Baltimore's City Paper says it should be called the "Hey-I-used-to-have-that!" museum and damn if I didn't catch myself saying that over and over! It was a pleasant and unexpected trip down memory lane to see all the things that made my childhood so much fun. You name it, they had it, or a picture of it. Rainbow Bright, Atari, Michael Jackson albums (vinyl ya'll) New Kids on the Block dolls, I could go on and on. Check out my picture gallery and if you're ever in Baltimore, stop by the museum it's right next door to Camden Yards, and admission is only $1 on days the Orioles are playing (which was a very nice surprise).

-dottieb

I had the pleasure of watching Common perform this past Thursday at Sonar in Baltimore.  That show marks the fifth time I've seen Common live,(twice at Sonar) and he did NOT disappoint. He has so much energy and a great vibe that's so infectious.  To some, five times live with the same artist might seem a little obsessive, but let me just tell you a little about Sonar.  There are three rooms where artists perform, the Main Stage, The Talking Head Club, and The Club Room.  The Main Stage is the largest of the three, is used for major live shows, and according to Sonar's website holds over one thousand people (In comparison, I'd say it's about the size of a high school gym).  Most of this space is standing room only, with the exception of a small platform with tiers similar to that used for choirs. So what do you get when you have a major artist performing at Sonar's Main Stage? The perfect venue!!  It's the most intimate setting you could possibly ask for!  Trust me, I know.  I was literally ten feet away from the stage the entire show! And I wasn't the only one, anyone who knew well enough to show up for the opening act was able to stake a claim in what would be considered the high-priced, highly coveted front row seats at any other show.  This is what I've come to love about Sonar.  They've given me the chance to get up close and personal with an artist that would otherwise be unattainable.  Big ups to Sonar for bringing Common to Baltimore and shout out to Julian for sending me his pics when my camera failed me. (good lookin out homie)

-dottieb

Friday nights in Washington DC for many have become a light at the end of the work-week tunnel.  One of the reasons for this glimmer of light is the glamorous night club, Love. One of the hottest spots in DC, Love provides a swanky and elegant, yet contemporary atmosphere. It’s filled with high energy, dim lights, a sexy décor, and plenty of people out to have a good time. On any given weekend, every floor of the club (four floors total) is brimming with party-goers. In comes the club promoter, tasked with the responsibility of hosting a party that people look forward to and making sure plenty of people attend.  This Friday night has been the light at the end of my tunnel. I’m looking forward to seeing Common (one of my favorite artists) perform and meeting the man who helped to bring him here.

It’s 9:00 and already the line has formed into a snake like pattern along the side of the club. No one seems to mind, tonight there’s a warm breeze in the air, a delightful surprise for early November.  Everyone waits patiently for their turn to enter. They come dressed to impress, this diverse crowd. I see everyone from the career professional to the college student, all of them ready to step into the epitome of “grown and sexy” waiting just beyond the doors. As I make my way to the entrance, I’m called over to the side and I am greeted by a young man who appears to be in his early twenties.  It’s Trevor, the man I came to interview. Trevor TreWell of TreWell Entertainment, club promoter, who on this Friday night is responsible for what turns out to be a great night, and time well spent in DC.

Although I only just met him, I quickly decide that I like Trevor.  He’s not flossy, or imperious for that matter.  He’s quite professional, hospitable, and seems to have a mutual respect from Love staff members and others on the club scene.  I get the impression that Trevor is the guy who’s on a first name basis with everyone, from the sanitation crew to the General Manager.  We can’t make it two feet without someone stopping us so to give him dap.  While other club promoters give off a larger than life image, Trevor comes off as your best friend’s brother or your boy from school, he appears to be the “average guy”. I believe this is what makes him so approachable. However, when you talk to him about what he does, you realize there’s nothing average about him.

Tonight he's working, but I’m able to steal Trevor away for a few moments to sit down and discuss his vision for the future of Trewell Entertainment, his inspiration, and how he got started.
 
DottieB:  How did you start promoting clubs and throwing parties?
Trevor: I got started in 2000 hosting and promoting parties when I was a student at High Point University.  I was Promotion Director for the Black Student Alliance, plus I threw a lot of house parties, cookouts, etc. I just like being the life of the party. It didn’t matter if it was my event or not, people knew when I was at the party.
DottieB: In your travels, which city have you found to have the best nightlife?
Trevor:  My favorite place would have to be Las Vegas. Although I didn’t do any promoting out there, the nightlife is always on, night or day, all year round.
DottieB:  I’ve noticed that club promoters come a dime a dozen here. What is it that separates you from the competition?
Trevor: My personal touch and commitment to my clientele. It’s one thing to promote events, but when your clientele can actually interact with you it really makes a difference.
DottieB: What inspires you to keep moving forward in this business?
Trevor: My daughter and my family inspire me to push harder each day and each event as well as the people who attend my events, if they’re having a good time it inspires me to make the next one even better.
DottieB: What advice do you have for others who want to become club promoters?
Trevor: It takes a lot of patience and endurance to last in this business.  Every event will not be a great success. You have to learn from each event to make sure the next is better.  Club promotion is not a get rich quick type of business, you’ll have to work day in and day out in order to achieve your goals.  It also helps to find someone to mentor you who has been in the game a while.
DottieB: Do you have a mentor?
Trevor: Yes, Taz of Marc and Taz Productions. He’s taught me a lot about this business, he’s the best teacher I could ask for.  I have a lot of respect for him.
DottieB: You started TreWell Entertainment in 2006, where do you see your company in the next five years?
Trevor:  For my long term goal, I see TreWell Entertainment being established in Los Angelos, Austin, Miami, New York City, Las Vegas, and The Piedmont Triad.  I want to take my visions and experiences to other cities in hopes of bringing a new level of nightlife.  I plan on opening my first lounge/nightclub within the next five years.

Click here for upcoming events, news, and information about TreWell Entertainment. For more pictures check out my Love photo gallery.

-dottieb