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Banks Entertainment, LLC is a multi-dimensional entertainment company that offers Printing, Publishing, Talent Booking and Events!
We specialize in providing an array of business and promotional services such as CD/DVD Print & Duplication, Graphic & Website Design, and Full-Service Printing of flyers, business cards, posters and more!
Banks Entertainment Printing
CD/DVD Duplication & Printing
Full Service Printing
Graphic & Website Design
Music Registry Consulting
Banks Entertainment Publishing
" Inspire to Inspire with YOUR words"
Author Services
Consulting & Development
Call today to set up a FREE initial consultation to discuss the development and preparation of your career as an Author.
Printing & Promotion
We provide various printing services such as CD/DVD duplication, flyers, business cards, banners and more. We can work with your budget to establish a solid promo campaign.
Book Publishing
From short book orders to mass production, we can assist with your book printing needs. For the new author, we guide you through every step of the publishing process of your works.
Event Management
Let us handle the booking and planning of your next book signing/special event.
BANKS ENTERTAINMENT PUBLISHING BROCHURE.pdf
BANKS ENTERTAINMENT PRINT BROCHURE.pdf
Talent Roster
Our Talent Roster consists of dynamic comedians, poets, authors, speakers, and musical artists available for your next event! Browse our list of professional talent or call with a specific request.
Tour Packages
We offer an unparalleled event booking service for colleges, corporate affairs, promoters, and talent buyers. Our all-inclusive show packages include professional entertainers, hosts, live music/DJs, travel arrangements, and promotional materials to ensure the best event booking experience!
Tour Packages are available for booking beginning January 2012
(Call today to bring to your Campus or Venue)
D. Elli$ aka Mr. Entertainment! actively pursues his career in comedy where his personality has catapulted him up the success ladder. D. Elli$ was recognized by the manager of the area Improv which lead to a weekly stint at another well known entertainment club in Dallas. There he was discovered and invited to open for Cedric the Entertainer. He quickly gained a following on the comedy club circuit, performing at numerous locations across the country including Laugh-A-Palooza, Improvs and the Laugh Factory in Los Angeles. He's been featured on Def Jam, Whos Got Jokes, Last Comic Standing and Comic View to
name a few. He has shared the stage with many, including Queen of Comedy Monique, Kim Coles, Katt Williams, Steve Harvey, and Ricky Smiley, who he regularly tours with,
hosting and performing state to state. Whenever he hits the stage he brings a lively melody
of topics; all of which is complimented by his trademarked, signature impersonation of one of his greatest influences, King of Comedy Bernie Mac.
As an actor hes had pivotal performances co-starring in independent motion picture releases of Small Timers, The Lawn Boy and Photo Shop, The Movie. D. Elli$ has also
appeared in music videos, local and national television commercials and in live theater productions his latest as a leading role opposite Chaka Khan. He also has regular guest appearances on top Dallas radio stations 97.9 FM the Beat and K-104 FMs morning show. In 2009 he launched his on-line television show, www.reallivintv.com and late night internet
radio show, D. Elli$ Talk. With an established resume and his popularity rising, his seismic
star will soon need a sky of its own.
Joel Runnels is an Actor/Comedian who is originally from Dallas, Texas. In high school, he used to act out his favorite movies like Richard Pryors Which Way Is Up when he was bored in class. He had his friends rolling, but of course his teachers didnt even crack a smile. When he was just twenty years old, he performed at Steve Harveys Comedy House. The stage manager, an unknown Eykah Badu, asked him his name and if he was a comedian. He replied Yes. My name is Joel Runnels. What he didnt know was that she wrote his name down on the list of performers and that he was going onstage for the very first time and performing in front of Steve Harvey. The move that launched Joels career was in 2001 when he was hired by KKDA FM to answer the phones. A year later, he became a member of the Street Team and in 2005, he became an on-air personality on the Skip Murphy and Company Morning Show. K104FM became the number one urban radio station in Dallas, Texas and he signed a contract to make more money than he ever has in his lifelegally. In 2003 he flew to Hollywood, California to perform on BETs Comicview. In May 2009, he moved to New York. Joel performed at Carolines Comedy Club on Broadway.His first Feature Film, The Crab. He is currently working as a comedian and will be in a Dorritos Commercial set to air later this year. He was recently on the Tyra Banks Show as a Backup Question-Asker. Look for him in the audience. Black shirt, red tie!
MISS COTTON is what you consider a quadruple threat or multi-talented hybrid of some sort. Not only is she a comedian, she's also a chemist, rap-spoken word artist, and a hairsylist. She's somewhat elusive as she captivates you with her girl next door charm and beauty, and then lulls you into a laughing trance with her quick wit and southern drawl. When witnessing MISS COTTON "do her thing", you are forced to do one of three things; laugh uncontrollably until you can't breathe, laugh so hard that you "poot" a little bit, or fall out of your chair laughing profusely! This uniquely gifted young lady has been entertaining her family, friends, and clients for years. Ultimately she conceded to the constant beckoning of a friend for her to perform in a local open mic show. The stage frightened neophyte delivered a debut that put the crowd in stiches! The rest as they say is, "her-story". MISS COTTON has brought her stand-up act to a plethora of venues with the sole mission to make you lose your breath in a laughing stupor. Versatile in her stand-up act, she can entertain the "first lady" in the church, or "first friday" at the club. MISS COTTON has established her herself as one of the most requested female comics regionally. Now equipped with an established management brand, BANKS ENTERTAINMENT backing her, she is destined to join the ranks of some of the best comics in the nation!
As a comedian, poet, and host, Qs ventures resulted in his stand-up debuts which he circulated throughout the South. He has graced the stage of many comedy clubs such as the Improv in Addison, TX, the Funny Bone in Bossier City, LA, and Hyenas in Arlington, TX. In 2010, Q was the opening for BET and TV Ones Whos Got Jokes, D. Ellis. In addition, he has hosted the Big Baller Weekend twice with Cold Frunt Productions.
Qs repertoire of gigs only continued to heighten as he began to make his presence in front of the camera. He has appeared on TV Ones Whos Got Jokes and ION TVs The Hump Day Show. Q also starred in Cuttn It Up in Dallas with comedians Joey Wells, Rodney Perry, Juan Villareal, Rayzor, and Mark Fernandez. He starred in the comedy Bootleg Gumbo which is currently on DVD, and has been the host for one of the largest conferences-The Texas Summer Music Conference-for the last seven years.
The opportunities for Q remain endless with his gigs increasing daily. Currently he serves as host and promoter for Groove Theory Thursdays at Firefly Lounge in Addison. He has previously hosted Top Notch Thursdays at Heroes Lounge in Dallas and Grown Folks Friday at Da Mixx in Arlington. Q also serves as the monthly host for Playdate Dallas and is also the Owner/CEO of Quality Events Dallas, a marketing and promotions company. Host/Poet/Comedian Q embodies the diligence to succeed, the strong rapport with several power players, and the making of a phenomenal talent with no limits.
Actor, Comedian, Director are just a few title that describe Florida P. Being raised in Lakeland, FL, Florida P. began his entertainment quest as a saxophonist in his home church. Discovering his flair of performing, Florida P. moved to Dallas, TX, in 2001 to pursue his career as an Actor. He quickly made his mark in the DFW entertainment scene by performing in such productions as, The Wiz, The Power of Love, Class Dismissed, Gods Got All Power, and many more. Florida P. has also appeared in several commercials, Television Shows, such as NBCs Chase, as well as reality TV shows, such as Spike TVs 4th and Long. His talents do not stop there. As a comedian, Florida P. has opened, as well as headlined comedy shows nationwide. Whether at comedy clubs such as Hyenas and The Improv in the DFW or performing shows at churches and schools, Florida P. remains versatile in his material. He has been featured in JAYE Magazine, and Dallas Entertainment Magazine as Man of the Month, in addition to hosting a myriad of events in the DFW. Florida P. has done it all, from TV, Radio, Comedy, Movies and Stage. His avid theatre experience is a huge contribution to much of his success, including the production of Drunk the Stage Play, in which he successfully directed. Florida P.s talents range from not only many areas of the entertainment field, but he has also honed his craft as a website designer and celebrity barber.
T. Odis is a 25-year old-alumnus of Tuskegee University, and a graduate of Hampton University with a Master of Architecture. A Chicagoland native, he began writing poetry as a young adult struggling to balance academics, social responsibility and turbulent domestic life. Since then, he has made it his responsibilty to use his God-given gifts as tools to build up his environment through positive and informative poetry that tells of life from his perspective. Hes performed spoken word and conducted workshops at venues, colleges, K-12, conferences, and various other events throughout Chicago, Alabama, Virginia, Indiana, Louisiana, Arkansas, and more recently, the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex. T. Odis is the 2011 Indianapolis Grand Slam champion, and has shared the stage with the likes of HBO Def Poets Black Ice, Tommy Bottoms, Abyss, Riva, Joaquin Zihuatanejo, B. Yung, Korim and Tasha Jones. He is a member of The Left Side Poets, a group of artists determined to contribute to the artistic world by providing personal accounts of life through poetry. In addition to being a flourishing spoken word artist, Terry is an architectual designer and freelance graphic designer and currently resides in Dallas, TX.
What do you call a person who fought for their survival in their early youth? Who smiles in the darkest moments of their life, so others can smile too? Who takes on her High School Administration for not properly recognizing her heritage? Who sees no end to the knowledge she can acquire? You may call that person Chosen. Born in Far Rockaway, NY, a proud product of St. Vincent, Belize and Guatemala; Natasha L. Spence AKA ItsReaLight. ItsReaLight, (from the biblical Israelites; God's chosen people) is the Harriet Tubman of our time; freeing the enslaved mind. Powered in her appointment by God she is determined to define her purpose.
Affectionately known as Light, illuminating the lives of those around her through her poetry; the catalyst to all of her creative talents. She is a vocalist, thespian, producer, beat boxer, visual artist, activist, dancer, playwright, and orator; amongst other things. She has been an educator, mentor, and counselor for the inner city children of Brooklyn and Harlem, New York for over 5 years. She has developed curricula and workshops that are geared toward building self-esteem and the discovery of each individuals true potential. Light is selfish, selflessly giving until rewarded by seeing those around her achieve their accomplishments. Her 6th sense for recognizing the talent around her has made her one of the greatest producers and show organizers of our time; her most prided showcase being a yearly event at Denny Moes Superstar Barbershop in Harlem, USA; which proceeds go directly into the shops scholarship fund.
Light has won multiple slams, mostly at the world famous Nuyorican Poets Café. She has shared the stage and with the likes of The Last Poets, Talib Kweli, Keyshia Cole, Malcolm Jamal Warner and his band Miles Long, Lyfe Jennings, and Dead Prez just to name a few. As an activist she has worked closely with the late Sonny Carson, Abiodun Oyewole (The Last Poets), the late Professor X (X Clan), the late James Davis (NYC Councilman), and served as an active member of the UNIA. This Cipher Queen is also in The Guinness Book of World Records for her lyrical contribution to the longest cipher ever (24 hours).
She quenches the thirst of her nomadic spirit, proving that Light can be anywhere. You might catch her performing at a step show in an amusement park, at a rites of passage graduation as the motivational speaker, on your local cable access channels, or even at your church. Dedicated enough to give an audience of 2 the same energy she would an audience of 2 thousand. Her limits can only be set by a divine force. Light is a powerhouse of energy and motivation, a conductor on the freedom train, the light at the end of the tunnel, a born Legend, the chosen truth.
Michael Guinn, native Texan holds an MSW and is one of the nation's top advocates for social justice gaining national prominence for his use of high-powered poetry & spoken word performances. Voted Community Mentor of the Year and nominated for a Legacy Of Men Award for his work with domestic violence prevention. Michael has performed all over the nation as one of its most respected speaker/spoken word. Author/Actor/Activist.
Alex tha Great is a poet, spoken word performer, author, model, editor, scholar, and humanitarian. Originally from East Palo Alto, CA she now resides in Dallas, Texas. She received a B.A. in African American Studies from the University of California, Irvine in 2008 and a M.A. in Cultural Studies (Africana Studies emphasis) from Claremont Graduate University in 2011. She shared her work at open mic night sessions over Southern California for 3 years until she relocated to Texas in 2011. She prides her work on being both brutally honest and sarcastically witty. She has performed at conferences, luncheons, art festivals, and colleges including Paul Quinn College, Pomona College, and Claremont Graduate University. She is now the author of three books, the latest : No More Love Poems released in October 2011
LGB is a spoken word artist that was born and raised in New Orleans. He burst on the open mic scene in the year 2000 performing at one of New Orleans most historic open mic venues, Ebony Square. As other venues opened up in the New Orleans area such as True Brew Cafe, Rhythm City and The Hard Rock Cafe, LGB routinely performed at different locations around the city. His hardcore gritty street style with a mixture of comedy and clever metaphors quickly made LGB a household name. He went on to win several talent shows and open mic competitions with in the same year. In 2001, 2002 and 2003, he was a member of the first ever New Orleans National Poetry Slam Team which competed in Seattle, Minnesota, Memphis and Chicago. In 2003, he was ranked 34Th in the Nation and helped the slam team rank in the top 10 at the National Poetry Slam. In 2005 after Hurricane Katrina, he relocated to Dallas TX. After getting situated in the Dallas area, he graced a few open mic spots before a two year lay off. LGB then re-emerged on the open mic scene in the summer of 2008 performing at Sankofa's Arts Cafe, Brooklyn's Jazz Cafe and many other venues in the Dallas area. In 2010, he was the Dallas Poetry Grand Slam Champion and a member of the 2010 Dallas National Poetry Slam Team which ranked as one of the top 20 teams in the nation and advanced to the semifinals of the national poetry slam which was held in St.Paul Minnesota. He was also crowned the Verbal Assault Poetry Champion after placing first in a competition held by Brooklyn's Jazz Café. In 2011, LGB continued his success in the slam world. He was a member of the 2011 Dallas Poetry Slam Team that competed in the National Poetry Slam competition in Cambridge, Massachusetts. In the same year, LGB also won the 1st Annual Juneteenth Poetry Slam hosted by National Spoken Word Artist Mike Guinn and the 1st Annual Fight Club Poetry slam that was held at Sankofas Café. LGB continues to perform in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area as well as other cities. He is currently working on a new poetry album which should be released real soon.
DeHann Durham began writing at the age of 11 by keeping journals and writing and developing his art of poetry. During from his freshman year at Langston University in Langston, Oklahoma, he wrote poetry daily performing weekly at various on campus locations. He was also active in student activities, serving as vice president of the Beta Epsilon Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., voted as Mr. Choir for the Langston University Concert Chorale, and an on-air KALU 89.3fm radio personality for three years. DeHann served two years as the senior editor of Talking Trees, the annual English Department literary student publication. He graduated from Langston University in 1999, with a B.A. in English Liberal Arts.
Upon moving to Dallas, Texas in 2002, he entered the rich poetic culture, open mic, and spoken word venues to continue sharing and refining his gifts. Since that time, DeHann hosts, sings, DJs, and performs spoken word at colleges, universities, churches, book clubs, weddings, family and community events, open mics, slams and talent shows across the country.
DeHann is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Passionately Poetic Publishing Services, LLC. He is currently completing his fifth body of work, From The Unconscious Mind of a Poet Volume III: All i Can Remember is What i Said i Would Forget, available for purchase on PassionatelyPoetic.com in the fall. He is also the founder and owner of UnSpokenRadio.com. This internet radio station is Your source for soulful music and potent poetry! He is currently working his first has a full length CD entitled "Not Just Words", a nonprofit organization, and a reality television series.
J West is a singer, songwriter and producer from Fort Worth, TX. A new artist on Daviysheyo Records, J West will be releasing a new CD in 2012. He is a musician with many talents such as playing the piano, drums and guitar. His musical repertoire includes Gospel as well as R&B, of which he has performed at venues such as The Bass Hall and The Apollo. J West is best defined as an Urban Gospel Neo-Soul artist who is dedicated to spreading the word of hope, joy, love and salvation through his music.
J West says I just want God to get the glory and all that I do with my gifts, and to be a blessing to the kingdom through song.
DJ Mike discovered his love for music at an early age (14) listening to R&B, Disco, Funk, Rock, Jazz, and Electro. DJ Mike has over 20 years of disc jockey experience. His experience started in the early 80s and from there his love for music accelerated, which was the creation of DJ Mike! DJ Mike is an incredible mixer and great scratcher, which include hard cuts and wonderful transitions. He has a variety of music styles and his special flexibility gives him the ability to play the appropriate music for any situation. Thus, DJ Mike is able to play for any style of crowd due to his love for all forms and style of music. In his 20 plus years of experience, he has developed a feel for what his clients desire and need. The wishes and needs of the client is his top priority. DJ Mike realizes the importance of developing a relationship with his clients to insure there is an understanding of what the client desires. He is aware of the audience at every event. He does not play music in an egocentric way, DJ Mike feels and works with the mood of the audience. DJ Mike has provided service for numerous Weddings, Corporate parties, Bachelor and Bachelorette parties, Mitzvahs, Proms, Celebrity parties, and etc.
Wesley Simms (DJ Boladi) is a professional DJ based in the DFW area. DJ Boladi has been the resident DJ for places such as Embargo, Jamaica Gates and Halftime Bar & Grill. He has provided music for many events including the North Garland Senior Prom & Celebrity Ball, Tickles and Giggles, the 4th Annual MLK Dinner and the 2nd Annual Spring Step Show & Concert. His goal is to entertain and make every event an experience. DJ Boladi is versed in a variety of music genres and focuses on making the crowd move. He has an upbeat and magnetic personality perfect for any event.
Michael Jackson Tribute Artist, Gabriel Acuna, has performed at many special events, birthday parties, and venues including Friday Night Live/Communities for Kids, Six Flags Over Texas and the Planet Kidz Tour. He won 1st place in Grand Prairie, TX at the Texas Gob Fest and was the feature act at the Carter Blood Drive and the CVS Pharmacy Grand Opening.
Born in 1998 with a condition called Malrotation Bowel Obstruction, Gabriel had surgery after surgery to clear out obstruction and attach his intestines that had not attached properly. Unable to drink any liquids by mouth until the age of 6, his parents would play Michael Jackson videos to keep him calm during his Gastronomy Button stomach feedings. Gabriel watched in awe and was mesmerized by Michael Jacksons phenomenal talent and dynamic moves. Before long, Gabriel was standing, moving and dancing just like the King of Pop. His health began to significantly increase and so did his interest in Michael Jackson. Gabriel has advanced to a healthy teenager that loves to dance, skate and entertain. He also plays the trumpet at his school in Mansfield, TX and is a member of the golf team.
Events & Tours
Our Event Planning services consist of Budgeting, Management, Consulting, Promotion, and Talent Booking. We can work with your budget or create a budget for your next fundraiser, homecoming, grand opening or special event.
Banks Entertainment is recognized for our professional and highly entertaining events we produce each year. We have also assisted with various community outreach endeavors targeting such topics as HIV awareness and healthy living. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for our upcoming events!
Banks Entertainment Events
(*Assisted by Banks Entertainment)
December 2007 Kwanzaa Fest at O.D. Wyatt High School*
February 2008 Comedy Bank Family Comedy Show
March 2008 Mini Cruise on Lake Grapevine
June 2008 D-Will Memorial Parade & Celebration*
June 2008 Lonestar Car & Fashion Show
July 2008 Daddy I Need You Mens Conference
October 2008 Caribbean Cruise on Lake Grapevine
July 2009 Fort Worth Idol Singing Competition
August 2009 Drunk for 27 years Book Launch
2009-2011 Hip-Hop for HIV*
February 2011 Super Bowl Comedy & Poetry Slam
July 2011 Independence Day Comedy & Poetry Slam
September 2011 Labor Day Comedy & Poetry Slam
September 2011 Drunk The Stage Play
We appreciate your feedback. Please submit your comments about our excellent customer service!
- Banks Entertainment
Management & Staff
Banks Entertainment, LLC
3610 W. Pioneer Parkway, Suite 202
Arlington, Texas 76013
CONTACT US
TELEPHONE: (817) 460-BANKS (2265)
E-MAIL:
info_thebanksentertainment.com
