After such a huge success for The 719 Christmas Ball this past holiday season, and finally catching up creating some amazing partnerships as well as finishing up our studio/podcast setup for the brand new 719 Mag Live! , me and one of our most valued and respected team members of 719 Magazine Mr. James Anderson aka JEREL INK (s/o to Black Law Family) sat down and had a few convos at 719 Mag’s new studio (at the time under construction thanks to Jerel for some of our equipment ). Lo and behold, he mentions to me that he wanted to do it #BIG for his birthday bash this year! After a few sitdowns and also planning, much on his own accord, Jerel eventually locked in a very dope venue, Two Moons Music Hall, in Denver, Colorado, where he now resides after many years down in Colorado Springs.
Let us not forget to mention Jerel’s huge successes with Black Law Family in the 719 and Anomilink Art Gallery which also served as a multi purpose venue with many major and local appearances, to include one my mentors Scorp Dezel, (719 Mag Launch cover story) for his single release party he produced for Jason Derulo ft NBA Youngboy “Mad Love”.
Jerel has low key been supporting this community, at times even single-handedly, for a number of years out in the 719 however, that’s an entirely different story that will also be told when the time arises soon, along with many other entities both in and outside of our growing staff of media experts. So until that time comes, which I’m certain will give Jerel Ink’s story the justice it deserves, Just a few months after our launch 🚀 July of last year, I personally reached out to Jerel to join our growing team/staff at 719 Mag and without hesitation, he took it as an honor. Just know the respect is mutual on all sides and Jerel has become a humble force to be reckoned with when it comes to QUALITY in what he creates. Whether it’s ink, both on and off the skin, events, music and just art altogether.
This monumental event B.L.A. Fest, became our 2nd co-presented / sponsored event actually brought to you by Jerel Ink! I have to say, working with Jerel for the first time with an event, I was blown away with his enthusiasm, optimism, organization, professionism and just energy altogether. And that’s coming from someone who’s been in the music industry out here for over 2 decades… When our podcast launches here very soon, I’m certain he will notice many decorations and accents and of course even some things that would be considered a part of our foundation that he contributed to our cause. Truth be told we need that kind of authenticity and vibe in Colorado, and in retrospect, this event that he designed himself, gave me an even more newfound respect for Jerel. So much that it’s one of the few stories we are dropping for Jan/Feb 2025 issue, and to top that off, it made it as our cover story, a little late but for sure on time!
I do recall assisting with a walk thru with Jerel a month prior for this event, at a completely separate venue up in Denver at first just offering some insight. When me and my wife met with him at that moment, we could both tell Jerel has some brilliant concepts and shared much in common when it came to event planning. Having that shared vision, we both agreed that location of events (the venue) are usually the hardest yet most crucial parts, when it comes to working numbers, capacities, revenue splits etc. Truthfully in my opinion, Jerel Ink made a wise move being selective with where to hold this amazing event, and Two Moons Music Hall in Denver, CO for sure owes me nothing as far as atmosphere and experience!
When the whole concept of this event came up, I could tell from jump just with the lineup of artists alone, this was going to be epic! Let’s be real, if we are going to do a hip hop/r&b showcase in Denver, might as well include some of the best in the 719, and Jerel Ink did just that with this awesome lineup of talent!
Artists on this bill included:
KO KELLY
JAYDUBB THA RULER
STILZ UNIQE
JSON MARTIN
BINO BIH
HOLLOW MCFLY
& JEREL INK himself!
Hosted by FLOYD BROWN (U.W.E.)
With music by DJ CRAFTMATIC
and video/media by JORDAN JOHNSON (JANGEL VISUALS)
After making a slight appearance with 719 Mag at The Vendor Takeover Day 2 (Mardi Gras Edition) earlier that day, me and the fam headed up to Denver and I pulled up right on time for the showcases with a nice crowd already in attendance. Having caught the majority of acts I noticed many special guests in the building throughout the night and I was also able to finally formerly meet Floyd Brown, a host & promoter, who’s been making some heavy waves throughout the years in both Colorado Springs and Denver with his brand U.W.E. (Urban World Events)! Not many hosts and promoters bring the energy Floyd brings for sure, and he no doubt kept the party LIT 🔥 throughout the entire night along with Jerel bringing all the birthday vibes! DJ CRAFTMATIC brought that heat with some very original mixes and mashups that indeed worked for this party! 🎉 🎶
I also finally got the chance to meet Bino Bih who had flew all the way in from Florida for this show, and he definitely made his trip worthwhile bringing some serious hits to the stage! My familiarity with Bino goes back about 7-8 years, who has also made a lot of waves in the 719! I had to let him know it’s undeniable that he is sitting on a few hits and the numerous amount of fans he brought to Denver this night, proved my point. It’s great to see artists bring their tribes out, for me very inspiring to see these days.
Json Martin also came with some amazing R&B / hip hop / faith high energy vibes killing it with his vocals and Keytar which to this day is the only artist I’ve seen work such a unique instrument on stage, along with his numerous talents as a producer and artist/musician. To this day, there are very few artists in Colorado that have the amount of talents and proficiency that JSON MARTIN has with a variety of instruments. Another dope musician that is in our queue for a story that gives him the justice deserved and also a honored member of our team with 719 Mag as well.
I’ll be honest I was looking forward to KO Kelly’s set, not sure of the details behind all that but I know he’s been on a heavy grind with the music no question! For those not familiar, here’s his cover story from last year: Exclusive Interview with KO Kelly - Sept/Oct 2024 Big respect and s/o to KO who was clearly missed, and his team at AME (also with a story in the queue).
What I will say is the fam HOLLOW MCFLY killed it (s/o to SNDC) with some heavy bars representing his camp with SMOKE N DA CITY, another amazing media platform and podcast, and of course repping that 719!
Speaking of representing the 7, JAYDUBB THARULER held his crown with his performance reppin the7.com and not to mention, dropping a brand new exclusive “WYD” that we had the honor to be present and live on the socials for, during this awesome occasion! Also big salute to JAYDUBB THARULER for winning the “GOAT” award at the recent Qoncert Awards! Always massive amounts of respect for always showing support for 719 Mag since day 1, and as an honorary Gold Founding sponsor. Much more on Jaydubb coming real soon! 🔥🚀
As for the headlining act, JEREL INK put on an amazing show that was truly worthy of a headliner! Given the fact this was his birthday celebration, I have to say that Jerel held it down on stage with an explosive stage presence that had the entire venue on their feet vibing! My last time seeing Jerel perform was during a Word Wednesday feature back in 2017, and it was great to see how much Jerel has evolved as an artist. His only stage prop and backup dancer, his son Jerel-Dontay Anderson, was also one of my favorite moments of the night! A great conclusion to a monumental event bringing that 719 energy to the 303!
One thing I could appreciate and take from B.L.A Fest is knowing that the 719 really can, and does, come together and support these type of events up in Denver as well as the scene in the 303. I recognized so many faces in a packed out venue over an hour away in middle of the wintertime. Artists brought up their tribes and fanbases and what’s even more beautiful is everybody stayed until the end, something you don’t see too often these days with these types of events.
On top of 719 appearances, like K Cheeba from 719 Pulse / Cheeba’s Joint / BES / Box State Mic Drop, also Beau Hughes / Farmers Insurance, & Gabrielle Simmons of Real Estate Dealmakers of CO there was a few special Denver appearances as well, including an amazing food truck vendor Cooking With a Crown 👑 A lot to be offered and solid connections, for such a unique hip hop / r&b event!
B.L.A. Fest was more than an event it was a statement, and also a major show of support for Jerel and his relocation to Denver from the Springs. Clearly the 719 has your back Jerel and from your 719 Mag team and fam, the biggest HAPPY BIRTHDAY and CONGRATS on your successes! We are honored to have you involved with our growth and looking forward to 2025 and beyond! 🚀
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Written by James Baldrick @idirty
Editor in Chief/Owner