"After Talk" with OMATC Music Series

George Anthony Papas in “Flip it and turn it into a Positive” on the "After Talk" Sessions (A private, out of season interview) part 2

“Flip it and turn it into a Positive” Upward and Onward Productions Presents “After Talk” Sessions with OMATC. This segment is all about the celebration, pivot, and passion of the artist and founding member of Upward and Onward known as George Anthony . This is not a part of the regular season, but a private out of season interview. Host Darren Lorenzo takes you behind the music, behind the curtain and behind the scene of things, with George Papas. Join us for more Session Artist and Music (outside of our regular scheduled program). Stay safe, stay home if you can, and if not keep practicing social distance, with a healthy and cautious way of life. Upward and Onward folks. Big results require big ambitions George Anthony Papas was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY. George has had the opportunity to sing, dance and act all around the world in National Tours, Cruise Ships and Industrials. He's had the opportunity to sing in such venues as Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall and as a backup singer for Sir Elton John at Radio City Music Hall. George is also a Singer/Songwriter/ Piano player. He has enjoyed many stints gigging around the world with performing artists. Now a proud husband to his beautiful wife Meaghan, and 4 amazing kids, Betty Ann, Aidan, Michael and Ryan. George currently works at The New York Film Academy where he works with the Admissions Department, which includes adjudicating auditions, program building/planning and working with young artists all over the United States. There is nothing permanent except change “After Talk” Host, Director and Creator - Darren Lorenzo Sound Editor/Mixer - Jarde Pierre Subscribe: https://youtube.com/channel/UC9yC6ltMQS2H19xz79Y_ksw [https://youtube.com/channel/UC9yC6ltMQS2H19xz79Y_ksw] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/george.anthony.86 [https://www.facebook.com/george.anthony.86] Instagram: @GeorgeAnthonyPapas Twitter: @GeorgiePapas84

Jason Wills in “My EP Debut” on the "After Talk" Sessions 1 (A private, out of season interview) part 1

Upward and Onward Productions Presents “After Talk” Sessions with OMATC. This segment is all about the celebration and congratulations to artist Jason Wills (on his Ep release and Birthday). This is not a part of the regular season, but a private out of season interview. Host Darren Lorenzo takes you behind the music, behind the curtain and behind the scene of things, with Jason Wills. Join us for more Session Artist and Music (outside of our regular scheduled program). Stay safe, stay home if you can, and if not keep practicing social distance, with a healthy and cautious way of life. Upward and Onward folks. Jason Wills is a NY based singer, dancer, actor, and writer. Originally from MD, Jason moved to NY to pursue a career in the arts and has been lucky enough to perform and tour the world in productions including “Dreamgirls,” “Madagascar Live!” “Smokey Joe’s Cafe,” and most recently the Broadway 1st national tour of Bronx Tale: The Musical. His passion for music led him to record and release his first self-titled EP this year.  The EP was released independently and includes 4 original songs written by Jason Wills.  “Jason Wills” the EP is available starting December 12th, across all music streaming platforms. “After Talk” Host, Director and Creator - Darren Lorenzo Video Editor, Sound Mixer - Jarde Pierre Sound Editor - Bruno Diaz Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_WfYwyAaQNpIK7wUHPNnGw Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=5713461 Instagram: @Blueranger83 Twitter: @Blueranger83 #sagitarius #whythehellnot #pandemichustle #4songs #originalmusic #broadwayperformer #maryland #alterego #dec12 #artist #newEp

“After Talk” with Darren Lorenzo and Bruno Diaz "Ciao for Now”, Season Finale

It is bittersweet to say our goodbyes after 3 months and 12 episodes (some episodes were parts 1 & 2). Which makes over a 1000 downloads, and technically 20 episodes with  this one. We have had an incredible time and have enjoyed entertaining you all. Upward and Onward Productions feels blessed to have had such wonderfully talented, kind, patient and a understanding cast of artist. Allowing us to interview them on this platform during part of this unfortunate pandemic journey, we are all on. But we have come to the end of the season with "After Talk". Hoping to catch you later on. If you were a supporter of the "Our Meeting at the Crossroads" Video Music Series, and or most importantly our most recent show "After Talk". Then please jam with us on our next venture. "The Gents of the 3.5". A  guys podcast version, of  a similar feel to the tv shows like The View, The Real, and or The Talk, with a hint of stereotypical talks that men speak on. Plus many more topics that are not normally thought of as a guys conversation.  “To be a fly on he wall..... do you ever just want to get in to a huddle, to listen rebuttal  or just plan  understand what’s happenin in the cave of man”. Shout out to Desus and Mero and  the Mtv's Guys Code, for this inspiration. We are trying to provide laughs and more in-depth material, for our audience. First up in the driver's seat is none other than the host and co host of "After Talk" Darren Lorenzo and Bruno Diaz, and joining them is one of Upward and Onwards founders, George Papas. In the passenger seat will always be a friendly invited guest. "After Talk", looks forward to seeing you next year for another season, with more behind the scenes antics and behind the curtain material. So from us to you, we are so appreciative of your time and on behalf of Upward and Onward Productions. We’d like thank you for hanging out for “Our Meeting at the Crossroads” Video Music Series, and "After Talk". Now Your attention and time is much appreciated and we look forward to having you checking in for our next  show "The Gents of the 3.5”. Remember success is only an arms length away. Stay safe, stay home if you can, and if not keep practicing social distance, with a healthy and cautious way of life. Upward and Onward folks. “After Talk” Host, Director and Creator - Darren Lorenzo Co host, Sound Editor, Sound Mixer - Bruno Diaz

"After Talk" with Jarde Pierre "I Got 3 to 4 Jobs" Episode 12

Upward and Onward Productions Presents “Our Meeting at the Crossroads with our Host Darren Lorenzo. Jardé, Our Director of Music Relations/Video Editor is from the Island of St Lucia. This particular episode "I Got 3 to 4 Jobs" is a bookend to the way the series started earlier this year, with "Piano Greats".  This time we unveil the curtain on Jarde's life since then, and all the different hustles he has come about, to survive this pandemic. Jardé is a classically trained pianist from St Lucia. After gracing many stages on his island, he took his talents overseas performing all over the world in countries in Europe, as well as South America playing for numerous cruise ship companies. Jardé is always looking for new avenues to advance his career. In addition to performing as a pianist, He also works in production as a video editor, photographer and cinematographer. If you’re looking for amazing music that wows and touches your soul both on the stage and in production, he knows exactly what a performer needs. “After Talk” Host, Director and Creator - Darren Lorenzo Co host, Sound Editor, Sound Mixer - Bruno Diaz

"After Talk" with Tony Hightower "Red Clay Chronicles" Episode 11

Upward and Onward Productions Presents “Our Meeting at the Crossroads” music series episode “Red Clay Chronicles”. This segment is all about Tony Hightower’s road to jazz. Host Darren Lorenzo, takes you inside this musical experience. Join us for talks about Atlanta, the music industry and jazz. The art of cool has been wayward since the likes of Nat King Cole, Frank Sinatra, Mel Tormé, Miles Davis, and John Coltrane. As represented by these legends of jazz, cool is a state of mind, an attitude of confidence and strength in one’s craft. Jazz artist Tony Hightower encompasses a new age cool that is part homage and part regeneration. Being not only an admirer but a student of the genre, Hightower’s passion and direct connection to jazz music allows him the advantage of properly emulating the timelessness of the classics without the kitsch while still injecting his own interpretations. Tony Hightower was immersed in multiple forms of music as a child. The son of prominent jazz vocalist Theresa Hightower, his experiences with music, jazz in particular, were ingrained in his upbringing. Regularly witnessing not only his mother perform but a wide range of talented artists helped shape his own penchants for singing and arranging. Hightower’s inherent musical expertise spans genres, allowing him opportunities to create with such talents as Lionel Ritchie, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, Outkast, Dottie Peoples, Charlie Wilson and a roster of other artists and producers. Critically acclaimed musicians Freddy Cole and Wycliffe Gordon have both acknowledged Hightower’s ingenuity in regards to The New Standard, with Cole providing musical guidance throughout the conception while Gordon praised the project as a “great recording.” However, accolades for this album don’t stop there; The New Standard received a nomination, amongst veterans and major label-backed artists, as a candidate for the Grammy’s 2015 Best Jazz Vocal Album. Although the candidacy did not manifest into an official nomination, this high achievement further validates the authenticity of Hightower’s purist jazz vision. The bare honesty in Tony Hightower’s works emit not only through his albums but also in his performances. Speaking on the live experience, he reflects, “Performing live is like a conversation, a conference call; the musicians are having a conversation on stage and then having a conversation with the audience. I enjoy the connection I’m able to have with the [listeners].” With only his passion and vocals on stage, along with the assistance of his band, Hightower confidently shares his labor of love and His respect for the cool. “After Talk” Host, Director and Creator - Darren Lorenzo Co host, Sound Editor, Sound Mixer - Bruno Diaz