Hometown Heroes

Colin Garrett, G&G creating West Orange legacy

By Stephen Hemelt Stephen.hemelt@orangeleader.com

Colin Garrett attended West Orange schools from kindergarten through high school, and was lucky when quite a few of his close school friends joined him at Texas A&M.

He said they brought the small-town feel to College Station, which made the transition easier to handle.

After a pit stop in biomedical science, he switched his study to construction science. It was a

natural progression, as Garrett’s father and best friend at the time started G&G in 1986.

Coming up through high school, he would work summers for his dad with the demolition crew or concrete crew.

“It was an immediate attraction once I settled into the construction science program at A&M; it felt like the place where I needed to be,” Garrett said.

Professional start

He and his father planned for Garrett to work for a large

company in Dallas for a few years post graduation to see how they did things and bring that knowledge back home to expand G&G.

Colin Garrett

That added to his perspective, which comes naturally for someone with a self-admitted “lofty vision.” Thinking outside-the-box about growth is a must.

He and his wife, Natasha, bought the company when there

were three employees.

Still, they never foresaw the size and scale of what the company has become.

“It has exceeded every expectation, every dream, every hope that we ever had for this company,” Garrett said. “Now, we have offices in Orange, Beaumont and Port Arthur. Orange is our executive hub. That is where our corporate headquarters are. We were founded in Orange, we have remained in Orange so we wanted to stay an integral part of Orange.”

MEALS ON WHEELS

Team of workers, volunteers provides way more than lunch

By Chrissie Mouton news@orangeleader.com

One organization helping to fight malnourishment among adults is Meals on Wheels of Orange County.

That knock on the door might not seem important, but for some seniors, it may be the only friendly face they see the entire day.

“We are a critical need here in the county. Several of our seniors only have interaction on a daily basis with the delivery driver,” said Kristin Burman, executive director of Meals on Wheels in Orange County. “Not only do we deliver nutritious meals Monday-Friday, we treat them with dignity and concern.”

Sometimes that simple knock on the door can be lifesaving. Burman says a

few months ago one of her drivers went to deliver a meal to a regular client, but on that day, the client did not answer the door.

“Dawn (Burleigh) knocked and waited. She thought she heard a faint cry for help. She called 911 and, thank goodness, she

did. Once the emergency services arrived, they discovered the elderly woman had fallen through her floor the day before on Monday

Veteran-led chamber starts outreach in Golden Triangle

By Chrissie Mouton news@orangeleader.com

A new Chamber of Commerce is actively building a network to connect veterans with local services.

1 - Creating a strong local veteran business ecosystem.

2 - Promoting the veteran business community and supplier diversity.

D

3 - Providing cooperative and business opportunities.

4 - Representing veteran entrepreneurs and chamber members to the greater Houston market, corporations and government supply chains. These are the four core competencies of the

Houston Regional Veterans Chamber of Commerce (HRVCC), a nonprofit established in 2021 by Dave Weaver and John Cacolice, retired U.S. Army veterans, to encourage economic growth and development of the veteran business economy.

But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint..

G&G Enterprises expanded operations to Beaumont approximately seven years ago for greater exposure.

When the move was made, there were 11 employees. Today, there are 58 employees.

Garret attributes the growth to:

• Being in the right place at right time;

• Doing what they say they are going to do;

• Delivering quality work for

See ‘Colin,’ page A2

Courtesy photo

Pictured, from left, are Adriana M., Karen G. and Carol A. are seen during Tuesday’s Greater Orange Area Literacy Services class.

By Chrissie Mouton news@orangeleader.com

“Once you learn to read, you will be forever free.” –Frederick Douglass

One local non-profit is working hard to give that freedom to people in the area. Greater Orange Area Literacy Services, or GOALS, provides a variety of free services to enable those 16 and over to achieve their personal goals through improved literacy.

after her food was delivered. She spent the night hanging on to the beams,” Burman

See ‘Team,’ page A7

For Mary Williams, Golden Triangle Forward Operating Base Director, her job of being a conduit and catalyst of awareness is just beginning in Southeast Texas.

According to statistics

“We believe the ability to read is critical to personal freedom,” Executive Director Rhonda Powell said. GOALS is an affiliate of ProLiteracy America and, according to its site, more than 43 million adults in the

See ‘GOALS,’ page A7

Reading is chief focus of GOALS

Stephen Hemelt/The Leader

Pictured at Meals on Wheels of Orange County are Aeronita “Rose” Smith, from left, client tracker Vanessa Bufford, accountant/bookkeeper Ethel Marie Dantzler, executive director Kristin Burman and transportation coordinator and dispatcher Gabrielle Crumley.

Courtesy photo Mary Williams is the Golden Triangle forward operating base director for the Houston Regional Veterans Chamber of Commerce. See ‘Veteran,’ page A2

the HRVCC has helped hundreds of military members in the Golden Triangle connect with various services in the last year.

Williams retired from the U.S. Army in 2011 after serving 21 years, including four combat tours. Williams said helping veterans is not a project or a job but a passion.

“I absolutely love our veterans and the community I’m from,” Williams said. “Had it not been for the veterans before me, I

would never have had the chance to have served.”

Williams says when the HRVCC approached her with the opportunity to become the Forward Operating Base Director for this area, she jumped at the chance and has been on the go since.

“I ended up having an amazing career and now it’s my time to return the favor,” Williams said. “I advocate at the front lines for our veterans so that they can get the benefits and entitlements they deserve.”

The HRVCC offers a host of member benefits including an eight-week business

growth academy, designed to help business owners and leaders accelerate growth in their business.

“The Houston Regional Veterans Chamber of Commerce will benefit the community by being a premier leader of a thriving and robust ecosystem while inspiring economic impact and community empowerment,” Williams said. “When you join the chamber, you will have a chance to support the veteran/military community and create a positive impact. We will help you to design, develop and implement programs or projects

that support veterans and military families.”

According to their site, they also offer special network and advertising opportunities, business skills education, as well as other opportunities.

“It lets veteran-owned businesses in the local community know that we are here and that we will advocate for their business,” Williams says. “We collaborate, advocate, be a business education resource connection, while fostering a positive impact on the community and growing the economy region wide.”

Chamber member Wendy Clifford with Clifford Distilling LLC of Port Arthur says they’ve been afforded multiple opportunities to interact with other veteran-owned businesses not

Colin

Continued from A1

the right price safely; and

• Giving the owners the best of all the worlds they deal with.

G&G Enterprises expanded its superintendent and project manager base, support staff through a dedicated quality management position and created a dedicated safety division.

Company leaders have also grown human resources, business development and marketing within the operation.

“It takes a lot to grow a company to this size,” Garrett said. “It takes even more to keep it going. Our goal doesn’t stop here. We have larger plans for G&G Enterprises. We look to our 15-, 20- and 25-year plans. My wife and I are continuing to expand our vision to incorporate our children to eventually turn this over to them.”

just locally, but across the entire country.

“Being on the chamber creates an opportunity to showcase our business and inform our community leaders of what it’s like to own and operate a whiskey distillery in Texas, more importantly the greater Houston area,” Clifford says. “The chamber serves as a medium from us to potential investors and allows us to network and promote the business while staying true to our core values and ethics as a Veteran owned and operated company.”

The Golden Triangle area of the HRVCC includes Jefferson, Orange, Hardin and Chambers counties, including the cities of Cheek, Nome, Hampshire-Fannett, Winnie, China and Anahuac.

“It’s a broad territory to

Giving back

Garrett said G&G leaders have always known the company’s success comes from the community it serves.

That means they become advocates for their clients and identify numerous area charities to support through the donation of time, resources and money.

One of the most recent moves made headlines across Orange County and beyond when the West Orange-Cove Consolidated Independent School District announced a G&G Enterprises donation of $1 million.

The move, celebrated in late May, led to the board of trustees granting G&G Enterprises exclusive naming rights to the newly constructed West Orange-Cove Event Center. The center’s state-of-theart facilities and versatile spaces provide a platform for sports competitions, performances, community gatherings and educational programs.

It was unveiled for the community with the high school graduation this year.

Superintendent Dr. Rickie Harris said West Orange-Cove is grateful for G&G’s commitment to investing in education and fostering community development.

Garrett calls Harris a visionary, adding it is exciting to watch him work methodically to grow the

cover,” Williams says. “The chamber will bring together programs, projects, organizations, people and resources to the military/ veteran community.”

The chamber is open to all veteran and military spouse owned businesses as well as veterans, first responder owned businesses, veteran service organizations and non-profits, as well as passionate patriot-owned businesses, government agencies and corporate sponsors.

“Join us in the spirit of collaboration to do greater work together in the community to make an even greater impact for generations to come,” Williams says.

For more information, visit houveteranschamber. org or call 409-767-1797.

district with facilities that meet the needs of current students and those coming decades from now.

“He really cares and loves that district,” Garrett said. “It is infectious.”

Garrett said it was a blessing to graduate from West Orange, go off to college and come back home to grow a local company.

“Being able to give back to the place where this all began is a huge honor and a humbling experience,” he said. “Even in my wildest dreams, I never imagined being able to have that much financial impact on any organization, let alone being able to do that for the school that I graduated from.”

The name

A committee inside G&G Enterprises was developed to go over ideas, and that committee has selected a name for the West Orange-Cove Event Center.

Company officials and school district officials still must meet to discuss where signs will be placed. There are some subtle nuances to go through regarding the size of the signs and where they will be located.

“I would anticipate having some type of a ceremony that is somewhere in the first part of this next school year,” Garrett said when explaining when it would all be unveiled for the community.

BILL

409-735-3595 Home

Large crowd enjoys Cops N Kids in Orange County

A large crowd of children, families and first responders turned out at the 27th Annual Orange County Cops N Kids. Games, food and crafts were just part of the fun that got everyone involved.

Ultimately, the casual and friendly interactions between the community and law

enforcement are keys to the event, which aims to strength the bonds between the police and local residents.

Hosted by the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, the event featured plenty of free refreshments and activities for the public.

Submerged vehicle removed from waterway

By Mary Meaux

news@orangeleader.com

VIDOR - Law enforcement is working to find out how a vehicle ended up in the water near the Neches River.

Orange County Sheriff’s Capt. Joey Jacobs said at approximately noon Wednesday a kayaker picked up an image on his sensor he believed to be a vehicle in a body of water around the

Sandra Jean Caraway, 76, of Deweyville, passed away on June 19, 2023, Claybar Funeral Home, Orange. Mark Meadows, 46, of Orange, passed away on June, 16, 2023, Claybar

1200 block of Four Oaks Ranch Road north of Vidor.

The man did a few more scans and confirmed what he was seeing and called the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.

Authorities got to the location at approximately 6 p.m. and, with the assistance of the Port Arthur Fire Department, Vidor Fire Department and local wrecker services, pulled a Geo Tracker from the water.

Funeral Home, Orange. Carrie James Guidry, 84, of Orange, passed away on June 21, 2023, Claybar

Funeral Home, Orange. Claude Thomas Richards, 91, of Beaumont, passed away on June 8, 2023, Claybar Kelly Watkins

Funeral Home, Beaumont.

No one was inside the vehicle, and Jacobs said investigators initially assumed the vehicle was stolen. That did not prove correct, he said.

The registered owner was contacted and told authorities her granddaughter was involved in an accident years ago, Jacobs said.

It is unknown how the vehicle got into the waterway.

The Texas Department of Public Safety is assisting in the investigation.

Randy Strong/Orange Leader

Kaida Walles, 6, Calvin Leornard, 4, are with Kellen Leger, Ryan Pevey and Benjamin McKee.

Randy Strong/Orange Leader Adalyn Barney, 6, is shown decorating her foam gnome.

Randy Strong/Orange Leader

Kambri Bazar, 3, and Mary McCay

Randy Strong/Orange Leader

Circle K Daycare of Orange

Randy Strong/Orange Leader

David Lampman and 7-year-old Grayson Hennigan have some fun.

Randy Strong/Orange Leader Rylee Mahood, 5, stands with a balloon snake making clown.

Randy Strong/Orange Leader Paxton Lungs, 9

Local chef teaching families to cook affordable meals

There are some people who immediately fill you with comfort without saying a word.

Jennifer Caldwell is one of those people.

From the bright colors in her Orange County home to the permanent handprints made by her grandchildren on a chalkboard wall to the way she sat cross-legged on the couch and spoke as if we’d known each other for years; just being in her presence was peaceful.

I went to Jennifer’s house this week to talk about her participation in a competition with “Top Chef” personality Carla Hall.

But instead, I found a woman and her husband who lived nearly every moment of their lives with families, friends, food and love at the forefront of what they do.

Jennifer learned to cook long before she joined the U.S. Navy at 18, but it was there she honed her skills, sometimes cooking for thousands of people at once.

After spending years working in the restaurant industry, three months ago she and her husband Larry launched a food truck — Luna Nashoba.

But even with a business of her own, the Caldwells are working to ensure every family can make their own food without having to worry about escalating costs or time.

Recently Jennifer partnered with Market Basket to create recipes using only the store’s weekly sale items.

“They send me early all of their weekly specials that come out on Wednesdays,” she said. “And on Wednesday,

when they put their specials out, on their email flier is my recipe that you can print out. And it’s all their specials combined together. Everything on the menu is from their specials. It’s to feed a family of six for under $30.”

For Father’s Day, she put a marinated pork in the crockpot with pineapple and jalapenos that created a gravy she used on potatoes and made a salad.

All of the items were on sale that week.

“We have such a large family that we’ve struggled with feeding our kids,” she said. “I really have a heart to not only feed people, but it’s such a hard economy. I want people to say, ‘OK, if it’s $30 for dinner for six, that’s $150 for the week not counting the weekend.’ During the school year, supper is what you’re trying to get out, and I need something quick.”

The Father’s Day meal was $26.

“A lot of people don’t realize that you can make a full meal out of their sale items,” Larry Caldwell said. “You don’t have to pick one or two to make your meal. You can actually use all of the sale items to make a full meal and spend a whole lot less. And that’s what they’re trying to teach.”

Jennifer said she’s been asked if her efforts are hurting her food truck. But in the end, that’s the last thing on her mind.

“My goal would be, and it comes from my heart, that Sunday through Thursday save you enough money by doing these meals that you can go out to eat once or twice a month,” she said. “And also to get the word out to support local business.”

Ultimately, national contests and food trucks aside, the Southeast Texas woman is using her love for food and family to bring people together again.

“When I eat a good meal and I get in my car to go home and my belly is full, and I say ‘Why did I eat that much?’ But you’re satisfied,” she said. “You’re comfortable. You’re happy. And then after about an hour, you’re sleepy. What is there not to love about that?”

Monique Batson is an Orange Leader contributor. She can be reached at news@ orangeleader.com.

Temporary traffic signal, I-10 closure detailed

Special to The Leader news@orangeleader.com

The Texas Department of Transportation announced the placement and duration of a temporary traffic signal in Orange County.

Due to bridge construction at Coon Bayou, a temporary traffic signal was installed Friday at the intersection of SH 87 and FM 1006 for traffic to safely turn onto SH 87.

The traffic signal is anticipated to be in place for approximately three months.

Southbound traffic on SH 87 at Coon Bayou will be reduced to one lane of traffic today.

On Monday, expect possible delays along SH 87 northbound in the morning hours as traffic is shifted.

SH 87 traffic will be down to one lane in each direction for approximately three months.

Interstate 10 closure

The Texas Department of Transportation announced an Interstate 10 closure through Orange County this weekend.

According to TxDOT, motorists can expect alternating lane closures along I-10 westbound from SH 87 to Adams Bayou overnight Sunday, running from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Monday. Crews will be working on pavement markings.

LCM work mishap leads to medical emergency

Staff report news@orangeleader.com

LITTLE CYPRESS —

Little Cypress-Mauriceville

CISD announced Friday morning that a contractor was involved in an electrical accident while working on the LCM track.

The individual was taken to the hospital for medical attention, school officials said.

The incident occurred at approximately 10 a.m.

“The contractor was carrying out essential electrical

maintenance work when an unexpected electrical fault led to an electrocution incident,” a school district statement read.

“Upon receiving the news, LCM’s emergency response team immediately arrived at the scene to ensure the contractor’s safety and provide necessary assistance. Local emergency services were contacted, and an ambulance promptly transported the injured contractor to the hospital, where the individual is currently receiving medical

care.”

The school district extended “its heartfelt prayers and support to the contractor and their family during this challenging time,” the statement read.

“The well-being and safety of all individuals involved in our projects are of utmost importance to us, and we are actively cooperating with relevant authorities to investigate the incident and ensure that all necessary measures are taken to prevent such incidents in the future.”

Cowboy Church of Orange County

According to the district, officials are working diligently to provide updates on the incident and any relevant findings as the investigation progresses. The construction site has been temporarily closed for the safety of all personnel until a thorough assessment of the incident has been completed.

“LCMCISD is fully cooperating with local authorities and relevant regulatory bodies during this investigation,” the district stated.

Officials respond to lightning-started fire

Staff Report news@orangeleader.com

PINEHURST — The Pinehurst Fire Department was called to the 3300 block of Old Castle Lane for a structure fire at 4:48 p.m. Thursday. Mutual aid was received by Little Cypress Fire, West Orange Fire and Orange County ESD4.

According to witnesses on scene, the fire likely started after the home was struck by lightning during severe weather that was ongoing in the area.

No injuries were reported.

673 FM 1078, Orange, TX 77632

Sunday Worship 9 and 10:30 a.m. Wednesday 6:30 p.m. adult Bible Study led by Pastor Harland Strother

GOALS

Continued from A1

Continued from A1 United States cannot read, write or do basic math above a third-grade level.

So, what about locally?

According to The State of Literacy in America, 23 percent of adults in Texas and 30 percent of adults in the city of Orange function at Level 1 (the lowest level).

“Many students did not receive the individual help they needed at school,” Powell said. “Others left school to earn a living. Some have come to America to earn a living. These are just some of the ones who need our help.”

The U.S. has the world’s largest immigrant population and according to statistics from ProLiteracy America, among those immigrants, only half are proficient English speakers. In Texas, that’s approximately 2 million people.

“We offer English as a Second Language (ESL), for those whose first language is not English; Adult Basic Education (ABE) for adults wanting to learn to read and write; and General Equivalency Diploma (GED) for adults who never received a high-school diploma,” Powell said.

Bonnie Hopperton, Debra Mitchell and Wanda Clifton of Orange had a dream of eradicating illiteracy in the city and founded GOALS in July 1993.

“They not only loved the residents of Orange but recognized a need for increased literacy help in our area,” Powell said.

Almost 3 million adults of working age in Texas are without a high school credential; 121,000 of those are unemployed. 43 percent of adults with the lowest level of literacy live in poverty, compared to only 4 percent with the highest literacy skills.

“Sometimes, those of us who can read, take it for

granted, but those who can’t struggle with reading the newspaper or a prescription bottle, or filling out an application,” Powell said.

Powell said one of the students who made an impression on her was a 93-year-old woman who enrolled in the reading program.

“Don’t ever think that you are too old!” Powell said.

Powell has been involved with GOALS since 2015, when it was all very new to her.

“Very quickly, I began to love our cause and the clients we serve,” she said. “It makes me feel really good to help someone learn.”

Students who complete the program also feel a sense of accomplishment.

“Thanks to GOALS, I was able to get my GED, and now I can join the Armed Forces,” Peyton G said.

Daniela B said, “I’m learning English not just for me, but for everyone in my family.”

GOALS relies on grants, including the United Way and Community Development Block grant, as well as fundraisers to keep the program running. Their biggest fundraiser is the annual adult spelling bee, which usually happens in April.

“Teams are made up of three people and they usually bring cheerleaders,” Powell said. “Spectators and participants are served a lunch and have a great time at the bee. Participants are usually businessmen, educators and college students, as well as church groups.”

GOALS also functions thanks to several tutors, who start working after a course

from the ProLiteracy site.

“Anyone can tutor. If you can read, you can teach another to read,” Powell said.

Powell says students feel a sense of accomplishment when they meet their literacy goals.

“Some are able to go to college, some get a job and others are able to help their children with their homework. Whatever the reason, GOALS is here for you,” she said. If anyone needs literacy services, call 409-886-4311 or go by the office, located at 520 W. Decatur Avenue in Orange.

PROGRAMS

GOALS offers individual and small class setting in four programs:

Adult Basic Education: for adults reading below sixth grade level.

English as a Second Language and Citizenship: for adults whose first language was not English.

Family Literacy: for parents who want to learn what and how to read to their children.

GED, General Equivalency Diploma: for adults reading at the eighth-grade level who have not received a high school diploma.

“Being able to speak English is not a luxury but is a necessity for all of us,” Sandra C said.

According to ProLiteracy America, a mother’s reading skill is the greatest determinant of her children’s future academic success, outweighing other factors, such as neighborhood and family income.

said. That client was rescued and taken to the hospital for treatment. Later that night, a damaging thunderstorm blew through the city.

“Because Dawn pays attention to our ‘eye on’ approach, we saved this woman’s life,” Burman said. “There is no telling what would have come of our client had Dawn not called 9-1-1.”

As the Meals on Wheels of America website says, it brings hope. It brings health. It brings the nutrition and care that will completely make their day, but a knock on the door can even save lives.

Meals on Wheels started in Philadelphia in 1954 and, according to the national website, is guided by a single goal to support senior neighbors to extend their independence and health as they age.

Meals on Wheels has grown into one of the largest and most effective social movements in America, currently helping 2.4 million seniors annually in virtually every community in the country.

“We serve close to 500 meals a day in Orange County,” Burman says.

Those meals are prepared by hand with a kitchen staff of four to five employees with the assistance of a dietician who provides a menu for clients. Those meals are then delivered by ten drivers.

Besides delivering meals, there are several locations, where seniors who are able, can go to socialize and enjoy one of those same meals.

“[There is] one in Orange at 103 North 5th Street, downtown on the river front. The other two locations are in Bridge City at the Bridge City Senior Center. And then

we also have one located at Optimist Village in the community room located there,” Burman said.

Burman says there is a common misconception that the program is based off income.

“While many of our clients are lower income, the only requirement is that you must be 60 years of age or more,” Burman says. “There is a sliding grading scale to determine if the client qualifies for the home delivery portion of the program.”

Burman says if the client does not meet the score set by the state, they are still able to go to one of the congregate locations to eat lunch and visit with their friends.

Since Meals on Wheels is the nutrition portion of the Orange Community Action Association, also a nonprofit, that means, all their funding is through government grants and private donations.

To help raise money to offset the rising cost of consumables, the organization is planning a fundraiser in September.

Friday Night Game Night, Battle of the Businesses, is scheduled Sept. 15.

“These businesses will

face off in Family Feud! We will have Old Orange Café Cater dinner, silent auction, door prizes, bottle pull, designer purse raffle and open bar,” Burman said. There is a huge overhead to run a program of this size. We are hoping to raise $25,000 or more for Meals on Wheels.”

Not only does Meals on Wheels in Orange County need additional funds to keep operating, but organizers also need more drivers.

“I desperately need reliable back-up drivers,” Burman says. “You must be 18 and have a clean driving record. We provide the vehicle and the fuel.” Burman says it is a blessing to serve the senior citizens of Orange and is excited about growing the program in years to come.

“The majority of the seniors we serve daily have to share the meals with their animals, so it’s vital that we raise funds to continue this program,” Burman said. “Not everyone has family that takes care of them. Our clients truly rely on us.”

For more information on the fundraiser, or to apply for the program for yourself or your loved one, call Meals on Wheels at 409-886-2186.

Stephen Hemelt/The Leader Pictured preparing meals are Huerla Galendo, Randi Henson, Nikki Anderson, Sally Burman and Alitha Taleferro.

Courtesy photo

Greater Orange Area Literacy offers all forms of literacy services. Call 409-886-4311 for more information.

ORANGEFIELD NATIVE EXPLORES PASSION

“Chri5 Landrum” looks to make mark in electronic music industry

By Stephen Hemelt Stephen.hemelt@orangeleader. com

Chris Landrum attended Orangefield schools his entire life before graduating in 2004.

He remembers growing up in a great neighborhood where all of his friends could walk to each other’s houses. It was the perfect time and space for Chris to be the class clown and an adventurer.

One of the things he enjoyed was music, creating playlists for friends in middle school when songs were easily shared through CDs.

He learned guitar through a friend, attorney Nolan Leblanc, who would teach him at Toupes Marina in Bridge City when he 16.

Music was in his blood.

His grandfather, O.E. Landrum (Sam for short), wrote and published more than 200 Christian hymns.

Opportunity struck when he was in high school. A friend with an older brother needed a DJ for a college fraternity party. Chris said yes, and ended up the high school kid at college parties getting all the people dancing and grooving.

“It was really fun, and I enjoyed creating the atmosphere for these college students,” Chris remembers.

Music career

Chris began creating music from scratch in 2016 while trying to master FL Studio software. He studied a master class from Deadmau5 and it helped. Now he is trying to get his feet wet in the music producer industry.

“I’ve created over 40 tracks on my own, and now I’m finally able to start putting them out there so other known DJs can use them in their music sets for the world to hear,” he said.

“2022 was the first year I’ve actually started putting out my music using my own label to over 150 music streaming platforms.”

Those interested in learning more about his music can take advantage of his mixes from past sets

he records live while DJing.

Readers can find some of his hour-long mixes on SoundCloud.com/Chri5landrum or visit his YouTube — youtube.com/@chri5landrumand — to see anime music videos made from professional music video designers just for my new music.

He officially goes by the Chri5 Landrum moniker.

He strives to work each week on new tracks with various artists.

“Some artists are local, and some are across the world in Brazil, England to name a few that I have been working with,” Chris shared. “My focus at the moment is creating music to build up my playlist of tracks. I will be also remixing a few 80s songs and turning them into some really cool modern dance hits. I have just begun putting my music out there, and some of my tracks have taken over two years to finish.”

Performance Today, Chris describes himself as the “most hyper, outgoing person” he knows. But, he admits, he still gets nervous at performances because he doesn’t want to mess up everyone’s vibe.

“I want to do my best, and I strive for perfection,” he said.

He is slowly creating his sound and warping in

male and female vocalists to expand the genres of music in the electronic music industry by coming up with new ways to reach out to groups and people of all types.

“I just recently did a song with my autistic nephew, Jayden, in the intro, and it has been a hit,” Chris said. “I want to keep the local talent on my side and help them expand, as well. My friends and family come on this journey with me.

I have very catchy piano chords and riffs that you can hum, and say, ‘oh, that’s Chris’ song.’”

He has listened to hundreds of professional DJs and music producers around the world, learning everyday how to be unique.

He considers his productions theatrical and cinematic, starting off with a slower, steady opening beat that builds up to intensify the atmosphere.

“A prime example on my album, the first track is called ‘Story.’ I really do tell my story through music, starting it off with me playing the synth keyboard, acting as if I’m speaking through music,” he said. “Midway through the album, it gets a little darker, such as the song, ‘I Can See You.’ It’s actually my voice saying on the track, and I turned down the voice effect and made it sound lower.

“The last track, ‘Runoff,’ is the ending of the album, and it is saying this is the end and it gets more powerful throughout the whole album. It’s the build up towards the end. It is my first album, and this helps me learn and be creative to get a few singles out with professional vocalists. So as an artist, I try to be 100 percent unique.”

Courtesy photo Chris Landrum’s music, under the moniker Chri5 Landrum

Courtesy photo

Chri5 Landrum performs on his souped up turntables set.

Courtesy photo

Chris Landrum is pictured with his grandfather.

Landrum’s set up helps get the party going and the grooves flowing.