http://pol.moveon.org/

On June 19, 1865, enslaved African-Americans in Galveston, Texas, were told they were free. Now, 155 years later, people in cities and towns across the U.S. continue to mark the occasion with celebrations.

This Friday, June 19th, is Juneteenth, an annual celebration commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. To honor this solemn anniversary and to demand continued work toward true liberation for black people in this country, hundreds of thousands of people will take to the streets in a national day of action organized by Black-led groups on the front lines of this fight.

We will remember …

George Floyd
Breonna Taylor
Ahmaud Arbery
Rem’mie Fells
Riah Milton
Tony McDade
Rayshard Brooks
Oluwatoyin Salau

And the countless other Black lives lost to police brutality and racist violence.

Continue supporting those who have been taking to the streets since the brutal killing of George Floyd. It has brought together millions of voices amplifying calls for justice for George Floyd and Breonna Taylor.

Looking beyond this Friday, there are two ways you can have the most impact: (1) demanding accountability and divestment from politicians, including many Democrats, who have accepted money from police unions, and (2) supporting the critical work to defund bloated and violent police departments while investing in real solutions for community safety.

We cannot afford to lose the momentum that organizers have worked to gain over the past few weeks toward making real progress to reduce police violence.

🎥@northwesttapconnection
#SayHisName #SayHerName #SayTheirName

You can view the video here with this link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fr-FyI-3wZ0

In 2016, Seattle-based Northwest Tap Connection hip hop instructor Shakiah Danielson created a protest piece that debuted at the 2016 Groovement at Rainier Beach to speak out against police brutality.

This POWERFUL tap dance is a performance honoring the names and lives of victims of color that were killed, many of them at the hands of police officers, due to police brutality. Although the dance was created in 2016 by Northwest Tap Connection’s Shakiah Danielson, it is quite timely and relevant to the times we are going through now.

It takes place outside, with three main performers on small raised stages, surrounded in a semi-circle by the other tap dancers. Others are on top of cars and pickup trucks. It reminds you are a traditional African dance being performed by a tribal unit on their land.

Throughout the dance they chant the names of slain individuals, followed by “say his name” or “say her name. The chorus of the hymn is “Hell You Talm Bout”, a play on the phrase “What the hell are you talking about?” This is a song recorded by recording artist Janelle Monae.

Young men and women, as well as small children are featured throughout the tap dance video, which ends with two older women dancing in a traditional African style.

This is yet another peaceful demonstration to protest the current state of America and the world, which has had enough of black and brown people getting killed by WHITE police officers, due to police brutality. 

Civil unrest has returned across the world ever since the weekend of May 30th, 2020, following the horrific videoed killing of George Floyd, by knee, by a Minnesota police officer.

Northwest Tap Connection is a social justice studio located in the heart of south Seattle and has been committed for years to bridging the gap for children of color under the direction of Miss Melba Ayco.

Song: Janelle Monae & Wondaland Music – “Hellyoutalmbout”

Dancers: Northwest Tap Connection – @nwtapconnection

Choreography: Shakiah Danielson – @mzshakiahmc

Featured Instructors: Alex Jackson, LaTwon Allen, Shaina Proctor, Ahmen Taplin, Lakema Bell

Film & Edit: Genki Kawashima

 

Pierre A. Evans is a freelance writer of Entertainment, Music, Art, Culture, Fashion and Current Events, and previously for SoulTrain.comNDigo.comChicagoDefender.comEmpireRadioMagazine.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 FacebookTwitter, and on Instagram

Richmond Punch is a violin virtuoso who delivers a riveting, dynamic, explosive, and powerful performance! A native of Dallas, Texas, Richmond graduated from the top-rated Arts Magnet Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts. He honed his craft and earned a Bachelor of Music degree from the famous Juilliard School of Music in New York and received a Master of Music degree from the prestigious Yale University. He specializes in live jazz violin music for all types of special events including corporate, concerts, festivals, weddings and worship. As an accomplished musician, Richmond has produced 4 CDs in various genres that include Classical, Hip Hop Jazz and Gospel. The titles of his four CDs, which are available online everywhere are “Gospel Covers”, Finally”, ‘Back That Violin Up” and “Hymns for Botham”.

Throughout his career, Punch has traveled the world dazzling audiences as large as 15,000 from Mexico to Cuba and stateside from Atlanta to Anchorage and everywhere in between. Richmond is a featured entertainer for the Disney Cruise Line Entertainer, Dallas Cowboys Club and Dallas Love Field Airport. He is also a feature on Amazon Prime’s “The Focus.”

Richmond has opened for Idina Menzel from Disney’s Frozen and has entertained Hollywood Royalty and other celebrities that include Viola Davis, Danny Glover, Steven Forbes, Daymond “Sharktank” John, Omari Hardwick, Letoya Luckett, Morris Chestnut, Jewel, Bishop T. D. Jakes, Ross Perot, Kirk Franklin, Kirk Whalum, Nolan Ryan, Emmitt Smith, and Gary Payton just to name a few. He has also played backup for Kenny G and Diana Ross.

For more than 20 years now, Richmond has given much of his time to support non-profit organizations. In addition to sharing his musical talent, he has worked with mentoring programs that include Big Brothers Big Sisters as a mentor and speaker. As well, he has worked with various school districts, HBCUs and other colleges and universities across the country. Richmond currently resides in the Atlanta area.

GO BANG! Magazine: How and when did you get interested in the violin?

Richmond Punch: I was five years old when a violin was given to me at a public Montessori school.

GO BANG! Magazine: Why did you choose to play the electronic violin instead of the more traditional one?

Richmond Punch: I have played the traditional violin for years. My wife bought me the electric violin a few years ago as a birthday gift. I fell in love with it and I have been playing it ever since.

GO BANG! Magazine: You play Jazz, Hip Hop Jazz and Gospel. Please describe to our readers how the public, particularly the youth, react when they hear you performing violin Hip Hop.

Richmond Punch: I started out playing classical music at The Juilliard School, where I obtained my Bachelor’s of Music degree. I began playing Hip Hop music after listening to Tupac’s music. People are shocked when they hear me play Hip Hop on the violin.

GO BANG! Magazine: You’ve participated in the Botham Jean Foundations’ inaugural red tie fundraising gala event. Our readers may remember Botham Jean as the young man who was killed by Dallas Police Officer Amber Guyger, for accidentally entering the wrong apartment. You even met his family and became inspired to dedicate a body of work to him. How did participating in that special event and meeting the family inspire you?

Richmond Punch: I was so inspired that I wrote a song entitled “Hymn for Botham” which is available for purchase via richmondpunch.net/merch In addition, it inspired me to march for justice because in Georgia, where I now live, Ahmaud Arbery was shot by the police.

GO BANG! Magazine: You’ve had your brush with Hollywood as well. Please share one of your best experiences performing for an A-Lister, and how that opportunity affected you.

Richmond Punch: I remember performing for Bishop T.D. Jakes for nearly 10,000 people for live service and thousands more online. Later, he called me “The baddest violinist around.” It inspired me to record a Gospel CD and led to my first touring, performing in churches across the U.S.

GO BANG! Magazine: A native of Dallas, TX, but now living in Atlanta, GA, the south have embraced you. After this COVID-19 pandemic, do you plan to take your music on the road to other regions of the country?

Richmond Punch: Yes. I have already spoken to the management teams for Take 6 and Peabo Bryson. They expressed an interest in me touring with them.

GO BANG! Magazine: You offer training, as well as support non-profit organizations. Why is it important to you to pass on your musical knowledge, as well as giving back to the community?

Richmond Punch: I was raised by a single parent who received help from organizations like Big Brothers Big Sisters. I know first-hand how much these organizations help. I feel it is my duty to help, so I train and give back to the community.

GO BANG! Magazine: Please describe what your ultimate dream performance would look like?

Richmond Punch: My dream performance would be to perform with my group, “The Punch TKO’S Band: at Madison Square Garden in NYC.

GO BANG! Magazine: What new or upcoming projects would you like our readers to know about?

Richmond Punch: As a result of the pandemic, I have started online training for violin, viola, cello and piano.

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

Richmond Punch: I am dealing with the pandemic by keeping myself busy. I have started providing online concerts and I’ve increased collaborations. Also, I have started providing performances for outside birthdays, graduations, weddings and proposals.

You can follow Richmond punch on ALL social media platforms:
Facebook: @Richmond Punch
Instagram & Twitter: @ViolinRichmond



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

On Friday, May 8, 2020, over 106,000 house music lovers came together and “HISTORY WAS MADE!”

The Frankie Knuckles Foundation, The Chosen Few DJs, and Le Nocturne Chicago united to present a 10-hour musical marathon/benefit honoring the birthday of the late legendary DJ, Ron “Heart Attack” Hardy, and to raise money to buy a headstone for his resting place.

A Go Fund Me account was established with a goal of $2,500, but to date they have raised over $8,100. The excess monies will be donated to a charity of the Hardy family’s choice. The purpose of the Go Fund Me drive is as follows:

“On March 2nd 1992 the #HouseMusic community lost one of its great pioneers, the legendary DJ Ron Hardy. Since that time, his final resting place has gone unmarked. Three years ago, Chicago attorney and co-founder of the Frankie Knuckles Foundation, the late Randy Crumpton came up with the idea to raise funds to purchase a memorial marker for Ron. Crumpton mentioned his idea to FKF President/Executive Director Frederick Dunson who then spoke with Chosen Few DJ members @DJWayneWilliams, @DJAlanKing and @DJTerryHunter about a collaboration to purchase the stone and remedy the situation.

Fast forward to this year… a few weeks ago during a conversation, Dunson mentioned the idea again to Hunter, who enthusiastically responded “Let’s do it!”

So on May 8th, to observe and celebrate what would have been Ron’s 63rd birthday, the @ChosenFewDJs + the @FrankieKnucklesFoundation join forces to host a fundraising effort to raise funds to purchase a marker. The day will consist of a marathon of DJ sets featuring ANDRE HATCHET, BILL HARDY (Ron’s nephew), CELESTE ALEXANDER , CRAIG LOFTIS, GENE HUNT, JAMIE 3:26, MIKE DUNN, RON CARROLL, TERRY HUNTER and WAYNE WILLIAMS broadcasted live from @LeNocturneChicago 12pm-10pm (CST) on their Twitch, Facebook and YouTube. Donations to the cause can be made via GoFundMe.com/For-The-Love-Of-Ron.”

Well, GO BANG! Magazine tuned in to Le Nocturne’s YouTube channel @12 noon and the party wasn’t over until 10:30 pm…10 ½ hours later. It felt like back in the day, when we’d go the the Box on a Saturday night after 12 midnight, and emerge 10 hours later to a bright Sunday morning. The comments during the event were heartfelt and hilarious. Even more entertaining were the comments after it ended. Viewers were posting comments like “let’s all meet up for breakfast”, or “my clothes are drenched”, “I threw my back out” and “Let’s go to Valois.”

The DJ line up was fierce, even including one of Ron’s nephews, Bill Hardy. Each DJ gave a Ronnie inspired performance. DJ Celeste Alexander, the only female and the final DJ, brought the house down, and was the perfect DJ finale. After her set, they teased her saying that they’re glad she didn’t throw up this time. Once before, back in the day, Celeste DJ’d at the Box and threw up in Ron’s DJ booth.

Overall, Ronnie’s marathon was an overwhelming success and it showed the power and unity of the House community! We came together, showed up, and showed out!

ONE LOVE, ONE HOUSE, ONE FAMILY!

In closing, Fredrick Dunson of the Frankie Knuckles Foundation (FKF) says, “We have been inundated with so many positive comments from a number of 106,000 viewers that tuned in via one of the several platforms that the tribute was streamed on. On behalf of the Chosen Few + the Frankie Knuckles Foundation I’d like to thank all of the individuals whose donations in honor of Ron that we received helped us surpass our goal…we couldn’t have done it without your support…again thank you for your generosity!” 

Frederick Dunson
President/Executive Director
Frankie Knuckles Foundation


To contribute: https://www.gofundme.com/For-the-love-of-Ron

HAPPY 63RD BIRTHDAY RONNIE!!!!!!!

WE HOPE YOU’RE HAPPY WITH YOUR HOUSE FAMILY!!!

Continue RESTING IN BEATS!!!!!!

PLEASE LEAVE YOUR COMMENTS ABOUT THE EVENT OR RON HARDY MEMORIES BELOW!

#ForTheLoveOfRon



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. 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.

Reprinted from: https://www.illinoispolicy.org/

Under the latest extension of Illinois’ stay-at-home order, residents will be required to wear masks in stores and other places where social distancing is not possible.

Beginning May 1, Illinois residents will be required to wear a mask or face covering in public places and in situations where they are unable to keep their distance from others. The new mandate is part of Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s extension of the stay-at-home order.

Many suburbs already implemented the mask requirement before the governor announced the new policy. The order now applies to all residents and businesses throughout the state.

Is there a certain type of mask I should wear?

What qualifies as a mask is broad. The N95 respirators and surgical masks should be reserved for emergency workers, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Other face coverings for the general public can include bandanas, scarfs or T-shirts. There are resources online from the CDC and others with demonstrations on how old shirts can be made into a mask without sewing. The key requirement is that it covers both the nose and mouth. The CDC notes:

Masks are intended to stop you from spreading the virus to others, not to stop you from being exposed.
They should fit snugly but be comfortable on the face. Ear loops and multiple layers of fabric are recommended.
Masks should not be touched after they are on. They can be removed by ear loops, then you should wash your hands immediately and launder the mask before using again.

When do I have to wear a mask?

Masks will be required in nearly every public setting and all individuals over the age of 2 will have to wear them, provided they are not medically prohibited. The executive order states they are needed “when in a public place where they can’t maintain a six-foot social distance.” This means people are required to wear them when entering any business or indoor public setting. Masks are not needed outside in parks, as long social distancing of six feet or more is maintained.

How is this going to be enforced?

The requirement will not be enforced in a heavy-handed fashion. Pritzker said enforcement will be done at the local level, so it is up to the businesses to ensure their customers are properly protected before entering. Law enforcement does not need to arrest or fine someone who isn’t wearing a mask but should be reminding the community of the new requirements.

Why do we need to wear masks?

The point of wearing a mask is to protect others. The idea is that if one person is an asymptomatic carrier of COVID-19, wearing a mask will limit their ability to transmit the virus to others. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention strongly agrees with Illinois’ order to require masks in public.

Do people in other states have to wear masks?

Illinois is far from being the first state to require the use of a mask in public. Many stores had already required shoppers to wear a mask upon entering. Anyone still looking to travel will also likely find they must wear a mask before boarding a plane.

How long will masks be required?

Wearing masks in public places will likely become common practice for the foreseeable future, not just in Illinois but in most of the world. Experts believe it will be necessary so life can go on with some semblance of normality until a vaccine or cure is developed. A vaccine could be at least a year away, according to the most optimistic predictions.

Michael Cox, a Chicago native, is an artist of the heart. Being surrounded by art most of his life, this self-trained artist took hold and harnessed his creative force. Although he studied at Clark-Atlanta University with a focus in radio/television broadcasting, it is in the artistic world where his presence dominates.

Through an intricate layering and blending of colors and mediums, Michael is able to create visually stimulating 3-dimensional works of art. The dynamic attention to detail in each art piece captures the essence of the human spirit. Michael believes that the eyes are the windows to one’s soul, and thru the eyes, true character is illuminated. This belief is reflected in the portraits of their creator.

Although Michael is best known for the creation of one-of-a-kind, hand-painted, works of wearable art; his unique 3-dimensional style is also captured on canvas. Michael’s work graces the walls of several private art collectors worldwide, and has been showcased in several art galleries in Chicago and Atlanta. Michael’s “ABSOLUTE BEST in wearable art” is available in several Chicago retail boutiques. BORN VAIN ART by Michael Cox has cultivated an underground following consisting of local and national celebrities, and those in a variety of industries including entertainment, sports, and fashion/ beauty.

Michael Cox is best known for the creation of one-of-a-kind, hand-painted works of wearable art. His unique 3-dimensional style is also captured on canvas and other mediums. Michael’s work graces the walls of several private art collectors worldwide, and has been showcased in several art galleries. Born Vain Art by Michael Cox has cultivated an underground following consisting of local, national and international celebrities and fashion/beauty stars (Oprah Winfrey, Verdine White, Fred Hammond, Eric Monte, Mike Epps, Gary Owen, Common, D’Wayne Wiggins, Bobby Brown, Steve Hurley) and athletes, including the late Ernie Banks.

Through many layers of love, paint, and deep seated fury in the innermost core of my spirit left there to manifest, over and over in a different form each time. But, each time you are overwhelmed with being…#BORNVAIN

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

Michael Cox:  As a child, I was always interested in art, and that interest was deepened by watching my father’s talent as an artist. Throughout my teen years, I watched and attempted to emulate such artists as Ernie Barnes and Kevin Williams.

GO BANG! Magazine:  What type of art do you create?

Michael Cox:  I create a style of artwork known as BORN VAIN. A 3-dimensional abstract montage of color and layers.

GO BANG! Magazine:  What makes your artwork stand out from other artwork?

Michael Cox:  To me, it’s the texture and the 3D appearance that make my artwork different from others. My customers say it’s the incredible likeness to their image.

GO BANG! Magazine:  How did you come up with the idea of placing artwork on T-shirts?

Michael Cox:  The concept of wearable art has been around for a while, however, I loved the idea as not only an affordable way for people to have my artwork who wouldn’t normally buy canvas work, but also a great promotion tool…a walking art gallery.

GO BANG! Magazine:  Besides artwork, do you have any other hidden talents?

Michael Cox:  Basically, I am BORN VAIN!

GO BANG! Magazine:  You’ve designed artwork for several celebrities.  Are there any celebrities that you would like to create artwork for, that you haven’t?

Michael Cox:  Everyone is a celebrity when you have on a BORN VAIN!

GO BANG! Magazine:  Are you active in any type of community services events?

Michael Cox:  Yes, I have lectured on college campuses to inspire young Black creatives.

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

Michael Cox:  Social distancing is definitely key, as well as boosting my immune system with healthy eating and exercise.

 

YOU CAN FOLLOW MICHAEL:

FaceBook @BORNVAINART

Instagram @mrbornvain

 

Pierre A. Evans is a freelance writer of Entertainment, Music, Art, Culture, Fashion and Current Events, and previously for SoulTrain.comNDigo.comChicagoDefender.comEmpireRadioMagazine.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.

 

 

GoFundMe Link:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/chicago-help-fund?utm_source=customer&utm_medium=copy_link-tip&utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet

Pierre Andre’ Evans & Go Bang! Magazine (www.GoBangMagazine.co ) asks for YOU to support:

C.H.I.C.A.G.O. H.E.L.P. (Chicago’s House Inspired Campaign Always Giving Others Help & Emergency Love Project)

Please donate what you can, to help your fellow man!

The COVID-19 Pandemic has hit the world with deadly force. Millions of people worldwide have been infected and affected by the Coronavirus. Chicago has been devastated as well, particularly the African American population. Our loved ones, both young and old, have been infected. Many have lost their jobs, lost their homes, or even more horrible, lost their lives.

As a result, financial devastation is the end result for many. The ripple-effects of Covid-19 have left people UNABLE to buy food, pay rent, get much needed medicine, or even purchase other basic necessities.

In the SPIRIT OF THE HOUSE MUSIC COMMUNITY (which is to LOVE & SUPPORT ALL, regardless of race, religion, sexuality, political affiliation or financial status,) I am asking for your financial donation to help our brothers and sisters…our FAMILY.

Your donation, however small or large, will be added with other donations to help the DEVASTATED families and victims of COVID-19 get the help that they so badly need.

Those affected would submit a request letter, via email, which would include documentation and supporting evidence, explaining their COVID-19 experience and financial need.

After careful review, examination, investigation and confirmation, a one-time financial “gift check” would be issued to those most severely affected by COVID-19 in the amount of $100 to $1000, based on the severity of their case.

We are living in extraordinary times, going through an extraordinary event, which requires extraordinary LOVE & SUPPORT.

Please donate what you can, to help your fellow man!

#WeAreInThisTogether

About Me:
I am a 53 year old, lifetime Chicagoan. I am a creative person and a businessman that cares about the well-being of community and society as a whole. This is my part to help make the world a better place.

GoFundMe Link:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/chicago-help-fund?utm_source=customer&utm_medium=copy_link-tip&utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet

Reprint:
Robbi Promoter
23-44a 93rd st
Queens, NY 11369


UPDATED STATEMENT ON THE 2020 CHOSEN FEW PICNIC & HOUSE MUSIC FESTIVAL

April 24, 2020

We regrettably want to share with you all that due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we are canceling the in-person Chosen Few Picnic & House Music Festival scheduled for July 4, 2020 in Chicago’s Jackson Park. In its place, we will put on the VIRTUAL Chosen Few In-House Picnic & Festival on Saturday, July 4th, featuring live-streamed performances and DJ sets from the Chosen Few DJs, and more.

The decision to transition our beloved “Woodstock of House Music” from a mass in-person gathering to a virtual one this year was not an easy one. Like many of you, we want nothing more than to get together with our fellow House Music lovers in person, just as we have done for the past 29 Julys. However, given the extraordinary time we are in, and the critical health dangers associated with large gatherings, we know this is the safest course of action for our Picnic attendees, guest performers, vendors, and neighbors. We will hold off on celebrating our official 30th Chosen Few Picnic Anniversary celebration until we convene again in person in 2021!

If you purchased a $25 Early Bird ticket(s) for 2020, you may either hold on to your ticket for the 2021 Picnic, or request a full refund from our ticketing partner, See Tickets. All ticket holders will be receiving an email from See Tickets today concerning the refund process. You may also click here to access the refund form. Please note that to be eligible for a refund, all refund requests must be submitted to See Tickets by May 22, 2020 at 11:59 pm (CDT). If you have any questions concerning any hotel reservations you may have made for the Picnic, please contact our Hospitality Director Toy Foster at Toy@fsgtravel.net.

The VIRTUAL Chosen Few In-House Picnic & Festival coming on Saturday, July 4, 2020 will be a free event, although we will accept donations and will be contributing a portion of any donations to charity. We will be in touch over the coming weeks with more concrete details about this event. In the meantime, we pray that you and your loved ones are taking good care of yourselves and each other, following public health directives and advice, and keeping music close to your heart.

Yours in the music,

The Chosen Few DJs – Wayne, Jesse, Tony, Alan, Andre, Kim, Terry, and Mike