By Jermaine Sain

Before I share my thoughts about pursuing your dreams, I want to briefly explain why I call my supporters and followers "SPEAKER".   It's really simple!  I believe that you have to first SPEAK what you want to do before you can make it happen.  I once heard someone say that when you SPEAK thoughts aloud, your ears will hear it which allows your heart to believe it. This is a concept I've continually tried to apply.  Many things that I've spoken outloud have happened.   I don't know if it's because I've continued to repeat them or if it's soley because I spoke it.  Also, I'm not saying that things have been exactly how I've spoken them or that everything I've spoken has happened.  However, I am saying that I've definitely seen links between what I've said and what's happened in my life.   
 In short, I call my supporters and followers "SPEAKERS" because I'm encouraging you to SPEAK into your life the things that you want, as I do the same.  I'm hoping that my words and personal journey will inspire you to become a follower of When We Speak TV (my dream) and encourage you to pursue your dreams​.

​The simpliest reason you should pursue your dream is because life is short and you don't know how much time you have on this earth but also it gives you a sense of purpose and direction.  When I first started When We Speak TV, my purpose was to meet singers and musicians in the Atlanta area and that was solely the driving force but, as I continued to meet people, I started to realize that it was pushing me outside of my comfort zone and challenging me to develop new skills that I never anticipated.  Through that process of development and growth, came fulfillment and meaningfulness to life. 
Pursuing a dream gives you something to strive for, something to look forward to.  Your journey can serve as a source of inspiration and motivation for others in pursuit of their own dreams.

Why do so many of us put our dreams on hold?  I think the biggest reason is fear....fear of judgement, fear of the unknown, fear of failure, but that fear is totally normal.  I can't express to you how many times in a day that I'm fearful about something as it relates to When We Speak TV.  I'm fearful that we wont be accepted into certain arenas because we don't have a huge following.  I'm fearful that people won't like the content that we produce.   To be honest, the list would take up the entire article but I've had to learn not to let my fear dictate my decisions. 
When I think about overcoming fear, I specifically think about something that Jason Lee of Hollywood Unlocked said to me. I'm paraphasing but in so many words he said not to be afraid of the mistakes because the mistakes are part of the journey.
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​It's easy to doubt your abilities and question whether you're capable of achieving your goals. However, it's important to remember that self-doubt doesn't define who you are or what you're capable of. I've been challenging myself to replace negative thoughts with positive affirmations.  When I want to talk about something negative, I challenge myself to end it on a positive.  That goes back to what I mentioned earlier, "when you SPEAK thoughts aloud, your ears will hear it which allows your heart to believe it".   

Although I believe that fear is the greatest obstacle when pursuing your dreams, I also believe that most people don't pursue their dreams because they are trying to do too much at one time.  I'm definitely guilty of that.  It's important to take on smaller tasks that get you to your overall goal.  
When I think of setting goals, I think about eating a cherry pie.  Why a cherry pie?  I don't know!!!
If you decide to eat a whole cherry pie, you don't start consuming it from the middle of the pie and you don't stuff the entire pie in your mouth.  Instead, you slice the pie into portions that you believe are consumable and you eat each slice separately, until you have ultimately eaten the entire pie.  

Just like cutting that cherry pie, break down your goals into smaller milestones and set actionable steps.  Some steps may be greater than others but at least you've laid out the plan which makes it easier to consume and easier to track your progress.
Don't forget about deadlines!  I know most of us don't like them but if you set a deadline for yourself to have something done, it may be easier to hold yourself accountable.  I don't know why that is but it just seems to be better. 
Be realistic and flexible with your deadlines so that it doesn't overwhelm you.  If you know that you can't have something done by tomorrow, then set the deadline for the following day or following week. 
Remember that the ultimate goal is to make your dream a reality, not to get burned out and overwhelmed in the process.

I will be the first to tell you that it can be difficult to stay positive when you feel that your dream is not successful but a positive mindset is essential to pursuing your dreams.  Focus on the endless possibilities and opportunities that lie ahead, rather than dwelling on the road blocks.  
When I first started When We Speak TV, there was a statement that I would say regularly that I now know was essential to my success.  I need to incorporate it more....I call it a "You Never Know" mindset. I call it this because I noticed a few years ago that I would open my mind up to possiblities by saying "You Never Know where this could lead" or "You Never Know, this may allow me to meet other people" or "You Never Know, maybe this is the video that will go viral".
Those are just examples but I hope you get what I'm saying.  Having a "You Never Know" mindset kept me excited about the possibility that what I was doing may open up a new opportunity in the future.  Staying motivated throughout your journey can be challenging, especially when faced with setbacks or obstacles. Find what motivates you and use it as fuel to keep going. It could be a vision board that reminds you of your goals, a playlist of motivational songs, or regular check-ins with an accountability partner.

​Something else that has been beneficial in maintaining my "You Never Know" mindset has been celebrating my wins.  Its easy to forget how far you've come when you are only focused on where you're going.  It's important that you celebrate your progress along the way.  No matter how small.   
That doesn't mean that you have to throw a party everytime you succeed at something.  Sometimes that may only be that you take a moment to look back at how far you've come.  A personal practice of mine is, I like to go back and watch some of my previous episodes and I remember the struggles that I overcame.  It also ignites me to remember the obstacles that I've already tackled. 

​I hope this small article has encouraged you to pursue your dream.  No matter what that dream is.  I truly believe that the pursuit of your dream is a journey worth taking. It requires what one of my favorite artists would say, "Strengh, Courage, and Wisdom".  That's India Arie, in case you don't know.
Take it one slice at a time and maintain a "You Never Know" mindset and it will help you immensely along your journey.  Remember, the journey is just as important as the destination.
So, SPEAKER, it's time to pursue your dreams. SPEAK them outloud, hear the words you SPEAK, believe what you SPEAK, and take that first step. The world is waiting for you to make it happen.
What Do You SPEAK?

If this article has inspired you in any way, I would like to encourage you to share it with your friends or someone that you feel would be inspired by it and also follow When We Speak TV on social media. 
​We can't wait to SPEAK with you!!!

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When We Speak TV is super excited to share with you an update....and this time it's about our very own, Jermaine Sain!!!!

Come celebrate 10 years of Jazz In The Alley, with a celebratory After Party Mixer
​hosted by Jermaine Sain of When We Speak TV, featuring live performances by vocalist Auni Saxton and a Jazz In The Alley Jam Session performed by Tyrone Jackson and Larry Wilson!!!

DATE
Saturday, September 30, 2023
LOCATION
Crowne Plaza Atlanta NE - Norcross
6050 Peachtree Industrial Blvd
Norcross, GA 30071

FOR TICKET PURCHASE AND/OR SPECIAL HOTEL ROOM RATES,GO TO:
​thejazzinthealley.com

Trombonist, Jeff Bradshaw, has recorded with and performed alongside many great artists like Jill Scott, Michael Jackson, Patti Labelle, Jay Z, The Roots, and many more.
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​When We Speak TV catches up with Jeff Bradshaw to speak about life lessons and his musical journey.

From allmusic.com :
A North Philadelphia-born soul-jazz and hip-hop/funk innovator and trombone virtuoso, Jeff Bradshaw spent his formative years honing his chops alongside some of the biggest names both in and out of the Philly soul movement. By the time he got around to releasing his solo debut, 2004's critically acclaimed Bone Deep, he had shared the stage with such industry luminaries as Michael Jackson, Earth, Wind & Fire, Patti Labelle, Erykah Badu, and countless others.

Bone Deep made him a festival circuit mainstay, and he spent the next eight years refining his signature smooth and immediate sound in both a solo setting and in support of artists like Mary J. Blige, Jay-Z, the Roots, and Jill Scott. In 2012 he issued his sophomore long-player, Bone Appetit, which featured a host of guest artists, including Kindred the Family Soul, Raheem DeVaughn, Floacist, and Marsha Ambrosius.

KEYWORDS
​Jeff Bradshaw - Jeff Bradshaw 20 - jeff bradshaw make some time - jeff bradshaw new album - jeff bradshaw eric roberson - jeff bradshaw trombone - trombonist - When We Speak TV - media atlanta - speak tv - philly musicians - jeff bradshaw tour - What Do You Speak  - Jermaine Sain 

Let Freedom Sing is a free, family friendly event that occurs on July 4th.  Nashvillians and visitors from all over come to celebrate the holiday in downtown Music City.  ​

The summer heat was turned up even hotter with the activities, and concerts.  We began the day in Music City Walk of Fame Park, at the Amazon Family Fun Zone, which included inflatables, live music, a cooling station, and free samples of Dr Pepper's new Strawberries and Cream.   ​

Thereafter, we head to Hyatt Centric hotel to speak with rising country artist, Tiera Kennedy, who performed the national anthem and opened the main show at Jack Daniel's Broadway Stage. ​

As the night drew closer, inclement weather brought the show to a pause but eventually the celebration continued with an explosive performance from country music superstar, Brad Paisley.....and ending the event with one of the country's largest July 4th fireworks shows synchonized to live music from the Nashville Symphony.  ​

Prepare yourself for a FREE night of great music and fun in the city of Norcross, Georgia.
On July 15, 2023, Richard Shaw Jr (celebrity saxophonist) will be performing at Jazz In The Alley- Norcross, a FREE summer jazz concert series, thanks to generous sponsors. ​

​Prepare yourself for a FREE night of great music and fun in the city of Norcross, Georgia.
When We Speak TV cordially invites you to the City of Norcross, Georgia, for the 2023 Jazz In The Alley concert series, a FREE summer jazz concert series, thanks to generous sponsors. 

2023 Jazz In The Alley (Norcross) sponsors include: City of Norcross, Peachtree Awnings & Canopies, MikTu Naturals, The Local Peach, D7 Lounge, When We Speak TV, and Elite Behavioral Medicine.

August 12th:
Teresa Kay Williams
Tiffany Goode
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Sept 30th:
Lord Yancyy

​The 2023 Jacksonville Jazz Festival  occured over the Memorial Day weekend with two stages of FREE entertainment in the heart of downtown Jacksonville, Florida.

For over 40 years, many great musicians have graced the stage of the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, for this year  When We Speak TV joined the 3 day celebration. 
The 2023 Jacksonville Jazz Festival  occured over the Memorial Day weekend with two stages of FREE entertainment in the heart of downtown Jacksonville, Florida.

​We began our Jacksonville Jazz Festival experience as soon as we arrived, we sat down with our friend and previous When We Speak guest, Tromobonist Jeff Bradshaw.  Thereafter, we headed to the Swingin Stage Sponsored by Publix for a performance by pianist Eddie Palmieri then we were off to the Groovin Stage  Sponsored by Jacksonville Aviation Authority to enjoy Ron Carter's Foursight Quartet.  We checked back in at the Swinging stage for Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis and finally ending the day at the Groovin Stage with Eric Roberson featuring Jeff Bradshaw.  

​Day 2, we explored the many vendors along the street and remained at the Swingin Stage the entire day for spectacular performances by  The U.S Army Admbassadors Jazztet, Bassist Marcus Miller and to our surprise, our friend and previous When We Speak guest, trumpeter Russell Gunn joined Marcus Miller during the performance, The Swinging Stage ended with an electrifying performance by Chaka Khan!!!!  But that didn't end the night....there was also a Jazz Jam Session until Midnight!!!

That brings us to our final day of the Jacksonville Jazz Festival at the Groovin Stage with vocalist Shemekia Copeland and on the Swingin Stage a performance from the 2023 Jacksonville Jazz Piano Competition winner and one of jazz's newest stars and 2023 Grammy winner for Best New Artist and Best Jazz Vocal Album, Samara Joy!!! Back to the Groving Stage with legendary saxophonist David Sanborn. Closing the night on the Swingin Stage with Charlie Wilson, finalizing the festival with a dazzling fireworks display.

Jazz In The Alley is back in Riverdale, Georgia, with an incredible lineup.
The FREE live jazz event on July 22, 2023, will include vocalist Lola Cole, trumpeter/ flugelhornist Milkshake Mayfield, and Ohio based band, FunkyardX.  

​Jazz In The Alley- Riverdale is sponsored by the City of Riverdale, Georgia.
Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy an evening of FREE jazz in Riverdale, Georgia.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT JAZZ IN THE ALLEY:
WEBSITE: thejazzinthealley.com
FACEBOOK: @jazzinthealley
INSTAGRAM: @jazzinthealley

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE CITY OF RIVERDALE, GEORGIA:
WEBSITE:  riverdalega.gov
INSTAGRAM:  @cityofriverdale_ga
FACEBOOK: @CityofRiverdaleGA
​

The 2023 Black Music Honors was a night of mesmerizing fashions and jaw dropping musical tributes.  
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Co-hosted by LeToya Luckett and DeRay Davis, the 8th annual Black Music Honors, celebrated Missy Elliott, SWV, Evelyn Champagne King, Jeffrey Osborne, and The Hawkins Family for their contributions to the American music landscape.

​The late Bobby Caldwell was also given a heartfelt tribute, commemorating his remarkable 25-year career.

The stage came alive with unforgettable tribute performances by an array of extraordinary artists.
 Anthony Hamilton feat. The Ton3s
LaTocha Scott of Xscape
Queen Naija
Elle Varner
Sheléa
Tina Campbell
Beverly Crawford
Kelontae Gavin
Zacardi Cortez
Raheem DeVaughn
Kenny Lattimore
Robin Thicke
Tweet
Nicole Wray
Lil' Mo
Sevyn Streeter
Da Brat
AND MANY MORE!!!

The night was a testament to the immense talent within the Black music community.

The 8th Annual Black Music Honors, proudly presented by Procter and Gamble, is made possible with the generous support of sponsors such as AT&T, General Motors, Johnson & Johnson, State Farm, Verizon, and Walmart.
The show, executive produced by Don Jackson, with Jennifer J. Jackson serving as producer and executive in charge of production, and Michael A. Johnson as producer and director, promises to be a captivating tribute to the timeless impact of Black music.