of Music” at the tender age of 13, in charge of adults three and four times her age. It was there where she honed her skills as a vocalist and keyboardist, as well as her mastery of four and five-part harmonies.

Chantay soon got bit by the performance bug in the secular arena and entered an open mic contest at a local club. Not only did she win eight times in a row, but she also parlayed this success into gigs as a session singer and songwriter for artists like CeCe Peniston and Tonya Blount. It was Chantay’s contributions to Peniston’s single “We Got a Love Thang,” which she wrote, arranged, and sang backgrounds on, that earned her a deal with RCA Records in 1992. During her time with RCA, she released three albums, securing her first top-twenty single on the R&B charts with “Betcha’ll Never Find,” followed by a platinum single via her second album, with her R&B rendition of Gloria Gaynor’s disco anthem “I Will Survive,” including a remix featuring rapper Common that further surged the record. She returned the favor and appeared on Common’s lead single, “Reminding Me of Sef” to his third album – One Day It’ll All Make Sense. On her third and final album with the label, she wrote and co-produced a bulk of the songs, which also included a lead single produced and written by Keith Sweat.

Now independent, Chantay continues to collaborate with various artists and producers from around the world, as well as touring abroad. Her most memorable performance took place over one weekend in Johannesburg and Bloemfontein, South Africa, where she co-headlined at the Macufe Festival. She explained, “The love, hospitality and fan reception is unmatched and something I’ll never forget.”

Currently, Chantay is most excited about her new project, an EP that she and world-renowned DJ and producer Terry Hunter are hard at work on. “Terry is a multifaceted producer, our musical tastes across-the-board are very similar. I’m loving what we’ve been creating.” Chantay describes her new project to be released on her own label in conjunction with Terry’s T’s Box Records, as a “soul album.” “I appreciate my independence and freedom to record whenever and whatever I feel and not be boxed-in and told what to do and when and where to do it. I’m even revisiting my early House/Dance music days, being from Chicago. House music is on the upswing now, but I’ve always been rooted in it and Terry’s a master of that sound. The bulk of the new material, if I had to choose, is R&B, like some of my previous stuff, sprinkled in with some Pop, House/Dance, and even Hip Hop… always soulful.”

“My main goal is to make you feel something when you hear it – – from my soul to yours.”

GO BANG! MAGAZINE: When did you first know that you had real vocal talent and wanted to pursue music professionally?

Chantay Savage: Well, I was singing as far as I can remember. At three-years-old, I sang my first solo in the Sunshine Choir at church and got a standing ovation. Ever since then, the stage kept callin’ me!

GO BANG! MAGAZINE: In addition to being a vocalist, you are also a keyboardist and a drummer. When songwriting, what inspires you to write, and do you compose the lyrics first or the music?

Chantay Savage: My inspiration as far as songwriting comes from experiences, and not just mine. Also, it could be my mood or the state of the world or a message I want to get out. There is no set order in terms of lyrics first or track first. Sometimes a track can inspire the theme or tone of the record and my writing direction sometimes something I jotted “sans” (without) music can fit perfectly with a track. There are times where I sit at the keyboard and freestyle ideas lyrically.

GO BANG! MAGAZINE: As a Chicagoan, I know that you are a House music lover. How has House music influenced you and your music?

Chantay Savage: House music is what my generation grew up on, so I’d danced the night away to House music. We used to have a little clique called Front Row, where we’d go party hopping and take over the dance floor, partying to Frankie Knuckles and the like. Since Chicago is the birthplace of House, it’s been innately in me before I even sang on a House track.

GO BANG! MAGAZINE: You have written hit songs for many artists including CeCe Peniston’s mega-hit single “We Got a Love Thang.” In 1995, you teamed up with Aaliyah, En Vogue, TLC, BlackGirl, Mary J. Blige, Vanessa Williams, SWV, and others for the single “Freedom” from the movie Panther. Is there any artist, dead or alive, that you would love to work with, that you haven’t yet? What about any producers?

Chantay Savage: Not to be morbid, but let’s go with Tupac, Michael Jackson, Marvin Gaye … Anita Baker too. Producer-wise, Gamble & Huff and Stevie Wonder.

GO BANG! MAGAZINE: In the past, you were under recording contracts with labels, who dictated and directed your career. You released three stellar albums with RCA, which included the hit singles “Betcha’ll Never Find” and a remake of “I Will Survive.” Now that you are an independent artist, how are things different and what are some of the advantages and disadvantages of being an independent artist?

Chantay Savage: Independently, the difference is the freedom to record when and where I want, and to experiment musically. The one con that all independent artists can attest to is having to budget meticulously and sometimes having to forgo certain things because it’s prohibitive, budget-wise. You definitely have to put your creative hat on, with respect to promotion, because you don’t have the machine behind you who go big on promotional costs.

As far as the majors, the music business is a copycat business, so they want you to follow the trends always, and want to put you in that proverbial box. There aren’t many majors left, but I’m speaking from my time with RCA. Also, it was a lot of “hurry up and wait.” You must wait to get put on a schedule, sign off on this, sign off on that, get approved for this and that, and ultimately, they have the last say so on the songs that make the album, unless you have extreme power. It was often a power struggle with picking singles, though “I Will Survive” picked itself because we leaked it and it exploded at radio. So, like anything, independent vs a major has its pros and cons.

GO BANG! MAGAZINE: You had the opportunity to perform in South Africa at the Macufe Festival. I know that had to be one exciting experience. Please tell our international readers about South Africa, the people, the performance and how it affected you.

Chantay Savage: When I did MACUFE, it was wonderful! I performed in Joburg and Bloemfontein, South Africa, in front of a beautiful, amazing, and very receptive audience. They appreciate me and I appreciate them. The hospitality was first-class! The love was indelible. My spins at radio from two of my RCA albums are consistent there still. Can’t wait to go back!

GO BANG! MAGAZINE: Terry Hunter recently released a new hit single “T.S.O.C.”, which features you, Common, Mike Dunn, Deon Cole, Coldhard of Crucial Conflict, AM7, and Jamie Principle. Please describe what that experience was like and what you like about working with Terry.

Chantay Savage: That was such a fun record. It was Deon Cole, who himself got convinced to rap by Terry, who turned around and suggested that I rap too. He and Terry called me on a three-way with the idea and I was wit it! And regarding working with Terry, our chemistry is incredible in the studio and our musical tastes are so similar. We know each other’s likes and dislikes and the biggest thing is our trust for one another. The love is real, that’s family!

GO BANG! MAGAZINE: Recently, Drake and Beyonce each dropped albums that are heavily influenced by House music. What do you think about their albums and what effect do you think their albums will have on the youth and House music becoming a mainstream genre?

Chantay Savage: I truly like both albums. I’m not a Chicago House music snob and besides, my brother Terry blessed ‘em with that Chicago sound on one of the official remixes of “Break My Soul.” Actually, I was at Terry’s house when he got the phone call from Beyoncé’s manager. I think it will propel House music to new heights. As I said, the majors are a copycat business, so Terry’s phone is ringing off the hook! Even rappers want a House track from him, so I’m here for it!

GO BANG! MAGAZINE: If you were not an entertainer, what would you be doing with your life?

Chantay Savage: I’d would definitely be doing something creative. If it were not for music, I would want to create a lifestyle brand centered around black women.

GO BANG! MAGAZINE: Lastly, you’re about to drop an EP on your own label, in conjunction with Terry’s T’s Box Records. Can you please tell us more about your label, describe this project, as well as what our readers can expect?

Chantay Savage: Yep! I’m at the helm, so along with Terry, we’re cooking. My EP is a mixture of R&B, House, and Disco … always soulful! Can’t wait for the world to hear it! We’re putting the finishing touches on it. It’s coming!

GO BANG! MAGAZINE: Thank you Chantay for this interview. You have now officially been BANGED!

You can follow Chantay Savage:
Socials:
IG: ChantaySavage
FB: Chantay Savage
Twitter: MsChantaySavage



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.

Music/Business: PRODUCER/DJ LOUIE GOMEZ & BASSMENT TAPES RECORDS

Posted on by GO BANG MAG

Photo credit:  Paris Brightledge

 

Louie Gómez has been involved in the Chicago House music scene since day one. As a House music pioneer, Gomez stepped onto the stage of dance music history by discovering, a then unknown, Jamie Principle. Louie went on to produce the original eight minute “Dub Vocal Mix” of “Your Love”, an unreleased track of Jamie Principle’s at the time. This House music anthem, along with another original unreleased production from Gomez entitled “Change”, became staples in Frankie Knuckle’s DJ sets at the legendary Warehouse and Powerplant nightclubs in Chicago.

After taking some time to hone his skills as an audio engineer at local recording studios in Chicago, Louie Gomez was ready to show his growth as a producer/remixer and DJ. His productions aren’t limited to one style. He is comfortable producing tracks that are elegant and soulful, to deep House or funky dancefloor excursions, always striving to go beyond the ordinary.

In 2015, he marked the launch of a new record label, Bassment Tapes Records with Jesse Rivera. The label is a multi-media imprint, encompassing live DJ sets, music videos and a roster of talent signed from the underground House music scene from across the globe. The label is coming up on their 100th release and to commemorate this milestone, Louie Gomez and Jesse Rivera will collaborate on a 4-track vinyl only release.

Aside from running a label, music, and video production, you can also catch him and Jesse Rivera on their monthly show “Gruvbox” and his solo DJ show “Happy Hour” on the Sugar Shack Radio twitch stream.


GO BANG! MAGAZINE: When and how did you get an interest in DJ’ing?

Louie Gómez : Well as a young boy, I was exposed to all types of music, having grown up with older siblings and a father who all bought music on vinyl. There was always music on the hi-fi stereo in our home, and my dad taught me how to use his reel-to-reel tape deck to record my own “playlists.” By the time I was in high school, I had a nice collection of Disco and Funk records. So naturally, when the opportunity to play at a school dance came up, I was asked to play. The response from friends, while I played records, really got me hooked on wanting to play again

GO BANG! MAGAZINE: How did you first get started in the House music scene?

Louie Gómez : Before the term “House music,” we’d go to parties where the Chosen Few were spinning, for example, The Tiki Room, The Loft, The Mansion, Sauers, South Commons. I was around 16 at the time. I think this was my intro. But it wasn’t until I was about 17, when my friends and I actually ventured to a club that we had only heard of until then. It was this place called U.S. Studio Warehouse, on Adams and Jefferson, that I became fully baptized in the “House music” scene.

GO BANG! MAGAZINE: You are also a music producer/remixer. Can you please explain if DJ’ing and music producing started at the same time or did one lead to another?

Louie Gómez : During my high school years, I was DJ’ing on the south side at small basement parties and events for friends. At this time, I hadn’t thought about producing. It wasn’t on my radar. I didn’t even consider it a possibility.

GO BANG! MAGAZINE: Who are some of the music producers, artists or DJs that inspire you or inspired you in the past?

Louie Gómez : Those who I continually draw inspiration from are, Patrick Adams, Vincent Montana, Randy Muller, August Darnell, Giorgio Moroder, Gino Soccio, Kraftwerk, Dan Hartman, Roy Ayers, D.C. LaRue, Eric Kupper, Antonio Carlos Jobim, and Joao Gilberto, to name just a few.


Photo credit:  Louie Gómez

GO BANG! MAGAZINE: You’ve stated that you discovered Jamie Principle, an icon in the House music community. Please tell our readers how and when you first met Jamie and how you introduced him to the world, by producing one of his House music classics “Your Love.”

Louie Gómez : I met Jamie Principle when I was 17 years old, while working a retail job at Evergreen Plaza. I saw him walking across the lower level and because of the way he was dressed, he caught my eye. This guy was the epitome of “new wave” head to toe. I just had to strike up a conversation, so I stopped him and asked him about his Fiorucci sunglasses and his lavender knit gloves. He was just too cool for that plaza – LOL. It turned out that we had a lot in common, music, love of fashion, and trends.

Over the course of the next year, we became good friends. I would share my stories of the parties I’d attend, and I spoke enthusiastically about going to The Warehouse a lot. He in turn would share his original music with me. I would actually play some of his original tracks (off cassette) at the parties I DJ’d at. We talked about music production a lot and he showed me his project studio at his home. It was during one of these visits that he played a rough draft of a new song for me (later to become “Your Love”) and I immediately responded positively to it. In an off-handed remark, I said “you should let me remix this.” I thought it had potential to be played at The Warehouse.

A few weeks later, Jamie called and invited me to Soto Sound Studio to do a mix on his newly completed track “Your Love.” I enthusiastically accepted the invite and off I drove to Evanston, having no idea what I would do once I got to the studio. However, once there, we got comfortable and just started the playback of the track learning the song and taking some notes. I began to mute, solo, add delays and various effects, while the engineer helped with editing the actual tape, to create a longer intro/outro, which I knew was imperative to make it DJ friendly. The result was a 10:00 minute hybrid vocal/dub. I knew I had to get this into the hands of Frankie Knuckles.

I belonged to I.R.S. Record Pool at the time, and I knew Frankie did too. I had run into him there on a couple of occasions. So, that following week, I showed up to I.R.S. and waited for Frankie to come in and pick up his promos for the week. When he arrived, I handed him my remix of Jamie Principle’s “Your Love” on a 7” reel-to-reel tape. I explained that it was a new song by a brand-new artist and kindly asked if he would have a listen when he got the chance.

That following Saturday, my friends and I, as usual, headed for a night out at The Warehouse. I recall around 3am, the lights going dark on the dancefloor and over the sound system that infamous arpeggio intro that seemed to last forever started. Then that throbbing synth bassline from the Korg/Mono Poly plays. I couldn’t believe my ears. Frankie was playing “Your Love” off the reel-to-reel tape, and to my surprise everyone on that dance floor was feeling it. Over the next year Frankie played my dub mix every weekend and basically established this as an anthem.

The following week, back at the record pool, Frankie asked to meet Jamie (which was easier said than done, having strict parents). But eventually I was able to introduce them to one another and that’s a whole other chapter of the origins of House music.

So, I really owe it to Jamie Principle for allowing me to remix his track and showing me that music production is something that I could pursue. I immediately went out and bought my own drum machines and synthesizer and started to learn the craft of songwriting and production.

GO BANG! MAGAZINE: As one of the pioneers in the House music scene, you must’ve worked with and DJ’d with many other pioneers of House. Who are some of the people that you have worked with or spun with over the years?

Louie Gómez : As a DJ, I’ve been on the same roster as Victor Simonelli, Laura Branch, Craig Loftis, and Mike Winston. I’ve produced tracks for Shawn Christopher, Kym Sims, Marisa Lopez, and Roxy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photo courtesy of: https://www.facebook.com/louie.gomez

 

GO BANG! MAGAZINE: In addition to all that you do, you are also and entrepreneur and the co-owner of Bassment Tapes Records, along with Jesse Rivera, which launched in 2015. Please tell us about your label and your co-owner Jesse Rivera.

Louie Gómez : Jesse Rivera is a talented musician, producer, engineer, DJ, graphics artist, and tech-head. Originally from Detroit, he brings an ear for the organic, experimental, and cutting edge to the label. Our friendship has grown over the past 11 years. He and I launched Bassment Tapes Records to curate a sound we ourselves were interested in spinning, with roots in; Deep House, Funky, Soulful, Disco, all with an underground vibe. Throughout the 7 years running this label, we’ve showcased producers and vocalists from around the globe which fit into our vision for keeping this genre that we love, vibrant and forward looking.

GO BANG! MAGAZINE: How would you describe the Louie Gómez sound, both as a DJ and as a music producer/remixer?

Louie Gómez : Well, I would say that my productions aren’t limited to one style. I’m comfortable producing tracks that are elegant and soulful, to Deep House or funky dance floor excursions, but always striving to go beyond the ordinary.

As a DJ, this all depends on the mood. Maybe you’ll get all the new stuff, or a classic Disco set, or perhaps I’ll mix it and go where the vibe takes me.

GO BANG! MAGAZINE: Over the years, House music has evolved and has branched out over the world in many new variations. What do you see as the future of House, as a music genre and as a community?

Louie Gómez : Well, there will ALWAYS be music being made for the dance floor. The name may change, but the roots will always be Disco and House music. I really like a lot of the new music being produced. There’s a lot of great original sounding music coming out, but I will always have a soft spot in my heart for the classics and will continue to include those tracks in my sets.

As far as community, I hate to sound cynical, but I’m just not feeling “community” like there was in the past. Perhaps this is due to COVID separating a lot of us, or people just looking out for themselves. I don’t really fret over “community” because I’ve surrounded myself with great friends who are supportive, believe in what I do and always have my back no matter what. Holding on to that is important for me.

GO BANG! MAGAZINE: In conclusion, please tell our international readers what we can look forward to from Louie Gomez and Bassment Tapes Records.

Louie Gómez : Well, Bassment Tapes Records is soon coming upon its 100th release. In commemoration, Jesse Rivera and myself are collaborating on an album to be released in limited edition on vinyl and special editions available digitally. I ask your readers to please check out our YouTube channel. We frequently post promotional videos to accompany our releases and select DJ sets. Look for us to drop a DJ set in your area soon.

GO BANG! MAGAZINE: Thank you Louie for this interview and you have now officially been BANGED!

Photo credit:  Louie Gómez

 

CLICK THE FOLLOWING LINKS FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON LOUIE GÓMEZ:

Juno Download Releases

Traxsource Releases

Bassment Tapes Video Promos

https://soundcloud.com/louie_gomez

http://www.mixcloud.com/louiegomez/

https://twitter.com/Louie_Gomez





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.

Music: CHRIS JASPER NEW ALBUM “RAISE THE BAR”

Posted on by GO BANG MAG

All photos courtesy of:  ChrisJasper.com

 

Bringing back the funk…”Raise The Bar…the Title Track from Chris Jasper’s 17th solo album “Raise The Bar” available on CD and Vinyl at ChrisJasper.com (Free Domestic Shipping). Also available at iTunes, Amazon and More!

If you are familiar with THE ISLEY BROTHERS, then you know Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee, CHRIS JASPER, an integral member of THE ISLEY BROTHERS during the 1970s and 1980s—their gold and platinum years—from the 3+3 (1973) to Between the Sheets (1983) albums. These were the years when THE ISLEY BROTHERS were a self-produced, self-contained group.



If you are familiar with THE ISLEY BROTHERS, then you have heard the music of CHRIS JASPER, who was primarily responsible for writing, arranging and producing all of THE ISLEY BROTHERS music during this time, including such beautiful love songs as “For The Love of You” and “Between the Sheets” and uptempo funk such as “Fight the Power.” His arrangements and instrumentation as a classically-trained musician, and his expertise on the keyboards and synthesizers, are the foundation of the legendary “Isley Brothers Sound.” When the six members of THE ISLEY BROTHERS disbanded (1984), Marvin and Ernie Isley joined CHRIS JASPER and formed ISLEY-JASPER-ISLEY. Without this crucial musical component, THE ISLEY BROTHERS were no longer a self-produced, self-contained group.

When ISLEY-JASPER-ISLEY disbanded (1987), CHRIS JASPER brought his “unique sound” to his own solo projects, topping the charts with “SuperBad,” a song promoting the value of education. CHRIS JASPER has continued to write songs and produce his own R&B and Gospel music, as well as other artists, for his independent record label, Gold City Records.

CHRIS JASPER’s music has been covered and sampled by hundreds of new and established recording artists, including Whitney Houston, Jay-Z, Snoop Dogg, Gwen Stefani, Fantasia, Will Smith, Aaliyah, Queen Latifah, Notorious B.I.G., Tupac, Natalie Cole, Jaheim, Kendrick Lamar, and the list goes on and on. His music has also been used in many movie and television soundtracks.

In 1992, CHRIS JASPER, along with the other members of THE ISLEY BROTHERS, was inducted into the ROCK & ROLL HALL OF FAME and in 2014, received a GRAMMY LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD. In 2015, CHRIS JASPER received the German Record Critics Lifetime Achievement Award (“Preis der deutschen Schallplattenkritik”). In 2016, Chris was awarded the National R&B
Society Lifetime Achievement Award.

SOLO CAREER:

In 1987, Isley-Jasper-Isley disbanded and Chris embarked on a solo career. Chris formed his record label, Gold City Records, and released two albums as a CBS-associated label. His debut single, “Superbad” reached #1 on the R&B charts.

Eventually, Marvin and Ernie returned to record under the Isley Brothers group name, and Chris continued his solo career, releasing a total of 14 solo albums to date, including 4 urban contemporary gospel CDs.

Chris has also produced a number of artists for his Gold City label, and has worked with such notable artists as Chaka Khan, writing and producing a song for her CK album (“Make It Last”). Chris’s music has been covered and sampled by numerous new and established recording artists, including Whitney Houston, Jay-Z, Snoop Dogg, Gwen Stefani, Fantasia, Will Smith, Alliyah, Queen Latifah, Notorious B.I.G., Tupac, Natalie Cole, Jaheim, Kendrick Lamar, and the list goes on and on.

Chris works closely with his youngest son, Michael Jasper, who released his debut album “Addictive” on the Gold City label at the age of 16 in 2010. “Addictive” was written and recorded by Michael, and co-produced by Chris. Michael, now an attorney, writer and entrepreneur, continues to produce music and heads the EDM/Hip Hop Division of Gold City Records. Chris and Michael collaborate as music producers to create tracks for Film, TV, and other platforms, under Gold City Music.

Chris has received numerous gold and platinum albums and music industry awards, including the BET lifetime achievement award. In 1992, Chris, along with the other members of The Isley Brothers, was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and in 2014 received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2015, Chris received the German Record Critics Lifetime Achievement Award (“Preis der deutschen Schallplattenkritik”). In 2016, Chris received the National R&B Society Lifetime Achievement Award.

Chris and his wife of 36 years, Margie, live in New York.



Bringing back the funk…”Raise The Bar…the Title Track from Chris Jasper’s 17th solo album “Raise The Bar” available on CD and Vinyl at ChrisJasper.com (Free Domestic Shipping). Also available at iTunes, Amazon and More!

You can listen to the title track “RAISE THE BAR” HERE

You can listen to the HOT NEW SINGLE  “HEY LOVE” HERE

 

 

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.

Music/Dance: LONDON’S LEGENDARY PAUL “TROUBLE” ANDERSON BDAY BOOGIE

Posted on by GO BANG MAG

PHOTO COURTESY OF:  Nicky Harwood

 

The Legendary London DJ, Dancer and Club Culture Icon …

PAUL “Trouble” ANDERSON’S ALLSTAR Macmillan BIRTHDAY BOOGIE
Sunday, 25th September, 2022
3pm – 11pm
At Egg LDN

Featuring Sean McCabe, Kid Batchelor, Jeffrey Hinton, Bobby & Steve Zoo, Neil Pierce, Roy The Roach, Rap Saunders, Rhythm Doctor, DJ Soulprovyder

**LIve Artists: Marcus Begg – Vannessa Freeman and Shola Phillips ‘Feel The Vibe’ – Astro Trax Team **

Good Groove Loft: Dez Parkes, Marcia Carr, Ronnie Herel, Roy The Roach, Femi Fem, Gordon Mac (Mi-Soul) Fat Freddie M ++


This special event brings together the cream of London’s Soul, Funk and House music DJs to celebrate Paul ’Trouble’ Anderson’s life and to raise funds for a large permanent mural of Paul, a permanent memorial bench in Paul’s name, and to donate money to Macmillan cancer support.

Celebrating the heavenly birthday of London club scenes legend DJ Paul “Trouble” Anderson an Allstar line up of friends and clubland’s finest come together for one of September’s optimum feel good essential daytime events.

Boogie any way ya wanna across 2 floors and a roof terrace as over 25 DJs work the House room mixing up current sounds with some killer classics. Or head into the Good Groove Loft laying on all styles of classic funk, soul and disco sounds.

This memorial art and music project is in honour of Paul ‘Trouble’ Anderson who lost his 7 year battle with cancer at the end of 2018, as well as raising funds for Macmillan cancer support. All the DJs and artists are performing for free in support of this memorial to one of London’s most famous club superstars whose career spanned four decades, and one who could genuinely claim to have been at the forefront of most of the significant shifts in UK club culture.

From the youth clubs and soul scene of the seventies right through to the global dance music festivals of today, Anderson was there at every turn. Clubs, roller discos, sound systems, warehouse parties, orbital raves, super clubs, Anderson did them all and usually first.

Indeed, this knack for being where the action remained with him until the end. Fittingly, one of Paul’s last DJ residencies was at Peckham’s Bussey Building, where over the five years he played there, the south-east London district rose from backwater to cultural and nightlife hotspot: with yet another generation young London club-goers falling under his spell in the process.

His legendary club residences included Crackers, the Electric Ballroom, Paul ‘Trouble’ Anderson’s Loft Club and Bump N’ Hustle at the Bussey Building as well as guest performances everywhere from Ministry of Sound to the Sunrise and Clockwork Orange raves, Deep Into Soul at PoW Brixton, the Southport Weekender Festival and 51st State Festival.

Paul ‘Trouble’ Anderson also hosted the Saturday night prime time dance show on Kiss FM for 9 years in its heyday and tapes of his legendary mix shows are still being collected and swap hands for good money. Paul is also heralded for helping break the careers of legendary singers such as Barbara Tucker, Jocelyn Brown, Ultra Nate, Byron Stingily (‘Get Up Everybody’ was a Loft classic), Rosie Gaines (‘Closer Than Close’) and Michael Watford.

This event is supported by Soho Radio, Mi-Soul Radio, Rinse FM, House FM, Faith Magazine and Time Out.

Listings

Event: PAUL “Trouble” ANDERSON’S ALLSTAR Macmillan BIRTHDAY BOOGIE

Date: Sunday September 25th 2022

At: Egg LDN, 5 Vale Royal, Kings Cross, N7 9AP

Times: 3pm-11pm

Line Up:

Advance Dance Arena: Sean McCabe, Bobby & Steve Zoo, Neil Pierce, Kid Batchelor, Jeffrey Hinton, Linden C, Rap Saunders, Stuart Patterson, Richie Fingers, Rhythm Doctor, Chrissy T, Funkie P, Mighty Funk Houser and DJ Soulprovyder. (House & Disco)

Live P.A.s

Marcus Begg

Vannessa Freeman

Shola Phillips ‘Feel The Vibe’ – Astro Trax Team

Good Groove Loft: Soul/Funk/Disco)

DJs Micky D, Dez Parkes, Stafford Black Market, Gordon Mac (Mi-Soul), Roy The Roach, Marcia Carr, Fat Freddie M, Paul Murphy, Ronnie Herel, Femi Fem and Terry Jones

Plus Master of Ceremonies: MC Micro

Tickets: £15 in Advance from Skiddle: https://www.skiddle.com/whats-on/London/Egg-London/Paul-aposTroubleapos-Andersonaposs-Allstar-Birthday-Boogie/36161754/

£20 on the door.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/395876140423958

https://www.facebook.com/groups/319662812205509

 

 

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.

Theater: “CLYDE’S” – TWO-TIME PULITZER PRIZE WINNING STAGEPLAY

Posted on by GO BANG MAG

All photos credit: Liz Lauren

 

TWO-TIME PULITZER PRIZE WINNER LYNN NOTTAGE RETURNS TO GOODMAN THEATRE THIS FALL WITH CLYDE’S,
STARRING DE’ADRE AZIZA, KEVIN KENERLY, REZA SALAZAR, NEDRA SNIPES AND GARRETT YOUNG

***KATE WHORISKEY DIRECTS THE CHICAGO PREMIERE OF THE BROADWAY TRIUMPH, SEPTEMBER 10 – OCTOBER 9***

Yesterday, Monday, September 19, 2022, The National Association of Black Journalist (NABJ) granted me access to attend the incredible stage play “Clyde’s.”  At this performance, the principal role of Clyde, usually played by De’Andre Aziza, who is currently out (non-Covid-related), was EXCELLENTLY played by Danielle Davis. She has been standing in as Ms. Aziza’s understudy for the last five performances, and will continue playing Clyde until the principal fully recovers. From Director Kate Whoriskey: “While we were met with the challenge of having to make the show without our principal actor, we want to celebrate the work of our understudy.”

I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS STAGE PLAY AND I GIVE IT 4 STARS!!!

(Chicago, IL) Celebrated creative collaborators over two decades, Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Lynn Nottage and director Kate Whoriskey return to Goodman Theatre with their latest Broadway production, Clyde’s, launching the Goodman’s 2022/2023 Season. The cast of the Chicago premiere features Tony Award-nominated actress De’Adre Aziza as the hot-tempered Clyde, whose eponymous truck stop café’s kitchen staff of formerly incarcerated people—Kevin Kenerly (Montrellous), Reza Salazar (Rafael), Nedra Snipes (Letitia) and Garrett Young (Jason)—dreams of creating the perfect sandwich. Clyde’s appears September 10 – October 9 in the 856-seat Albert Theatre; opening night is Monday, September 19. Tickets ($25 –$80, subject to change) are now available at GoodmanTheatre.org/Clydes or by phone at 312-443-3800. The Goodman is grateful for the support of JP Morgan Chase & Co. (Lead Corporate Sponsor) and Winston & Strawn LLP (Corporate Sponsor Partner). Clyde’s is a co-production with Center Theatre Group in Los Angeles, where it will appear November 15 – December 18, 2022.

“I am beyond thrilled to be returning to the Goodman Theatre, which has been so instrumental in nurturing me a theater artist,” said playwright Lynn Nottage, whose works at the Goodman include Sweat (2019), By the Way, Meet Vera Stark (2013), Ruined (her Pulitzer Prize-winning world-premiere Goodman commission and co-production with Manhattan Theatre Club, 2008) and Crumbs from the Table of Joy (2006). “I can’t wait to share Clyde’s with the Chicago community, and with audiences in Los Angeles at Center Theatre Group later this fall.”

Director Kate Whoriskey, whose world-premiere collaborations with Ms. Nottage include Sweat (2015), Ruined (at the Goodman, 2008), Fabulation or The Re-Education of Undine (2004) and Intimate Apparel (2003) said, “I’m thrilled to work with Tony Award nominee De’Adre Aziza, Nedra Snipes and Garrett Young—as well as to continue developing this play with our original collaborators Reza Salazar and Kevin Kenerly.”

Chicago audiences are first to experience Clyde’s following its Broadway run, where it earned five Tony Award nominations and was critically hailed as a “delightful new play” (New York Times) with “feisty comedy on the menu” (Washington Post), a “winning recipe” (Deadline) with “brilliant writing” (Daily Beast), and a “flavor-bomb of a new comedy about survival, second chances and digesting whatever life serves up” (Variety).

“It’s enormously exciting to welcome audiences to our new season with a sensational new work from one of the Goodman’s most-produced playwrights,” said Robert Falls. “We’re also thrilled to welcome back Lynn’s longtime artistic partner, director Kate Whoriskey, and to collaborate with our friends at Los Angeles’ Center Theatre Group to extend the life of this wonderful production.”

Added Center Theatre Group Managing Director / CEO Meghan Pressman, “Clyde’s was a highlight of last year’s Broadway season, and our partnership with Goodman Theatre allows us to bring this outstanding production to Los Angeles. Clyde’s will be the second time we have produced Lynn’s work in Los Angeles, and we are thrilled to bring this bold, engaging, and entertaining play to our audiences for its West Coast premiere.”


Understudies for this production include Danielle Davis (Clyde), Lewon Johns (Montrellous), Maya Vinice Prentiss (Letitia), Arik Vega (Rafael) and Gage Wallace (Jason). The creative team includes Takeshi Kata (Set Design); Jennifer Moeller (Costume Design); Christopher Akerlind (Lighting Design); Justin Ellington (Sound Design); and Justin Hicks (Composition). Casting is by Lauren Port, CSA and Rachael Jimenez, CSA, and Nikki Blue is the Production Stage Manager.

A playwright and a screenwriter, Lynn Nottage is the first woman in history to win two Pulitzer Prizes for Drama. Her plays have been produced widely in the United States and throughout the world. Chicago credits include Ruined (Goodman Theatre); Sweat (Goodman Theatre); By the Way, Meet Vera Stark (Goodman Theatre); Crumbs from the Table of Joy (Goodman Theatre; Steppenwolf) and Intimate Apparel (Steppenwolf). Broadway credits include her plays Clyde’s (2ST) and Sweat, and the libretto for the musical MJ. Other work includes the libretto for the opera Intimate Apparel (Lincoln Center Theater); co-curating the performance installation The Watering Hole (Signature Theater); the libretto for the musical adaptation of The Secret Life of Bees; as well as her plays Mlima’s Tale; Fabulation, or the Re-Education of Undine; Crumbs from the Table of Joy; Las Meninas; Mud, River, Stone; Por’knockers and POOF!. She has also developed This is Reading, a performance installation in Reading, Pennsylvania. Ms. Nottage is the recipient of a MacArthur “Genius Grant” Fellowship, among other awards, is an associate professor at Columbia University School of the Arts and is a member of the Dramatists Guild.

Kate Whoriskey is a New York-based theater and opera director. On Broadway, she has directed Clyde’s, Sweat and The Miracle Worker. Off-Broadway credits include All the Natalie Portmans at MCC; Sweat, Manhatta and Ping Pong at The Public; Aubergine, Inked Baby and Fabulation at Playwrights Horizons; Her Requiem at Lincoln Center; How I Learned to Drive and Cardinal at Second Stage; Oroonoko at Theatre for a New Audience; and Ruined and Tales from Red Vienna at Manhattan Theatre Club. Regionally, she has worked at the Goodman, A.R.T, the Guthrie, the Huntington, the Geffen, South Coast Rep, Sundance Theatre Lab, New York Stage and Film among others. Internationally, her work has been seen at the Chatelet in Paris and Theatro Municipal Opera in Rio de Janeiro and Carriage Works in Sydney. She also directed Turn of the Screw at Mannis. Teaching experience includes Princeton, NYU and UC Davis. She was recently awarded Best Director from the Drama League for her production of Clyde’s.

THE COMPANY OF CLYDE’S

Clyde……………………De’Adre Aziza
Montrellous…………Kevin Kenerly
Rafael…………………Reza Salazar
Letitia……………….. Nedra Snipes
Jason………………..Garrett Young

Understudies for this production include Danielle Davis (Clyde), Lewon Johns (Montrellous), Maya Vinice Prentiss (Letitia), Arik Vega (Rafael) and Gage Wallace (Jason).

Set Design by Takeshi Kata
Costume Design by Jennifer Moeller
Lighting Design by Christopher Akerlind
Sound Design by Justin Ellington
Composition by Justin Hicks
Casting is by Lauren Port, CSA and Rachael Jimenez, CSA. Nikki Blue is the Production Stage Manager.
ENHANCED AND ACCESSIBLE PERFORMANCES
Visit http://www.Goodmantheatre.org/Access for more information about Goodman Theatre’s accessibility efforts.

Touch Tour and Audio-Described Performance: Saturday, October 8, 12:30pm Touch Tour; 2pm performance – The action/text is audibly enhanced for patrons via headset. NOTE: Touch Tours for the 2022/2023 Season will not have access to the stage due to current health and safety protocols, but will feature alternate pre-show sensory introductions.

ASL-Interpreted: Friday, October 7 at 8pm – An American Sign Language interpreter signs the action/text as played.

Spanish Subtitles: Saturday October 8 at 8pm.

Open-Captioned: Sunday, October 9 at 2pm – An LED sign presents dialogue in sync with the performance.

Please note: Our current Health and Safety Protocols require masks while in the theater. These protocols are subject to change and patrons will be notified in advance of their performance of any shift in our policies. Review our current policy at GoodmanTheatre.org/Protocols.

ABOUT THE CO-PRODUCING THEATERS

Center Theatre Group, one of the nation’s preeminent arts and cultural organizations, is Los Angeles’ leading nonprofit theatre company, which, under the leadership of Managing Director / CEO Meghan Pressman and Producing Director Douglas C. Baker, and in collaboration with the five Associate Artistic Directors, Luis Alfaro, Lindsay Allbaugh, Tyrone Davis, Neel Keller, Kelley Kirkpatrick, programs seasons at the 736-seat Mark Taper Forum and 1,600 to 2,100-seat Ahmanson Theatre at The Music Center in Downtown Los Angeles, and the 317-seat Kirk Douglas Theatre in Culver City. In addition to presenting and producing the broadest range of theatrical entertainment in the country, Center Theatre Group is one of the nation’s leading producers of ambitious new works through commissions and world premiere productions and a leader in interactive community engagement and education programs that reach across generations, demographics, and circumstance to serve Los Angeles. centertheatregroup.org

Chicago’s theater since 1925, Goodman Theatre is a not-for-profit arts and community organization in the heart of the Loop, distinguished by the excellence and scope of its artistic programming and community engagement. The theater’s artistic priorities include new play development (more than 150 world or American premieres), large scale musical theater works and reimagined classics. Artists and productions have earner two Pulitzer Prizes, 22 Tony Awards and more than 160 Jeff Awards, among other accolades. The Goodman is the first theater in the world to produce all 10 plays in August Wilson’s “American Century Cycle.” Its longtime annual holiday tradition A Christmas Carol, now in its fifth decade, has created a new generation of theatergoers in Chicago. The Goodman also frequently serves as a production and program partner with national and international companies and Chicago’s Off-Loop theaters.

Using the tools of the theatrical profession, the Goodman’s Education and Engagement programs aim to develop generations of citizens who understand the cultures and stories of diverse voices. The Goodman’s Alice Rapoport Center for Education and Engagement is the home of these programs, which are offered free of charge for Chicago youth—85% of whom come from underserved communities—schools and life-long learners.

As a cultural and community organization invested in quality, diversity and community, Goodman Theatre is committed to using the art of theater for a better Chicago. Goodman Theatre’s Action Plan for Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Anti-Racism and Access (IDEAA) was born out of the belief that progress means action, which includes building on the decades-long commitment to using art, assets and resources to contribute to a more just, equitable and anti-racist society.

Goodman Theatre was founded by William O. Goodman and his family in honor of their son Kenneth, an important figure in Chicago’s cultural renaissance in the early 1900s. The Goodman family’s legacy lives on through the continued work and dedication of Kenneth’s family, including Albert Ivar Goodman, who with his late mother, Edith-Marie Appleton, contributed the necessary funds for the creation on the new Goodman center in 2000.

Today, Goodman Theatre is led by Artistic Director Robert Falls (Susan Booth will assume that role this fall) and Executive Director Roche Schulfer. Theater leadership also includes the distinguished members of the Artistic Collective: Rebecca Gilman, Dael Orlandersmith, Henry Godinez, Steve Scott, Kimberly Senior, Chuck Smith, Regina Taylor and Mary Zimmerman. Jeff Hesse is Chairman of Goodman Theatre’s Board of Trustees, Fran Del Boca is Women’s Board President and Craig McCaw is President of the Scenemakers Board for young professionals.

—30—




Pierre Andre’ Evans​
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. In addition, he’s 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, on Instagram @Pierre_Andre_Evans.

SEPTEMBER 11, 2001 ANNIVERSARY / “9/11: The Falling Man” (WARNING: Contains graphic images)

Posted on by GO BANG MAG

Photo credit:   Lyle Owerko & Associated Press photographer Richard Drew

Story by: TOP DOCUMENTARY FILMS https://topdocumentaryfilms.com/

 

Today is the anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attack on America.  The September 11, 2001 attacks, commonly known as 9/11, were four coordinated suicide terrorist attacks carried out by the militant Islamic extremist network al-Qaeda against the United States.

Video link:  https://topdocumentaryfilms.com/911-falling-man/

WARNING: THIS VIDEO CONTAINS GRAPHIC IMAGES THAT SOME MAY FIND DISTURBING.

The Falling Man refers to a photograph taken by Associated Press photographer Richard Drew, depicting a man falling from the North Tower of the World Trade Center at 9:41:15 a.m. during the September 11 attacks in New York City.

The subject of the image – whose identity remains uncertain, although attempts have been made to identify him – was one of the people trapped on the upper floors of the skyscraper who apparently chose to jump rather than die from the fire and smoke.

As many as 200 people jumped to their deaths that day; there was no time to recover or identify those who were forced to jump prior to the collapse of the towers.

Officially, all deaths in the attacks except those of the hijackers were ruled to be homicides (as opposed to suicides), and the New York City medical examiner’s office stated that it does not classify the people who fell to their deaths on September 11 as “jumpers”: “A ‘jumper’ is somebody who goes to the office in the morning knowing that they will commit suicide… These people were forced out by the smoke and flames or blown out.”

9/11: The Falling Man is a 2006 documentary film about the picture and the story behind it. It was made by American filmmaker Henry Singer and filmed by Richard Numeroff, a New York-based director of photography. The film is loosely based on Junod’s Esquire story. It also drew its material from photographer Lyle Owerko’s pictures of falling people.

Photo courtesy of: Facebook frames

Video link:  https://topdocumentaryfilms.com/911-falling-man/

WARNING: THIS VIDEO CONTAINS GRAPHIC IMAGES THAT SOME MAY FIND DISTURBING.

 

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.

Remembering Queen Elizabeth II

Posted on by GO BANG MAG

Photo courtesy of: PBS.ORG

Queen Elizabeth II, the longest-reigning monarch in British history, died Thursday, September 8. She was 96 years old.

Queen Elizabeth II’s life was full of notable achievements, even before she became the Queen. During World War II (which ended when she was 19) Queen Elizabeth — princess Elizabeth at the time — didn’t sail to Canada as advised. Instead, she stayed in England and joined the army.

Click here to go to PBS.ORG for more coverage

NEVER MISS A HIT!!!

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