SOUND WAVES: THE MUSIC OF Marques L. A. Garrett | “On The Seashore”- Walt Disney Concert Hall

SOUND WAVES: THE MUSIC OF Marques L. A. Garrett | “On The Seashore”- Walt Disney Concert Hall

I had the opportunity to interview Marcus L.A. Garrett at The Walt Disney Concert Hall to discuss is amazing performance “On The Seashore “. Escape from the craziness of life and immerse yourself in Sound Waves, a program that ebbs and flows with brilliant meditations on water, the source of all life. As the finale to the Master Chorale’s 2025/26 season, Sound Waves presents you with a rare moment of peace to escape from the noise of the world, complete with five breathtaking works that will immerse you in the beauty of music and nature Whether it’s Reena Esmail’s Malhaar : A Requiem for Water – featuring an immersive video installation that transforms the Walt Disney Concert Hall into a cocoon of light and motion, Eric Whitacre’s lush Water Night, or Shenandoah – an American folksong, arranged by James Erb – a flowing river of deeply beautiful sound tapestries –this night has been created just for you. Also featured are two World Premieres that were written specifically for the Master Chorale. The first is Hyowon Woo's powerful SUM (숨), which will bathe you in a transcendent 'sound bath for the soul,' complete with 62 singers spread throughout the Hall, interweaving human voices with Korean percussion and resonant singing bowls. The evening also includes the world premiere of On the Seashore by American composer Marques L. A. Garrett. Unfolding as voices rise and recede like waves, this piece set to a beautiful Indian poem, cascades in a surge that crests in a breathtaking sonic climax. Leave the chaos behind and enter the world of Sound Waves – a sanctuary where serenity takes hold, blood pressure slows, noise dissolves and the senses are fully indulged in a deeply rich experience that only an ensemble of the Los Angeles Master Chorale’s caliber can deliver. Breathe. Relax. Let Sound Waves Wash Over You.

Brandon Black “Stepping Into Truth” Tyler Perry’s A Medea’s Homecoming

Today we’re sitting down with Brandon Black, known for his breakout role in A Madea Homecoming under the direction of Tyler Perry. But this conversation goes deeper than film, it’s about identity, industry, and what it really means to be seen. Host: Let’s talk about the acting world right now. Streaming has changed everything—access, visibility, even what success looks like. How do you see the industry today compared to when you first started pursuing acting? I sat down with Brandon Black and talked about: Do you feel like actors today have more opportunity, or just more competition and noise? There’s also this pressure now to be more than an actor you have to be a brand, a personality, a presence online. How do you balance being an artist versus being visible? Have you ever felt like the industry tried to put you in a box creatively? And if so, how did you push back? . . Brandon Black is not just an artist just stepping into roles, but stepping into purpose. From A Madea Homecoming to what’s next, this is only the beginning of a much larger story. Instagram @bblack JamirSmith.com

George Lovett Interview | American Idol

“From Baltimore to the Spotlight: George Lovett on Voice, Growth & Staying the Artist You Deserve to Be” “Today on The Jamir Smith Show, I’m sitting down with a voice that carries soul, discipline, and intention, Baltimore-born singer, performer, and storyteller, George Lovett. From American Idol to Showtime at the Apollo, to building his artistry through Savannah College of Art and Design this is a conversation about evolution, purpose, and what it really takes to sustain a creative life.” We had an amazing conversation about: American Idol + Industry Reality -Making the Top 20 on American Idol is huge, but also intense. What did that experience teach you about the business of music? -After the show ended for you, what was the emotional transition like, from national stage to rebuilding your path? Social Media + Modern Artist Reality -You’ve embraced social media as a tool—how did that shift your mindset from traditional performance to digital presence? -Do you ever feel tension between creating for art versus creating for algorithm? “This conversation right here… it’s a reminder that artistry isn’t just about the spotlight, it’s about growth, discipline, and believing in your voice even when the world gets quiet. George Lovett, thank you for sharing your journey with us.” . . #fyp #viral . Instagram: @georgelovett @jamir_smith

Gail Bean Interview “Snowfall to P-Valley”

Gail Bean: Actress | Storyteller | Snowfall | P-Valley | Sundance Breakout Today’s guest is someone whose work lives in the body long after the credits roll. From Snowfall to P-Valley, she has portrayed women in survival, transformation, and truth, please welcome Gail Bean.” We asked some amazing questions: I had the opportunity to meet this absolutely beautiful woman while she was getting honored at the Micheaux Film Festival here in LA: When people meet you outside of your work, before the credits, before the characters, how do you hope they feel your presence? Right now, in this season of your life and career, what word best describes where you are internally? You’ve played characters who carry a lot of weight. How do you personally decompress before stepping into conversations like this one? Support this amazing artist on Instagram: @gail_bean JamirSmith.com

Michelle Kash Interview | “Finding Gravity in Sound”

Today we’re stepping into a world where vulnerability meets cinematic sound. She’s an artist whose voice feels like midnight in the city, haunting, intimate, and unforgettable. From her breakout cover of Personal Jesus to her latest release Gravity, she’s carving out a distinct lane in dark pop. Today, we welcome Michelle Kash.” We were able to ask questions with Michelle Kash: -You’ve described growing up surrounded by art and creativity, can you take us back to a specific moment in your childhood where you first felt the power of music, not just heard it? -Before stepping fully into music, you explored acting, poetry, piano, guitar, how did those disciplines shape the emotional language you use in your songs today? -Hurt Me sits in that space of admitting something is ending. Was writing that song more about closure, confrontation, or confession? -You’re also deeply committed to animal welfare and empowering women and girls, how do those causes shape your identity as an artist? -You once said, “When I listen to music, I don’t feel alone anymore.” Was there a time in your life when music was the only thing that made you feel seen? Support this amazing artist on Instagram: @michellekashmusic