BringingItTogether Gold Carpet Photo Shoot sets stage for Artist Development

If you know anything about Pasadena, know this: the local music scene has been striving to unite and nourish a sense of stability for artists native to the region. Over the last 5 years, we've seen great local shows and events cease due in part to the decline of local, native culture. Many people from Pasadena live elsewhere today. It's an interesting statistic as we fight to build a scene that's constantly changing. Don't get it twisted, the pride & culture surrounding DENA, Pasadena, Altadena cannot be hacked. People who grew up here love this place. But, for those who still live here, it's been a challenge to revive what Pasadena is already known for. It's local music scene...

Inspiration for the #BringingItTogether movement and Mistah Wilson's mission to help unite the local music scene comes from events like Nic @ Nite when 72 North (venue) was still in effect. Phat Cat's Live @ The Loft really brought out the local music community. It was huge for local music in Pasadena. Natives appreciated being able to enjoy a good time in Hen's Teeth Square where The

Sidewalk Cafe is. We can't forget about Perry's Joint!, either! They've kept the local music scene open on Tuesdays for years and should be acknowledged for their commitment to the Pasadena / Altadena community abroad. The Old Towne Pub and The Coffee Gallery has been known to be amongst the most consistent venues for local music.

What do we mean by the "local music scene"? As far as Mistah Wilson is concerned, the local music scene that they are trying to accomplish is focused around the local, native artists. The artists who grew up here, have stories here, and live here. The Pasadena Music Scene will always serve as a general platform for any artist to be involved in, but it's the inspiration that has come from the local native artists who helped form the vision for today's and tomorrow's scene. It was for radio shows like 210West, DENA DONS, Disco Ministries. Rugged rap groups like Rough City and FuelHead. Discovering music from Snake Pits & Belle Rose. Fast forward to Bing Bing’s era (2008 - present) and you had artists like Paco Swartz, Black Santa, and 2-Hye holding it down. The Rose Family. Blak Axx & LeMatiq. Pasadena has always had a music scene, we’re just bringing it together. 

The third event in the #BringingItTogether Photo Shoot series gave more than expected. A step up from the previous 2 events, Mistah Wilson & Co. assured that the 3rd event would not be held in an outside venue (park). After being rained on in November's shoot, it was imperative that the next one be inside. And artists in attendance were in for a sweet surprise. 

In collaboration with Pasadena artist & entrepreneur Maca, Blurry Vizion Media, and True Spitters, they were able to pull off more than just an Open Mic. Accompanied by the Drum Circle, Rahsan was a great host as he led drummers into the first quarter of the evening. It turned out to be another rainy night, ultimately affecting the overall turnout. However, artists, musicians, and poets still showed up to be a part of Pasadena's local music scene. 

The event was planned around the photo shoot & open mic. Maca and Blurry Vizions provided a

well-put together stage area with DJ Jut (Jutting Out Radio) & Lamont Vintage on the 1's & 2's. Artists who performed got a whole lot more than just an opportunity to reach people, they received quality content of themselves that they could use for their own press kits.
For this event, Mistah Wilson wanted to try something new…The Gold Carpet. The idea to use a different color carpet was so that the event wasn’t confused with some type of fashion show like the red carpet. Wilson wanted to choose a color carpet that represented community. The purpose of the Gold Carpet was to create a new standard for the local music scene. It was meant to help give artists a sense of purpose. That we as individuals stand on common core principles and values. The Gold Carpet means that we are for love, peace, & unity. By participating in the Gold Carpet photo shoot, you are taking a step in the right direction by helping to influence our future as a community in a positive way. The Gold Carpet is meant to

redefine what it means to be an artist. An artist not just being an artist, but a valuable member of their community. 

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