Becky G created many friends at the MN State Fair yesterday with her energetic, multifaceted and expansive mix of reggaeton, regional, Chicano, Hip-Hop and R&B, leaving the audience in awe of her beautiful voice and stage presence at the MN State Fair Grandstand last night. The audience kept singing “Becky . . . Becky . . . Becky” in between songs. It was a @BeckyG love fest. She emotionally accepted the love and gave the ultimate performance back to the audience. Backed by dancers and DJ, Becky G’s performance was artistically beautiful and her talent is outstanding.
As the granddaughter of Mexican immigrants, born and raised in Inglewood, Calif., Becky is no stranger to hardships and is passionate about her community. She uses her massive platform to speak out against inequality and raise awareness on social issues, including Black Lives Matter and DREAMers, and has made it a point to give back to her community.
Her tribute to the artist that inspired her most, Selena, was beautiful and included film footage of Selena, which showed an astounding resemblance.
Co-produced by OMG Studios and the Minnesota Humanities Center, this documentary challenges our understanding of slavery, its impact on Minnesota, and how we reconcile our past by taking viewers on a present-day journey to Ghana, to the quarters of Harriet and Dred Scott, and into conversations with current and future scholars. Featuring Akwamu Traditional Area’s King Odeneho Kwafo Akoto, III and Queen Mother Nana Afrakoma, II, of West Africa, Ghana, St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter III, MN Humanities CEO Kevin Lindsey, St. Cloud State University American Studies Chair and Minnesota Book Award Winner Dr. Christopher Lehman, and Minnesota creative treasures T. Mychael Rambo, Thomasina Petrus and concluding with voices of the Black Youth Healing Arts Center (BYHAC).
This year’s documentary film is brought to audiences thanks to MN Humanities Center, Ujamaa Place, St. Paul Public Library, City of St. Paul, National Endowment for the Arts and supported by C.A. Ellis and Black 2 Black Capacity Builder Project.
Commemorate Black History & Culture is a BELOVED COMMUNITY partnership supported by Ujamaa Place, Saint Paul Public Library, MN Humanities Center and Public Art Saint Paul, in partnership with the City of Saint Paul, MN Arts Council, Young Rembrandts. An OMG Studios Production
Registration is now open for FREE Community Yin Yoga/Meditation with Angelique Dubois on Feb. 18! Space is limited. SIGN UP TODAY.
Calling all young artists!!! Mark your calendars for the Young Rembrandts Drawing Class on Feb. 25 at the George Latimer Central Library in downtown Saint Paul. Space is limited, register today.
A Black Man’s Sketch Black History Edition features a series of shows with Ujamaa Men talking about what Black History means to them that will be released throughout the month of February.
Music Monuments are a powerful force in the #KZMOVERSE, honoring the artistic contributions musicians make in society.
While Andre has always contributed fierce funk to the artists he collaborated with, Still A Thrill being the shining example, he first debuted the most furious funk for his own forthcoming solo record when he previewed songs live at Paisley Park New Years Eve in 2019/2020. While the pandemic pushed pause on everything, this album full of funk cannot be contained and will come out this summer. Listen to the full interview on The Boogie Down with Binky Griptite, Saturday April 2nd at 8:00pm CST at KZMOHD.com. Powered by OMG Media, KZMO-HD is a creatively and environmentally responsible, global and cultural media platform, on a mission to empower the human race through music and art. Learn more at: KZMOHD.com At OMG Media and its sister-brands, our work is centered around building cultural sustainability, in which music and art are essential to human survival and development. We strive to empower communities through our OMGisms – social constructs rooted in the arts that nurture and improve the health and wellness of youth and families. Learn more at: omgmediasolutions.com.
FROM PAISLEY PARK TO THE MINNEAPOLIS SOUND: CHEESECAKE FUNK CELEBRATES ONE YEAR WITH VISIT FROM LEGENDS JIMMY JAM & TERRY LEWIS
A Prince-inspired Minnesota business story comes full circle as Cheesecake Funk celebrates its first anniversary in Excelsior
EXCELSIOR, MN — September 10, 2026 — What started with a cheesecake in the refrigerator at Paisley Park has grown into a Minnesota business with its own storefront, loyal customers and a growing place in the legacy of Minnesota’s extraordinary creative culture. Now, one year after opening Cheesecake Funk Bakery, founder Vanessa Drews is celebrating another remarkable chapter in her journey—one that recently brought two of the architects of the Minneapolis Sound, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, through the doors of her Excelsior bakery.
For Drews, the moment was more than a celebrity visit. It was a full-circle Minnesota moment.
A story that began at Paisley Park with Prince has now intersected with two of the musicians who helped make Minneapolis a globally recognized force in music.
“When I heard that Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis were bringing an all-star lineup to the Minnesota State Fair to celebrate the Minneapolis Sound, I called my media agency representative, Monique Linder of OMG Media Solutions, and asked her to make the request for Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis to visit,” said Drews. “The next thing I knew, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis were walking into Cheesecake Funk. It was a blast to welcome two of the greatest musicians in history, who created so many hits with some of the greatest artists of our generation. It was truly a dream come true.”
THE PRINCE CONNECTION THAT STARTED IT ALL
Long before Cheesecake Funk had a storefront, Drews was part of the Paisley Park experience. In 2013, she had the opportunity to work at Prince’s legendary creative sanctuary in Chanhassen, welcoming guests, supporting concerts and selling merchandise while helping create what she calls a memorable “Purple experience.” But it was her turtle cheesecake recipe that unexpectedly opened another door.
“One day I shared my cheesecake with staff and members of NPG, and, lo and behold, Prince found my cheesecake in the fridge,” Drews recalled. “As they say, the rest is history.”
That moment became part of the inspiration behind Drews’ decision to transform her passion for cheesecake into a business.
Today, Cheesecake Funk is sold in the café at Paisley Park—bringing Drews’ entrepreneurial journey back to the place that holds great history.
FROM SHARED KITCHEN SPACE TO HER OWN BAKERY
Building Cheesecake Funk did not happen overnight. For nearly six years, Drews rented commercial kitchen space within the Minneapolis Marriott Southwest hotel in Minnetonka, Minnesota. That partnership gave her the opportunity to continue to develop her product, while continuing to partner with many restaurants, hotels and consumers directly across the Twin Cities. This one-of-a-kind partnership between the Minneapolis Marriott Southwest hotel and Drews allowed for Cheesecake Funk to grow in the most organic way.
Increased demand eventually made it clear that Cheesecake Funk needed a home of its own. Drews began searching for the right location and the resources necessary to build out a fully equipped commercial kitchen and bakery storefront.
The path was not without obstacles.
After encountering challenges in securing financing, when traditional banks failed to believe that Cheesecake Funk would succeed in a retail location, Drews connected with Neighborhood Development Center (NDC). NDC recognized the viability of the Cheesecake Funk business and its product and helped fund the project, providing the support necessary to move Drews’ dream from concept to storefront. One year later, that dream is still growing.
MORE THAN CHEESECAKE—A MINNESOTA STORY
The Cheesecake Funk story is part of a larger Minnesota tradition: taking creativity, culture and an original idea and turning it into something that can reach the world. Prince did it through music. Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis did it through production and songwriting. Vanessa Drews is doing it through cheesecake. And all three stories share something fundamental—the courage to create something that did not exist before. That spirit will be at the heart of Cheesecake Funk’s first anniversary celebration on:
The anniversary celebration will feature special Cheesecake Funk offerings, music by DJ Michael Holtz, and a day of celebration with the Cheesecake Funk family, customers and community.
Guests are invited to come celebrate one year of Cheesecake Funk—and experience a piece of a uniquely Minnesota story. Official Cheesecake Funk Merchandise can be found here: https://shop.cheesecakefunk.com/
A DREAM WORTH TASTING
For Vanessa Drews, the journey from Paisley Park to her own bakery represents more than a business milestone. It represents what can happen when a dream is nurtured, challenged, supported and finally given a place to grow.
From sharing cheesecake at Paisley Park…
To building a brand…
To securing a permanent bakery…
To welcoming Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis through her doors…
Cheesecake Funk has become part of Vanessa’s own Minnesota story.
Cheesecake Funk is a Minnesota-based cheesecake brand and bakery founded by Vanessa Drews. Born from Drews’ experiences at Paisley Park and inspired by her passion for creating exceptional cheesecake, the brand has grown from a commercial kitchen operation into a storefront bakery in Excelsior, Minnesota. Cheesecake Funk is committed to creating memorable experiences through food, creativity and community.
Please reach out to me via text at: 6127878705 or email: monique@omgmediasolutions.com to request an interview with Vanessa Drews. Filming in the bakery kitchen will have to be scheduled during lower production times.
OMG Studios Announces Artists Featured in Reconstruction 2.0: Allegories Of A Better World Art Showcase
Artwork showcase will accompany The Making Of America official premiere screening and panel discussion at Pillsbury Theater at Mia
MINNEAPOLIS (June 10, 2026) — OMG Studios and the Minnesota Humanities Center are pleased to announce the community premiere of their latest documentary film, The Making of America, on June 28, 2026, in the Pillsbury auditorium at the Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia). In tandem with the film screening and a post-show panel discussion, the event will feature a community art showcase organized and produced by OMG Studios.
Following a national call for art issued by OMG Studios, a select group of artists was chosen to display original works reflecting the theme Reconstruction 2.0: Allegories of a Better World. Artists were challenged to examine complex concepts including virtue and moral courage; truth, justice, and liberation; unlearning and reconstruction; collective imagination; and inherited historical systems.
“In shaping the artist selection for OMG Studios, I sought works that move beyond critique and toward possibility,” said Alana Taylor-Francis Enfinity. “The selected artists bring forward powerful reflections on memory, justice, resilience, and imagination—offering visual allegories that challenge us to reconsider inherited narratives and envision more equitable, connected, and hopeful futures.”
The following finalists will have their original works featured in the art showcase organized by OMG Studios:
Tami Adedayo (Minneapolis, MN)
Teni Adedayo (Minneapolis, MN)
Ella Beard (Minneapolis, MN)
LaKelle Brawley (Montgomery, AL)
Daphne Burgess (Sacramento, CA)
Giovanni Caprice (Minneapolis, MN)
Joseph “Ra” Cole (Saint Paul, MN)
Zaria Dunn (Wetumpka, AL)
Alana Enfinity (San Francisco, CA)
Carly Linder-Roman (Minneapolis, MN)
Avi Noelle (Saint Paul, MN)
Jayla Poe (Birmingham, AL)
Curtis Riley, Jr. (Oakland, CA)
Wren Westdal (Minneapolis, MN)
Event Details
WHAT: The Making of America Film Premiere & Reconstruction 2.0: Allegories of a Better World Art Showcase
WHEN: June 28, 2026 | 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM (Film screens at 1:00 PM)
WHERE: Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia) – Pillsbury Theater 2400 3rd Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55404
TICKETS: Free and open to the public; reservations are required. Reserve tickets at bit.ly/4eSv8id.
About The Making Of America Film
The afternoon’s centerpiece is the premiere of The Making of America, a documentary directed by Monique Linder and produced by OMG Studios in partnership with the Minnesota Humanities Center. The film explores how Enlightenment-era systems of knowledge—including art, science, architecture, and cartography—produced enduring frameworks for racial slavery, territorial extraction, and Indigenous dispossession in what became the United States of America.
About OMG Studios
OMG Studios is a multidisciplinary media and production studio located in the Raymond-University district of Saint Paul. Our mission is to build cultural sustainability and community, where music and art are essential to human survival and development. We are driven by love for humanity and a desire to empower, nurture, and improve the health and wellness of youth and families in under-invested communities.
About Minnesota Humanities Center
Minnesota Humanities Center (MHC), an affiliate to the National Endowment for the Humanities, was founded as an independent non-profit organization in 1971. MHC strengthens our society by promoting the humanities and increasing shared understanding of our collective pasts. MHC creates a wide variety of humanities programming in collaboration with individuals, creators, scholars, and organizations to build a more curious, inclusive, and connected society. MHC has a long history as a grantmaking organization and operates a full-service event center in a historic building in St. Paul.
About the Venue
The June 28 screening program will take place in Pillsbury Theater at the Minneapolis Institute of Art. The Reconstruction 2.0: Allegories Of A Better World exhibit is presented by OMG Studios in connection with the screening of The Making of America. Mia is the host venue for the screening program and is not the sponsor, organizer, curator, or presenter of the artwork display.
OMG Studios and Minnesota Humanities Center Announce Their Latest Film “The Making of America” Will Premiere at the Minneapolis Institute of Art. The documentary film explores how Enlightenment-era systems of knowledge shaped what became the United States of America.
The Family Stone kicks off its Everyday People Tour in Las Vegas honoring the history of Sly and the Family Stone’s beginnings at the Pussycat-A-Go-Go in 1967, their first show outside of the Bay Area.
Day of Service Honoring Sly Stone Media Event - October 24, 2025
Special proclamation presented by the City of North Las Vegas
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 1, 2025 (LAS VEGAS) – Everyday People in Las Vegas are invited to a tour kick-off event at the Cannery on October 24th from 10:00am-12noon, where they will have an opportunity to meet and take photos with original Sly and the Family Stone founding members Jerry Martini and Greg Errico, along with Sly Stone and Cynthia Robinson’s daughter, Phunne Stone and The Family Stone the official Sly and the Family Stone. “The Everyday People tour’s mission focuses on connecting with people in communities across America to show love and support, and the importance of caring for each other. We dedicate this to Sly Stone and Cynthia Robinson,” said Jerry Martini, whom Sly Stone credits with starting the band in the Questlove documentary “SLY LIVES” available on Hulu.
Mayor of Las North Las Vegas Pamela Goynes-Brown will present the City of North Las Vegas proclamation to Phunne Stone January 24th as Everyday People Day of Service, honoring Sylvester Stewart aka “Sly Stone,” a music genius whose music continues to inspire everyday people to STAND for peace, unity, and equality. The presentation ceremony will include Las Vegas Raiders owner Mark Davis, who will join The Family Stone and OMG Studios in presenting a donation check to local organization “Broadway in the Hood” for their outstanding service to the community in developing youth in music and arts education.
The City of Las Vegas is part of the historic beginnings of Sly and the Family Stone performing its first concert in Las Vegas, NV 58 years ago in 1967. Right after signing with Epic Records, Sly and the Family Stone played a gig at the Pussycat-A-GO-GO, during which time they tightened up their famous sound. During their days off they recorded their debut album, “A Whole New Thing,” at CBS in Los Angeles, which was released on October 1, 1967.
Led by Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame inductee and founding member Jerry Martini, The Family Stone has kept the music of Sly and the Family Stone alive on stages around the world and in the hearts of everyday people for the past 25 years. To commemorate 60 years of Sly and the Family Stone, Jerry Martini is planning a major tour that will hit cities across America and around the world.
Formed in San Francisco (1966), Sly and the Family Stone made history as America’s first major multi-racial, multi-gender touring band. Their infectious blend of funk, soul, R&B, rock, and psychedelia propelled them to global fame. Fronted by the visionary Sly Stone, the band’s original lineup included his brother Freddie Stone (guitar), sister Rose Stone (keyboards), Jerry Martini (saxophone), Larry Graham (bass), Greg Errico (drums), and the late, great Cynthia Robinson (trumpet).
Affectionately known as “Papa J,” Jerry Martini helped shape the band’s revolutionary sound. “Sly and I formed a lifelong bond when I nudged him into leading the band in 1965,” says Martini. “Our influence helped shift the landscape of popular music in ways that still resonate today.” Carrying the torch forward is powerhouse vocalist Phunne Stone— daughter of Cynthia Robinson and Sly Stone. Her electrifying performances honor her parents’ legacies while forging a bold path of her own. Sly is proud to witness her vocal prowess in performing his music on stage. Today, The Family Stone remains true to its original mission: to uplift and unite. Still multi-racial and multi-gender, the band continues to inspire audiences of all ages to STAND for peace, equality, and everyday people.
Follow The Family Stone on social media and at: https://thefamilystoneband.com
What: The Family Stone Everyday People Day of Service Honoring Sly Stone
When: October 24, 2025, 10am-noon
Where: Cannery Casino & Hotel, 2121 E. Craig Rd., North Las Vegas, NV 89030
This event is a VIP pre-show experience for 100 concert ticket holders.
###
About Jerry Martini
Jerry Martini, aka Papa J is the original founder of Sly & the Family Stone. He is a founding member of the first inter-racial, multi-gender major American Band. He has also performed with countless luminaries including Mike Bloomfield, Carlos Santana, Rolling Stone Bill Wyman, Robert Cray, Willie Lomax, Prince, Graham Central Station, and Van Morrison. He is avid at horn arrangements as well as songwriting including “One With the Sun” on Santana’s “Barbaletta album among others. Through the millennial new year, he, along with Cynthia Robinson and Larry Graham, played with Prince on his 1999/2000 New Year’s Pay Per View special “Rave Un2 the year 2000”.
About Everyday People Tour
The Everyday People Project 2025 will travel to cities across America spreading love and unity through the music of Sly and the Family Stone under the direction of its co-founder and Rock & Roll Hall of Famer, Jerry Martini. The Everyday People Project spreads love and human kindness through community partners that support music, art and social programs in marginalized communities.
Prince loved Vanessa’s Turtle cheesecake recipe and would certainly support her dream to purchase the bakery if he were here with us today. Cheesecake Funk is sold in the cafe at Paisley Park. The Sweeter She Is, released by Prince on October 16, 2013, is a testament to the appreciation that Prince had for Vanessa’s support of his music during her time working at Paisley Park under his direction and leadership.
Owner of Cheesecake Funk brand and bakery, Vanessa Drews had this to say about her inspiration from Prince . . . “One of my first musical memories is being 5 years old and watching Purple Rain in awe of Prince and his music. Growing up I always appreciated him as an amazing musician and all that he stood for in owning his craft.”
Fast forward to 2013, Vanessa had the opportunity to work for Prince at Paisley Park. It was a dream experience which made her take pride in any task given. She went on to say, “From selling merchandise during Paisley Park concerts and welcoming guests to Paisley Park and making sure they had a great Purple experience was a wonderful time in my life. One day I shared my cheesecake with staff and members of NPG and low and behold Prince found my cheesecake in the fridge. As they say, the rest is history.”
Cheesecake Funk Bakery will add additional menu items i.e. coffee, ice cream and featured baked goods, in addition to expanding catering services. Cheesecake Funk Bakery’s purple vibe inspired by Prince, is a unique connection to the late music genius’ dessert palette that guests will experience in every bite.
Vanessa had been renting kitchen space from the Minneapolis Marriott Southwest hotel in Minnetonka for the past 4 years, a successful partnership which helped to further launch her business. With increased demand for Cheesecake Funk, it became a necessary dream for Vanessa to find the perfect location to build out a fully equipped kitchen and bakery store-front where Vanessa can increase demand for Cheesecake Funk. “After experiencing challenges seeking funding, I contacted Neighborhood Development Center (NDC), who understood we had a viable product and business plan and funded the project to build out the space and purchase new commercial kitchen equipment,” said owner Vanessa Drews.
Renay Dossman, CEO of Neighborhood Development Center (NDC) was quoted saying, “It is no coincidence when NDC is connected with a small business that has an exemplary track record of serving the community like Cheesecake Funk, who was ready and prepared to go through the funding process with an NDC loan officer. Vanessa’s cheesecakes are amazing and NDC is honored to be on this journey with her.”
Join Vanessa for the Official Grand Opening Purple Ribbon Cutting ceremony officiated by Neighborhood Development Center at Cheesecake Funk Bakery this Friday, September 19th at 10:00am.
WHAT: Cheesecake Funk Bakery Official Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting
The Family Stone is the only band officially authorized by the legendary Sly Stone to carry on the legacy of his iconic music.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 27, 2025 @ 9:00AM CST
Folsom, CA (May 27, 2025) – Led by Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame inductee and founding member Jerry Martini, The Family Stone has kept the music of Sly and the Family Stone alive on stages around the world and in the hearts of everyday people for the past 25 years. To celebrate this milestone, The Family Stone is planning a major tour that will hit cities across America and around the world and will include a tour stop in the U.S. Capitol of Entertainment, Las Vegas.
Formed in San Francisco (1966), Sly and the Family Stone made history as America’s first major multi-racial, multi-gender touring band. Their infectious blend of funk, soul, R&B, rock, and psychedelia propelled them to global fame. Fronted by the visionary Sly Stone, the band’s original lineup included his brother Freddie Stone (guitar), sister Rose Stone (keyboards), Jerry Martini (saxophone), Larry Graham (bass), Greg Errico (drums), and the late, great Cynthia Robinson (trumpet).
Affectionately known as “Papa J,” Jerry Martini helped shape the band’s revolutionary sound. “Sly and I formed a lifelong bond when I nudged him into leading the band in 1965,” says Martini. “Our influence helped shift the landscape of popular music in ways that still resonates today.” Carrying the torch forward is powerhouse vocalist Phunne Stone— daughter of Cynthia Robinson and Sly Stone. Her electrifying performances honor her parents’ legacies while forging a bold path of her own. Sly is proud to witness her vocal prowess in performing his music on stage. Today, The Family Stone remains true to its original mission: to uplift and unite. Still multi-racial and multi-gender, the band continues to inspire audiences of all ages to STAND for peace, equality, and everyday people.
OMG Media Solutions aka OMG Studios is the official media and production management company for The Family Stone. Led by OMG Media’s Monique Linder, she reflected on why the music of Sly and the Family is critical in current times. “The original members of Sly and the Family Stone created a sound so unique in the 60s that still reflect the times and relevancy 60 years later.” Linder added, “Based on the influence and inspiration of Sly and the Family Stone, the documentary “Sly Lives” by Ahmir Thompson (Questlove), illustrates how great artists like Prince, P-Funk, Michael and Janet Jackson, Arrested Development, Outkast and many others, succeeded in creating their own unique sound.”
The upcoming Everyday People tour will roll-out with historical concert footage from “Woodstock” and “Summer of Soul.” Supported by storytelling and guest appearances by original members, the tour will educate and transfer the great catalog of music to future generations. The tour pays tribute to the late Cynthia Robinson, who was the first and only female, African-American trumpet player ever to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Linder stressed the importance of the tour’s humanitarian mission, which emphasized proximity to everyday people in communities across America; to show love and support and the need to be kind and care for one another. This, we dedicate to the late great Cynthia Robinson, co-founding member of Sly and the Family Stone.
About Jerry Martini Jerry Martini, aka Papa J is the original founding member of Sly & the Family Stone; the first inter-racial, multi-gender major American Band. He has also performed with countless luminaries including Mike Bloomfield, Carlos Santana, Rolling Stone Bill Wyman, Robert Cray, Willie Lomax, Prince, Graham Central Station, and Van Morrison. He is avid at horn arrangements as well as songwriting including “One With the Sun” on Santana’s “Barbaletta album among others. Through the millennial new year, he, along with Cynthia Robinson and Larry Graham, played with Prince on his 1999/2000 New Year’s Pay Per View special “Rave Un2 the year 2000”. More recently he shared the stage of the inaugural IHeart Festival with a super group lead by Steven Tyler with Sting and Jeff Beck. Jerry Martini’s indelible mark on the music industry, both through his founding role in Sly and the Family Stone and his collaborations with renowned artists, cements his place in musical history. His pioneering spirit and undeniable talent continue to inspire musicians and audiences alike.
About Everyday People Project 2025 The Everyday People Tour will travel to cities across America spreading love and unity through the music of Sly and the Family Stone under the direction of its co-founder and Rock & Roll Hall of Famer, Jerry Martini. The Everyday People Project spreads love and human kindness through community partners that support music, art and social programs in marginalized communities.
#SlyandtheFamily Stone #TheFamilyStone #0MGMedia #Funk #EverydayPeople #IsAFamilyAffair #JerryMartini #MoniqueLinder
The Family Stone Live at Seabreeze Jazz Fest in Panama City Florida, May 2025
OMG Studios' Announces Its Innovation Lab Youth Will Host Its KZMOHD Community Podcast Network
About OMG Studios Innovation Lab
OMG Studios Innovation Lab is an interactive and evolving music, art and literature immersion project that will function as a cultural content creator hub. Participants will create a wide array of multimedia, inspired by the Twin Cities’ rich music and art culture.
Mission Statement
To provide a creative outlet for youth for music, art and literary expression, development, and education.
About KZMOHD Community Podcast Network
A community podcast network started in March 2022 as the original content distribution network for OMG Media and OMG Studios showcasing its vast media programming developed with community partners.
OMG Studios is located in the Creative Enterprise Zone of Saint Paul, MN. KZMOHD Community Network streams in high definition at OMG Studios, a state-of-the-art podcast, music and entertainment production studio and youth innovation lab.
The 2025 Innovation Music Lab Cohort is in full force!
In its 2nd official launch year, we are proud to welcome six amazingly talented youth to the 2025 music innovation lab, whose ages range from 14-18. The name of their band is The Black Note.
OMG Studios Director, Monique Linder commented on the importance of transferring knowledge to youth . . .
“On March 25th, we were blessed with a Music Innovation Lab Session with Michael and Tanya Trotter of The War and Treaty during their first “Plus One” tour stop in Minneapolis, MN. This is an important element of OMG Studios’ immersive music lab instruction, learning the music business from professional artists, musicians, entertainment lawyers and industry experts. The War and Treaty shared their brilliance with the youth, and the parents in attendance, after a 15-minute The Black Note set of four songs performed for Michael and Tanya Trotter of The War and Treaty. It was such a beautiful evening bearing witness to the impact and responsibility that Artists have to pass their knowledge to present and future generations. Our goal is not to have a dark space where knowledge dies in the music sphere between generations.”
Video Credit: OMG Studios Videographer: Monique Linder
Three years ago, OMG Media successfully piloted the program before opening OMG Studios in 2024, by partnering with the MN State Fair to feature the band Ujamaa Music Group on the International Bizarre Stage. In 2024, OMG Studios opened its doors in the Creative Enterprise Zone in Saint Paul, with 3,200 square feet of professional, state-of-the-art production space, that includes a recording studio, podcast studio, live event performance space, artist green room and an innovation lab course instruction space. The innovation lab participants are immersed into live OMG Studios’ productions shadowing professional audio and production engineers.
The students commit to a full year of sessions that include a mix of classroom, immersive lab instruction and live events activities for youth at differing levels of arts, literature and music technical skills. Participants discover their passion along the way and connection to the artist they are and strive to be.
We are grateful to The War and Treaty for the time they spent pouring their knowledge and support into the youth. We are grateful to the parents of these incredible young people, for their commitment and support in teaching their children to honor the music greats that came before them, and recognizing and supporting the talent their children were born with.
These sessions are extremely valuable to participant progression in understanding the business of music (good and bad), developing their stage presence, and learning how to protect themselves in an industry known for exploitation. Michael and Tanya Trotter were extremely generous with their time spent answering questions from the youth, and their parents.
Photo credit: OMG Studios Photographer: Nagashia Jackson
OMG Studios Innovation Lab is an interactive and evolving music, art and literature immersion project that will function as a cultural content creator hub. Participants will create a wide array of multimedia, inspired by the Twin Cities’ rich music and art culture. Its mission is to provide a creative outlet for youth for music, art and literary expression, development, and education.
OMG Studios Cultural Sustainability Promise
Our work is centered around building cultural sustainability and community, where music and art are essential to human survival and development. We are driven by love for humanity and a desire to empower, nurture, and improve the health and wellness of youth and families in under-invested communities.
OMG STUDIOS PRESENTS TINY BLOCK PARTY WITH SPECIAL APPEARANCE BY THE WAR AND TREATY
What: Tiny Block Party with Special Appearance by The War and Treaty
When: Tuesday, March 25, 2025, 5:00-7:00pm
Where: Patio at Lake Monster Brewing Co., 550 Vandalia St., St. Paul, MN 55114 (in the event of inclement weather, event will move inside the brewery)
Celebrating the release of their new album, Plus One, Tiny Block Party will feature a special appearance by The War and Treaty, meet & greet, listening session powered by DJ Lenka Paris, pop-up shop, and a chance to win a pair of tickets to their show at Fine Line. Minneapolis is the first stop on the Plus One Tour, at Fine Line on March 26.
Plus One Tracklist:
1. Love Like Whiskey
2. Skyscraper
3. Can I Get an Amen
4. Called You by Your Name
5. Stealing a Kiss
6. Teardrops in the Rain
7. Leads Me Home
8. Carried Away
9. Drink From Me ft. Billy Strings
10. Reminisce
11. Save Me
12. Love Is on Fire
13. I Can’t Let You Go
14. Home
15. Love Light
16. Mr. Fun
17. Tunnel Vision
18. The Glorious Ones
About OMG Studios
OMG Studios is a multidisciplinary media and production studio located in the Raymond-University district of Saint Paul. Our mission is to build cultural sustainability and community, where music and art are essential to human survival and development. We are driven by love for humanity and a desire to empower, nurture, and improve the health and wellness of youth and families in under-invested communities.
About The War and Treaty
Founded in 2014 by the husband-and-wife duo Michael Trotter Jr. and Tanya Trotter, The War And Treaty has emerged as one of the most electrifying new acts in American music. Recently earning theirfirst ever GRAMMY nominations for Best New Artist and Best American Roots Song for “Blank Page,” they also received this year their first ever Duo of the Year nomination from the Country Music Association, Vocal Duo nomination from the Academy of Country Music, plus recognition by the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, the Grand Ole Opry, and the Americana Music Association including earning AMA Duo/Group of the Year for the second straight year. The War And Treaty has captivated audiences across the globe from North America to Europe, Australia and beyond, while headlining their own shows and opening for a diverse group of living legends: Al Green, Brandi Carlile, Chris Stapleton, Jason Isbell, John Legend, Lauren Daigle, and Van Morrison among them.
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee and founding member of Sly and the Family Stone, Jerry Martini aka “Papa J” and Monique (KZMOHD Producer) sit down to share their experience at Sundance for the release of the documentary “Sly Lives” (aka The Burden of Black Genius), directed by Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson and produced by Joseph Patel.
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductee, Jerry Martini, Making A Special Appearance At Official Premiere of “SLY LIVES” Documentary
The legendary co-founder of Sly and the Family Stone, saxophonist Martini is credited by Sly Stone with starting the band in the 60s
Park City, Utah (January 21, 2025) – Founding member of the first, integrated, multi-gender American band, Jerry Martini, will arrive in Park City for the premiere of the Sly Lives documentary, directed by Ahmir (Quest Love) Thompson, at its Sundance premiere on Thursday, January 23rd.
.Recently Jerry Martini celebrated his 82nd birthday on October 1st, in Minneapolis, MN. Sharing the same birthday as President Jimmy Carter, Jerry played Happy Birthday on his beloved saxophone while Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood sang happy birthday to President Carter on his 100th birthday at the Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity Build Forward Bash.
“It was a great honor to be on stage with Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood, President Carter, who gave so much love to the world,” says Jerry Martini. Jerry went on to say . . .”It was a very special night of music celebrating President Carter’s latest housing project for Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity called The Heights. It looked like a whole city of newly built homes for the community of Saint Paul, MN.
Jerry Martini, aka Papa J, has performed with countless music luminaries including Carlos Santana, Jerry Garcia, Chris Rock, Mike Bloomfield and Van Morrison. Martini also performed during the inaugural iHeartRadio Music Festival in Las Vegas, sharing the stage with Steven Tyler, Jee Beck and Randy Jackson. As a song writer, Martini wrote “One With The Sun” on Santana’s “Barbaletta album. Martini and female trumpeter, the late Cynthia Robinson toured with Larry Graham from 1997 to 2000 with Prince and performed on Prince’s 1999/2000 New Year’s Pay Per View special, “Rave Un2 The Year 2000.
In 1977, Martini started another successful funky rock group called “Rubicon,” releasing two albums before disbanding in 1979. Today, The Family Stone band can be seen touring the country performing the music of Sly and the Family Stone with Phunne Stone on vocals, who is the daughter of Cynthia Robinson and Sly Stone. Martini reflected on the success of Sly and the Family Stone and continues the legacy of the group by praising his touring band that includes: Swang Stewart, performing lead vocals, keys and guitar, Nate Wingfield (Guitar), Frank Klepacki (Drums), Blaise Sison (Bass) and Jimi McKinney (Keys), for keeping guests on their feet – dancing to the music that makes you feel good – paying homage to Sly and the Family Stone by keeping their unique sound in the hearts of EVERYDAY PEOPLE, who buy tickets to see them perform.
Watch this YouTube video of Sly Stone giving Jerry Martini credit for his vision shared of starting and leading the new band in 1966: Sly Stone: Portrait of a Legend – documentary (part 1 of 2) A great early 80’s documentary on Sly Stone from the Portrait of a Legend series . . .
Jerry Martini, aka Papa J is the original founder of Sly & the Family Stone. He is a founding member of the first inter-racial, multi-gender major American Band. He has also performed with countless luminaries including Mike Bloomfield, Carlos Santana, Rolling Stone Bill Wyman, Robert Cray, Willie Lomax, Prince, Graham Central Station, and Van Morrison. He is avid at horn arrangements as well as songwriting including “One With the Sun” on Santana’s “Barbaletta album among others. Through the millennial new year, he, along with Cynthia Robinson and Larry Graham, played with Prince on his 1999/2000 New Year’s Pay Per View special “Rave Un2 the year 2000”.
About Everyday People Project
The Everyday People Project will travel to cities across America spreading love and unity through the music of Sly and the Family Stone under the direction of its co-founder and Rock & Roll Hall of Famer, Jerry Martini. The Everyday People Project spreads love and human kindness through community partners that support music and art programs in marginalized communities. The Everyday People Project will tour cities with the greatest need and will provide a pre-determined amount of ticket sales to organizations that provide vital services in the community.
Photo credit: OMG Studios Photographer: Nagashia Jackson
