Today we’d like to introduce you to A’C.R.E.W. Them and their team share their story with us below:
A’C.R.E.W. Artists Creatively Recognizing Everyone’s Worth is a collective of vocalists, poets, hip hop artists, comedians, models, and entrepreneurs that showcase productions of performance art. They exist to inspire all creatives to embrace their talents.
The birth of A’C.R.E.W. came about when Dave Johnson decided to put together a showcase in 2019 called The Art of Storytelling: Poetry vs. R&B. This was the first time we came together in a battle of music and poetry. Needless to say, the chemistry between us made the show amazing. Due to the success of The Art of Storytelling we decided to form a group that would perform productions under the moniker of Poetry vs. R&B. The name A’C.R.E.W. came about because we want to embrace all creatives looking to follow their dreams in the arts. In 2020 our name and production became an official business as ACREW LLC.
Every member of A’C.R.E.W. has their own brand and have released projects of their own. The members include Dave DAVĒ Johnson (vocalist), LoveTies (Jamille and Dominicque Smith, Poetry Duo, and Hip-Hop Artist), Val B. King (vocalist), Nolana “Liberty” Price (Poet), Britton Grace (Poet, Comedian, and Author), Coco Vonne (Model and Fashion Consultant) Anwar “Woe Jay Simpson” Winfield (Hip Hop Artist and Actor) Kenleeta Armstrong (Model, Esthetician, and Actress) Jeremy Holmes (Poet and Author) Racquel “Microphone Diva” Armstrong (Poet), Jayden Fomby (Production Manager).
Fast forward to the present, we have put on many productions both nationally and internationally. One of our sold-out shows was a remake of the hit movie “Harlem Nights”, using music and poetry. All the members took on roles of the characters in the movie and brought their A game. This sold-out production was the beginning of many more great productions to come such as The Art of Storytelling 2, A’C.R.E.W. silent party, Artistic Expressions, Forbidden Vows and a recent performance in Los Angeles for the Player Networking Event for Superbowl 56 Weekend to name a few. We currently have soon-to-be-announced shows for the coming year. As a collective the ultimate goal of every production is to provide an unforgettable experience that will touch the mind, heart and soul of our audience.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
This has been a continuous blessing and challenge at the same time. When you have a large group of people and personalities you are bound to have struggles along the way. The beauty of A’C.R.E.W. is that we love and support each other outside of just performing together. It’s not all business. We spend a lot of time together and we chat daily in our group chat. We share our successes and struggles with each other. We pray, meditate, hang out, motivate and push each other to extend beyond the limits we place on ourselves. It’s been a learning experience for all of us but the level of commitment we all have due to having the same vision, is what sets up apart from other groups.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Outside of being performance artists, we all have 9 to 5 jobs and some of us have spouses and children. We have careers from manufacturing to nursing, educators to banking and we are all entrepreneurs as well. As a collective we specialize in providing our audiences with an experience instead of just a show. We create customized productions around what we are booked for or venue we create. No two shows are ever alike and you never know what may happen during a performance. We are known for being a family of artists that are full of surprises when we put a production together. We are most proud of the growth and opportunities that have been afforded to us in a short period of time. We hit the ground running and never stopped. God has blessed us both collectively and individually in so many ways. What sets us apart from others is that we always move as a unit. We are so in sync with each other it is scary at times. We are often told that people can see the chemistry we have as a family.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
Stay the course if you are passionate about something you really want to pursue. You are guaranteed to encounter bumps in the road and encounter learning curves. Everyone will not always support you, so always be your own cheerleader. Surround yourself with like-minded individuals that push you to work hard EVERYDAY. No days off. Support other artists even though you are starting out. No need to compete or talk down on others. You will block your own blessings that way.
Knowing more around the business logistics of being performers would have been helpful starting out. We have gained a lot of knowledge along the way to manage A’C.R.E.W. LLC. professionally. We are fortunate to have a mentor, Henry Butler of LCR Enterprises LLC, who is a seasoned business man that has provided guidance and opportunity zones for us as our brand has grown.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://acrew216.wixsite.com/cleveland
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/acrew216/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/acrew216
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCIbyiJ1unGNaejH2MNZ_2w
- Other: https://artistecard.com/ACREW
Image Credits
Chou Visuals LLC
