from NDIGO: Sounds and Grace: Lee England Jr.

LaToya Cross is a graduate of Specs Howard School of Broadcast & Media Arts in Southfield, MI and earned her Bachelor's Degree in Magazine Journalism from Columbia College Chicago. She has been published in Blazinstreetz.com, Gloss Magazine Online (GMO), InChiCity.com, and JET Magazine. Her work as a writer and visionary engages arts & culture, education and philanthropy. In addition to being a writer and editor, she works with and mentors youth as an After-School instructor with Orion's Mind and volunteers with Open Books Literacy Program. LaToya also offers freelance communications assistance. 

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Written by: LaToya Cross
Tags: California, Chicago, Jordan Brand, latest, Lee England Jr., Logan Center, music, spotlight, University of Chicago, Venice Beach, violin

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Sometimes you come across talent so great that it puts you in a trance. A state of  “maaannnn, I wish I could do that!” But more so the present fact that this person, this artist, is capable of producing such creativity is mind –blowing and often I find myself being a proud observer – proud of the creator and producer of said art.  As if I were there from the beginning when the vision was planting and there in the moment the dream had flourished.

Lee England Jr., is my latest “awe” moment. I am a fool for just realizing how familiar I am with his work! LOL. With personality and a skill set that he executes like second nature, this brother is baaaaaad.  Young, ambitious, and extremely talented the twentysomething – year- old violinist and vocalist intrigues the ear by taking familiar songs and tweaking them, adding a kaleidoscope of sweet instrumentation and intertwining rhythms.

During his  mini-concert performance at the University of Chicago’s Logan Center for the Arts over the weekend, England fused the sounds of  jazz,  R&B, pop and soul into an hour-long experience for all genres and audiences.  Lee England  and fellow musicians beautifully played Rihanna’s hit single, “Diamonds” , performed various tunes by Adele, threw in their twist of Cee Lo Green’s “Crazy” and  eloquently combined Usher’s “There Goes My Baby” with Michael Jackson’s “Lady In My Life”. The transitions were smooth as he and his Soul Orchestra weaved in and out of songs with an aesthetic that soothes your audio stream.

From Chi-town education and setting Lee England’s musical foundation to the breeze of Venice Beach in sunny California, the L.A. scene propelled Lee’s destiny. In the midst of performing at various NBA Games, his arena continues to grow and has encountered working with artists such as Eric Roberson, Stevie Wonder, Babyface, to name a few and has gained credentials as an opening musician for artists such as Chrisette Michele, Rick Ross, Ryan Leslie, and MC Lyte, to name a few, respectfully.

A Jordan Brand Ambassador, handpicked by Michael Jordan specifically after a performance at his annual party during the NBA All-Star Weekend a few years back, England has mastered his skill in multiple ways by receiving three degrees from Southern Illinois University, inclusive of a  B.S in Music Business and B.A. degrees in Music Education and Music Performance.  The hard work and dedication exudes during each performance as it is clear that when the violin is in his presence – the two, he and his instrument,  become one.

Street Soundz

Get in Tune with Lee England Jr.: reverbnation | twitter

from NDIGO: Chicago Celebrations for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Be your own creation. BUZZ Paul Collins one of America's most outstanding muralist and photo realist artist finalizes his mural of Dr. Martin Luth Forward  Be your own creation. BUZZ Paul Collins one of America's most outstanding muralist and photo realist artist finalizes his mural of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The mural will be installed on the West Side in the Lawndale community at the King Legacy Apartments. King moved on the West Side, 1550 North Hamlin, in 1966 to showcase Chicago's segregated housing. The new construction provides 45 units of affordable housing. The mural is unveiled in a private ceremony Monday, January 20th in celebration of King's birthday. Ken Bennett Ken Bennett joins the staff of Mayor Rahm Emanuelthis January. He is the Deputy Chief of Staff and the Director of the Mayor's Office of Public engagement. Translated it means Bennett will serve as a direct link in city government with external/internal partners. Ken is perfectly suited for the role. He has been on President Obama's staff with his initial run as Congressman to State Senate to U.S. Senate and to the White House. Ken has served in the White House and most recently as the Regional Representative for the U.S. Secretary of Labor in the midwest region. Everybody loves Ken. He is a real community organizer with roots at TWO and PUSH. Bravo. King Celebrations Chris Kennedy Chris Kennedy, Senator Jacki Collins, Nikki Zollar, and Dr. Paula Allen Mears are among those to be honored at the 24th PUSH EXCEL Breakfast. The Scholarship Breakfast is at the Hyatt Regency Monday, January 20 from 8-10 a.m. Tickets are only $125. Call 773 254 731 for tickets. It is usually packed. Alfreda Burke TOO HOT TOO HANDLE hosts a champagne sip backstage after the Saturday Performance. Rod Dixon and his wife Alfreda Burke with a city choir present a stellar performance Saturday, January 18 and Sunday January 19. Do not miss the jazz-gospel Messiah. It is more amazing every year. The Chicago Sinfonietta performs MOUNTAIN TOPSunday, January 19 at the Wentz Concert Hall, 171 E. Chicago Avenue, Naperville. and again Monday at the Symphony Center, 220 S. Michigan Avenue. The masterworks pay tribute to Dr. King with a thought provoking multimedia work. BEAUTIFUL. Savvy Fashion . The color for 2014 is Orchid. Just in case you didn't know. That's in your new dress, shoes or accent pieces. But it is a must. Question: Have you noticed the Chicago Tribune attacks on Black academic women. The first front page story was on Dr. Paula Meres, Chancellor at the University of Illinois. She was reamed because she did not spend enough money on entertainment. Second, it was Angela Henderson, Acting Provost at Chicago State University She is taken to task for incorrect quotes on a doctorate she has worked on for 8 years with 5 academic advisers. Is it my imagination? Happy Birthday to the First Lady. 50 is just fine. How did the Academy Awards people forgetForest Whitaker'sfabulous performance in THE BUTLER ? Dr. King would have been 85 years old, had he lived. Download NDIGO app at itunes for your mobile and ipad ©2014 NDIGO | 1006 South Michigan Avenue, Suite 200, Chicago 60605 Web Version  Preferences  Unsubscribe    Powered by Mad Mimi ®

Hermane Hartman: The Voice of Dr. Martin Luther King--N'Digo

Dr. King's Voice

By Hermene Hartman, Wednesday at 10:19 am

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was born some 85 years ago on January 15.    He lived a brief   purposeful life.  Born in Atlanta Georgia and assassinated in Memphis in 1968, he died at the  too early age of 39. He transformed America and today we still live his effects.  We owe much to King for challenging America to live up to its creed, its Constitution and its Declaration of Independence.  He made  freedom and equality on those documents a reality. Through his marching he made America live up to the words of our forefathers.

In today’s language, King literally called America out.  He made a people stand up, sit down and march.   He was an “occupier.”   His insult level was high.  He took second-class citizenship seriously and he challenged it.  He was a great leader, focused, determined and most of all he had integrity.   He was a community organizer.  He had no grants, no foundation money, and no corporate sponsorship.  His support was faith based.  The church was his base, the pulpit his platform.  His funding was from the people he advocated for.

 King's Message

He was a Baptist minister and he spoke  the truth from the Bible.   He gave America a new thought.   His sermons were masterful, a lesson for all, a message for many.  His voice started southern and become universal.  He changed the American system.  Black folk became integrated into the mainstream.   King killed overt segregation.   He changed America’s public policy.  He erased bad laws.  He brought what had been called the “American problem” to the forefront.    His work became  a “movement.”  He was the mastermind of a youth movement.

It is interesting to note that all of the social ills done to African Americans were legal  -- segregation of public places, sitting on the back of the bus, the discrimination was legal.  King challenged the system and forced it to change. Bad laws were eradicated.   King’s voice was to make America “right” and to correct the legal “wrongs.”

Dr. King was a change agent

When you think of Dr. King you think of change.  He was a change agent.  The word change is used a lot in the political jargon these days.  But it was King’s movement that brought forth systemic change.

King was a profound man in a profane world.  His leadership style is still admired and studied today.    He changed a country.  He changed a people.  He challenged.  He was the pathway for Black America’s full citizenship.

As we celebrate King’s birthday, remember King for how he actually lived his life.  He was strong.  He was committed.  His was a powerful authentic voice.  He did not shy away from the issues of the day.  He addressed them, even when he was criticized and scorned for doing so.    He spoke truth to power.

King’s  moral voice was loud, it is missing today as the world has gone wild.  I wonder where King’s movement would be today, utilizing social media tools.  I wonder if he would have gone viral.