W.E. A.L.L. B.E.

Artastic Greetings To Fans Of All Things R2C2H2,
This has been my second trip in a year's time to a college situated in Virginia...I love driving through eastern Tennessee and Virginia this time of the year because of the beautiful scenery...It's very refreshing and calming to see the trees with multicolored leaves sitting atop the peaks and valleys of the Appalachians...This time I had the pleasure of seeing an old yet young friend of mine from my Wash U. Days on Oct. 18 and 19...Margo McClinton, a former residential director at Wash U. in St. Louis got up the nerve to bring yours truly to conservative Washington and Lee University in Lexington, Va. where she now serves as the Director of Student Activities...Those two days marked the first time I have seen this captivating woman in five years...Margo was one of the first people to buy some art from yours truly...W. & L. is the U.S.'s 9th oldest college...It's architecture is definitely slavery I mean colonial style circa Thomas Jefferson not George Jefferson...In alot ways despite the fact it was fall/autumn the place lacked color (if you know what I mean) but, what it lacked in color it made up for in the enthusiasm and curiosity of some of the students I had the pleasure of meeting...It was very spiritually rejuvenating to be able share some of my passion and knowledge with a receptive audience...I felt like a tenured college professor and now I know what to $charge$ the next time I do one of these academic excursions...It was a thirteen hour drive to get to Lexington from Memphis,Tn, but it was worth the ride it took to find good conversation and to see Margo's beautiful self again after 5 years...Yeah it was also good to see 2pac again as well...2Pac as in Margo's lucky pet dog not the rapper...

Me with the gorgeous Margo looking the same way I saw her five years ago...Timeless Beauty.

The Official W & L Press Release

The Elrod Commons at Washington and Lee University presents Common Grounds every Wednesday from 7 – 9 pm. The event turns the living room into a coffeehouse featuring musicians and artists. This year we have had musicians from as far as Florida and as close as Lexington. Students are also encouraged to perform. This past Wednesday, October 18^th Tom Goss played guitar and piano. In addition there was an workshop led by artist Ronald Cortez Herd II a.k.a. R2C2H2 a.k.a. 'The Artivist’.

Admirers and locals alike talking about the unforgettable night with R2C2H2 Tha Artivist and his many talents

He shared that:

“MY JOB AS AN ARTIVIST (ARTIST + ACTIVIST) IS TO ACTIVELY PROMOTE UNDERSTANDING, LOVE AND APPRECIATION FOR THE CREATIVE ARTS AS WELL AS FOR CREATIVE PEOPLE...I USE MY ART IN PARTICULAR TO BREAK DOWN ALL TYPES OF WALLS AND BARRIERS THAT PEOPLE PUT UP EITHER TO JUSTIFY THEIR HATRED, PREJUDICE AND INDIFFERENCE OR BECAUSE OF THEIR IGNORANCE AND NAIVETE TOWARDS CERTAIN ISSUES AND TOPICS CONCERNING PEOPLE, HISTORY AND CULTURE (S)...ONE OF MY MAIN OBJECTIVES IN MY PROFESSION IS TO TEACH THE WORLD HOW TO LOVE NOT JUST TOLERATE BLACK PEOPLE AND OTHER BEAUTIFUL BEINGS AND THINGS!!! IF I REACH JUST ONE HUE-MAN BEING THAN MY ENTIRE EXISTENCE IN ALL ITS MEANING WILL BE TOTALLY JUSTIFIED!!!

Tha Artivist working his magic...
My art is one created through the use and motivation of three of my main passions: my love of art, my love of music and my love of history in particular African and African American History. I love to tell stories through the use of symbols. I think four of my biggest influences, Jacob Lawrence, El Greco, Miles Davis and Paul Gaugin, have taught and convinced me that interesting stories can be told in a visually expressive and highly original individual style without the use of the written word. These artists among the countless others that I admire like Picasso, Charles White, Van Gogh, William H. Johnson, Romare Bearden, Lois Jones, Archibald Motley, George Hunt, Jean Michel Basquiat to musicians John Coltrane, Thelonious Monk, Run DMC, Louis Armstrong, Robert Johnson, Howling Wolf, Billie Holiday, Robert Johnson, Charlie Parker, Duke Ellington and 2pac remind me through their prolific outputs that research is one of the most important ingredients in forming your own artistic voice. Before I create a series of related artworks I dive deeply into the subject(s) of my choice through the use of books, movies (documentaries), music and discussions with people who are connected to the subject(s). These tasks take me countless hours to perform, but I honestly feel that me taking the time to collect and analyze the information have made me a better artist as well as a better human being. In this way I feel artists are like synthesizers, taking in all foreign information and materials mixing it with the artists’ experiences and knowledge and then compressing it into a product made in the artists’ likeness or image based on the artists’ own ideas and philosophies. All great art to me seems to be those works that have substance and tell unwritten as well as written stories that are to be retold and reinterpreted for years to come. Hopefully my dedication to my art will continue to lead me in this direction.”

R2C2H2 Disciples doing what it do...

To learn more about art and artivist please visit the following websites:

http://www.r2c2h2.com
http://www.weallbe.com
http://www.soldierboygrip.blogspot.com
http://www.jazzlieutenant.blogspot.com
http://www.ctherd.blogspot.com

Tha Artivist is now taking commissions to do original works of art by request!!!
That's Right Tha Artivist is now open for business...Get that special someone the gift that keeps on giving by actually increasing in value both $financially$ and sentimentally as the years go by...Get you a specially designed original work of art by R2C2H2 Tha Artivist today...Quick turn around promised just in time for the holidays...Priceless art at affordable prices and expedient shipping...Please feel free to contact R2C2H2 Tha Artivist by e-mail r2c2h2@gmail.com and/or phone @ 901-299-4355 if you have any questions and/or comments.
Please feel free to check out the following sites to learn more about art and Tha Artivist:
http://www.r2c2h2.com
http://www.weallbe.com
http://www.jazzlieutenant.blogspot.com
http://www.soldierboygrip.blogspot.com
http://www.myspace.com/r2c2h2

Tha Artivist Presents…Words, Beats, and Pix!!! premiere @ Zora's Lounge is a certifiable platinum hit!!!
Tha Artivist Reports

October 12, 2006 Thursday night from 8pm to 10pm was a truly historic and festive night for it was the premiere of Tha Artivist Presents…Words, Beats and Pix!!! @ Zora's Lounge at the Hattiloo Theatre, the soon to be world famous Hattiloo Black Rep. Theatre of Memphis,Tn…This premiere event was very special and sentimental for me because the Hattiloo Black Rep. Theatre is located on the same street and block as the fabled Sun Records Studio…Sun Records is not only the place where Elvis Presley was discovered, but where B.B. King, Muddy Waters, Howling Wolf, Ike Turner, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Roy Orbison were discovered and made some of their earliest if not first music recordings on their way to music superstardom…Sun Records is regarded by many to be the place where the first rock and roll song "Rocket 88" as sung by Jackie Brenston was recorded that started the Rock and Roll cultural revolution…Let me tell you for the record that I feel that Mr. Ekundayo Bandele the creator of the Hattiloo Theatre is every bit the equal of Mr. Sam Phillips...Like Phillips, Bandele is a visionary who is able to get the most out of his artists through limited means and aids essentially in helping his artists find an audience receptive to their unique gifts…

Ekundayo Bandele a.k.a. The Visionary
I honestly feel that in regards to Sun Records' glorious history and vicinity that the torch has now been passed to the Hattiloo Theatre in general and Zora's Lounge in particular to carry on in discovering great exceptional talent that will transcend time…What made this event even more historic was the fact that it was the first presentation or show at Zora's Lounge (named in honor of the famed writer Zora Neale Hurston) since the Hattiloo Theatre officially opened its doors on Sept. 22...There was a very powerful vibe that filled that entire small and yet intimate (not claustrophobic) space...You could definitely feel the love and positive energy that collectively emanated from the beautiful people of all shapes and hues, audience and performers alike…And speaking of performances oh my were they exceptional as well as tastefully diverse!!!
The featured guest visual artist Ms. Darlene Thomas blessed the audience with her brilliant and heartfelt painting skills…Her art style and skill is impeccable and reminds one of a cross between Ernie Barnes, El Greco and William H. Johnson…Darlene truly enjoyed the atmosphere's effect on her creative juices and had this to say:
"Thanks, (Artivist)! I had fun and met some cool people."

To check out more works by this amazing and exceptional rising art star please visit her official websites @ http://www.thepinkroomstudio.com and Myspace @ http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=86809924

Mr. Hood a.k.a. Mr. Clarinet taking the audience on a swinging musical journey
Mr. Clarinet a.k.a. Brandon Hood was the leadoff man…I haven't seen Mr. Hood since our high school days (8 years ago) but thanks to the wonders of the internet and myspace in particular we were able to connect …The talented Mr. Hood's specialty is Western Classical Music…Mr. Hood is also the band director for Havenview Middle School in Memphis where his musical talents and sometimes patience is put to the test by students either eager to learn or anxious to act a fool…Mr. Hood set the engagement off right with a stirring rendition of a Debussy classic work followed by the works of the great Puccini…Mr. Hood as one might expect from a committed high school teacher, is very modest about his exceptional musical talent and prowess...He claimed he hadn't played the clarinet for awhile, but he sounded like he never stopped playing since he came out of the womb and even sounded like he's been playing with leading horn man Gabriel before that, for his sound was so heavenly to the ears…Mr. Hood was like the Pied Piper of Hamelin hypnotizing the audience with his sweet tone and chordal runs...He stated that he wanted to be the World's Greatest Clarinet Player…Well folks if he truly decides to commit to this goal then no reed player, dead or alive, will be safe!!! This is what Mr. Clarinet himself had to say about the event:
"Much congrats on a phenomenal evening last night. I woke up this morning feeling more refreshed than I have in years. How many places can I say that one would hear Puccini and rap? Or a poetry reading and hip-hop? Not many. I truly appreciate the warm reception my playing was given. I believe the theater is on its way towards having a successful future. I hate that I had to miss the time of fellowship, however I would come back and perform at any time. I would love to rekindle our friendship. I believe that we both have the same idea- art triumphs all boundaries."
Check out Mr. Clarinet's Official myspace page @ http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=61337081


Yung Blac rhyming truth to power...
Mr. Hood's cool yet hot clarinet was followed by the smooth and socially conscious lyrics of Yung Blac of Bump Entertainment…Yung Blac is an up and coming Hip Hop artist…He is Marvin Gaye and Gil Scott-Heron meet Tupac and Trick Daddy…His steady and smooth delivery combined with his charismatic persona skillfully aided as a smokescreen for his highly flammable and combustible lyrics and biting yet insightful social commentary...He advised the audience to be aware of media jedi mind tricks and a corrupt justice or "just us" system…On his last song he was aided by up and coming hook songstress Miss Cellaneous…The sincerity and urgency of his message definitley moved the sober audience to chants of right on and tell it like it is to Amen shouts all around…With Yung Blac there was definitely a feeling that Da Church was in session… The majority of the audience were definitely in approval of the Gospel according to Yung Blac…I expect nothing but the best from this talented and gifted MC…According to Yung Blac he had a great time as well:
"THANX FOR THE APPRECIATION AND i WAS REALLY FEELING THE LOVE IN THAT ENVIRONMENT. i REALLY HAVE TO KNOW WHEN THE NEXT EVENT WILL BE BECAUSE i'M LOOKING FORWARD TO IT."
Please visit Yung Blac's MYSPACE page @: http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=96800710

Love Sonnets by Ms. Sims
The first two acts (who by the way are all alma maters of my high school, Overton High School for the Performing Arts) was followed by the beautiful Ms. Bernice Sims…Not only is Ms. Sims a veteran of the Modern American Civil Rights Movement (she worked with Medgar Evers and was a close acquaintance of the three civil rights workers, James Chaney, Andrew Goodman and Mickey Schwerner, whose tragic murders were the basis for the 1988 feature film Mississippi Burning), but she is also a prolific veteran of the silver screen as well with a 100 plus films to her credit!!! She worked in movies directed by Woody Allen and Spike Lee and even had a chance to talk to stars on an one to one basis such as the gorgeous Sanaa Lathan and leading man Ben Affleck…She was also the only lady standing in a line with plenty of women that the legendary and incredibly shy Robert DeNiro (who has a sweet spot and love for beautiful Black women) spoke to while on the set of Saturday Night Live…What a life!!! So you can see for most of her life that Ms. Sims has never been afraid or a stranger to the stage or spotlight for most of her life…Ms. Sims, a true jackie of all trades, read and perform for the audience three love poems conceived by her mind and written by her hand…She had many in the audience hanging on every syllable…Even for those who couldn't follow she held them speechless and mesmerized with the elegance of her presence…Her reddish hair seeming like a fire, an eternal flame burning with truth, ageless beauty and undying passion…Ms. Sims is also a talented visual artist as well…Check out her art at the following website: http://www.midsouthart.com/giclees/main.php?artist=01&type=1&startrow=0
I told you the lady was beautifully talented!!!


Foley moving the crowd...
The next artist is a name that will become synonymous with radio friendly and chart topping…Memphis Native and talented rapper Foley who has been featured on movie soundtracks and venues coast to coast from NY to LA, is an artist who is definitely going to have a nice following in the near future…By the way did I say he was nice on the mic as well??? Foley has undeniable stage presence and the crowd was definitely feeling him with his contagiously toe tapping, hand clapping and catchy beats and witty rhymes…Foley is definitely a star in every sense of the word…He reminds one of Nelly mixed with Ludacris both being one name Hip Hop wonders and superstars with a diverse and large fan base, something that Foley is surely destined to be and have…Currently Foley is in the process of working on a music project with the Queen of Talk Radio Ms. Wendy Williams…Stay tuned to your radio, t.v. and movie screen cause here comes Foley...Remember you heard it here first!!!
Check out Foley's myspace pages @
http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=52761574
http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendID=45341967

Next local R and B sensation Mr. John Anthony wowed the audience in particular the females with his suave yet sensitive rendition of his original classic "Simple Man"…John Anthony is a very talented musician with exceptional communicative abilities…Reminds me of R. Kelly before the legal troubles…John Anthony is the consummate artist performer…He has been featured on movie soundtracks including "What's the Worst that could Happen" featuring Martin Lawrence and Danny DeVito as well as performed in venues throughout Las Vegas and beyond…John Anthony had charm just oozing off the stage into the audience and into every nook and crevice of the small yet big hearted and intimate Zora's Lounge…His sexual magnetism was very evident from the start, but became more pronounced when he sang Baby Face's classic "Whip Appeal"…By this point he literally had the world on a string and could basically do no wrong…A master showman , John Anthony basically worked the audience from all angles and left the them , especially the women, wanting more…Visit John Anthony's Myspace page @ http://messaging.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=mail.readmessage&userID=59008781&type=inbox&messageID=105967171&fed=True&MyToken=19308def-6417-49e9-9c23-b7cdfe2e7b58

Next up was R & B songbird Vicky Valentine and her musically talented friends …Vicky who is greatly talented as she is beautiful put on a show that was very much enjoyed by all in particular by the fellas (the ladies did after all enjoyed John Anthony)…She sung one of her original songs "I'm a Ridah" to the beat of the hip hop artist's Young Jeezy's anthem "Soul Survivor"…Her musical comrades also added hip hop flavor and street savvy lyrics to the mix that balanced her sweet but sexy persona…Vicky Valentine definitely had the audience feeling like it was Valentine's Day!!! Visit her official myspace page @
http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=70224454

Make sure to catch Vicky and her friends in Hattiloo's third play of the season "They Sing Christmas Up In Harlem" coming this holiday season (Nov. 24-Dec. 24)!!!

The sweet sounds of Ms. Sexual Chocolate herself Ms. Crystin Gilmore....
Finally, last and certainly not least Ms. Crystin Gilmore held the audience spellbound with her rendition of Screaming Jay Hawkins frightful classic "I Put A Spell On You" a ca paella style no less!!! The spell was surely casted for she held the audience mesmerized by her commanding stage presence and richly sweet and sensual singing voice all wrapped in a dark chocolate dipped curvaceous package…Ms. Gilmore is the very definition of sexual chocolate for she is very sweet and very addictive!!! She then followed up with an interpretation of "Summertime" which would have made George Gershwin smile and asked for an encore!!! Ms. Gilmore is also a talented thespian whose talents knows no boundaries …She was the lead for "Home", the first play of the historic inaugural season of the Hattiloo Black Rep. Theatre in Memphis…I had the privilege of acting with her on the stage in my second acting turn in "Home" and it was truly an honor…


On Tuesday October 17, Ms. Gilmore had the honor of escorting Mr. Stevie Wonder or shall I say Mr. Wonder had the honor of being escorted by Ms. Gilmore to receive his Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis…A true star always hangs around true stars…Ms. Gilmore next destination is New York City and The Great White Way (Broadway) sometime later this year…She's the next Audra McDonald…I see plenty of Emmys, Grammies, Tonys and Oscars in her future...Visit Ms. Sexual Chocolate I mean Ms. Gilmore's myspace page @ http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=68482220

In closing I would like to say that this version of Tha Artivist Presents…Words, Beats and Pix!!! was very well received and has been the closest to mirroring the concept I have had for the potential of this wonderful series…I thank everybody who supported this movement by either participating as an audience member or performer or both…Please stay tuned for the next installment of Tha Artivist Presents…Words, Beats and Pix!!! coming soon in November and please spread the word!!!