JESSE HAMILTON JR.

Imagine how satisfying chocolate melts in your mouth. Imagine how that first kiss lingers as it numbs your senses. Think of how the sun, with its orange and purple glow, sets so slow in front of your eyes. You ask yourself, do I deserve such perfection that I know no matter what I do, it won't last that long?

With this fast paced world, a trending noise has  been created and favoured. We don't even stop and spend time savouring a good weather, more so, the rain. We neglect the power of a good conversation with a stranger in the train because we're busy with our phones. We are often preoccupied that we let nature take over right before our eyes without even admiring the course of change.

There's too much noise and this is what makes Jesse Hamilton Jr. stand out with a critical ear as he launches his own album entitled, "Come Croon with Me". With a mindful precision he has for his  first album, his music strives to let go as a form of expression, yet promises to keep you holding on because it can soothe you into taking a breather, to reconnect deep within yourself. Just like how chocolate is, that first kiss and that perfect sunset, Jesse presents his music following his instinct aiming for a natural flow and sound. He wanted the most authentic music to be delivered to the ears of his audience as how they should hear it from his live performances. His passion is to make this dream happen... and he did.

It wasn't long ago that I had featured PhilDMusic, Ariel Reonal, Ela Lisondra and Aaron Jan Mercado of their influence and success hailing music and another inspiration had graced kytedalino.blogspot.com of its renowned talent. With a long line up of performances he had graced this world with, I am in awe to be able to have an online interview with JESSE HAMILTON JR.

HUMBLE BEGINNINGS

Headliner Vocalist, Dwane Jesse Hamilton Jr.

Jesse knew what he wanted to be since he was young, a privilege denied to many and an achievement right then and there.

Seeing his dad onstage ignited his drive into becoming a performer himself. Coming from a family of musicians, he dawned as a star right from Philadelphia where he was born and raised. He grabbed every opportunity starting from doing solos in church and singing in school bands. He never wasted time as he learned how to play the clarinet, the saxophone, and the drums from grade school then high school all the way to college. Such dedication is unfathomable that a music scholarship was granted unto him provided he keeps making each professor's jaw drop. And boy did he achieve that! He was taking up Public Relations (Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL) while he was majoring in Vocal Music (Florida Agriculture & Mechanical University, a.k.a. FAMU). Having a toss between the two universities, Jesse remained focused and determined in achieving his dreams that he became part of Florida A&M Marching 100 and the FAMU Essential Theatre. Now how's about that for a start?





Everybody has to start somewhere and what's truly admirable in this phase of Jesse's life is the determination in juggling all his classes "and" participating in so many extra curricular activities and excelling in them. At an early age, stardom is promised to him as he gets trained in different aspects of life: relating to the public, being dynamic in pursuit of academic excellence and the key element of how I know him, balance. He has balance. He's insane enough to push for what he loves to do and he's sane to remain grounded, opening himself up to learning, change and input from the people that surrounds him to attain a better version of him not only as a performer but also as a friend. He jokingly admitted, this perhaps is the reason why his goals change each year but that's one of the remarkable talents he possesses. Flexibility. Otherwise, he wouldn't be able to fight for the music that he wanted to create.

FIND YOUR LIGHT

Bruce Lee once said, "I fear not the man who knows how to do 10,000 kicks, but the man who practiced one kick 10,000 times." Jesse Hamilton Jr. is a living epitome who had practiced a skill 10,000 times. And more....

Hong Kong Disneyland was graced by Jesse Hamilton's
talent and commitment as it opened back in 2005.

Being part of the marching band and being able to perform in numerous events, choirs and church services, Jesse was a budding triple threat. He knows how to sing, act and is a total performer overall. Auditions short after graduation led him into gracing Walt Disney World's Festival of the Lion King stage of his youthful energy as a lead vocalist, friend of Simba. Everyday for him was a privilege to be able to perform in front of thousands and thousands of people because it established his endurance on stage and it strengthened his performance skills. The million dollar question goes: How did he do it?

Jesse puts intention in everything he does from the core and he transforms it into something extraordinary leading him to being one of the most sought after theatre performers. This opened him into embracing even more challenging roles.

Comedic roles and being a villain were gems that continuously added glitter on Jesse's crown. Aboard Carnival Cruise Jesse was given a platform of rediscovering himself over and over. Not long after cruising 3-16 day voyages around the Caribbean, Alaska, the Pacific and many more, he was given a huge break of being part of the opening cast of Hong Kong Disneyland's Festival of the Lion King.

The Festival of the Lion King is showcased both in Florida and in Hong Kong but the latter owns a bigger theatre that can hold an audience of 2,200 from all over the world. Jesse had the chance to showcase his talent together with more than 20 dynamic performers everyday since it opened. This had added stamina to Jesse. Moreover, his ability to work up an audience while dealing with a complicated stage had stretched him more than ever as a performing artist. The transition of his voice from being young Simba into an adult that saves Pride Rock from the evil Scar is remarkable. There also came a time that he was challenged to further push himself to becoming the antagonist in this world class story telling theatre show. The sensitive mind setting of switching roles takes a lot of training. But he tucked that with pride under his belt.

"The road gets rough for all of us at times.
But those battle scars help prepare you for the road ahead."

ON A MORE PERSONAL NOTE

I have known Jesse as a delightful presence. The first time I got fond of him was when he walked inside a room for a Thanksgiving Party with a platter of shrimp skewers at hand, I instantly felt his warmth. He looks at you straight in the eye when he converses and this is no way different when he's on stage. He instantly can grab people to get hooked because he comes from a sincere place. He is full of integrity. Remember what I said about balance? The ultimate statement that could justify that I guess is that, he makes himself heard thru music and he loves silence that fishing brings. He can be a rockstar and he can be a confidante. He gives sound advice and he pushes and supports you all the way. There's no dull time with him as he is full of positivity. Every person that I meet that knows him speaks highly of him, not just work wise but also with the humility that he exudes.

Jesse and I at a wig party.
It's a work and play with a sprinkle of
humility and sincerity to anything fun and spicy.

As a matter of fact, you can tell how humble he is with the kind of submission he dedicates in achieving a goal of bringing authentic "live" music thru his album. The initial project was not producing the quality music Jesse wanted so he had to redo everything from scratch. But every challenging moment gives rise to a better outcome. And the boost came from the original song he had written in honour of his brother recovering from a coma in 2012. He knew he had to release the album but he was in pursuit of a Musical Director (M.D.) that would help him out in putting it altogether. The family from the opening cast of Hong Kong Disneyland came into play. One of the lead vocalists had hooked him up to an M.D. who was very interested at Jesse's vocals. Together they released the album in 2015. In this account, a strong established connection had helped him big time. If he was too arrogant in producing the first produced album, it could've been too much of a risk. He stayed humble and seeked the right partner and was patient to trust God's timing.

Upon reaching the 12th week mark, "Come Croon With Me", had been purchased 1,000 times over. He was in awe to be selling out in New York, Hong Kong, Australia, South Africa, America and even Russia. With his well established connections to people, it's not a surprise that his music is actually loved. For the crispness of it reflects the dedication of his heart to giving time to what he treats important, friends, his craft and his audience.





But it's not just all work. For Jesse, a stage is also a place of fun. It keeps him grounded, makes him feel alive and most of all, he finds a great sense of achievement every time he gets to hold the mic and perform. It's a cliche to call a performer a ball of fire but this description just fits every number he does.

A PROMISING FUTURE AHEAD

Looking up to legends like Whitney Houston, Stevie Wonder, Luther Vandross and gospel groups like  The Clark Sisters, The Thompson Community Singers, and his most favourite, Patti Label, Jesse is motivated to deliver the same way each time. Putting all his strengths together and realizing that he's a perfectionist, he aims to conform to a great demand for substantial music. May it be pop, rock, ballad, he puts his soul into it. And this had made him able to travel around the world, launch an album and this time, he plans to have a band to travel with him. He may encounter some humps up ahead but he's ready to battle with them as he discloses his secret. He said, "To anyone who's doubting their ability, talent and overall commitment to the arts, I simply say this: The race is not given to the swift but to the one that endureth til the end."

Right now, he's continuously evolving as a "Headliner Vocalist". It is a huge deal for him because he knows that these immense changes are preparing him for what he's trying to achieve for the long term, to be able to spread music and contribute greatly to the industry.

To have residency in Las Vegas, idling in the strip is his north star and he's bound to make these dreams happen because he believes in them and he sees them happening. To this, Jesse says, "Don't let the 'nay sayers' break your spirit."


Related posts:

1. PHIL D MUSIC - A one on one interview South Africa's own, Phil D, recorded on video, a first of its kind here in http://kytedalino.blogspot.com

2. THE HEAT IS ON - featuring Lea Salonga and her glorious days

3. AARON JAN MERCADO - an article featuring how an underdog ended up in London for his debut as a singer

9 KEY POINTS EVERY FREQUENT FLYER SHOULD KNOW

Education is the best investment. And one of the best ways to get educated is thru travel. Sure there are easy ways on getting that much information online about a certain place, their food, their culture and their norms but it is more of getting educated about yourself: your reaction, how much awareness you have and how much of an understanding you allow yourself to gain when you personally get immersed.

Last weekend, I traveled 7,233 miles to attend a writing conference in pursuit of the education I heeded from the Writer's Digest Community. In addition to the phenomenal weekend that opened me to a breakthrough in writing, I figured out 9 KEY POINTS EVERY FREQUENT FLYER SHOULD KNOW for somebody to just get on a journey.

1. BE ON TIME - No matter if your Pontius Pilate or Donald Trump, no flight schedule will adjust to you. Understand that airports differ from one another. Sometimes they are too big you need to ride a train to get to your boarding gate just like in Hong Kong. There is a reason why they encourage you to arrive 3 hours before your flight and that is to anticipate long immigration lines, flight schedule adjustment (they might have moved your flight earlier) and traveling to your boarding gate. Anything could go wrong in between checking in up to going onboard so just anticipate anything that may happen.

2. KNOW WHAT TO EXPECT - Planning your vacation in terms of needed visas, weather, time difference and terminal fees will save you from a lot of hassle and wasted time.

3. HAVE ENOUGH MONEY CHANGED TO THE COUNTRY'S CURRENCY BEFORE STEPPING OUT OF THE AIRPORT - The answer to the question when is the best time to have your money changed is any time before stepping out of the airport of destination. Whether you will be picked up from the airport by your family or friends, you'll go in a tour or you'd be backpacking, it's better to be safe than sorry.

4. BRING THAT DOUGHNUT! - This may be much preferred by the people flying long flights and economy. This doughnut makes wonders man, it is a necessity. Unless you're flying or business class, then don't bother.

5. BRING A BOOK - Just so when the other forms of entertainment break down, at least you're covered. Writers bring their laptops, androids or pen and paper to put creative juices to work. But yeah, emphasis on the book, it would be of great help if you'd read something about the country you're going to visit. May I suggest the following:

a. Dan Brown's Da Vinci Code - for those who wants action and mystery (Italy)

b. Chinese Cinderella - if you are bound to somewhere in China

c. Happiness Project - for a motivational and humorous read

d. anything about Steve Jobs if you're on a business trip

e. Free Love - for those who are to visit Samoa in the Pacific

6. KNOW A LITTLE BIT OF THE LANGUAGE - It would be remarkably impressive and a lot helpful if you know how to communicate to a local of the country you're visiting to be able to maximise your trip. When a willful person tries to learn about a country's culture and ways thru communication, it may resonate to a local's soul and maybe reciprocated of genuine respect.

7. SAFETY - This could be an umbrella term for everything that pertains to the safety guidelines being introduced by the flight attendants in front of you by the isle. Pay close attention to these demonstrations because you'll never know what may happen. This is part of you being cautious and alert. Don't just see this off because every time you fly, it gives you an invisible privilege for being the nearest aid the person beside you would cry for when the time of need comes.

One of the initial heed for caution is when your flight order asks you if you want insurance to go with your ticket purchase. It's always better to have paid that minute amount of an insurance to assure the family you have left behind will be sufficed of the finances needed if ever you get into a possible critical moment. This is highly advised to the people who serve as the breadwinners of the family.

Have the sufficient vaccination before entry to any destination. Usually, travellers think of this the least but it is necessary. It wouldn't hurt as well if you'd know what weather to expect. Your hand carry can just hold as much so it's necessary to know what kind of jacket to bring.

Region	Recommended Vaccination
Central America	Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Hepatitis B, Malaria
Mexico/Carribean	Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Hepatitis B, Malaria
South America	Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Hepatitis B, Malaria, Yellow Fever
Europe	Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Hepatitis B, Malaria,
Australia	Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Japanese Encephalitis
Asia	Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Hepatitis B , Japanese Encephalitis, Malaria,
Africa	Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Hepatitis B, Malaria, Yellow Fever, Meningitis

http://preparemymission.com/vaccinations

If you need to be with a trusted local in visiting a foreign country for the first time and you have minimal understanding of how is the living situation there,  (because sometimes tourist books could be deceiving), by all means do that. Most especially with third world countries. I came from one and undeniably, the city could get a little bit too much to somebody whose new to traveling.

Be careful with your identification documents. NEVER entrust to anybody your passport, identification cards and anything alike. If you see somebody else had left his or her identification documents, point it to a staff from the airport or an official avoiding any messy accusation that may later involve you on how it became lost in the first place. You don't know if it may be a planted modus operandi. So as much as you can, do not touch it. In addition, your luggage should be directly checked in with a  lock. Your hand carry also needs protection from shoplifters.

Lastly, KEEP THE DAMN SEATBELT ON when the secure belt light is on. Go back to your seat as soon as you finish doing your business in the toilet.

8. SHOW RESPECT - Consider yourself in need of an aisle seat if you are the kind of person who wants caffeine and booze. These drinks produce not just water but toxins that your body may choose to eliminate, hence, the need to always go to the lieu. So, politely ask if the ground attendant could book you for this seat. When you are at the window seat, make sure you leave space for others to see thru it and don't block the window with your entire head with high belting enthusiastic exclaim because of excitement. Learn how to share and be considerate of other people.

Also, there are rules in shutting those windows and opening. Usually, when taking off and landing, it's encouraged to be put open to get a better view when doing touchdowns or upon taking off. This is exhilarating to do in the evenings most especially when you are flying out of the city of lights and Hong Kong because of its beautiful skyline.

If you have food that you would want to eat along your meal, make sure it wouldn't be too stinky, smelly or odorous that may affect the entire airbus. Again, just be considerate. 

9. KNOW YOUR SEAT

Recheck your seat with the help of the flight attendant that expects your by the entrance before alighting on the airbus. So many people go to a seat that was not assigned to them in the first place thinking that they can get away with it. Emphasis was put on this but yet again, don't give away your identity. Your seat is your address while you're in the airplane. Once a seat is assigned to you, that's your identity to be tracked of the meal you requested, the comfort you requested for (whether along the isle or beside the window) and if worse comes to worst, a crash would happen, figuring out whether it's you or not who were affected by the crash will have to be based on your seat.

When you wanted to recline your seat, please don't go all the way to show consideration to the person behind you unless it is an empty seat. Don't forget to put it back to the original position in taking off and landing.

When you put hand carry baggage up in the overhead bins, make sure it's properly placed. Because chances are, if it weren't, the person under it would suffer from a head or neck injury once the luggage would fall.

Some of the economy seats limit your ability to stretch. Long flights make you tired of not doing so. The problem comes with the one in front of you stretching like crazy with their seats down too much. Well, just politely go out and walk around. Drink coffee by the flight attendant station at the back or stretch those calves with that much space by chatting over peanuts.

There are still a lot that may have not been included here so, that being said, please shout out the 10th item that should be included in this post thru the comment box.

Wrapping it up, leave the glass half empty. Open up yourself to opportunities that you may find beneficial to your learning while traveling. You are a limitless entity. Safe travels and get lost! You don't have an idea where to go next? Mark August 18-20 2017 in your calendar. This is another Writer's Digest Novel Writing Conference which will happen in New York!

Related posts:

1. CHINA EASTERN AIRLINES - you might be wondering why they give out the cheapest flight.

2. HOLIDAY TRAVEL - a set of ensembles that you may want to check out in flying with style.

3. 10 THINGS TO DO IN HONG KONG - if you are planning to visit Hong Kong, check out this guide if you must.