Meet Omar Noel

We had the good fortune of connecting with Omar Noel and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi, why did you pursue a creative career?
Some of the most powerful, inspiring, and memorable stories are conveyed through artistic expression. Creativity sparks life and moves it forward. The arts have the power to foster profound thought, feeling, and perspective that are at the roots of positive change. I chose to pursue an artistic career to continue this great work and contribute to the stories that color the world.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
For the last few years my art has been in the areas of music and creative writing. My work in film and theater has primarily been in the role of composer lately but I also have done some acting for the stage. I think what sets me apart from others is the value I place on how a story is told whether it is through musical instruments or words on a page or both. I am an artist who is pretty versatile in music performance and composition and in creative writing for stage, screen, and song.

Getting to where I am today professionally has been a journey similar to other artists, one consisting of taking various gig opportunities here are there, networking at gigs and artist events, and promoting myself with my website and social media accounts. No it wasn’t always easy but most times difficult just looked like trying to find the next great gig after one just finished at a time when artist-led events are slow. In those times I would often develop solo projects and fine tune my performance skills. I’ve found that every time I give my energy to my artistic talents, for an upcoming gig or otherwise, opportunities to grow myself as a creative come up. That is one of the lessons I’ve learned along the way, put your energies into your passion and your passion will put energy and trajectory into you. Another lesson has been that rejections (that always come sometimes) are not an indication of lack of talent it is more that your brand is just not what they’re looking for but for someone else it is.

I am proud of all of the work I have done in the arts over the years but the one I often tell people about are my solo projects; my originally composed EP, The Diamond Fire EP and Dreamscape on Spotify. I am proud of my website which has been a great showcase of my work in the arts for last eight years. I am proud of all the theater and film organizations I have had the pleasure to work with.

What do I want the world to know about my brand and story?- My name is Jelani Dream and I bring insight, creativity, and joy through music, writing, and film. Let’s bring the magic to your project.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would definitely take my friend to a few Broadway shows as New York City is known for that, then we’d hit some of the great restaurants and bars throughout Manhattan, Queens, and Brooklyn. Some restaurants might be; Members Only, Double Chicken Please, Havana Central, Fogo de Ciao, Juniors. The places we’d go would also be dependent on the time of year my friend is visiting.

Fall- Six Flags Great Adventure Fright Fest

Winter months/Christmas Time- Rockafeller Christmas Tree, Radio City Christmas Show, skating in Central Park, Christmas Markets

Spring/Summer months- Brooklyn Bridge Park, Gantry Park, Robert Moses Beach, Six Flags Great Adventure, Water Parks, house party with a pool, skydiving (if they’re interested), Cunningham Park

We’d also go to the movies and watch movies at home. I would take my friend to family gatherings as my family is always a fun time. I would also take my friend to concerts by local artists and famous performers.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to shout out;

My entire Family- local, out of state, and abroad
My Fiancé Colette Ambo
Joel Pietzak and Kali Kohler of Mickey’s Uncut Hits
Ina Norris and the Kwanzaa Film Festival Organization
54 Below
The Triad Theater
The Laurie Beechman Theater
AMAS Musical Theater
GigSalad
The LaMama Theater
Fairy Juice Bar
Lehman Stages
We Belong Network (WBN)

Website: www.jelanidream.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jelanidream/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/omar-jelani-noel-a2167229/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Omar-Jelani-Noel-100014160225554/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Jdream410