Ezra Brown, owner of the legendary seven*studioz speaks

In 1992 a young Ezra Brown came to Jackson, MS by way of Augusta, GA to further his academic and music career as a band student at Jackson State University. It did not take long before his entrepreneurial spirit was sparked by the talented people he met and the lack of development of the capitol city.
“Both people from the state and those that were transplants like me complained that there was nothing to do. But no one was willing to put money into developing a scene,” says Brown. “Even now, I feel that Jackson, MS has more talent than any other place in the world but those that carry those talents don’t seem to recognize it within them.”

So after much planning and strategic thought, seven*all arts studioz was born in the year 2000. Ezra describes it as an utopia. “My goal with seven* was to give artists a platform. The ultimate goal was for seven* to be more than a poetry spot, but a lifestyle brand; which, is what it is now.”

Seven*studioz became home to an array of creative writers, musicians, visual artists, dancers, lovers and patrons of art. It crossed racial lines and tied people together with one strong, multi-colored, artistic thread. It was truly something different about the vibe. Ezra Brown credits the positive energy to God and his knowledge of how certain colors and furniture placement affect mood.

July 7, 2007 was the arguably the height of seven* studioz as the venue celebrated seven wonderful years of impacting lives by cultivating artistry within Jackson, MS and beyond . It was also a turning point for Brown as he began to contemplate putting more energy in developing his own artistry. He would move to New York to further his career the following year. Though a difficult decision, his move proved to be a successful choice. He is now regularly gigs throughout Manhattan, has performed with the internationally known duo Les Nubians, and Cheryl Pepsii Riley of The UnionN in Russia.

After nine years, Ezra Brown has decided to close seven*studioz, though he will continue to hold rights to the brand that he has created. He is sure to stress that his business is not under new management but closed. “There are a lot of things going on there [147 Millsaps Ave] now, but please know that those events are not me. I don’t have anything to do with that.”

Brown exhales and takes a pause before disclosing what led to his decision to close seven*studioz.
“Honestly, it is something that I have struggled with for the past year. I am just now comfortable with saying that I’m closing seven.” After another long pause he adds, “It’s like having a child, watching her grow and not wanting to let her go.”

When asked for parting words to those who were positively touched by the legacy of seven* all arts studioz he said this:

“I’m very glad to be a part of a continuing legacy and a brand that started many years ago that birthed a lot of different careers that are in complete stance right now. Being a part of it is like being a part of the Harlem Renaissance or anything that will be remembered forever. The purpose of seven* is for people to go out and show the rest of the word who they are. I’m very humbled to be a part of that."
 

To have your experience of seven*studioz published in the Jackson Poetry Examiner please send emails to nika27_85@yahoo.com .

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