Meet Daniel Brown

Heady Here! I wanted to give you an opportunity to meet an awesome man of God. My dear friend Daniel Brown is doing amazing things with his talents. We wanted to give you a little more about Daniel and he agreed to do a quick interview with us. Enjoy.

Heady: So Daniel, you were recently married. Share with us the joys of marriage.

Daniel: Marriage was the BEST choice I ever made. Michele is the other half that’s been missing all my life. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not easy taking on the responsibility of a wife. But the personal and spiritual growth that has happened to me in the past six months is completely priceless…..

H: I’m guessing children are in the plan. How many?

D: I would be fine with 2 children, no matter what the genders….lol. My wife on the other hand wants 3……

H: Your wife sings. So, I’m guessing this was a plus?

D: My wife has the voice of an angel. The first time I herd her sing I knew she was my wife. And God would use our gifts to further his kingdom.

H: You went to Classen here in the OKC. Classen reminds me of a television show that use to come on called Fame. Did you ever have the opportunity to watch Fame? I wanted to be Leroy. I can’t believe I just said that.

D: lol…. Fame was not my show of choice growing up. I was a lot more into sports in school than Music. Infact my first time singing solo was my first concert in 2006…

H: What was your experience like at Classen?

D: It was the best HS experience in OKC I think. We were given the freedom to perfect the talents we had. And with so much talent around us, we had no choice but to get better.

H: You play several instruments. Which ones can you play?

D: First of all, I am a jack of all trades but a Master of None…. I have much to learn. I play Drums, Piano, Organ, Bass, Trombone; Marimba , Congo ’s upright Bass, marching band instruments ECT…….

H: Which is your favorite?

D: IDK…….. I love them all so much lol. But I have to say the Drums.

H: You are working on a new album. What’s the name of it?

D: Always Love You…

H: Living Sacrifice is going to be a part of this new album. What’s the experience like now?

D: The heart behind the CD is the same. To share a lifestyle of righteousness with the City, and beyond… also every group member will have a solo on this CD. I’m really excited about that.

H: So on February 28th, we will hear all new material?

D: That’s right. Fresh out of Heaven…….lol

H: What’s your favorite song on this album?

D: Always Love You

H: What’s the vision for your ministry?

D: That the World may see our Good works, and Glorify the Father in heaven….

H: Who are some musicians/artists that have influenced your ministry?

D: Fred Hammond #1 Shirley Davis, Phil Davis, Deyonka Geeter, Tye Trebbett……

H: How will we be able to purchase your album once it’s out?

D: Feb 28th at C Life (2nd and walnut Downtown) starting at 5:30pm will be our CD release concert. Also at Poetry night.

H: Who are you listening to at the moment when riding around OKC?

D: A group called Testament. Very powerful

H: What can our audience expect from you and Living Sacrifice on February 28th?

D: They should expect a group of real Christians, living to encourage all of Gods people to seek Jesus……

H: Your brother has some major things going on musically as well. Is your whole family gifted in the area of music?

D: My Family is very blessed with Musical Talent. But it all comes from the prayer and focus of our Parents Dee and Bernadine Brown….

H: What role has your parents played in all of this?

D: lol…… I guess I already answered this. My father is a pastor. And through good times and Bad, he has always remembered God. We are living his vision. We are all believers, and we all live to honor God because of His teaching.

H: Give the b7 audience something inspirational before we wrap up this interview.

D: Marriage is a good thing people. I know the world will tell you that it is not, but the world also thinks we shouldn’t pray in school, and were has that gotten us….. As a young married man, I am honored to have a wife. There is a great reward to knowing that you are pleasing God with your relationship. And a man who finds a Wife finds a good thing. And favor with God.

H: Get your “GOOD THING” men! LOL… How can people get a taste of your music?

D: www.myspace.com/2dbrown

H: When you hear the name Jesus, what’s the first thing that comes to mind?

D: Love, Love, Love, Love, Grace, Grace, Grace, Thank you Thank you Thank you

H: We can’t wait to experience what you and Living Sacrifice has in store for us on February 28th! I pray you and your ministry much success.

Oklahoma Premiere of the Nationally Renown Play “Jump The Broom”

Through humor, song, dance, and entertaining dialogue “Jump the Broom” aims at raising awareness about the challenges of relationships, marriage and the value of family support. “Jump the Broom” is an exciting drama that will make you laugh, cry, sing, and think.

“Jump the Broom” focuses on positive alternatives and solutions for developing healthy relationships as teenagers, singles or in marriage. This musical drama follows the stories of seven characters who have one common denominator: the need to communicate and to be loved.

This one-act play is followed by audience discussion with the actors and professionals in the field of marriage, family and youth counseling.

See “Jump the Broom” on Saturday, March 28, 2009 at 7:00P.M. at Douglass High School, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

THIS IS A FREE EVENT BUT YOU MUST REGISTER: Click here to make reservations or call Kristin at 877-435-8033 if you need assistance.

Let them know Basement Seven sent you.

Meet Shaun Ali

The last time Shaun Ali performed at poetry night it was when we were testing out a new facility. So, this will be Shaun’s first time performing at Java Dave’s via his own set. Shaun has taking stage at Java Dave’s numerous times. He has been around We Tell Stories Poetry Night for some time now. I recall the first few times I asked Shaun to join me. He wasn’t so up to it but eventually he came aboard and he has been a blessing to our audience ever since. I took a few minutes to shoot Shaun some questions so you, the audience, can get to know him a little better. Before we start, don’t miss March 28th’s We Tell Stories Poetry Night! Lol…

Heady: You recently received your masters. Was the degree in the area of music?

Shaun Ali: No sir. The degree is in the area of business.

H: What does this accomplishment rank you for?

SA: Getting my MBA will primarily increase my chances of securing a really good job or a promotion.

H: Do you see getting your phd?

SA: Um…..*laughing* if music takes off……probably not. If music doesn’t consistantly open doors for me, I can see myself going back to school.

H: Was getting your masters a goal you set for yourself early in life?

SA: Yes, I remember establishing this goal when I was in my diapers. Hahaha, kidding. I set it when I was a sophomore in college.

H: I’m sure your mother is proud of you?

SA: Yes, I believe she is. I actually spoke to her today during my lunch break and she expressed to me how proud she is.

H: Speaking of your mother, she recently produced a play that you actually do some acting in? Tell us about this play and your experience being a part of it.

SA: Yes, my mother couldn’t find anyone to cast for the character ‘Chris Davis’ so she asked me. It took her about four times before I finally agreed. “Enough is Enough” is about domestic violence. Chris grew up being abused by his father and he also witnessed his mother being abused. One day his mother committed suicide to escape the abuse. Chris, vowing to never become like his father, subconsciously mirrors his father and abuses his girlfriend of 11 years. They have two daughters who also witness these events in the home. Long story short, his girlfriend Cheryl attempts suicide and ends up in the hospital, they’re very close Christian friends find out about the entire situation, and everyone eventually benefits at the end. The ending is good…..I don’t wanna spoil it for you so I won’t go into detail.
What I learned: I learned a few things about statistics: A woman committs suicide every 90 minutes in the USA according to psychologist David P. Esparza.
My experience: This wasn’t an easy task me for. This character I had to portray demanded some revisiting of past emotions and experiences so that I could stop laughing during rehearsals and get really serious about portraying Chris. I have a greater respect for the arts.

H: Does she have a website?

SA: Yep, its www.leadinglightproductions.com

H: Let’s talk music. How long have you been playing the piano & why did you start playing?

SA: I’ve been playing for 12 years. Some random guy came to our house in Langston when I was 15 years old and told my mother he was friends with my late grandfather who passed away when I was 11 years old. He said my grandfather wanted someone in his family to learn how to play an instrument. So this guy, Mr. Larry Reed, taught my WHOLE family music theory free of charge for at least six months. He just told us to promise him we’d practice every day. He brought instruments over and I decided to grab a keyboard and eventually started reading music. Coincidentally, I had just started going to church and someone found out and MADE me go up to the piano……I remember paying my first song with my index finger only because I didn’t have the sheet music. So eventually my ear began to develop and I started playing by ear…..

H: So, you write as well? How long have you been writing?

SA: …….speaking of playing by ear, I started hearing melodies and chord progressions in my head and when I was about 18 years old and I started writing a little bit……….never got a full song finished though…..not until a year later.

H: What was the name of the first song you wrote?

SA: I wrote a song about a pencil when I was in the 2nd grade. Remember the “Trusty” brand pencils? I remember finishing my homework first and I had to wait on the whole class to finish before I could go outside to the playground. I just sat at my desk and stared at the yellow pencil with the dark
T R U S T Y written on its side and started singing and imagining that Trusty was a girl. LOL!

H: What inspires you to write?

SA: Everything…..from sounds, to catchy phrases, to interesting people…..and of course God himself…….the refrigerator humming in the key of F sharp, or the microwave buzzing in B major. So far my music is a reflection of how God feels about us, and how I feel about Him. There are others…….

H: I recently saw you perform at a birthday party and you covered Jesus, Take the Wheel. What’s up with that? Lol… I thought you did an excellent job.

SA: HAHAHAHA!!!!!!! Thanks for the compliment. I remember sitting at the keyboard and I just thought that the song’s message would be great for bringing in the New Year, much less for a wonderful Birthday we celebrated for the young Temoni. I almost laughed when I glanced at some of the facial expressions in the audience…..and then I heard someone singing the chorus with me. I had a good time.

H: I take it that you enjoy all sorts of music. Who are some of your favorite artists?

SA: Yes sir! I enjoy listening to Sean C. Johnson, Deon, Lauren Hill, John Legend, Mary Mary, Mercy Me, Nichole Nordiman, Beyonce, Ledisi, Carrie Underwood, Rascal Flatts, Bob Marley…….and a few others.

H: How do you describe your sound of music?

SA: Eclectic……a flavorful blend of the various ethnic influences within my person. lol….I really don’t know. It’s never one style.

H: What can we expect at the March poetry night?

SA: You can expect to hear some new music with a rang of different sounds from soul, to rock, to jazz…. I’ve been recording the songs that I’ll be sharing that evening and I’ve gotten really good feedback so far.

H: Will you have some product to sell? An album?

SA: Yes I will have an EP. The disc will have 6 tracks on it.

H: Are you spreading the word about your upcoming set at poetry night? We want a packed house.

SA: Yes I am. From coworkers, to family, to friends, to some strangers at iHop, and of course there will be the fly on the wall, and the cricket in the corner chillin.

H: What’s your web address?

SA: www.myspace.com/ShaunAliMusic

H: When you hear the name Jesus, what comes to mind?

SA: Selflessness. Jesus is Love and the bible says that “Love seeks not it’s own….” He’s always focused on us and not Himself….even when He walked the earth. Jesus always did what the Father wanted Him to do and when one of the disciples asked Him what the greatest commandment was, He answered, “Love the Lord God with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength…..and your neighbor as yourself….” That’s what He did, and that’s what we should do.
Selflessness. Even today, He promised to send us His Spirit to lead us into all truth…….

Thanks Shaun for your time and I can’t wait for March 28th!

Unplugged Performances

Heady Here! What’s good? I’m excited about the upcoming We Tell Stories Poetry Night. The place should be packed. You might want to come early. The doors open at 8p at Java Dave’s (10 N.E. 10th OKC). Let’s have some fun on Saturday.

This post is to tell you all about the unplugged performances we will start showcasing here live at basementseven.com twice a month. We don’t have all the logistics just yet but it will happen. There is a goal to start in April. Our goal is to give the local talent here in Oklahoma City the opportunity to “shine” all around the world – but at the same time, it will be fun to bring in some national talent to perform at basementseven.com.

We are proud to announce that Rozie Turner will be our first guest to perform here at basementseven.com. He is an extremely talented artist. We believe Rozie has a heart for God and is sincere about his reaching people via his music. Rozie will bring a very soulful sound.

Be on the look out for more information about the upcoming b7 unplugged performances live here at basementseven.com.

Weekend Alternatives by PJ

What’s good OKC!!! I know most of us feel that Oklahoma City doesn’t have much to offer in regards to entertainment but I’m here to tell you that there’s hidden gems out here for your enjoyment. I search high and low to present you all with latest healthy events but if I miss something good then please hit me up at rtolar@hotmail.com.

Here’s this week’s weekend events:

Poetry/Art
Fourth Friday Poetry Reading
Date: February 27, 2009
Time: 7:30 pm
Individual Artists of Oklahoma Gallery (IAO)
811 N Broadway
Oklahoma City, OK 73102
http://www.iaogallery.org

This should get you warm up for Saturday’s Well Tell Stories Poetry Night @ Java Dave’s.

Harlem Renaissance Exhibition
Oklahoma City Museum of Art
415 Couch Drive, Oklahoma City
February 5-April 19, 2009

Harlem Renaissance will explore the artistic developments that occurred in African American art during the 1920s and 1930s, a period loosely referred to as the Harlem Renaissance. The exhibition will incorporate approximately 100 paintings, prints, sculptures, photographs, and books, in addition to films showing performances by Josephine Baker, Duke Ellington, and others. The exhibition will examine the diversity of influences upon the period – from European modernism, to African art, to music, and cultural history – and its lasting influence, as witnessed in later depictions of the Harlem Renaissance and Jazz Age. Harlem Renaissance will also examine African American art and culture in Oklahoma City. During this period, Oklahoma City had a thriving African American community, including musician Charlie Christian, vocalist Jimmy Rushing, and the young author Ralph Ellison. MUSEUM HOURS Tuesday, Wednesday, & Saturday – 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Thursday & Friday – 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Sunday Noon to 5:00 p.m. Closed Mondays, New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, July 4, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day General Admission Adults – $12.00 Seniors & Students – $10.00 5 & under – Free Film Admission Adults – $8.00 Seniors & Students – $6.00 Audio Tour Adults, Seniors & Students – $3.50

http://www.okcmoa.com/harlemrenaissance/

Gardens in Focus
Myriad Botanical Gardens and Crystal Bridge Tropical Conservatory
100 Myriad Gardens, Oklahoma City
January 22- April 29

View the Myriad Botanical Gardens from a new perspective at this photography exhibit featuring local artists of all ages and skill levels who placed in the Gardens in Focus photography contest.
www.myriadgardens.com
Phone: 4052973995
Email: jennifer.coonpeterson@okc.gov

(Source: Wimgo.com)

Artist Talk: Betsy Barnum
February 27, 2009
Time: 6:30 pm
Untitled [Artspace]
1 NE 3, Oklahoma City

4058159995

Betsy Barnum will give a free artist talk..
www.1ne3.com
Phone: 4058159995
Email: untitledartspace@1ne3.org

(Source: Wimgo.com)

Aviation Artwork Exhibit
February 27, 2009
Science Museum Oklahoma
2100 NE 52, Oklahoma City

Experience aviation history through watercolor, oil, print and other media from Science Museum Oklahoma’s permanent collection. Besides various historical highlights, each piece also features a special fact regarding the art. For more information call (405) 602-6664.
www.sciencemuseumok.org
Phone: 405-602-6664
Email: communications@sciencemuseumok.org

Movies
- Slumdog Millionaire (Won 8 Oscars)
- Madea Goes to Jail (#1 in Box Office Last Week-$41 million)
- Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun-Li (To all the Street Fighter fans)

For Showtime:
http://www.google.com/movies?hl=en&near=73132&dq=movies&sort=1&ei=woSlScatI9e4twech7nKBA&sa=X&oi=showtimes&ct=title&cd=1

For my ADVENTUROUS people
Rocktown Climbing Gym
200 SE 4th St
Oklahoma City, OK 73129
405- 319-1400

Rocktown Climbing Gym is the premier rock climbing destination in Oklahoma City. Featuring indoor and outdoor top rope and lead climbs up to 90 feet, bouldering, and instruction. We cater not only to the die-hard expert climber but to families and those of all abilities seeking adventure.

Hours of operation
Monday-Friday: 4 pm – 10 pm
Saturday: 10 am – 8 pm
Sunday: Available for private events

(Source: Wimgo.com)

Pole Position Raceway
2905 NW 36th St
Oklahoma City, OK 73112
405-942-2292

Experience the thrill of real racing and enjoy the atmosphere of action sports! P2R is Oklahoma City’s premier state-of-the-art 85,000 square foot climate-controlled facility and home to the fastest rental karts in the US! Plan an event they won’t soon forget! With karts that go up to 45mph, video games, pool tables, and an onsite cafe, we are sure you will have a great time!

Days/Hours Open: Sun-Thu 11am-9pm, Fri-Sat 11am-Midnight

(Source: Wimgo.com)

OKC Kayak
220 N. Western Avenue
Oklahoma City, OK 73106
Phone Number: 405 830-9689

OKC Kayak is Oklahoma’s complete source for paddle sports related trips, parties, lessons, rentals, and sales. Visit the website to view current offerings including our weekly social paddle held in Oklahoma City or other kayaking trips and events around Oklahoma and beyond. Our retail kayak shop has hundreds of kayaks and canoes for sale as well as all the accessories needed to get you started. Take our quick start kayak lesson to jumpstart you kayaking career. (Source: Wimgo.com)

Techie Event

Oklahoma City Regional FIRST Robotics Competition 2009
Cox Convention Center
1 Myriad Gardens, Oklahoma City
405-602-8500

Fifty-two teams comprised of 15 to 25 high-school and CareerTech students will work with professional mentors to build remote-controlled robots from a common set of basic parts. Each team will convene during the February regional to compete in high-intensity events over three days that blend the exhilaration of athletic competition with engineering to create a one-of-a-kind sport for the mind.
www.coxconventioncenter.com
Email: info@coxconventioncenter.com

P.J. Tolar (P.Jilla) , an aspiring entrepreneur from Chicago whose in the process on starting a new streerwear brand called EngleTay. The website will be available soon. P.J. loves the arts, music (Hip Hop, Soul, Contemporary Gospel), fashion, and technology.

Abel Performing @ Poetry Nite

I’m excited to have Abel Musuka come out and perform at We Tell Stories Poetry Night on February 28th. He was suppose to come out in November but it didn’t happen so this time for sure. He will be here. I wanted to share a little of him performing unplugged. We Tell Stories Poetry Night is every forth Saturday at Java Dave’s (10 N.E. 10th OKC). The doors open at 8p and we fellowship before we kick off with great poets and live music. The cost is $8. Don’t be late because you might not get in.

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