Archive for the ‘Travels’ category

Video from NAMM – Jermaine Hall and Oliver McEwan

January 23rd, 2012

I just got back from the electrical atmosphere that is NAMM!  Words just cannot explain how incredible the experience really is!  A whole convention center full of the world’s brightest and best musicians and manufacturers all there to hang!  I already plan to go back next year!  New friends were made, a couple of musicians lost respect (more on that in a later post), and I learned about a side of this music business that I really didn’t pay much attention to – the merchant side of it all.  At NAMM everyone displays the best that they have to offer in hopes to woo new customers and raise the bar on instrument manufacturing.  All of the craftsmen present their take on age old instruments and the attendees have the opportunity to try everything out!  Great Experience!!

It’s nothing to walk down any isle and hear incredible musicianship.  Here’s a video of my bro’s Jermaine Hall and Oliver McEwan in an impromptu jam session at the TC Electronics booth.  They’re jamming to MJ’s Human Nature.  Enjoy!

 

NAMM 2012

January 19th, 2012
NAMM & EBS LOGOS

NAMM & EBS Logos

 

Guys I’m headed to NAMM in Anaheim, CA!!!  This is my first year and I am so very excited to be attending.  For those of you that may have never heard of it (from namm.org):

NAMM, the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM), commonly called NAMM in reference to the organization’s popular NAMM trade shows, is the not-for-profit association that unifies, leads and strengthens the $17 billion global music products industry. Our association—and our trade shows—serve as a hub for people wanting to seek out the newest innovations in musical products, recording technology, sound and lighting. NAMM’s activities and programs are designed to promote music making to people of all ages.

» Read more: NAMM 2012

London At A Glance…

August 10th, 2011

I’ve been traveling a lot lately but I’ve neglected to share my pictures as I have in the past.  In an effort to do better, check out some random pictures that I took while in London earlier this year. Maybe these pictures will remind everyone of the city’s beauty during peace time.  My prayers go out all of the people that are affected by the riots currently occurring.  God Bless.

Life Bike - Photo Taken by Demonterious Lawrence

It’s always cool to encounter artwork that is seemingly placed at random so that the world can stumble upon it.  I wouldn’t even know where to begin in trying to decipher the true sentiment behind this.  First glance led me to feel that the colors represent vibrant life, the flowers represent a growing fragrant life.  Although chained, this bike can also represent the bondage in which so many people life, despite the fullness of life that lives within them.

Scooter Mural

Scooter Mural - Photo taken by Demonterious Lawrence

This was an incredible pic.  I took the pic as I initially saw the scene – through the scooters.  The colors are what really inspired me to take the picture.  In addition to the first two pics, the following two pics were taken in Camden Town. » Read more: London At A Glance…

Singing For Pounds

July 12th, 2011

We were in London and thought it we be fun and kinda silly to hustle up some English pounds for our lunch.  The crew put on an impromptu street performance in the middle of the Camden Town shopping district.  Hilarity ensues as expected!! I think you’ll definitely enjoy this!!

 

Angie Stone Performance Celebrating Poland’s EU Presidency

July 9th, 2011

I had a really cool gig a couple of weeks ago!  I traveled to Warsaw, Poland to perform with Angie Stone in a concert series celebrating Poland’s new Presidency of the European Union.  This is an incredible honor that rotates throughout members of the EU every six months.  An estimated 20,000 people were in attendance and the concert was broadcast live throughout the country!

For more info and videos click here: » Read more: Angie Stone Performance Celebrating Poland’s EU Presidency

Soul Fest 2011

January 9th, 2011

I had a really great show this past weekend!  Angie Stone was the headliner at an event called Soul Fest at the House of Blues in Atlanta City, NJ!

The show featured Jaguar Wright, Ledisi, and Angie Stone.  All three artists put on incredibly great shows and there was an impromptu performance from all three artists in the end paying homage to Soul music and it’s roots.  Our fingers are crossed… the response was so great that we are hoping that this turns into a tour!  Wouldn’t you like to see that?!?!?!

We were all a little afraid of that the weather had in store for us this weekend.  When we left Atlanta, everyone was predicting a huge blizzard to attack New Jersey and New York.  Luckily it only snowed for an hour or so and the conditions weren’t bad at all.  Then our concerns shifted towards the incoming inclement weather back in Atlanta, but we heard things would hold off for us until we arrived.  Great ending right?  NOPE!!!… because we make it to the plane to find out the the navigational computer in the plane would not boot up!!  So I was still stuck in Jersey until they could get another one in from Baltimore.

We finally made it back to Atlanta and we did so before the snow started here!  Thank God!  It was cool though, because I was able to be on the beach in the snow for the first time in my life!!

Misty – Impromptu Performance

December 9th, 2010

I was in Bermuda recently for a gig with some buddies. After our soundcheck and a lunch that they prepared for us, we noticed a grand piano just to the end of the hall. My buddy Carlos walked over and began to play and James joined in on the fun. I caught a little of it and here it is!

Shout Out!

November 24th, 2010

I’ve been meeting a lot of local hip hop artists at our shows.  There will be video coming soon that will highlight some of these artists to show you what hip hop looks like in Peru.  The people I’ve been meeting have some very strong opinions on the state of hip hop.  These views and a few performances are all coming up really soon.  Keep checking the site for more!

AFAR AND HIP HOP IN PERU!

November 21st, 2010

AFAR workshop on hip hop in Trujillo, Peru

What’s up everybody?  It’s really been a while since I’ve last posted about AFAR and our travels.  We were recently invited to Peru to do our instructional workshops and concerts at the Bi-National Centers, where people are given an opportunity to come and learn English.  This trip has been a little different, and easier, in that almost everyone that we come across are either learning English or have become very fluent in English.

» Read more: AFAR AND HIP HOP IN PERU!

Headed to Maastricht…

October 28th, 2010

I am always reminded of just how blessed I am whenever I’m given the opportunity to travel the world and see places that I never knew existed!  It’s a blessing because there are many people that I know personally that may never have some of the opportunities that I’ve been given.  I am grateful!

This time, my journey leads me to Maastricht, in the Netherlands.  I’m playing for a Jazz festival there.  Traveling to Europe is always a great experience, and it would be a little better if the Euro to Dollar ratio wasn’t so bad!!!
Well anyways, I’m looking forward to waffles, chocolate (we’re flying in to Brussels) and great music!!  Pictures to come!