"A dream is just a dream until you go out and fight for it!" -Rev Run
This weekend I had the pleasure of being an American Idol style judge for a talent show produced by D.A.M.G. Entertainment, a local music entertainment and artist management company. I was excited for a few reasons, namely, I honestly love seeing people follow their dreams and pursue their passions. We all live in a cookie cutter society, and so many people depress what they are passionate about because they are afraid to try, or afraid to fail. People who risk it all for the chance of the unknown are already winners in my book.
So I head to the location of the talent showcase, running 15 minutes late as usual, and in a part if West Allis that I am not familiar with. I honestly didn't know what to expect. What I did know is that the panel of judges have resumes that are so impressive and extensive that feel I felt honored to sit next to them and give my opinion. I would soon be in the company of Greg "Jinx" Doby who has worked with everyone from G-Unit to Eric Benet and Bone Thugs and Harmony, as well as Entertainment attorney Paul Gardner who client portfolio includes Jay Z, Beyonce, and Diddy ... just to name a few. Not to mention the D.A.M.G. management team of Dante and Shannon Chestnut.
This team also founded the non-profit organization C.H.I.L.L. that raises money and awareness for the local children that have been displaced from their homes due to violence. Their community work ranges from gun buy back programs to social events and art auctions. Offering a vast array of both consulting and management services, DAMG has expanded from it's beginnings as a small consulting firm and now handles complete artist management, marketing, distribution, etc. They have an impressive client roster, managing musicians globally from Milwaukee to nationally recognized musicians in Italy and the UK.
I finally arrive, and go inside where the energy has already reached a level beyond ten. You can feel all of the mixed emotions in the room as artist who are eager to perform are waiting in the wings. The audience was also filled with the family members and friends that were there to support the performers. One of Milwaukee's finest Disc Jockey's-CORE DJ L Boogie was on the ones and two's giving the audience of performers some additional motivation.
It was finally Showtime! The other judges and I took our spots in front of the performance square, with a talent score card in front of us, pen in hand we were ready to begin. Artist after artist took the stage, and each offered a different sound and performance style. I was really impressed with everyone that performed. Of course we offered our constructive criticisms, but for the most part each performer delivered something that could be coached and marketed to the music industry.
New artist emerge everyday in the world of music and entertainment, but how many of them have staying power? In this industry you must possess more than the ability to sing or dance. The music artists often use there careers to jumpstart other avenues of business, clothing lines, perfumes, record labels and it works! Sean Puffy Combs is a prime example of someone who started with a vision, and transformed his vision with hard work and passion to an empire. Jay Z, Beyonce, Jennifer Lopez, Jessica Simpson, and the list goes on.
It was inspiring to see people who pursue their dreams to the fullest, and who were not afraid! I encourage you to do the same! If you are passionate about something, take that passion and turn it into your career! Put your all into it, and don't be afraid.
Milwaukee certainly has talent! Be on the look out for these local artists: Young Patron, Ashley Irish, Cal the Kid, Sam Skillz and Romero. I am sure you will be hearing about them in the near future. Other artists to be on the look out for include Chicago Native G-Ball, New Orleans princess LaTasha Jones and the unforgettable Halo, from Dallas by way of Miami.
Nirvana graduated from Riverside University High School and attended Wilberforce University, an historic black university in Ohio.
Not satisfied that she was receiving the proper training for her career goals, Nirvana was accepted into Public Allies Milwaukee and worked at the Sherman Park Boys and Girls Club for her program year.
Before enrolling at the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee, Nirvana did some traveling and sports marketing and event related internships, most notably with the Chicago Cubs.
She has also worked for Chicago's No. 1 radio station WGCI, National Multiple Sclerosis Society and the Illinois Action for Children.
Nirvana also has a children's clothing line called Pineapple Eggplant.
