SUBSTANTIAL ART & MUSIC PRESENTS SKETCHPADS:  LIVE ART & MUSIC JAM SESSION AT OTAKON

 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:                                     PRESS CONTACTS: 

July 9, 2024                                                                                                                    Rachelle Etienne-Robinson 

Founder/Co-CEO

Substantial Art & Music

www.subartandmusic.com

info@subartandmusic.com


SUBSTANTIAL ART & MUSIC PRESENTS SKETCHPADS: 

LIVE ART & MUSIC JAM SESSION AT OTAKON

Friday, August 2 – Sunday, August 4, 2024


(Alexandria, VA) — Substantial Art & Music, a multimedia arts organization is pleased to announce that they will be a featured presenter at Otakon 2024. Otakon is an annual convention held in the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, DC.

It celebrates Asian pop culture which includes anime, manga, music, video games, and its fandom. SketchPads is a live art and music “jam session” featuring live illustrations by a visual artist and a live beat set by a music producer. The SketchPads area will serve as an artist's lounge where spectators can observe or use the space to work on their art. Drawing supplies will be provided. Additionally, cosplayers will be invited to pose as figure models for the audience to draw. 


This summer marks Otakon’s 30th Anniversary. The Otakon convention runs from Friday, August 2 to Sunday, August 4, and includes a jam-packed schedule featuring panels, workshops, film screenings, performances, Artist Alley, a marketplace, and so much more.

Last year they received their largest turnout with 42,000 unique attendees and 150,000 turnstile visits. SketchPads will be held in Artist Alley, a dedicated space for amateur and professional visual artists to promote and sell their original artwork.


SketchPads will be accessible to Otakon attendees beginning at 2 p.m. on Friday, August 2nd, and will feature ten visual artists and seven music producers throughout the weekend. “As a visual and performing artist, I envisioned an event that highlights visual and performing arts instead of forcing a promoter or audience to choose. I love that SketchPads allows both to coexist on stage, together while also allowing the audience to observe, participate, and engage with the featured artists. It’s something truly unique.” says Stan “Substantial” Robinson, Substantial Art & Music Co-founder/Co-CEO.


Substantial Art & Music debuted SketchPads in 2022 at BlerDCon, a multi-genre convention in Arlington, VA, and Otakon. Both events were well attended and left a positive impression on attendees and guest artists alike. “I had a great, great time, I hope you'll do it again,'' said Gabe “Asheru” Benn of Guerilla Arts Ink, an Otakon 2022 attendee.


The SketchPads program at Otakon 2024 is made possible through the generous support of BLICK Art Materials, Discord’s Black and African American Movement Employee Resource Group, and from multimedia illustrator and storyteller Kenya (KDFoxx) Danino.


For high-resolution images and interview requests, email info@subartandmusic.com. 


About Substantial Art & Music

Substantial Art & Music, LLC (SAM) is a multimedia organization that provides consulting services to the visual and performing arts community. SAM was founded in 2017, by husband and wife duo Stan “Substantial” Robinson and Rachelle Etienne-Robinson. Together they provide design and consulting services to emerging and established independent artists, entrepreneurs, and organizations. SAM offers professional advice and guidance through consultations, workshops, and webinars. Additional services include graphic design and special events. SAM has facilitated workshops at Amazon headquarters in Seattle, Washington, the Hawaii State Art Museum, Pratt Institute, and multi-genre conventions. SAM events have been featured on WTOP, Washington Informer, and Fox 5 DC.


About Otakon

Founded in 1994, Otakon is an annual convention held in the summer months to celebrate Asian pop culture (anime, manga, music, movies, video games, etc) and its fandom. The event runs from Friday to Sunday and is packed with a schedule that has tons to do. Otakon is held at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in our nation's capital Washington, DC.



For more information, please visit:

Substantial Art & Music

SubArtandMusic.com


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Press Release: Substantial - You've Grown ft. MLLN

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Veteran Hip Hop artist Substantial releases moving tribute to wife and sister with ‘You’ve Grown’


Friday, February 17, 2023 (Alexandria, VA) — International Hip-Hop recording artist, Substantial is pleased to announce his latest single, “You’ve Grown.” The track features R&B vocalist MLLN who contributes a soulful melodic tapestry against Substantial’s three-quarter note flow and sincere lyrics. “You've Grown” featuring MLLN will be Substantial’s third single from his upcoming album Adultish due to release in April.

“You’ve Grown” was made to pay homage and celebrate the growth and perseverance of your loved ones. The first verse honors Substantial's wife and business partner, Rachelle's creative journey, and the second verse is a tribute to his sister Lisa and her many accomplishments in spite of experiencing adversity and hardship. "I wrote this song to honor these two special women in my life. My hope is that this song finds listeners who have someone in their life to celebrate who is equally inspiring to them," says Substantial.

“You've Grown” is written and produced by Substantial, with Jonathan Smalls on bass and additional synth provided by Tonedeff (QN5/QUINTIC), who also mixed and mastered the project. “You've Grown” drops today on Bandcamp and on all digital streaming platforms on Friday, February 24th. 


About Substantial 

International Hip-Hop recording artist, Substantial is a Jazz Rap/Lo-Fi Hip-Hop veteran known for his collaborations with the late Nujabes, Oddisee, and others. Hip-Hop Legend Chuck D of Public Enemy referred to Substantial as “one of the great MCs of our time.” Substantial's music has reached over 50 million plays on Spotify and reached #6 on the Billboard "World Digital Sales" charts. His music videos have been featured on MTV, BET, and VH1. Substantial has created music for video games including PUBG Mobile and Arknights, TV shows, and films, including Kevin Hart's "Laugh at My Pain”. Additionally, Substantial is a two-time Hollywood Music in Media Award nominee and has performed in nearly 20 countries worldwide and currently serves as an ambassador of Hip-Hop for the U.S. Department of State and Next Level Program.


About Substantial Art & Music

Substantial Art & Music, LLC (SAM) is a multimedia organization focused on providing consulting services to the visual and performing arts community. SAM was founded in 2017, by husband and wife duo Stan “Substantial” Robinson and Rachelle Etienne-Robinson. Together they provide design and consulting services to emerging and established independent artists, entrepreneurs, and organizations. SAM provides professional advice and guidance through consultations, workshops, and webinars. SAM has facilitated workshops at Amazon headquarters in Seattle, Washington, the Hawaii State Art Museum, Pratt Institute, and Otakon. In addition, Stan and Rachelle produce and host a biweekly podcast called ARTdustry: where art meets industry. SAM has produced special events that have been featured in several media outlets like WTOP, Washington Informer, and Fox 5 DC. In 2020, SAM was named Carib Biz Network Top 50 Influential Caribbean American Entrepreneurs & Freelancers.


For more information, please visit:
https://www.iamsubstantial.com/epk | https://www.SubArtandMusic.com
#Substantial #Subartandmusic #Youvegrown

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PRESS CONTACTS:                                    
Rachelle Etienne-Robinson
Founder/Co-CEO
Substantial Art & Music
www.subartandmusic.com
info@subartandmusic.com

SUBSTANTIAL ART & MUSIC ANNOUNCE ARTIST REPRESENTATION DEBUT WITH JAVIER STARKS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:                                     PRESS CONTACTS: 

Monday, January 9, 2023                                                                                                     Rachelle Etienne-Robinson 

Founder/Co-CEO

Substantial Art & Music

www.subartandmusic.com

info@subartandmusic.com



SUBSTANTIAL ART & MUSIC ANNOUNCE 

ARTIST REPRESENTATION DEBUT

WITH JAVIER STARKS

Monday, January 9, 2023

(Alexandria, VA) — Substantial Art & Music (SAM), a multimedia arts organization is pleased to announce the signing of Washington, DC based performing artist, Javier Starks. SAM, founded in 2017 as a consulting organization has evolved to include artist representation to their list of service offerings.

Javier Starks is an emcee, songwriter, educator, and youth advocate. Starks provides audiences with a positive alternative by choosing to perform curse-free Hip Hop with versus that don’t degrade women, promote drugs, excessive violence, or over-glorifies money.  “I teach kids why self-respect and respecting others is so important when expressing ourselves through art,” said Javier Starks. Starks has performed at The Lincoln Center, The Washington Monument, The Kennedy Center, and more. Starks led youth workshops in Tripoli, Lebanon and was commissioned to record an original song to honor Oliver Tambo’s 100th birthday in South Africa. Starks has been featured on CNN and has appeared on local news stations including Great Day Washington (WUSA-9). He has performed, recorded, and collaborated with numerous award-winning artists including Logic, Robert Glasper, Keyon Harrold, Miles Mosley, Chris Dave, Derrick Hodge, and the West Coast Get Down. In addition to his music career, Starks is the undisputed number #1 Onewheel rider in the world for distance. Having achieved over 38,000 miles, Starks will pursue a North American cross-country tour while riding on his Onewheel XR.

SAM will work closely with Starks providing career management as well as producing several projects to include an EP, due to release later this year, a Onewheel cross-country campaign,  and provide marketing, distribution, and fundraising support. “Javier is a generational talent. He embodies what it means to be a Black of all trades. He’s a great performer and songwriter with uncanny freestyle ability, an inspirational, engaging educator, and one of, if not the greatest, Onewheel riders in the world. We’re thrilled to be working with him and excited to help him increase his impact on the globe,” says Stan “Substantial” Robinson, Founder/ co-CEO of Substantial Art & Music.

About Substantial Art & Music

Substantial Art & Music, LLC (SAM) is a multimedia organization focused on providing consulting services to the visual and performing arts community. SAM was founded in 2017, by husband and wife duo Stan “Substantial” Robinson and Rachelle Etienne-Robinson. Together they provide design and consulting services to emerging and established independent artists, entrepreneurs and organizations. SAM provides professional advice and guidance through consultations, workshops, webinars as well as provide additional services like graphic/web design. SAM has facilitated workshops at Amazon headquarters in Seattle, Washington, the Hawaii State Art Museum, Pratt Institute, and Otakon. In addition, Stan and Rachelle produce and host a biweekly podcast called ARTdustry: where art meets industry. SAM has produced special events that have been featured in several media outlets like WTOP, Washington Informer, and Fox 5 DC. In 2020, SAM was named Carib Biz Network Top 50 Influential Caribbean American Entrepreneurs & Freelancers.

For more information, please visit:

Substantial Art & Music

SubArtandMusic.com

#Subartandmusic

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PRESS RELEASE: SUBSTANTIAL ART & MUSIC PRESENTS SKETCHPADS: LIVE ART & MUSIC SESSION

(Suitland, MD) — Substantial Art & Music, a multimedia arts organization is pleased to announce SketchPads, a live art and music session. The event will be held at Creative Suitland Arts Center in Suitland, Maryland on Saturday, October 22 at 2 p.m. Tickets to the event will be available on August 22 at 9:00 a.m. ET via Eventbrite at https://bit.ly/Sketchpads-CS.

Sketchpads is a live art and music “jam session” featuring live illustrations by a visual artist and a live beat set by a music producer. The space serves as an artist lounge where attendees can observe, ask questions, use the space to work on their art or draw a live  model.

SketchPads at Creative Suitland will feature artist and Suitland High School alum, Lawrence “Naturel” Atoigue and emcee/producer and Suitland resident Micheal “yU” Willingham Jr. Naturel, is an illustrative-based artist. His futuristic illustrations have successfully blended methods of Pop and Cubism with a surrealist vision. His talents have attracted the eyes and ears of celebrity clients such as Macklemore, LeBron James, Swizz Beatz, and countless others. 

yU first gained acclaim as a member of the Washington DC group Diamond District along with Oddisee and XO. He continued to garner success with his solo debut Before Taxes which was named the Best of 2010 List by HipHopDX, Al Lindstrom, and Above Ground Magazine. yU has toured Europe and has made appearances at CMJ, SXSW, A3C, and the Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival. Apart from being a prolific emcee, yU is an accomplished music producer.

“As a visual and performing artist, I envisioned an event that highlights both visual and performing arts instead of forcing a promoter or audience to choose. I love that SketchPads allows both to coexist on stage together while also allowing the audience to observe, participate, and/or engage with the featured artists. It’s something truly unique.” says Stan “Substantial” Robinson, Substantial Art & Music Co-founder/Co-CEO.

Substantial Art & Music debuted SketchPads this summer at multi genre conventions, BlerDCon in Arlington, VA, and Otakon in Washington, DC. Both events were well attended and left a positive impression on both attendees and guest artists. “I had a great, great time, I hope you'll do it again,'' said Gabe “Asheru” Benn of Guerilla Arts Ink, an Otakon 2022 attendee.

This event is made possible through the generous support of Words Beats & Life, BLICK Art Materials, and CLIP STUDIO PAINT.

About Substantial Art & Music

Substantial Art & Music, LLC (SAM) is a multimedia organization focused on providing consulting services to the visual and performing arts community. SAM was founded in 2017, by husband and wife duo Stan “Substantial” Robinson and Rachelle Etienne-Robinson. Together they provide design and consulting services to emerging and established independent artists, entrepreneurs and organizations. SAM provides professional advice and guidance through consultations, workshops, webinars as well as provide additional services like graphic/web design. SAM has facilitated workshops at Amazon headquarters in Seattle, Washington, the Hawaii State Art Museum, Pratt Institute, and Otakon. In addition, Stan and Rachelle produce and host a biweekly podcast called ARTdustry: where art meets industry. SAM has produced special events that have been featured in several media outlets like WTOP, Washington Informer, and Fox 5 DC. In 2020, SAM was named Carib Biz Network Top 50 Influential Caribbean American Entrepreneurs & Freelancers.

About Creative Suitland

Creative Suitland Arts Center is a non-profit arts-based community development strategy to include residents and businesses in defining the cultural and creative spirit of the greater Suitland area. Creative Suitland's vision is to boost a creative economy, create a gathering space for all ages and cultures, and improve the health of individuals through innovation and creativity. Essentially, Creative Suitland Arts Center is a cultural hub for the region to gather, learn, have fun, and express themselves through art.

For more information, please visit:

Substantial Art & Music

SubArtandMusic.com/sketchpads

https://youtu.be/53QKmwf7Uvg

#Subartandmusic #SketchPads

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[MUSIC VIDEO] "Patience" by Kevin "Earleybird" Earley

Last month, co-CEO Rachelle Etienne-Robinson was asked by longtime friend and fellow Pratt alum, Kevin “Earleybird” Earley to direct a music video from his upcoming album, THE DEVINE COMEDY.

The song “Patience” is written and produced by Earleybird, featuring vocals from Maria. The video is directed by Rachelle Etienne-Robinson with cinematography and editing by Nick Fullen.

The album and single are now streaming on all music streaming sites.

[MUSIC VIDEO] Substantial and KDFoxx - Your Greatest Weapon ft. MLLN and Malcolm Jackson

January 29, 2022

NEW MUSIC VIDEO ALERT! 'Your Greatest Weapon' by Substantial & KDFoxx (The Art of Kenya Danino) featuring MLLN & Malcolm Jackson. Watch. Enjoy. Share.

This song and video are the results of MONTHS and in some cases, YEARS of work! Thank you to our entire team who helped to make this happen and of course all of you for the continued support! Credits below.

VIDEO CREDITS
Executive Producers: Stan "Substantial" Robinson & Rachelle Etienne-Robinson of Substantial Art & Music
Directed by Rachelle Etienne-Robinson
Director of Photography: Nick Fullen
Additional Cameras: Richard Robinson a.k.a. W3alth of True Genius Creatives Entertainment, Daniel James Eiskant, and Justin Vasquez
Editor: Nick Fullen
Illustrations by Kenya Danino a.k.a. KDFoxx
Animation by Natalia Mercado, Tracy MacLauchlan, Alexis Xuconoxtli, Katherine Leiter, Chagok Yun, Rodrigo Veras, and Brady

SONG CREDITS
Writers: S. Robinson, K. Danino, M. Bhatt, M. Jackson
Produced by Substantial
Lead Vocals by Substantial and MLLN
Vibraphone by Malcolm Jackson
Voice-over acting by Hunter Scott (Br'er) | Written by KDFoxx

Download/Stream Your Greatest Weapon ft. MLLN & Malcolm Jackson

Animal Arithmetic, Vol. 1 drops on February 4th on all platforms. Pre-order now!

Become a Sponsor

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This year, Substantial Art & Music with Creative Suitland Arts Center will host its 3rd annual "It’s a Kwanzaa Celebration".

In 1966, Dr. Maulana Karenga created a Pan African holiday called Kwanzaa which celebrates family, community, and culture from December 26th - January 1st.  "It's a Kwanzaa Celebration" was created by Substantial Art & Music, LLC (SAM) with Creative Suitland Arts Center in 2019 to provide a platform for families to learn and celebrate the cultural traditions associated with Kwanzaa and the seven principles.  In honor of this cultural holiday, our program includes an introduction to Kwanzaa, storytelling, yoga, West African dance and drumming, and vendors marketplace. The event was well-received by the community and was featured on Fox 5 DC. 

Due to Covid-19, in 2020 we held a virtual program via YouTube that garnered over 1200 views. This year, to ensure the safety of our audience, talent and crew, we will continue to follow guidance from Prince George’s County, Maryland and will hold the celebration as a hybrid virtual and in-person program on the first day of Kwanzaa - Umoja, Sunday, December 26th. 

We’re looking for sponsors to help with fees associated with the talent showcase and feature presentation.  In return, we have created an assortment of contribution levels offering multiple advertising and promotion opportunities. Click here, for details regarding our organization, leadership, target audience, venue information, sponsorship levels, and benefits. 

To make a contribution, simply click on the link here. Your donation is tax-deductible to the full extent of the law.

We thank you in advance for your sponsorship and support.

SUBSTANTIAL & FUNKY DL'S WE MET IN TOKYO (EXTENDED CUT) DOCUMENTARY PREMIERES TODAY

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We are happy to announce that today we are releasing the official extended cut of the documentary We Met in Tokyo featuring Substantial & Funky DL. In this film directed by Rachelle Etienne-Robinson, DL and Sub reflect on how they first metafter working with the late Japanese producer, Nujabes. The extended version features an additional 20+ minutes of interview footage. Join us live today at 12 pm EDT on Youtube to watch the premiere and join the live chat.

From WTOP: "Suitland Kwanzaa Festival will go virtual Saturday"

Written by Dick Uliano for WTOP | December 23, 2020, 8:39 PM

 The weeklong Kwanzaa festival will begin Saturday, and at the Creative Suitland Arts Center in Prince George’s County, Maryland, the celebration will happen online.

The Creative Suitland Arts Center was just a month old in March, when the coronavirus pandemic closed the space and forced programs online. At 5 p.m. Saturday, it will post a two-hour Kwanzaa celebration on YouTube.

“It was either not have this event because of COVID or to shift everything into a virtual program because of COVID,” said Malachi Robinson, the center’s director, who said that the fledgling arts center has found welcoming online audiences for its programs.

“We are a new arts center that opened in February of this year; we are located right across from the Suitland Federal Center, and our goal is to uplift and define the culture of the greater Suitland community and beyond,” said Britt Barbour, program director of Creative Suitland.

The center has joined hands with an Alexandria-based company to present a program of music, storytelling and performing arts.

“It is going to be a multigenerational program that’s catered to families young and old,” said Rachelle Etienne-Robinson, co-CEO of Substantial Art & Music, the producers of the program that’s titled “It’s a Kwanzaa Celebration.”

The production even has a segment on seated yoga.

“It’s a great way to relax and settle yourself, ground yourself during this time, which is very much needed for everyone,” Robinson said.

Kwanzaa is the African American and Pan-African celebration of family, community and culture. It starts Dec. 26 and concludes Jan. 1.

The holiday celebrates community and culture and promotes seven principles, one each day: unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith.

“It’s just about refocusing our energies and really focusing on things that essentially everyone cares about, not just the Black community, everybody cares about what these principles are about. These principles are important to everyone’s lives,” said Stan “Substantial” Robinson, co-host of the Kwanzaa program and co-CEO of Substantial Art & Music.

It’s a Kwanzaa Celebration

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 1, 2020

Company: Kelly Maven Media                                 

Contact: Kelly Davidson

Email: kelly@kellymaven.com

Web: www.kellymaven.com



IT’S A KWANZAA CELEBRATION

SUITLAND, MD — On Saturday, December 26, 2020 Substantial Art & Music with Creative Suitland Arts Center will host its 2nd annual "It’s a Kwanzaa Celebration". It will be a virtual holiday program featuring performing artists and educators from the DMV area.

This year, due to the pandemic, the organizers decided to hold the celebration virtually on the first day of Kwanzaa - Umoja, Saturday, December 26th at 5 PM and streamed via YouTube. In honor of this holiday, they will celebrate with eight program segments. Returning as hosts are Prince George’s County, Maryland born MC, producer, artist and educator, Stan “Substantial” Robinson and award-winning educator, author and owner of Spizzy Smoothies and Teas, Brother Victorious. The program will include a restorative justice presentation by Randy Green, yoga by Lisa Renee, music performances by Substantial and Tamara Wellons, storytelling by Mama Serwaa and Gigi Gumspoon, Ni Dembaya African Drum & Dance and a virtual marketplace all from the comfort of the viewers own home or wherever they may be with access to YouTube. “This year has been unprecedented in many ways, this is our way of bringing the community together even though we are apart”, said Rachelle Etienne-Robinson, event producer. 

The arts community, like so many others, has been impacted significantly by the pandemic. “It’s a Kwanzaa Celebration” is made possible through the generous support from individual donors and sponsors like Prince Goerge’s County Council Member Rodney C.Streeter. The organizers have created an assortment of contribution opportunities for individuals and organizations interested in supporting this event and Creative Suitland Arts Center.

Kwanzaa is a Pan-African holiday created by Dr. Maulana Karenga in 1966. Kwanzaa celebrates family, community and culture from December 26th - January 1st. 


About Substantial Art & Music and Creative Suitland Arts Center

Substantial Art & Music, LLC (SAM) is an organization focused on providing consulting services to the art and music community. SAM was founded in 2017, by husband and wife duo, Stan “Substantial” Robinson and Rachelle Etienne-Robinson. Together they provide consulting and multimedia services to emerging and established artists. Creative Suitland Arts Center is an arts-based community development strategy to include residents and businesses in defining the cultural and creative spirit of the Greater Suitland area. They opened their doors in February 2020 and have moved most of their programming online due to occupancy restrictions from COVID-19. Creative Suitland is a project of Joe's Movement Emporium, an arts center in Mount Rainier, MD,  in partnership with the Revenue Authority of Prince George’s County. 



Event Date: Saturday, December 26, 2020

Principle: Umoja - Unity

Time: 5 PM - 7 PM

To register for the event, visit - https://bit.ly/RegKwanzaa2020 

To sponsor the event - https://bit.ly/Kwanzaa2020 

To view the event on YouTube - https://youtu.be/88BQZyAfd8c

Stand for Freedom

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As a Black-owned business, the recent protests happening across our nation as a result of the murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery are not lost on us. From the time the first enslaved Africans were brought to this country 400 years ago to just last week when Amy Cooper’s racist and unjustified call to the police on Chris Cooper; Black men, women and children are subject to systemic oppression. As citizens, it our right to stand in opposition of all who wish to oppress Blacks and all marginalized people. Whether it’s through protests, boycotts or any other steps that have become necessary to topple our oppressors, our basic human rights will not be delayed any longer. As citizens, it is our right to vote in our local, state and general elections to ensure our government truly represents and serves its people and its our duty to condemn those who do not.

We support those who stand for freedom and justice for all. To support protesters and communities impacted by police violence, please click here for a list of organizations.

ARTISTS SUPPORTING ARTISTS DURING PANDEMIC

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Greetings,

Since Covid-19 aka coronavirus landing state side, the domino effect on the creative economy has  been significant. Visual artists, performers, writers, producers, administrators and countless other industries have been forced to end production and/or close their doors as a result of the pandemic, at least temporarily. And we, at Substantial Art & Music are not immune.

Due to recent developments including school closures in the State of Maryland and recommendations from the Center For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as well as the World Health Organization (WHO), our office at Creative Suitland recently announced that they too will close its doors beginning March 16th - 29th. We have postponed our stARTer Kit workshop that was scheduled for Saturday, March 21 and will be offering an online workshop instead. More details to follow.

As arts advocates, we’d like to share some resources with our creative community to assist you in combating the effects from Covid-19.  For musicians, follow @musicares who support musicians during tragedies as well as provide preventative, recovery, and emergency assistance to safeguard the well-being of music people in need. For general resources and preparation, a list has been created for freelance artists by artists. Visit link below to learn more.

https://covid19freelanceartistresource.wordpress.com/

Lastly, artists are among the most vulnerable during these times of crisis. In addition to loss of work due to cancellations, individuals and organizations as well as those that benefit from cultural events lose their source of income. If you are self isolating, support your fellow writers, visual artists, filmmakers, musicians and others, by placing an order, downloading or streaming their projects. Below are a few campaigns, projects and companies that we are supporting:

Continue to be diligent with your hygiene practice, WASH YOUR HANDS, COVER YOUR MOUTH, Check-in with friends/family/neighbors and STAY SAFE.

We look forward to when we are able to welcome our artist partners with open arms, but in the meantime, know that our hearts and minds are always open.

With gratitude,

Rachelle & Stan

[NEW MUSIC] Dumi Right - We Don't Need ft. Chubb Rock and Nathanial Star

Dumi Right (of Zimbabwe Legit) returns with another hard hitting, politically charged collaboration with the legendary Chubb Rock. Titled "We Don't Need" the track is a commentary on our current turbulent times and speaks to the ills we would like to see a whole lot less of like corruption, violence and injustice. Dumi calls for more accountability, equality, opportunity and Chubb Rock declares, "Enough is enough!" "We Don't Need" is now available on all digital music platforms. #WeDontNeed

Dumi Right returns with golden era Hip Hop legend, Chubb Rock to drop the boom bap banger 'We Don't Need'. Addressing our turbulent times, Dumi demands accountability and more while Chubb Rock declares, "Enough is enough!"

STREAM/DOWNLOAD “WE DON’T NEED” ON ALL PLATFORMS

Kwanza Celebration

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SUITLAND, MD November 7, 2019 - On Thursday, December 26, 2019 and Tuesday, December 31, 2019, Substantial Art & Music will lead two Kwanzaa events at Creative Suitland Arts Center.

The newly opened facility is a project of Joe's Movement Emporium in partnership with the Revenue Authority. Joe’s was invited by the Revenue Authority to enhance arts and cultural activities as a means to boost the local creative community and occupy the vacant building. Joe’s is a leader in the creation of the Gateway Arts District and the Art Lives Here initiative that informed the organization’s expertise in the field of creative placemaking. Creative Suitland is located at 4719 Silver Hill Road, Suitland, MD, a strip mall space, formerly occupied by Hunter Memorial AME Church. The venue is across the street from the Census Bureau offices and walking distance to the Suitland Metro Station. Renovation will be completed later this month. A grand opening is planned for January 2020, however the Arts Center will play host to Substantial Art & Music’s Kwanzaa Celebration.

Substantial Art & Music, LLC (SAM) is an organization focused on providing consulting services to the art and music community. SAM was founded in 2017, by husband and wife duo, Stan “Substantial” Robinson and Rachelle Etienne-Robinson. Together they provide design and consulting services to emerging and established artists. Additionally, they provide art and music programming and advocacy.

The Substantial Art & Music Kwanzaa Celebration will feature award-winning educator and author Brother Victorious, along with storytelling, dance, drumming, workshops, lectures, craft activities and marketplace. Visitors will be given an opportunity to tour the theater, studios, arts education classrooms, offices as well as learn of the services and programs offered at Creative Suitland.

Kwanzaa is a Pan-African holiday created by Dr. Maulana Karenga in 1966. Kwanzaa celebrates family, community and culture from December 26t h - January 1s t. The goal of the celebration is to engage the residents of Suitland, MD and the greater DC metro area with two Kwanzaa programs, Umoja - Unity, celebrating the first day of Kwanzaa and Kuumba - Creativity, celebrated on the 6th day.

Thursday, December 26, 2019

Umoja - Unity
5pm -9pm
To register, please visit - http://bit.ly/SAMUmoja2019

Tuesday, December 31, 2019

Kuumba - Creativity 1pm - 5pm

To register, please visit - http://bit.ly/SAMKuumba2019

Black Fathers Foundation Inaugural Gala hosted by SAM co-CEO Stan "Substantial" Robinson

(Photo: Keston De Couteau)

(Photo: Keston De Couteau)

Black Fathers Foundation Hosts

Its Inaugural Gala Celebrating Black

Fatherhood

The sold-out event, supported by BET, was centered around Black dads and their positive impact on children, families and the community.

Written by Donna Owens

Matt Prestbury, founder of the Black Fathers Foundation, couldn’t stop smiling. Nothing quite prepared him for the powerful display of #BlackDadMagic, happening right before his very eyes. Inside the Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African-American History & Culture were sharply dressed Black fathers, ranging from Millennials to elders; talking, laughing, networking and basking in their brotherhood and fatherhood. 

Read more here