Washington, DC, July 19, 2016 – DC based Jazz artist Aaron Myers has garnered attention from independent music professionals across the Globe. It was announced Tuesday July 19th, Myers is ranked the Number One artist on the Reverbnation Charts globally for all genres. This ranking places a Jazz artist at the top of the charts for this site.
“I woke up, checked my emails, and started on my daily promotion routine when I discovered I was number one…it totally made my day and makes me want to work even harder”, Myers said when asked about the news. Myers is the Resident artist at Mr. Henry’s Restaurant, launching pad for Roberta Flack, where he has a monthly featured show and co-hosts the Capitol Hill Jazz Jam alongside saxophonist Herb Scott.
Reverbnation is comprised of over 10.6 million music and entertainment professionals globally. Ranking systems are based upon several factors ranging from downloads, song plays, profile views, etc. Since 2006, Reverbnation has helped millions of emerging artists build their careers by connecting artists to venues, festivals, brands, publishers, labels and fans themselves. Reverbnation offers emerging artists from around the world access to the global music industry.
Myers is a constant on the DC Jazz scene. In 2015 & 2016 he was voted Best Singer by the Washington City Paper’s “Best of DC” Reader’s Poll, and was nominated for a WAMMIE (Washington Area Music Award) in 2013. Recently, Myers organized the DC Jazz Lobby, through which local musicians have introduced legislation to preserve, protect and promote Jazz in Washington DC. This legislation was introduced to the DC City Council Tuesday July 12th by Council Member Brianne Nadeau. He has released 3 albums, and been very active in the local community, sitting (and having sat on) on the board of directors for Crittenton Services of Greater Washington, OASIS Dance Company & CTE Vision Inc, all service and arts organizations. Myers also serves as Minister of Music for Covenant Baptist UCC, an open and affirming church located in Washington DC.
“I’m a country boy, raised in a sharecropping community, with people who encouraged my art the best they could, and still support and encourage me today. After making Washington DC my home, and being embraced by this community, I hope that I can use my art to bring attention and help to those who need it the most” said Myers. This Friday he will be hosting his annual birthday show at Mr. Henry’s at 8pm, inviting the public to come out and celebrate with him.
Aaron Myers performs a no-cover live Jazz show at the Mr. Henry’s Restaurant (601 Pennsylvania Ave SE, Washington DC.) every fourth Friday of the month from 8:00pm to 11:00pm, and co-hosts the Capitol Hill Jazz Jam every Wednesday at the same time and location.
Washington, District of Columbia September 16th — After months of preparation and recording, Jazz Vocalist Aaron Myers announces the release of his new album “The Lion’s Den” that will be released October 2nd. Digital copies are already being pre-ordered on Amazon, with the option to pre-order on iTunes and GooglePlay being available within the next week.
“Completing this album has not been an easy task!” said Myers, “But the product is something I’m proud of and displays the true collaboration between genres.” “The Lion’s Den” offers everything from the song “Black Lives Matter” dedicated to the activists of today to a touching tribute to his grandmother Velma Sanders on the last track of the album.
Myers took a path that many independent artists are taking, he supported this project through the Crowdfunding site GoFundMe. Crowdfunding is the practice of raising small amounts of money from large numbers of people, typically via the internet. “I was told not to bother trying to crowdfund for a Jazz album because there was not enough support for the genre, so the pressure was really on!” Exceeding his goal of $3500, Myers used the money to help complete his project at House Studio DC. House Studio engineer Jake “Vicious” Grotticelli stated, “Aaron Myers is an enigmatic entertainer. From his writing, to his singing, to his playing and arranging, Aaron really took this project somewhere special. It is an amazing project, and I was honored to be involved in a small piece. It’s the kind of album where you will hear something new and great each time you listen.”
“Most people try to stay in their lane either musically, financially, personally, whatever it is. That’s their comfort zone.” said Percy White, bassist on the project. “When I asked Aaron about venturing out of his lane, he said you don’t have to stay in your lane when you own the road. I believe he will own whatever road he goes down. He is my friend and I will be right there with him…enjoying the ride whether he owns the road or is simply passing through.” Myers honed is craft in the church growing up in Goodlow, Texas, a town of only 312 people at the time. He took his love for music with him as he entered the Army and then on to Los Angeles, where he started working in entertainment.
Teaming up with other area musicians, Myers reached across genre boundaries tagging noted soprano Aundi Marie Moore and rapper Pacman Slim to join him for his rendition of “I Can Recall” or “Spain” known instrumentally by others. “The Album is an experience waiting to happen from beginning to end” said Pacman Slim. “Aaron Myers is a fantastic artist and it’s truly an honor to be apart of this project” said Moore. Washington’s own Herb Scott, noted Saxophonist and founder of the Capitol Hill Jazz Jam whose featured on the project stated, “Aaron’s music is deeply rooted in the soulful gospel tradition that is the backbone of jazz and that’s why I like working with him. He’s so warm and inviting, just like his music.
“When you’re working with musicians you like, fun is only the beginning. Anything else that follows is pure magic” stated Myers. “The Lion’s Den” is set to be released digitally October 2nd on iTunes, Amazon, GooglePlay and other music streaming sites. Physical copies will be available in locations specified by his website.
Aaron Myers, known as the “Class Act,” is a native Texan who relocated to DC 7 years ago, and has made DC his home now serving as the Resident Artist at the legendary Mr. Henry’s and Minister of Music atCovenant Baptist UCC. Through his partnerships with charities, businesses, and politics, Myers has made an impression on the District that merges art with activism. Visit his website at www.aaron2.me for more information.
“The Lion’s Den” releases 10/2: Mr. Henry’s 9/25 8pm No Cover w/ pre-release CD’s available.
Wednesday September 9th will find audiences crowding into Blues Alley for the return of local Jazz Artist Aaron Myers. Patrons will be given the first chance to hear music from his new album “The Lion’s Den” and also be the first to purchase hard copies of project that is set to be released October 2nd.
“This album has a lot of creative, fun, jazz & fusion on it,” Myers said. “it’s been a rough year for me, all of my pain and joy is in the music!”
Myers has been been working at House Studio DC finishing his project “The Lion’s Den” which displays his talent as a composer, arranger, pianist and vocalist as he collaborates with opera singers, rappers, and many local jazz musicians. Wednesday’s show will offer live collaborations and also unique arrangements that span from Jazz, Soul, R&B, to Broadway and Funk.
Since June, Myers has served as the resident artist at Mr. Henry’s on Capitol Hill, first home of Roberta Flack, and introduced such stars as Donny Hathaway and Luther Vandros. As Resident Artist, Myers has a featured show at the venue the Fourth Friday of ever month and serves as one of the hosts for The Capitol Hill Jazz Jam.
“Last year we sold out the venue,” Myers said. “And I hope I have the opportunity to display my art to a love filled audience!” Teamed with stellar musicians such as: Bassist Tarus Mateen, Pianist Dave Kane, Saxaphonist Herb Scott, and Drummer Tyler Leaks, audiences can expect the musicianship to be superb.
Aaron Myers, known as the “Class Act,” is a native Texan who relocated to DC 7 years ago, and has made it his home. Through his partnerships with charities, businesses, and politics, Myers has made an impression on the District that merges art with activism. Visit his website at www.aaron2.me for more information.
Washington, District of Columbia July 21 — The Jazz Community will gather on and off stage to celebrate with entertainer Aaron Myers as he brings in his birthday through music and pool-side fun. Rumors are rampant that other local entertainers, club owners, politicians, and a host of other notables will be in attendance. Starting with a music filled night of Jazz at Mr. Henry’s Restaurant and then a Poolside Bash at Vida Fitness U Street Penthouse, confirmations are reaching capacity for both venues.
“There’s no better way to bring people together than with music and birthdays ,” Myers said. “Celebrating music and life will be theme of this weekend.”
Myers, now Resident Artist at the legendary Mr. Henry’s Restaurant, is known for his jazz concerts, comedy, and activism. Over the last 6 years, Myers has introduced jazz to audiences through his intimate jazz shows, his radio program “The Exchange” and through his charitable efforts.
There will be champagne, great performances, and a great pool over the two day birthday experience. To those who are accustomed to these events, Myers will bring an element of fun over the weekend that will be memorable.
“This Birthday is special to me,” Myers said. “I’m announcing the upcoming release of my new album!” Myers also shared another reason the opening festivities hold a certain sentiment. “For the first time, my Friday night show at Mr. Henry’s will be streamed through a platform that will allow people to view the show from their home computers and mobile devices. This will be the first show my 98 year old Grandmother will be able to see. Due to her health, she has never seen my jazz shows.”
Recently, Myers has added “Writer” & “Film-Producer” to his list of accomplishments. Although the projects are in production, the film, reportedly a documentary about DC Taxi Drivers, has garnered a lot of buzz in the DC community. In addition to this documentary, Myers is also shopping around new the feature film script “Paths at Sunset” while finishing up work on TV Pilot “Half Note.”
“Producing a film is not for the faint at heart,” Myers said with a grin. “Deadlines, can make you or break you, but they do help you stay true to yourself about seeing these projects through to completion.”
Aaron Myers, known as the “Class Act,” is a native Texan who has decided to make Washington DC his home. Through his partnerships with charities, business, and politics, Myers has made an impression on the District that merges art with activism. Visit his website at www.aaron2.me.
Friday Night 7/24: Mr. Henry’s Restaurant 8pm (no cover) // Saturday 7/25: (7pm – Midnight) Vida Fitness U Street (No Cover RSVP to aaronmyers@aaron2.me)
AARON MYERS voted “Best Singer” in the Washington City Paper’s “Best Of DC” Readers Poll
Washington, DC. ; April 9, 2015 ; Jazz Vocalist/Entertainer Aaron Myers was voted “Best Singer” in the Washington City Paper’s “Best of DC” Readers Poll on April 9th. Myers was voted runner-up in the poll taken last year by the same paper, making this his first win in that category. Myers served as the Resident Artist at the Black Fox Lounge in Washington DC boasting 5 years and 147 headliner shows at the venue before its closing December 31, 2014.
“This was a great way to start my morning” said Myers. “A good friend of mine had tagged me on Facebook wishing me congratulations. Not thinking I would win, I didn’t even buy a ticket to the Best of DC gala.” Washington City Paper was founded in 1981 and is a weekly alternative news paper with a circulation of over 60,000 (as of 2011). “It is an honor to have your fans, friends and family speak up for you like this and help spread the word of your art.”
Myers moved to Washington in 2008 after working as a Field Organizer on the Barack Obama Campaign to become the National Director of the Global Family Program that was then headed by the late authorLinda Grover. Not abandoning his itch for entertainment, Myers is currently not only working in music, but directing the documentary “Cab Fare” profiling the lives of DC Cab Drivers who have been driving in the city more than 40 years. Gearing up for the release of his second album “The Lion’s Den“, Myers has also just completed his second feature script “Paths at Sunset” with writing partner Scott Sedar.
You can find Aaron Myers performing at both traditional and non traditional Jazz Venues in the Washington DC area. More information about his upcoming performances can be found at http://www.aaron2.me.
Don’t you just love Facebook? A place where you can connect with your friends, share articles about issues you feel are important, vent about people or situations, Facebook has become integrated in the American culture just as talking pictures or color television. Whereas birth announcements, engagements, and weddings were first announced in the paper, instantly we can scroll through our timelines and be updated on the latest news within our communities and the lives of our friends. An even wider spectrum is uncovered as we can also see how we are connected to others. New acquaintances can be vetted by seeing what friends are shared mutually. As articles, statements or events are shared, comments are posted and it is that time one is able to see, at least to a degree, who your friends…call friend.
The latter possesses an interesting question to all people: How well do you know your friends? For years, relationships are built upon shared experiences, shared secrets, shared conversations, shared ideologies, and shared interests. Through the passage of time, the bond between individuals strengthens as the strands of these relationships are tested and tried. However, through Facebook (and other social media networks) one can see what happens after these shared experiences are over and individuals begin the same process with other individuals. Thus, one can see the thoughts, ideas, experiences and at times secrets shared by your “Friends of Friends.”
Have you ever had the experience of scrolling through your timeline and seeing a shared post, article, or video you did not expect to see posted from a friend? Perhaps, you shared a post yourself and was shocked by the reaction you received from your friends or “Friends of Friends.” Facebook has exposed the differences within relationships, whether religious, political, racial, ideological, or what have you, that had previously been hidden or politely ignored for the sake of pleasant company or conversation. What happens when you discover that your “Friend of a Friend” is a racist?
I’ve been faced with this many times. I am a proud Southerner (5th generation Texan), I’m a proud African American Man (My Great-Great Grand Parents were slaves), I am a proud Veteran (September 11th happened while I was in Basic Training) and I am a proud Progressive (Registered Democrat).
My upbringing has allowed me to have interface with people who believe, worship and vote differently from the way I do. Thinking back to my days in Kerens Elementary, I am often reminded of the words spoken daily by my kindergarten teacher, “Play nice and keep your hands and feet to yourselves.” I try daily to adopt this principle in my adult life, succeeding better some days rather than others, but for the most part, we all are forced to work with, interact with, and at times live with people who share opposing views. Everyday the art of compromise is seen on the bus, train, in traffic, on elevators, in work spaces, in church pews, in classrooms, in restaurants, in every place but congress it seems. The tension has become less evident in urban centers where a heavily populated group of diverse people are forced to interact with each other. The expansion of social media and the internet has made tensions less apparent in rural areas where diversity and necessary interaction between divers people may not be as frequent or optional.
What do you do when a difference of opinion crosses over to apparent hatred, bigotry or racism…by the “Friend of a Friend?” When is the relationship of the “Friend” taken into account? Where do you begin when analyzing the strength of the shared strands within your relationship? How do you resolve the inner turmoil, resentment and dissatisfaction? The What, When, Where and How have been presented to me on many occasions. Minorities and members of the majority are faced with these instances, and forced to self consciously react…often times reluctantly because of friendship. Who wants to lose a friend right?
The 21st century demands that we answer these questions out right.
Understanding what racism is, whether fueled by either hatred or bigotry, and acknowledging it when seen is a start. Black’s Law Dictionary defines racism as, “A set of policies that is exhibited by a person or persons toward a group of people of a different race. Often antagonistic and confronting. The assumption of lower intelligence and importance given to a person because of their racial characteristics.” Regardless of how “close” you may be with a friend, when you have been left feeling you have experienced racism, the safe space lies within yourself to express your discomfort and to know a racist does not own the right to feel “comfortable” when this mindset goes against the constitutional rights of the whole. One can even view it as utilitarianism…the greatest good for the greatest number. In this case, that good is equality, and that number is America.
When is the relationship of the friend taken into account? Immediately. As the strands within a relationship are tested, one must meet each test head on. One strand does not have to end a relationship, but it can certainly define a relationship. Relationships, friendships, are based upon boundaries. These boundaries are also where you can test the strength of these strands. If you make your boundaries known, the way those boundaries are respected then can define the future of that relationship.
The hardest part of these interactions come when one is faced with the inner turmoil of experiencing racism through a different medium, from a person with a reference. We choose our music, jobs, food, health regiments often times at the recommendation of a friend. Friends have introduced friends that resulted in marriage while others often ask for a reference when applying for a job. Social media and the connections of mutual friends have played an important role in making the world smaller, more connected, and in many ways more enlightened. Understanding no two relationships are alike, one often expects that the bond and strands shared between an individual would be commonly shared with others, and although different, never crossing the line of racism, bigotry or hate. Unfortunately, this age old dilemma has plagued mankind for ages.
No one wants to lose a friend, but in the course of friendship, one must never lose oneself. Martin Luther King, Jr. said it best I believe, “The ultimate tragedy is not the oppression and cruelty by the bad people but the silence over that by the good people.”
Above was an example of a statement made to me by a “Friend of a Friend” that was followed by many other hateful attacks. I stated my discomfort, set my boundaries, my Friend removed those attacking racist posts, and reaffirmed my belief that friends do not have to agree on everything (especially politics) but can definitely agree racism and hatred have no place within our boundaries of friendship.
Just weeks after closing down the Black Fox Lounge in Washington DC, Jazz Vocalist/Pianist Aaron Myers debuts at Bethesda Blues & Jazz with his new touring band continuing his jazz quest here in the DMV. Myers served as the Resident Artist at the Black Fox Lounge in Washington boasting 5 years and 147 headliner shows at the venue before its closing December 31, 2014. Now, he starts off the new chapter in his career with this upcoming show and work on his new album “The Lions Den”.
“I am excited to display my art in a beautiful venue where so many have played before” said Myers. Bethesda Blues and Jazz Supper Club is housed in the beautifully restored Art Deco Bethesda Theater built in 1938. Since opening, it has become the regions #1 Live Supper Club. “I’m now writing a new chapter in my career, and believe me, this is only the beginning!”.
This will be the first show played by Aaron Myers since the end of his residency. “Expect some great Jazz, soulful Blues and a touch of Comedy. I plan on doing some old favorites, and to also give a tribute to Andrae Crouch during the show. He was and is one of my biggest influences.” Andrae Crouch, a gospel singer/songwriter/producer, responsible for revolutionizing the way Gospel Music is interpreted passed away January 8th.
Aaron Myers & Co will play Thursday January 15th at 7:30pm with a $10 cover. Doors open at 5:30pm. Bethesda Blues and Jazz Supper Club is located at 7719 Wisconsin Avenue NW. Walking distance from Bethesda Metro stop.
Depression is real. As an artist, I live with it every day, and the operative word is “live.” It is not easy, and at times it seems as if I have no problems with the struggle. There are times when I feel on top of the world…for a moment. Then a tunnel surrounds me blocking out any affection or caring word I’ve ever heard from anyone else in my life. It becomes me at my most isolated, not selfish, state where although people are surrounding me, they have been blocked from my vision.
I remember hitting the bottom. It was during lunch hour on a Thursday. Homesick, pressured by the feeling of being inadequate, financial pressures and an overwhelming sense of anxiety had pushed me to my breaking point. As I wondered on foot in downtown LA, I walked across an overpass and stopped at its peak. I walked to the edge and grabbed the rail with my hands and watched hundreds of cars pass below. I stood their frozen.
A short period of discomfort followed by an eternal rest seemed more appealing than the inner turmoil I was experiencing, moreover it was becoming like the right answer. The sound of each car that passed below seemed to lull me deeper and deeper into a dark inner tunnel where death appeared to be the only solution.
Hearing people passing behind me did not distract me and no one seemed to stop. Maybe to them I did not appear to pose any danger, which as an entertainer, I was, and am, use to. Making people smile and feel at ease while one is dying inside becomes a habit, and even a type of medication. When I, and other artists, am on stage everything is ok. There is no drug on the market that can compare to the gratifying feeling of a loving audience. The show ends, people leave, they cut off the lights, and the artist is left alone.
As I became conscious of my breath, I felt the wind and began to smell the exhaust of the cars and slowly backed away from the edge. I was lucky, but there are others who are not.
The death of Robin Williams, just as the death of others also involved in the arts, resonates with me in a personal way. It takes a special person to channel all of the good in oneself to cheer or brighten someone else’s day while inside it seems like things are crumbling. He was an inspiration to me and will continue to inspire many more to come.
Depression is not a “state of mind’ or a temporary “feeling”, it is an ever present disease. If you, or someone you know, are coping with depression, seek help, encourage them to seek help, and do all you can to send as much positive energy and prayers their way.
Again, I was lucky that time. I am aware that there maybe a time in the future where I may not be so lucky. That awareness is the daily burden I, and others in my position, carry. Depression is real.
Anytime I see these words, without the added parentheses, starting off an opinion editorial, immediately I am reminded that our forefathers/mothers fought for the freedom of speech. It is also my opinion that in there fighting, they would hope the generations that followed them would strive with even more ferver to have responsibility with this right. Alas, I read the words chosen by Mr. Moyers as he begins a diatribe against a genre of music drenched in self expression…and I drop my head in shame.
The first Jazz album I heard came by accident. While rummaging through some records at the home of my Grandparents, I stumbled upon a record that seemed different from the others. It was thicker, visibly older, worn, and on one side simply read, “Gut Bucket Blues” Little did I know, the sounds that I heard would evoke such emotion 70 years after it was first recorded, and leave such an impression on a 12 year old boy.
Since then my love of Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Jelly Roll Morton, Eubie Blake, Jack Teagrden has not only evolved, but aided me in my appreciation of musicians like Wynton Marsalis, Esperanza Spalding, Kris Bowers and Allyn Johnson. Each person represents a snapshot of an era, and through their individual expression, a timeless, ageless story is told that transcends words and in some moments, demands change.
Jazz allows a story to be told in different forms
As a southerner, I appreciate a good story. Some of the greatest stories I remember hearing were told over the Sunday dinner table. Waiting in anticipation of a punch-line or a climax in a tale I had heard countless times from my Grandparents is still one of my fondest memories. With that said, some of my soberest memories come from hearing the same tales, told by a family friend, my mother, or even when passing on the tale to other family members and friends for the first time. Humans are unique, and even reading stories from a printed text, our voices, inflections, and tones differ adding a different flavor to the text. Thus is Jazz.
How awesome it is to have heard Louis Armstrong’s version of “Stardust”! You hear as he takes his trumpet and paints a picture for you with only tones from his instrument. How equally touching is it to hear Mel Torme sing the lyrics of Stardust, in his twilight years, written by Hoagy Carmichael, some 60 years earlier. Jazz gave freedom to artists of all genres to not be afraid to add their “flavor” to a song, not taking away any substance or meaning from the composer/lyricist. If you don’t believe me, ask Aretha Franklin about her cover of “Respect” or Nikki Minaj about the work she put into her mixtapes.
I am so thankful that the history of man did not stop with the discovery of fire. With each generation, this concept was built upon. Likewise it is with music. When improvisation is captured, it allows other musicians to take one persons’ improvised expression, and to build upon it.
With improvisation, a new voice is given to the musician/composer to share his/her expression.
In the legal definition of “evolve” one finds that it also includes “preserving the good characteristics” and that change can be “random, generationally slow, good, bad or deadly.” Evolution takes on different tones, in different times, to different people.
The expression of Jazz at one time was only regulated to speakeasies, gin joints, and back rooms. Then, only in Dance Halls. Festivals captured Jazz for a while, and then it stayed in school auditoriums or during special performances by Jazz originators. Now you find Jazz, again, in small clubs and intimate venues, but this time with the invention of new instruments and tools to, again, express Jazz in a different or an “evolved” manor.
There were 8 recorded lynchings, not sure if there were others undocumented, in 1937 when the poem “Strange Fruit” was written. When Billie Holiday recorded this with added music to the poem, the number of lynches had decreased to 3, but this terrible act was now introduced through the expression of Jazz to the world. The honesty of the pain, disappointment and fear Holiday felt towards her country due to its lack of inaction and the continuation of the practice of lynching was, and is, overwhelming. Her 1939 recording of this, in time, became her biggest selling record.
This courage has been adopted by other artists to use Jazz to speak up, out, and against injustice of people throughout the world. “Mushy” is not the first or last word that comes to mind when I, and many others, try to describe Jazz.
5. Jazz is Re-emerging and Local
When I moved to Washington DC in 2008 I was surprised at the classic venues located here in the district that offered Jazz. More venues have now opened their doors to Jazz. The Capitol Jazz Festival now offers “Jazz in the Hood” showcasing the hundreds of local Jazz musicians in the District of Columbia. You will find new festivals starting up every year across the country, and globe, to also showcase the growing number of jazz musicians, that bring with them the influence of their time along with new technology.
Trends have been adopted and thrown away. In the future we will view the fads and technology of today as we now view leisure suits, hoop-skirts, and the “View-Master”. Jazz has not and shows no sign of being dead or on life support. To borrow from Mark Twain, Rumors of its demise has been greatly exaggerated!
If you do not believe me, walk into a local restaurant or small venue and ask for their live music schedule. You will be surprised just how “alive” Jazz is, and will continue to be!
It is not often I run across a post on Facebook, or other social networks, that really captures my attention. Today was a much different story! As I scrolled through my newsfeed, I came across a post that not only captured my attention, but held my attention. The story of self truth realized through a tough experience. Letting his friends and followers into a personal journey that may be embarrassing for some to discuss, Actor, Best Selling Auther and founder of Natoni CosmeticsAnttoni Lopez shares the story of his personal relationship…and its end.
1 year married 2 years Divorced
By Anttoni Lopez
1 year married 2 years Divorced Written by Anttoni Lopez As I held the divorce papers in my hand all I could say was Did I fail? Did I try enough? Was it me? What happen? These are the questions I ask myself still till this day. This pain is a pain I never felt before. A feeling like your locked in a room and there is no way out. We started off dating March of 2011 I remember that day because that was the day you made your self known. You looked so handsome in your outfit and everytime I looked over my shoulder you was there. We didn’t exchange numbers that night, but I knew I would see you again.
Two weeks later we met at a mutual friends gathering and we hit it off. We talked for hours and forget everyone was there. We didn’t care because at that point we knew it was gonna be us. Before I left you that night you said to me “You know I’m going to marry you?” I laughed and said yea ok. By the 3rd week of March 2011 we officially became a couple. For the next 6 months everything was good and then we were selected to get married on the day the Same-Sex marriage bill was passed here in New York 7-24-11.
That day changed my life forever. All I ever dreamed about was being married, having a great career, and having my very own family. That changed! We would argue about anything and everything. At times it was just to much. Then 1 year later we had a big fall out and he packed his bags and moved out of our apartment. I was stuck and lost. I mean there was no cheating or lies on my part so why leave? For the next 4 months I tried everything and anything to win him back. I went to counseling and even tried to get marriage counseling for the both of us and it didn’t work. We went to one session and you told me I can’t do this no more.
I cried for so long because my life was falling apart. My career wasn’t going anywhere, my money was running low, my marriage was over, I lost friends I mean I didn’t have anyone. All I could do was turn to GOD and pray. What made it worst was that he was doing interviews and writing about me and our marriage calling it toxic and poisonous and I never mentioned anything about our marriage until now. I had to read all this from the man I say I do to and that made me feel like shit. It took me until March of 2014 to file for the divorce. I had to make the choice for me and my life.
The email I got from you after you got summoned for court was priceless. The part that hit me was this “THANK YOU for finally taking an initiative to resolve this broken union. I will be handling expeditiously. I am happy to be able to finally move on with my personal life and dedicate time to the person who has been by my side through this meandering transition of severing ties with you. If not for you, I would not have found my new relationship and real anchor in this journey of life.” Damn so you are still married and in a committed relationship? Sounds to me like adultery! Doesn’t it?
“I am very happy for you and your new found love” was what I said and it will be easier now for you to sign the divorce papers and for us to move on. In the past 2 years I have launched my own cosmetics line called Na~Toni cosmetics, I am working on my second book, and have been cast for some upcoming new films and projects, booking more photo shoots and fashion shows. Life couldn’t be better and I thank you for leaving me because I found a new me. All it took was 1 year of marriage and 2 years divorce for me to open my eyes.
What an amazing admission of self truth! I do hope you too will find strength in this personal story shared with us. It goes to prove that time stops for no person, and you determine what will be made of the time we all have left.
To learn more about Anttoni Lopez find him on Instagram @Anttoni_lopez / Twitter @Anttonilopez / Facebook Anttoni Lopez – Www.natonicosmetics.com
Washington, DC, July 19, 2016 – DC based Jazz artist Aaron Myers has garnered attention from independent music professionals across the Globe. It was announced Tuesday July 19th, Myers is ranked the Number One artist on the Reverbnation Charts globally for all genres. This ranking places a Jazz artist at the top of the charts for this site.
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Depression is Real
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