There’s always been a debate about if creativity and imagination should be categorized as an individual entity and internal magic. Mike Norton, comic book illustrator and author once said, “Solitude is the soil in which genius is planted, creativity grows, and legends bloom, faith in oneself is the rain that cultivates a hero to endure the storm, and bear the genius of a new world.” More people argue that creativity is rooted within the loud, busy, yet complex and quiet spinning blue marble we call this world. The question comes up time and time again, whether reintroducing old images, concepts, and ideas in a new way is how one can be known as a talented creative, or if being creative comes from bringing unique and different ideas to life that have never been seen in the limelight. Although I would love for everyone to be considered a jack of all trades and embody unhuman talent like when Whitney Houston would break out in song singing, I Will Always Love You or Michael Jackson using every part of his body to dance to whichever hit he was performing, it’s just not true.

The artistic and creative industry thrives so freely and elevates significantly because we all inspire and intrigue one another’s ideas that turn into masterpieces. Let me break it down. Think of when you and your crew go out to the club. Each and every one of you get to following Ciara’s instructions and instantly one two-step or know how to bop to the beats. However; without the DJ curating the entire playlist and blending the music so boldly, the dance floor would be as empty as a bag of 2/$1 chips five minutes after opening them. Who knew how similar being creative and going out for a good time had so many parallels?

This phenomenon is being actively demonstrated right here in the heart of Milwaukee. /CW Fam are you in tune with what’s going down on Martin Luther King Drive? Paint, Neo-Soul jams, and Gen-Z parties are reawakening Milwaukee’s late-night social life.

Patrons immersing themselves in the neo-soul art event

The city’s nightlife and creative hub, specifically in Bronzeville, is being transformed into a new wave of entertainment, interpersonal connection, and self-expression. Two fresh faces have caught the scene by surprise and have had their foot on the gas ever since. {One, Two, Three…Take Off} Although they’re familiar faces to me, both may be new to you. Don Taylor and Stephlu can easily be described as young game changers of MKE’s nightlife and creative culture. Over the last year, the events, networking circle, and enthusiasm they’ve both contributed to the “sauce” of a vibrant city have been unheard of for two people in their early 20s. Take your mind to the epic parties and DJ competition in the 1992 film, Juice, starring urban legends Tupac Shakur and Omar Epps. That’s just to give a glimpse of the energy level, high attendance, and entertainment that comes from these two.

Don Taylor, aka DJ Mumbai, has always been captivated and shocked by his love for fine arts. Throughout his high school years, Taylor participated in a number of school theatre productions. It caught many by surprise such as his class, family members, and even himself since Taylor was the poster child for sports and being the fiercest athlete on the court. Making the school stage his own was only the beginning. After graduation, Don tapped into his love for music and event hosting. This is where the idea for his events at Flame 13, a restaurant and lounge located at 2230 N. Doctor M.L.K. Drive, Milwaukee WI sparked. Every Sunday, Taylor is the host of R&B Sip and Paints from 5 pm-8:30 pm where all are welcome. A variety of food, conversation-based games, drinks, and spoken word create a unique, lively, yet mature and smooth environment. All of those in attendance not only come out for a night to turn up but also to introduce their talents to friends and the public.

Taylor can’t even keep up with how many gifted and artistic faces join his events. Whether they’re creating a painting as if they were Picasso himself or performing poetry, music or acting monologues like Nia Long and Larenz Tate in the 1997 film, Love Jones talent emerges weekly. Topics ranging from self-love, current events in the world, the past and present state of Milwaukee, and romantic love are at the forefront during these performances. Taylor’s also made a name for himself by making his DJ debut at Flame 13 last year as DJ Mumbai, where his own catalog can be heard by the city. R&B Sip & Paints Sundays is known for being one of the hottest places to be and is keeping Flame 13 Lounge in all of the noise!

Our next game-changer goes by the name of Steph. Since a very young child, she was thrown challenge after challenge in her personal life, but art always was her outlet. Throughout her daily life Steph was viewed as shy, quiet, and to herself but give her a paintbrush or drawing utensil, and all of that escaped out of her body. Her resume is as detailed and long as other event planners and creatives who have been in the industry 3x longer than Steph has. Photography, painting, and even a creative partnership brand with someone she grew up with can illustrate a portion of what this social revolutionary has done at a young age. The themes of the events Steph coordinates include the music industry, entrepreneurship, community vendorship, and fashion. Her most recent creations include a Y2K-Inspired Night and Music Listening Party for the upcoming artist that can be found on Instagram @Sincereeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee. All ideas and creative visions are welcomed by her and she begins making those inspirational Pinterest boards into reality for families, artists, entrepreneurs, or anyone else who wants to have an event to bring all in Milwaukee together. It’s not just about having a good night out but also networking and learning who else is contributing to the community. No matter if you’re an art vendor, a socialite hosting the events she curates, or coming as a guest; you’ll always walk out with some form of knowledge and new connections on how to make your creative goals into reality!

Anyone can easily conclude there are many differences between both of Taylor and Steph’s love stories in terms of creativity and their specialized focuses on the industry. However, their similarities triumph over their differences since Flame 13 Lounge is the physical building where many of their events are held, and the elevation of nightlife that has been introduced on M.L.K. Drive. There are several people who once considered themselves “homebodies” and had no social life who are now prioritizing their attendance at Don’s R&B Sip and Paints and Steph’s jam-packed events. Ideas, art, music, collaborations, and networking circles are being born weekly because of these two. Milwaukee’s late-night social culture is now being reborn and includes the newest generation in the nightclubs and lounges, which is Generation Z (Gen-Z). It’s becoming a community where partying is now creating opportunities for people to reintroduce themselves in an artistic and distinctive way. Individuals aren’t the only ones being heavily impacted by these two, but also businesses such as Flame 13 and other nightlife entities. More foot traffic, recognition, and community building are the three highlights that have come from Steph and Don consistently hosting and creating these events for the public. Steph and Don are creating space for those looking for new experiences regarding their social life, but also hone in on the bold me to showcase their creative talents.

Go see just how much the relationship between nightlife and the creative hub has changed for yourself. Check out Don’s next R&B Sip and Paint any Sunday night at Flame 13 Lounge and follow him on Instagram @YA Dond https://www.instagram.com/dond414/?hl=en . Also connect with Steph to plan your next event or support her next one by following her Instagram @onlyxstephlu https://www.instagram.com/onlyxstephlu/.

Desriana Gilbert/ Entertainment & Social Journalist for CW

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