Jen's vision came to her on the early morning of January 30, 2000, when she had a lucid dream about a bar/venu/center. In the place, she saw many types of artists, mainly musicians, talking, playing, and exchanging ideas on music, songs, and lyrics. The place is for artists to perform and jam with others that they would not usually have an opportunity to and expand the understanding and the mind of the individuals involved.

As she walked into the venue, a sign over the door stated, “Check your egos in at the door and respect all.”

She could feel the bar made of copper, feel the ceiling fans above, see the motion of the plants swaying, hear the music play while people talked and laughed. Surrounded in wood and acoustically proper surroundings for music. As she walked around, she could see the practice rooms, the offices for professional helping the artists with the business aspects of the industry. Recording equipment on the loft, with pool tables and ping-pong along with some seating areas for talking.

On the walls were the art of local artists for sale. Many tables and chairs were for the audience to sit and enjoy the music in the background while enjoying the open, light and bright atmosphere.

As she wrote in her journal that day:

"Had ideas today … website and venue to promote Tucson music, and local bands. Perhaps more bands will come and better interaction between the musicians. I would love to have a place to have bands at. Big names and local acts. Money and marketing is key. Location should be central and near the university, maybe a warehouse or big building can be converted. Parking has to be a concern. Must have the best sound system. Food and Drinks? Killer website. College students are market for this place.

The name of this should be Abstract Illusions… cool name for a place for art. Life is illusions of abstract ideas and sounds of the human experiences. It fits.
Hmmm, I could have a small fee for the shows, jam sessions, help with the promotions and business side of things. Offer to do the CD copy, using my graphic degree in something I would love to do. Need to look more into this. J."

Continuing with this idea, she began writing a business plan and networking for the connections to help the artists. She went to music conferences, did street team promotions for ATO Records, Octone Records and Fanscape website, talked to many industry professionals about this idea. All of them loved it and would be involved after it got up and running. The first obstacle for this was getting the people involved with it - a physical place and partner to help.

She talks about it further:

"I also did promotion for a now defunct local band called Tricky Luz. I got them noticed by ATO Records and a scout for Columbia Records. I traveled to many concerts and handed out their CD to get their name out with positive reactions for all that heard their CD. The lead singer decided not to continue with the band and the band break up as things were beginning to break open for them. I was disappointed but kept in touch with the other band members of the band.

The guitar player, Brad asked me to do promotions for another band. While at a local record store, Zip’s, for their CD release party, I met Steve Mackin. Immediately, I knew this guy was going to be helping me out. He had great ideas and understanding, and most importantly… grounded which for a musician/artist is rare. He had his feet planted in the right directions. We become good friends and now we are getting this idea off the ground, one step at the time. It seems that Steve had the same idea as I did. Together we are doing this. I am grateful for all his help, ideas and energies. You are enjoying his talents on this website and most of my websites. More of his art and music is available on his site of www.impulsenine.com."

Abstract Illusions is under the umbrella of Jennifer Hillman, Inc. It was started in 2001 along with Angels Intuition. Abstract Illusions Publishing Division is the publishers of Jennifer Hillman's series of books and poetry, Embracing Souls.