INDEPENDENT ARTISTS “SHOWED AND PROVED” MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND

Keyonte Performing in DC Jamie Jones Video with Kwame'

When I search for an adjective to describe my Memorial Day weekend in the DMV, nothing comes to mind. This was a day where all bets were off. Independent artists came to show and prove what they were made of. Once again, April Watts hosted her second taping of WHW Rocks opening the stage to the DMV’s local artist. www.whwweb.com This new line-up included various artists in many different genres. Ten acts graced the stage, each with their own energy and flair. You may have heard the buzz around the DMV involving the birth of a networking empire of independent artists on the rise. I have witnessed a social gathering of fresh new artists, management teams, producers, and sponsors become a part of history in the making. Music, comedy, and theater come together and merge with community leaders and organizers and open doors for the longevity of this movement while giving back.

Angela Byrd, who is the Executive Director of the DC Metropolitan Foster and Adoptive Parent Association www.dcmfapa.org , is passionate about music and her city. Did I mention that Angela is also the COO of Diamond Management www.keyonte.com, home of Keyonte & 24Sevn? I was also excited that the lovely Ms. Watts allowed me to plug DMVRADIO.NET during the live taping. With DMVRADIO.NET’s commitment to giving the Washington metropolitan area “Radio that Represents You”, and April Watts headlining a movement to showcase independent artists with WHW Rocks, the opportunities are endless. At the end of each taping, Ms. Watts welcomes the audience to send anyone who wants their music to be heard along with contact information.

So here are a couple of highlights that caught my eye. Keyonte is a smooth R&B vocalist who graced the stage in what seemed to be his second home. This gentlemen is a Grammy award nominee for his songwriting on “Strong Woman” http://www.theloveexperience.com . I just knew from the start to finish that this was going to be a good line-up. Jamie Jones brought attitude, fire, and a powerful voice, along with her back-up dancers to let the audience know that SHE is here. What you see is what you get. This ball of flames roared onto the set belting out three of her singles that left my bones aching the next day. I thought that I was twenty one again, dancing all over the place. www.myspace.com/itsjamiejones This North Carolina native representing the DMV holds working with Kwame, yes I said Kwame, to her credits as well.

The fun and excitement did not stop with the musical artists. Between set changes, the audience had the pleasure of multiple heart palpitations caused by the hilarious comedians provided to hold our attention and the energy flowing. You had no idea that the person you were conversing with in the audience would step up and tickle your funny bone. Comedians like Seaton Smith, www.seatonsmith.com Erin Jackson, who you may remember appearing on Ellen http://www.erinjackson.net , and the one and only “Bishop of Comedy” TL Fitz http://www.freewebs.com/thebishopofcomedy . Erin Jackson had the crowd rolling with her smooth girlfriend delivery of hilarious stories and encounters. The “Bishop” had us laughing during taping, after taping, and during taping again. Seaton Smith was a welcomed return as well rambling scenarios that make A.D.D seem like a good thing…………..It WAS!!

All in all, the DMV is a good place for networking and meeting new people in the industry or your preference. The platform is set and the venues are here. The only thing left to do is SHOW AND PROVE. Independent artists…..all you have to do is show your passion, energy, and drive. Let your managers do the rest. If I were an independent artist that had the opportunities such as these placed before me, I would hope on it like “white on rice”.

InTheMixWithTre’

Featured Artists and Management Contact Info:

1. www.teri-s.com
2. www.myspace.com/mcsoho
3. www.shadowmgtent.com
4. www.seatonsmith.com
5. www.myspace.com/braatmusikllc
6. www.myspace.com/entrigue3
7. www.sugabrownmusic.com
8. www.myspace.com/whwrocks