Today we’d like to introduce you to Demetrius Johnson.
Demetrius, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Back in the day when people felt they had something important to say they would go to a location with heavy traffic, stand on a soapbox and speak passionately to anyone who would listen. This is how the statement, “get off your soapbox” came about. Well, a few years ago my wife and I started sharing some of our life experiences with others and began to notice the impact it had on them and us. It helped them realize that there was hope no matter how difficult a situation seemed, and helped us get over the fear, guilt, and embarrassment we’ve experienced in the past.
At that point, it became simple for us to create a platform where people can use their life experiences to spread hope! Since I’ve always had a passion for music, I wanted to create something that would not only entertain folks, but also leave a lasting impression. So we focused the concept of storytelling, hired a band, and started featuring local talent to perform using popular and original songs to tell stories, and created The Soap box!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Building this concept hasn’t been a smooth road. Then again, when is anything of value developed without a few obstacles to overcome? Most of the challenges we’ve experienced have been regarding location. We’ve operated in a couple different locations with some success in both. However, we haven’t found that sweet spot where attendees know exactly what they’re getting…but they will!
Please tell us about The Soap Box.
The Soap Box is an event that presents inspiring, story-based live music entertainment. We specialize in showcasing local singers, poets, rappers, and musicians in search of a platform to sharpen their skills. However, our focus remains on the stories. We are known for featuring artists as “storytellers” and entertaining attendees with stories with the use of popular and original songs.
Many live music events focus on the music, and rightfully so. However, I believe our commitment to focus on stories with music, as a tool to help tell the stories, is the thing that sets us apart from typical music events. What makes me proud is that attendees seem to appreciate what we’re trying to establish, and that’s a great feeling!
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
I have definitely experienced quite a few growing pains during the development of The Soap Box. Now that I’ve been at it for some time, and have gotten a little wiser, I would have gone after partnerships with vendors (right-away) to add to the “live event” atmosphere I’m trying to create.
Contact Info:
- Email: thesoapboxspeaks@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onthesoapbox/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesoapboxevent/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/thesoapboxevent
Image Credit:
House of David
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