Raven Steals the Sun

Do Over Portland Summer Series Kick Off.

2011-05-14T19:08:00.000-07:00

HELLO PORTLAND!

Bikes Beers Trees Clean Air Good Times Never Fails*
Every time I go to Portland I have a blast, not for some of the first obvious reasons. For the simple fact that the sun is always shining when I arrive...In Portland I hear this is the rare occurrence, So this really improves the peoples attitudes when i'm there This I have noticed during my travels. True: Portland spends most of its days in rain or under cloud cover...this I have never seen. I love it. Portland with its lush plant life, active bike riding, jogging folks crossing rivers over many bridges & endless strip club stops + The Dueling Icon Shoe Company Headquarters Community...this in itself makes Portland a very different place...sounds like perfect #DoPortland weather.

Just our luck, this Sunday we welcomed Portland's first sunny day in weeks. We right on time. Shouts To Dam Funk, Nature, Supreme, + Do Crew: Haycock & Strong also Alan from Produce Row Cafe. All love to Adidas for the support to do it right. Do Over returns to Portland June 12th. Rumor is the Southern Cali Sun is our first mystery guest...

thanks Adidas!

PORTLAND SHOWS UP EARLY!

After Dam Funk did it the way LA would be proud the Sun went away and we proceeded into the night, Dj Supreme closed the evening in proper fashion a True Professional...check for the mixes soon & video.. for now a 3 minute clip of some of the madness... We Love You Portland!

POSTPONED : 213* & Mochilla Presents: LA MARCHA – 10 YEARS LATER CREATING MEMORY IS OUR WEAPON

2011-03-03T01:45:00.000-08:00

POSTPONED : "Creating Memory is our Weapon" LA MARCHA PHOTO EXHIBITION
Friends,
It is with great sadness that we announce the postponement of the "Creating Memory is our Weapon" Show at the Urban Sanctuary Gallery in Boyle Heights. It had always been a dream of ours to have the show in Boyle Heights. Ten years ago we had shown the photographs at the great Frank Sosa's space on Silverlake Blvd and it was a great honor to be able to bring the photos East, but sadly the local political terrain proved ...too complicated for it to happen at this time. Two days ago it was brought to our attention that several local "artivists" had started a campaign online to boycott the show. Apparently there has been some conflict locally with the management of Urban Sanctuary. We have spent the past 48 hours trying to negotiate a settlement that would allow the show to continue - but in the end with threats looming and an extraordinary amount of anger being expressed we decided to postpone the show until we are able to honor the memory of the Marcha in a more clear environment. It was never our intention to inflame local anger, to incite a boycott or indeed to put our constituency on any side of a local conflict. Zapatismo has plenty to do with local conflicts but not in this way.Please accept our humblest apologies if this in any way affects your plans for tonight. We will all reap the rewards of this show in a less contentious space at a later date.
B+March 11th, 2011

"Our most ancient ones taught us that the celebration of memory is also a celebration of tomorrow. They told us that memory is not turning one's head and heart towards the past. It is not a sterile remembrance which speaks laughter or tears. Memory, they told us, is one of the seven guides which the human heart needs in order to make its journey. The other six are truth, pride, consistency, honesty, respect for oneself and for the other, and love."-Subcommandante Marcos, March 24, 2001

213* & Mochilla are pleased to announce "La Marcha" photo exhibition.

This show is the second in a three part series being curated by Azul 213 held at Urban Sanctuary Gallery in Boyle Heights.

The Zapatistas March on Mexico City

On Feb. 25 2001, the leaders of the insurgent Indian people of Chiapas launched a two-week mass march on Mexico City to remobilize and extend mass support for the demands of those sections of the Mexican population who have suffered most from the world capitalist offensive-the indigenous peoples.

Twenty three commandantes and one sub-commandante left the autonomous mountains of South East Mexico to travel to the Federal District of Mexico City with three demands: 1. To seek approval of the Indigenous Bill of Rights. 2. To seek the withdrawal of seven military bases from indigenous land and 3. To seek the release of all remaining EZLN prisoners.

On the eleventh of March they walked onto a platform in the Zocalo (Mexico City’s picturesque town square) to see one million Mexicans cheer them and offer support and solidarity. Having secured the support of the National Indigenous Council, the Zapatistas took the city with delegates from forty four of Mexico’s fifty seven indigenous nations.

213* & Mochilla Presents:
LA MARCHA – 10 YEARS LATER
CREATING MEMORY IS OUR WEAPON

Photographs by B+ and COLEMAN

Opening Reception: March 11th, 7pm – 12am
Show Runs: March 11th – April 3rd

Words from the Curator

10 years ago when Mochilla headed down to document this Historic event, I was very upset that I was stuck here in LA. I even contemplated quitting my then job in television to join them. To me this was the dream of being a photographer, capturing the struggle walking in uncertain times with a camera a backpack and the adventure of what was to come the next day.

When the guys got back I rushed over see the prints (yes these were the film days) hanging in the dark room. I was a fan of B+ and Coleman’s work and their perspective behind the lens before they were known as Mochilla, seeing this through their eyes was a special treat. Soon after there was a show in Silverlake where I played records and we all celebrated their latest adventure in Mexico.

Flash forward 10 years later my relationship with Mochilla has grown and I have had the opportunity to work with them on many adventures for our lovely Angelinos and folks around the world. A couple of months ago while planning to curate the series of shows at Urban Sanctuary this seemed like an amazing collection of photographs to revisit, almost exactly 10 years to the date of the march & Mochilla as a company. Now with the current uprisings in the world, this seems to be right on time...nothing better then to display the Zapatistas march on Mexico!

LA MARCHA!

-Azul213

LA MARCHA – 10 YEARS LATER
CREATING MEMORY IS OUR WEAPON
Opening Reception: March 11th, 7pm – 12am
Show Runs: March 11th – April 3rd

The artists will be present and there will be live music.
We hope you will join us.

Urban Sanctuary, 2026 East 1st Street
Boyle Heights, CA 90033

Our Support Network:

Thank you Lee Boek for signing on as our wine sponsor for the evening. Providing only the finest premium organic wines from Frey Vineyards.
Thank you Robert Castillo of 3 Wheel for providing the sound system for the evening.

information is available on the Urban Sanctuary gallery’s website:www.urbansanctuaryla.com

Contact Info: Cashmere Agency pr@cashmereagency.com

More info www.azul213.com or www.mochilla.com

RSVP ON FACEBOOK

SLEEP OVER!

2011-03-02T20:44:00.000-08:00

What can i say, when you get to Host one of the best Parties in the world.. Play records for 3 days in Palm springs Hang with Beautiful People, Listen to Good Music ,Enjoy Perfect California Weather & get a free Hotel Room on a sold out President day weekend...

i guess Dreams do Come True..

Many thanks to Red Bull Music Academy, Adidas Originals &The Ace Hotel

+ Connie and Rachel (The Ace) for keeping us taken care of all weekend*

Shouts to The DJ's For Keeping the Vibe Right!

Jamie strong, Chris Haycock, DJ Day, Classixx, Billy Goods, LeFtO, DJ Pubes, Induce, Waldo, Morse Code, & Han Cholo.

213* Video in HD coming soon Until Then, Check out My Sunday Sun tanning Poolside Mix

RedBull Music Academy Radio Azul 213 On The Floor! - Live at the Sleep Over, Palm Springs

More Info : http://blog.thedoover.net/

Roy E. LaGrone

2011-01-31T22:35:00.000-08:00

To me he was Grandpa, to so many others He was one of a Kind.
I remember a lot about the Man i miss Much More Now as i become Older.
i was always in the Studio listening to his Jazz records watching him Paint, this was all normal to me I had no real idea then of anything else, he was grandpa he liked to paint shoot pictures Fly Planes, i knew he was in the war..The Facts of all these things Then i knew nothing of..

Roy E. LaGrone, World “War ll Pilot, and Tuskegee Airmen he had an illustrious career as a Graphic designer, Illustrator, art director, Graphic co-ordinator, and painter. Due to his life long commitment and passion to tell the untold stories,sacrifices, and contributions of the nation’s first black Army Air Force pilots he became the artistic spokesman for so many who needed to be seen and heard. Through his paintings, his long love of flying and the magnificent portrayals of his fellow airmen He has sealed the images of these great heroic men into the history pages.

He was always on me about one thing or another to up the Anti either in Sports or School, he would say hey there buckaroo what up with those grades when you going to learn to Fly Like your Grand daddy..a lot of lessons i learned from him, That help me live my Life Everyday now. we must be so much a like i think sometimes..when Grandma gets Annoyed with me she says so too.. "you just like your grandfather".. i now counter that with "well if you loved him then this must be a good thing. right".

Ebony Magazine 1960

When My Grandfather Passed in 93 i was still making a name for myself not yet understanding what i would really do with my life, i liked to take pictures i was already dj ing and throwing parties but the path was far from clear on how all those would come together.It was a Hard time i was in Los Angeles he was in New Jersey.. i had been meaning to call him that week of course but was caught up with being me.. the next call i would get from his number would not be the one anyone wants to Answer.

In Recent Years i have Grown to express my Art more freely when thinking of him for inspiration a man i can only wish to live up to...Feb 1st is his Birthday, what a present that must of been for him in 1971 His only Grandson would be born 2 days Later.

Which brings me to a Present i have Received recently.Last year Some of his work was shown here @ The California African American Museum.This year i will Have the Pleasure of Representing the Family Along with my Mother and Aunt for a Dedication Ceremony featuring the artwork of my Grandfather at The Pentagon. What a Trip.But it's about time.. Happy Birthday Grandpa!! I love you.

"The Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force requests the pleasure of your company at a Dedication Ceremony featuring the artwork of former Tuskegee Airman, Mr. Roy E. LaGrone, on Tuesday, the fifteenth of February at half past eleven in the morning in Corridors 9 and 10, A-Ring, 5th Floor at The Pentagon, Washington, District of Columbia.Please see the attached invitation for additional information and details."

R.s.v.p by 8 February

Tuskegee's Heroes, featuring the Aviation Art of Roy E. La Grone, tells the story of the first black pilots and personnel to take to the air for the U.S. Army Air Corps of WWII. Co-Authored by Ann Lewis Cooper and her husband, Major General Charles S. Cooper III, USAF Retired, this compelling book is beautifully illustrated with the art of one of the Tuskegee Airmen, Roy E. La Grone.

see some of the book.

http://books.google.com/books?id=Ne5nMaxDYbcC&dq=Tuskegee+heros&printsec=frontcover&source=in&hl=en&ei=JW04Sra6N4zEsQPK_9HSBQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=11#v=onepage&q&f=false

Abstract Vision Female Perspective

2011-01-27T02:38:00.001-08:00

Opens Friday, February 11, 2011

Abstract Vision Female Perspective is a new photo exhibition featuring the works of 7 Los Angeles women photographers. The shows opening reception is on Friday, February 11, 2011 and runs through March 6, 2011 at Urban Sanctuary Gallery, a community art space involved in leading the current artistic renaissance in Boyle Heights.

“Abstract” the show’s theme, is an attempt to free the photographer of current working day assignments without the restrictions or pressure of creating images for profit. On display will be works from artists Bekka Melino, Carrie Camacho, Grace Oh, Janine Lim, Kerry Sawyers, Kyla Wright and Rosalinda Kooyman. Each of the featured photographers brings something unique to the table. Directly influenced by their diverse backgrounds and multi-career choices, their common denominators include a camera and their love for Los Angeles.

Curating the show is artivist Azul 213, who by day juggles a dual career in Broadcast network television and as a freelance photographer.. by night a familiar face over the last thirteen years hosting and dj’ing some of Los Angeles’ most popular night spots. Azul had his first hand of curating while co-owner of UponShop Record Store in Silverlake hosting shows to show off his art peers Mear, Doug Murphy “Plastic God”, Frohawk Two Feathers, Hotchkiss, Augustine "Kofie", & Jim Mahfood. Since then the focus on his own visual art path has taken him in many Art directions.

This show is the first in a three part series of shows curated by Azul. In March, the incredible work by Mochilla capturing the Zapatistas March on Mexico City ten years ago will be displayed. The third installment of this series in April will feature the work of Azul’s mentor, renowned cinematographer, Johnny Simmons, who despite his busy film career continues to take still photographs and inventive portraits today.

About The Photographers:

Bekka Melino

Photography is only one of the many ways in which Bekka Melino expresses herself. As a child she did so in the medium available to her, her clothes and hairstyles. High school introduced her to world of photography, and her early shots showed her talent for composing photographs worthy of design magazines, melding abstractions of lines and texture.College provided new opportunities in creative expression, including welding, constructing furniture out of all sorts of materials (corrugated cardboard, steel, wood), sewing and painting.

Travels in Europe, India, Central and South America, Turkey, across the United States and in Hawaii, plus an extensive trip to Asia gave birth to exotic scenes and portraits of the world through Bekka’s mind and lenses. Professionally, she has pursued a creative career in the music, commercial and film industries. At present she is a Production Designer on a cable television series. http://bekkamelino.com/

Carrie Camacho

I’m Carrie Camacho and I’m a Los Angeles based lifestyle photographer. For me photography is much more than taking a great shot or capturing a moment, it’s about telling a story. A story can be full of hopes and dreams, pleasure and pain; it’s my job to encapsulate everything so that you can feel it in your soul. -Soulsol Creations

Grace Oh

An artist since childhood, Grace has practiced her art of expression in various different mediums. She was greatly inspired and challenged in the perspective the camera lent when she picked it up in her early twenties. She realized photographs allows a different form of communication. With a naïve sensibility and excitement for this new world expression. Grace became enveloped by the infinite possibilities of capturing light and subject matter.

Self-taught and mentored by artists ranging from photographers, painters, musicians, yogi’s, and sculptors, Grace has found a voice and rhythm with her growth as woman, artist, and spiritualist using the lens as a way to communicate a journey. With her perspective of a young woman’s reflection of budding into womanhood in her first black and white nude project ‘Naked’ was a collection that was exhibited in a group show called “Not only Black and White.” ( 2004) Taking time to journey a broad and within herself, Grace had grown interest in portraiture and landscapes till she took to the nude form once again. Her project ‘Humanature’ was inspired to merge the synchronicities of the human form and nature. She wanted to share a piece of silence as a reminder of the gentleness of human and nature as one. Grace began this project in 2006 in Taos, N.M. and photographed most of her project in the open landscapes of various parts of California. Grace’s most present endeavors include photographing local upcoming and established musicians and artists. She is also developing her filming skills and becoming more integrated with commercial work. http://www.graceoh.net/

Janine Lim

Words by Janine Lim // invisible Mother
Since becoming a mother, most of my work entails caring for my child, cooking, and keeping house. Finding little time to make money or art, I constantly pondered my worth as a person and productive member of society. Pre-baby, my work was tangible and quantifiable. I made pictures you could touch and money to put in my pocket. Post-baby, my work was largely unseen. If you visited my home, for example, you would have had to see the hours of labor it took me to get it to that state to fully appreciate it. If you enjoyed the company of my child, you would have had to witness the months I poured into her to know why she thrives as she does. The only time I felt that my work was noticed was when I failed (or appeared to fail) to do it—like when the house was a wreck, or there was no dinner, or my child was losing it at the grocery store. In this way, a good job assumed a quality of invisibility; the better it was done, the less you noticed it. My introduction to invisibility brought much anger and resentment. Although I observed a superficial sentiment that mothers were valuable and important, I found very little proof that it was actually true. While a stranger might be kind enough to hold the door open so that I might fumble through with my stroller and baby bag, at the end of the day, I still felt short-changed. For doing what people call “the most important job in the world”, I still had no income of my own, no means to make it, and no time for myself. It seemed I only existed to care for my child and clean the house.

I know that I am not the only mother who feels this way. I do not think it is a generalization to say that women carry most of the burden of childcare. And I definitely do not think it obscene to say that women do most of the housework. Without having to pick up a book researching woman’s work or having to spew some kind of statistic about our labors, I can tell you that it takes up a significant amount of our time. As a result, we are most often the half of the partnership that gives up economic independence, passion, dreams, and art. The fact that we are the half of society that makes this compromise is exemplary of how much we really do value women.

Feeling little worth for my great contribution to the world, my work in the house has been done mostly in contempt. The longer I cleaned, the more enraged I would become. I would daydream about what I never became and all the things I could become if I did not have to wash dishes. Slowly, I began to document my work around the house, grappling to find beauty in my grey existence. I realized that my feelings around housework needed an alchemical process. My rage needed to be transformed into something else. If no one else will value my work, at least I could. To initiate this alchemy, I began photographing my messy kitchen and bedroom, piles of laundry, chopped vegetables, and cluttered tables. By doing this, I bring into view what is largely invisible. In addition to creating visibility, to capture a moment in time is also to assign it worth. In this sense, photographing my work at home has become a process of self-validation and an opportunity to assign value to my own labor. I do it to honor myself and the women of the world who deserve illumination.

Kerry Sawyers

Move Me Photography is made of the visual captures seen through the eyes of Kerry Sawyers. Anything and everything moving and meant to inspire or that is just intriguing caught through the lens. "Everything in our direct environment is inspiring, these are just the things that MOVE ME" http://www.movemephoto.wordpress.com/

Kyla Wright

Kyla Wright is the creator of a notorious click called BLACKNBLING. This click has stolen the faces and emotions of thousands, and captured historical moments like no one else can do. The click comes from a camera, and it is through visual imagery that got BLACKNBLING its start. BLACKNBLING is an imaging house, photographing musicians and party people around Los Angeles with the intent of encapsulating a renaissance era in the art and music community. Through BLACKNBLING, Kyla Wright has one main purpose, and that is to work as historians for the generation, creating a platform for artistic expression, creating a place to perpetuate and manifest dreams of creativity.

Rosalinda Kooyman aka “DesertFlower"/"Rosalinda Paz"

A gardener by day (Los Angeles Unified School District teacher for 8 years and currently teacher of 1st grade blossoming seedlings), she is a cusp-y Aquarius /Pisces and peace activist. She likes to take pictures because she feels that the moments last longer. Her words of action are: silence, breathe, look, serve, listen, read, learn, create, meditate, love, and evolve.

She is of Mexican and Dutch parents, and grew up in America. She was born in the land of metal daisies and location of the Coachella music festival, Indio, California, hence aka Desertflower. Rosalinda moved away from California as a young kid and grew up all over Texas, predominantly Dallas. In mid -1998 she moved back to California and attended San Diego State University. She is the first in her family to earn her college degree. After she graduated, she moved to Los Angeles and received her teaching credential and began teaching for Los Angeles Unified School District. She recently received her Masters in Education.

Rosalinda has been taking photos since 1994. She considers herself an “Ethnographer” with a camera. Her intentions when photographing includes shooting from her heart and soul, with no true artistic goal, but merely to later share the beauty and wonderment of what unfolds before her on her journey through life.

DJ SHIVA

Born in London of Persian decent, L.A.-based DJ Shiva made her move stateside as a youth, settling first in Florida and then in Los Angeles in 2003. Forever the humble hustler, DJ Shiva casts a strong signal around Southern California and the world at large: her live sets are heard twice monthly on Sirius satellite radio, her mixtapes are featured monthly on HipHopDX.com (her first effort was top-rated by users), she has just returned from performing this summer in Germany, and most recently DJ'd for a Playboy TV broadcast alongside Jesse McCartney. A lover of all music, DJ Shiva is particularly keen on bringing the best out of 60’s soul and 70’s funk; 80’s dance and 90’s hip hop and RnB; native reggae and dub rhythms; and recently she’s been revisiting her roots in electronica music and global grooves. soundcloud.com/TheeDJShiva

“Abstract Vision Female Perspective”

February 11, 2011 - March 6, 2011

Opening Reception:Friday, February 11, 2011
7 pm - 12 am Soundscapes: DJ Shiva

Contact Info:
Cashmere Agency
pr@cashmereagency.com
More information is available on the Urban Sanctuary gallery’s website

http://www.urbansanctuaryla.com/

RSVP on Facebook

Its A New Over.

2011-01-26T22:32:00.000-08:00

The New Year Started With an Unplanned Countdown.

A Close Group of Friends to Busy All Week to do Any real Planning For it.Ive Been Projecting Schedules Way Past This Date.Nothing Filled in on the 31st.Why? I' ve Always Been Booked Playing Records or Organizing One or two parties.Until 3 Years Ago, when i thought about how long i had been doing that, in that Moment i no longer felt the Urge.The Next 2 years would be spent with my close group of friends in the safety of The Estate..Good Food, Drink, Music Tribe. The Night Club was Dead.You Might of Heard Me say...

Last Year I Spent the New Year in Amsterdam With #1

This Year No Plans.A Few Options.

Play it By Ear, just Head Out &

Enjoy What The Last Evening

of the Old Year Had Planned For Us.

It worked as Un-Planned.

I had A great Time.

We All Did.

On The First Day Of the New Year,My Saturday Afternoon Would Be Spent Hosting to Some Really Kind Spirits That Came out Waited in Line Heard Amazing Music Witnessed A new Face on A place they Had shared some really Good Times in the last 5 yrs.The Do Over New Over Edition, We Set The record for best new Years Day Party Ever.

Packed Early The New Spot filled up More Then I think We all Expected.The Day Quickly Turned to A Wild First Night of the New Year.

See all Photos Here

Special thanks to adidas, Diplo, J.Rocc, Jack Beats, Jeremy Sole, Rockwell, DJ Life along with 1200 of our closest and most fun friends at the famed Los Angeles New Years Day get down!

Wednesday's: Evidence of Divine Nonchalance

2010-12-19T22:45:00.000-08:00

2 weeks Ago We Kicked off a New Night.

Its Been A minute Since Coleman & I Have Got Down on a regular gig together..We had been Looking for something to do Play our Music LOUD Experiment and just have a good time.We Found it.We Also Invited Mr Gazooo to Take Part in This New Adventure He fit Right in..

Funny Story About the Short Stop..First time i every played there it was a mess.. (10yrs ago?) I think it was a private party that Coleman,Hawkins, Paris & Myself Played, saw dust on the floor broken lights exposed wires..ha! Before This Party they had been closed and were trying to make the transformation from off duty Cop & Dodger fan dive bar. As i recall a couple of weeks later they re opened to The public..the party was a success!Flash forward they have cleaned it up and have made a nice little name for them selfs in ye old Echo Parke!!

December 8th started like most Nights Do Some of the Fam showed up to support and B4 we Knew it we went From Bar Drinkers to Packed Dance floor Just the way we like it.

We Doing it Again This Coming Wednesday

Get ya Pre Holiday Tune in and Zone Out Dance On

We LOVE to play Music For you.

The Divine Nonchalance

2nd & 4th Wednesday Nights.

A Night to Convert your Mind & let your Body be under our control

w/ Auditory Perceptionists COLEMAN.AZUL.GAZOOO

World Snares.Cumbia Disco Breaks.Hip Hop Treats.Freestyle LA Sounds.

The ride is fantastic, but the destination remains uncertain...

The Short Stop

1455 Sunset Blvd.

Los Angeles.90027

10pm-2am

21+ FREE -> Like your mind Should Be!

RSVP

LAX to MIA

2010-09-17T08:37:00.000-07:00

Arthur Verocai

2010-07-19T12:34:00.000-07:00

Sometimes You Get to do things you Never thought Possible..

I mean Most of my Life some of the the Events and Music Circles i have been Involved in Have Given me the mindset to Expect the UN thinkable while Always thinking what is next to up the Anti.. At Times it can Be An Awkward Stressful Experience,Rewarding no Doubt.This in it's self is a wonderful Place To Be.

ThankFull*

When i Got the Call at Midnight From B+, I was Fast Asleep..Not Knowing he was Planning on Asking Me to Introduce & Host Arthur Verocai's Live Performance The Next Day.. Say Whoa.

Flashback* Last Year when I worked on the Timeless Events..

(Suite For Ma Dukes,Arthur Verocai & Mulatu) it Was one of those times when you look around at whats Happening..Being on stage Capturing Actual Musical History & wondering how did i get here!?

Arthur's Story is Something like that as well..When he released his Self Titled Album in 72 it was met with Commercial Failure he put his heart & soul into this record & never really listened to it Again. i can imagine his disappointment..Then 37 years later performing it live For the First time + in Los Angeles for the First time to a sold out crowd of all ages?!

"HOW DID I GET HERE MOMENT"

photos BY FERNADO BERGAMASCHI

One Year later the DVD's are Made the interviews have been done, More Fans Have Been Created & Arthur is Back in town for his Second time in LA... Fresh Off The Timeless Movie Screening & in studio performance on KCRW .Me I'm Crazy Nervous.I have so much Respect For this Man & his journey in the Music, the link that seems to tie us All Together Now.

I show up to 1st Sound check as requested Check in with the Mochilla Fam & Friends.It's Busy Work time Final Preps, Lights Getting Focused Cameras getting Set up the whole Rush to Show Time. I get Handed my Bullet Points Script..Its Real For me Now.

we Break For Lunch.. Relax a Bit Then ReGroup for The 2nd Sound check It Runs Long , its Almost Show Time..Doors At 8 we running Late.By this Time I have worked my self into full sweat Mode (Nerves) I Host A Lot of Events but this was Different the LATC is a very intimate Venue its Designed to have an all eyes on you feel.. it was a big deal for me i really Didn't want to F*%K it up.

The Crowd starts Filling in.. B+ Gives me the 5 minute look & i go over in my head what i Might say Cause Sometimes things just come out of My Mouth.. Walking out to my Spotlit Podium i get a 213 shout out from Someone in the crowd that felt Good. I Welcome Everyone & explain how the night will go, Got All my Bullet Points In..

"Our First part of the show will be Miguel Atwood-Ferguson's Quartetto Fantastico"

They Finish to standing Ovations Of course. We take a 10 Minute intermission while the Orchestra gets set up.You Can Feel it in the Air Whats About to Happen.My Nervousness has now Giving way to the Moment at hand, its Good to Be here in the Now Present to Witness Such Musical Greatness.

The lights Dim everyone is back in there seats, all is Quite But for the Sound of My Voice.

"with out further a do The Man from Brasil Composer,arranger producer,and guitar player Arthur Verocai".. The House Erupts in applause's

With An Encore of NA BOCA DO SOL(At the Mouth of the Sun) we finished the Evening. Another moment in time to be shared for years to come.. After one of these events the buzz of life goes through you and it remains for days..makes it easy to Smile & Dream About What is Possible..Thank you Arthur.

Big Shouts to the Musicians:

Arthur Verocai – Composer

Diana Booker – Singer

Leo Costa – Drums

Fabiano Nascimento - Guitar

Miguel Atwood Ferguson – Viola

Daphne Chen – Violin

Paul Cartwright – Violin

Peter Jacobson – Cello

Edwin Livingston - Bass

Brandon Coleman – Keys

Justo Almario - Sax and Flute

Phil Ranelin – Trombone

Todd Simon – Trumpet

Krishna Booker - Percussions

[ Video/Audio] From VTech and Mochilla: An Exclusive Video

+ Downloadable Track of Arthur Verocai

http://www.myspace.com/verocai

Funk My Life* San Francisco

2010-07-16T10:52:00.000-07:00

San Francisco How Much I Love you, never a bad Vibe when i see you.

You have a special way in the Bay that always makes me feel welcome.

This Weekend was just as good as the Many in the Past.

Hit the Road Early AM Friday with #1 on not much Sleep since i was up The night before shooting For the KUTMAH Benefit.No Worries though that seems to be how i get down for the last.. um i don't know 15 yrs.

The road trip is always an Energizer..With UN expected Visual Treats & old familiar ones to remind you of how many times you might of been on this road at different times in your life. i like to drive. it's something i do well & the 5 north to the bay is always an easy drive if done Early Enough.. a little too early for me on this day.#1 Decided she should drive the first Leg of the Trip.

i don't Argue with the VP.. OK, i Do But She Seems to Be Right all the Time.Blessed*

(stay away from Prius drivers on the Road they will hurt you with there Blind Spots)

The Peace Project was Making its Second trip in a year For the Party Funk My Life*

My SF Sister Ieanna Cruz aka Dj Umami set it up.

She has always supported the Project.<3

So we Arrive Grab Some Lunch get Adjusted & Do the Show..

After Standing on my Feet the last two nights ,I Was Dead Tired but Added a Good 100 something People to the Project that Night. 2 am!we wrapped it up..

we hit a late night Thai Veggie Spot..Drove Back to the Crib and passed out zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

TOFU LARB Makes Ieanna Smile

Two days in the Bay What to do.Shop.Food.Friends.Nightlife.

#1 got some new Glasses Ieanna got some new records Vegan Soul food was Had..

Saw an Awesome Art show,Hung out with ShortKut & Fran Boggie at Foundation..

Caught up with Dj Issa was Fortunate to catch a sunday Afternoon Dj Set by Vikter Duplaix. Had a home cooked Vegan Meal a good nights sleep, then Back on the road to LA by Monday!!

Till Next Time.

KUTMAH is FREE

2010-07-16T00:41:00.000-07:00

June 29th Kutmah Released!!

He was sent to Old London Town where he will DESTROY there minds With Music & Art to only Become the HUGE star That he is..Kutmah's First free Meal was Popeye's Chicken.. Classic

Thank you to all that came out & supported The event Last Month

over 400 beautiful Los Angelenos showed up and donated funds !!!

We Love you... LA Loves you Man & so do Most of these People Below..

213* Free Kutmah Booth

See All the Flicks

If you Not Knowing!?

Kutmah was born in the UK to an Egyptian mother and Scottish father. He moved to the US with his mother when he was 12 years old. They immediately applied for residency to keep them from being sent to Egypt. As a British citizen the court ruled that he would be able to live in the UK which in their eyes wasn't such a bad place. They denied their application.Kutmah and his Mom returned to court to plead their case 14 years ago when Kutmah was 20. They were again denied a green card and were urged to sign a document stating they would voluntary leave the US.May 5th armed agents entered Kutmah's house and detained him. He was brought to a facility in downtown LA where he was interrogated. The Next Day he was moved to New Mexico.

Two months ago, news broke that the popular Dublab and Low End Theory-affiliated DJ,Justin "Kutmah" McNultyhad been detained by Department of Homeland Security authorities for failing to honor a voluntary deportation notice that he had signed over a decade earlier.
The arrest triggered a campaign to save the artist and musician from being forced to leave the country, a plea that ultimately fell short when he was deported to England two weeks ago, following a nearly two month detention in a processing center in New Mexico.
KUTMAH SPEAKS!
His first interview since his release.

213* June Update:Kutmah.Peace.U, Me & Hip Hop.Soul Nic party in the Park.

2010-06-02T19:10:00.000-07:00

Good Evening LA !

The half way Mark for the year is here... just like that boom, its June.Summer is right around the corner & of course the 213 don't stop.So Much to update you on Never enough Time..From being on Tour with Hip Hop Greats & Comic Genius's to Hospital Stays & Travels to far way places.Losing friends from Death & Government Regulations.all in the LIFE.Lessons learned.LIVE Enjoy it all.The ups & Downs.No Fans With Frowns.This life is shorter then you know.Show LOVE. Check Below the weekend has A lot to offer

from LA to the Bay See you when i do..

1.Thursday Night "Free Kutmah" Benifit Concert!2.Friday SF. FML* Presents the Peace Project.3.Saturday LA. CAPTURED: U, Me & Hip Hop:group photo exhibit4.Save the Dates: Soul Nic Party In the Park+ Timeless Verocai Screening + "How to Run LA"
PEACE project Update:Two weeks Ago the Soundation Crew Invited us out for A Dub Roots Culture PEACE afternoon.Thank you Byze One For the Support.

Peace Project on #FB
Twitter

Soundation!

2nd & 4th saturday AfternoonsShinehead.Byze one.Jrocc.JfxFree Outside Reggae Daytime Party!Verdugo Bar

213* Images from the Recent past

see more*

Lets get Started!

Thirty-four year old Justin "Kutmah" McNulty was born in Brighton, UK, and his Egyptian mother relocated them both to Los Angeles when he was just 12 years old. On May 5th, 2010 at 6AM, immigration officials entered Kutmah's house and detained him. He was interrogated and moved to a prison in New Mexico where he has been locked up for an entire month! The motion to have his case reopened was denied last week, At this point its unclear if he can ever return to the US so we are fighting the decision in hopes that someday he will be able to come back home. Kutmah will need all of the support and donations he can for legal fees.Please take a moment to think of him sitting in prison right now, missing his beloved home and friends. You can help by spreading the word about his case,lifting Kutmah's spirits by sending him letters of love and support, or sending a donation via PayPal (b@brandyflower.com)
Otero Processing Center, 26 McGregor Ridge Rd., Chapparal, NM 88081Attn: Justin McNulty AO71581109 C 4/9*He cannot receive things like pens, pencils, paper, stamps, envelopes, magazines, sketchbooks etc.

TOMORROW NIGHT - Thursday, June 3rd join us for the amazing FREE KUTMAH BENEFIT CONCERT at the Echoplex. A stellar line-up of Kutmah's dj friends have assembled for an awesome concert to help raise awareness and funds for his on-going legal battle. Peep exclusive performances by DAM-FUNK, DAEDELUS, THE GASLAMP KILLER, SAMIYAM,TEEBS,RAS G,ABCNT,JON WAYNE, an exclusive dj set by MAYER HAWTHORNE at this special 18+ show in Echo Park. With live visuals by DR. STRANGELOOP and a FREE KUTMAH photo booth by AZUL213, this is one night not to be missed Los Angeles! Your $20 donation scores everyone a classic Kutmah mix cd from 2007, button, FREE KUTMAH sticker and t-shirt to customize Choose your own placement and combination of exclusive images from Kutmah (some were just drawn while in locked up in prison!) Tickets available here or at the door: http://www.com/2010/05/17/10-free-concert-
100% OF MONEY GOES TO KUTMAH as well as a percentage of the bar - so drink up y'all.

Friday Night San Francisco

FML*Funk My LifeJune 4th 2010The Peace Project Returns For this Bay Area experience in funk, hip-hop and all things related.

Saturday Evening LA.
Some of you have been asking about prints of mine & where to buy?!well for this show i Printed up 4 20 x 30 Flicks they look good i am Happy About this Unfortunately i will be in the Bay for the opening so please Take a look this weekend the show is only up for a week..

CAPTURED: U, Me & Hip Hop is a group photo exhibit of captured moments in Hip Hop. From the fan nodding their head to their favorite tune, the producer digging in crates looking for that next sample, and the high energy on and off the stage. Opening reception will have the photographers, and some artist in attendance for meet and greet. There will be DJ's, beverages, specialty cupcakes, and music video director Jerome D. will be projecting on the back wall. Hip Hop fans, art lovers, and everyone in between come check it out.
Photographers: Ayla "Brass" Daylan Williams Congnito Jewell John Coyne Azul213* Phil Mao Mike Park Robshot Greg "The Dude" Jerome D B+ Coleman Jay Three
DJ Sets by: Sean O. J-Heart. J1 aka THE DEER .GroWeyez http://www.beatsncrates.com/captured/
NEW PUPPY LA 2808 Elm St. Los Angeles CA 90065

save the Dates

"If I can smile here, I can smile anywhere" - KUTMAH

Bridges Turns 7 !

2010-03-02T17:13:00.000-08:00

Bridges Last Saturday!
Can i Start By saying thank you.To my whole DP Sound crew.The Amount OF Love you have shown our city over the years is Unmatched. Always with the Thought in Mind to "Bridge" the different sounds together from Hip Hop to House. Always letting the Dancers Have a place to go Two Rooms a Must At one time 3 back in the day at Zen Sushi. I Would see mad kids hyped to move from one room to another Circles forming where they could and always the Music Music Music Shit there are so many Djs on the bill we needed all those rooms...+ Guests from Local Hero's To All time greats..what I'm getting at is Bridges is its on Experience. This is why i am so proud of us.. I Have to say While being involved in other Long running events in the Los Angeles Club scene Bridges has just been a step above in my heart we created our own crowd sound look and that's what matters.I look Forward to the future with The Crew.Thank you to Dj's Numark & Icy Ice for Rep ping @ our 7yr Anniversary and Thank you Family of Dancers that have graced our floor over the years Always Hot & Sweating De Hydrated but for that Moment in a state of one Called Bridges..

Crew Roll Call
Phers 1.RareForm.Adrian Younge.Azul.Strife.Suckapunch.Jayski.Trek
Life.Mark Luv.Joelskee.MZA.Jay-P.Kupa.Em-1

Highlights From 7 Below

Thank you Rona for your contributing photos

One more Surprise
i just Uploaded 557 photos from Bridges Past
Including our 5th,4th,& 3rd yrs Anniversary Parties!!
+ other random nights i could find,Most of these have never been seen.Enjoy.

See all the photos if look Here.

We are Oscar Grant.

2010-01-08T12:26:00.001-08:00

I wanted to start the first blog entry of 2010 maybe explaining my trip to Amsterdam for the new year..re caps from the end of the Firecracker party and the Hit + run 4yr anniversary last Month but that will have to wait..

The only Topic in my mind at this moment is Oscar Grant's Case..
Another senseless Hate crime murder by Law enforcement

One year ago, Oscar Grant was murdered in Oakland by transit police officer Johannes Mehserle.On Jan. 13, 2009, as a direct result of the Jan. 7 Oakland Rebellion, Mehserle was arrested. He is the first police officer in the history of California who has been charged with murder!

Fortunately it seems all caught on video tape for an "easy walk" to justice with proof of the crime and racist remarks made while Oscar was murdered.

The fix is on as it seems to always be when police are in the wrong the trial was Moved from Oakland to LA they will not allow any cameras in the courtroom
Its Disgusting to me that we must PROTEST just to be heard there is no way this man can go free.LA stand up.After watching that video you Must be Motivated to get Involved
Today was a good start and Many of thanks go out to the Coalition for Justice for Oscar Grant.

Statement of Solidarity
We call for justice for the killing of Oscar Grant and all unarmed,innocent civilians who are killed by Police.We stand in support of Oscars grants Family and Oakland communities.

For Justice to be served in the Oscar case ,we Believe That johan mehserle needs to be found guilty of murder 1st or 2nd degree and not a lesser charge such as Manslaughter.

We argue That the trial of mehserle is about more than Oscar Grant.Oscar Grant is one more stolen life in a nation where police brutality and the expansion of the prison industrial complex run rampant without accountability or transparency.we argue that the criminal justice systems constitute a system of governance that systematically oppresses people of color and poor people.

See all Photos here.

More videos

looking for more information

Los Angeles Coalition for Justice for Oscar Grant

http://twitter.com/LAJustice4OG

On Friday, Mehserle appeared at the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center in downtown Los Angeles to meet for the first time Judge Robert Perry. Perry spent the half-hour hearing laying out his terms for the upcoming trial: he listened to an argument from Oakland TV-station KTVU that the trial should be televised, and denied the plea. There will be no cameras, photography or audio recording allowed in the court. Additionally, Perry renewed that gag order issued previous to the trial being moved from Alameda County to Los Angeles. Trial participants will not be allowed to comment on any aspect of the trial, either to the media or "on any internet sites."

Both defense and prosecution attorneys suggested that the trial will take eight to 10 days in total. Perry expects proceedings to begin in May.

In the mean time, Defense attorney Michael Rains alerted the court that he is seeking a motion to reduce Mehserle's bail amount, which currently stands at $3 million. The court will resume to deal with this motion on February 19th, at 8:30am.

"Legacy"

2009-11-13T17:56:00.000-08:00

A Couple of weeks ago i was on the set of the Ninja Assassins "Legacy" Music Video shooting stills. On the set Raekwon,Murs and protégé Ceazer Actor in the Movie Rick Yoon and beat producer Mr.Kanobby,I missed the day Xzibit was there.(argh)
I Also got down on some viral video that has been circulating the net for promo leading up the Movie dropping on November 24th.Vibe.com picked up the flicks first, but splattered there logo all in the negative space? so here is my edit + some.
enjoy.

213* V Snapshot: Raekwon and Murs Behind-The-Scenes of "Legacy"

here's the Video.

Legos too!

The Carter & the Q.

2009-11-12T18:20:00.000-08:00

Lil Wayne Quincy Jones all in the same room.
well not Exactly,but close enough.

Monday i Had the Opportunity to shoot BHS of a private screening of the new Film"The Carter " an inside look at Lil Wanye . It didn't hit me until i was pulling up and walking in the door. I was in a place that few people have seen and of those that had been here b4 the music elite States men,Activist and so on..QUINCY JONES House....

OK. I don't flip on meeting anyone really but this was different.i was given the tour and told the Rules.Then left alone,walking into the award room for the first time..mind blowing.I went back more the once just to make sure it was still there like a secret treasure room.We all know the history of this Man but when u see it in grammys,MTV dudes & Oscar just chilling right there in person big difference..

The night begins with some food, drinks & Conversation in Q's living room some of the of the invited guests:
Ben Lyons,Chamillionaire,Tyrese Gibson,F.Gary Gray,Sal Masekela,Catt Sadler,Ashlan Gorse,Carlos E. Lopez,Douda Runway & oh yeah Me the fly on the wall with a D5.

After an Hour of Chat drinks and light eats we are ready to see the flick, Ben invites us all to make our way to the Screening room..Nice big couches and of course the walls laced with movie posters of all the work Quincy has done the past..

Some laughs,sighs and even frowns during the showing.. i think all of us viewing this for the first time had no idea what we were going to see.Lil Wayne.. all that we knew & heard but never really see.The inside workings of how to do this rap game..no school can teach you. Most of the interviews take place in Amsterdam following him day to day..which really consist of him recording recording recording like a machine all the time under the influence of the syrup and weed..its a bit amazing this young mans work ethic and character.

He has a portable studio that he carries around in a black bag, and it allows him to lay down a track anytime anywhere,on His bus in the hotel room not writing anything down all in his head.whoa.They are times in the film when his sure brilliance shines through all the Weezy ness "Repetition is the father of Success" and raw thoughts on being president..

"I would put cocaine back in Coca-Cola, I would put that back," "[laughs] I think I'd get love for that. I'd take off all bad substances from sports, so there would be no more steroids [restrictions]. So you could use whatever steroid or hormone to grow you want, as long as you hitting home runs, it's fine with me. I would make prostitution legal in about five more states, gambling too. And you know I would legalize weed, first and second and I would put a law to it that there's no more child support and there's no more, what they call that stuff when you get married, the little pre-nup, you ain't got to sign that because she don't get nothing. Because marriage, that don't mean nothing because she lay with you for a lot of years she gotta get something? I been laying with a lot of b*tches too these whole times. So, I'd change that..."
(The Carter)

The film makers were lucky enough to be there when his Album went platinum in a week,as he takes it in stride and keeps on recording..All in love with the music this man is.I recommend yall check for it.

With this all in mind when the flick was over u can imagine the conversations that Erupted..started off by Tyrese Wondering about the Kids that would be watching this?

Mr 5D Fly on the wall:
Sitting hear listening to the points brought up by men of color some my age and Elders all Together part of this Los Angeles music, film existence in the home of one of the great influences on all of these Mediums ,a very uplifting experience..
The discussion went all over the place as i expected, this was a Special Cypher to witness up in the Bel Air Hills with a view of LA below.

Q broke it down of course as he is famous for doing, really tapping into the Responsibility of our relationships of all people from leaders to followers that are involved in Creating our "Stars" of music film and so on. His self to MJ,Spike Lee, Jay Z, Opera & Obama all were included in this conversation.I started to wonder how many conversations like this needed to happen more often with my friends at our level of growth & where we were at with this music film thing how we were helping each other..
Making things CHANGE With POSITIVE IMAGES & TRUTH in our ART.

Q dropped 2 golden quotes:

"Humility with your creation, grace with your success"

"Not one drop of myself worth depends on your acceptance of me"

Made Tyrese jump up and write it down,i took it to Memory, no pen like Lil Wayne.

This was night i am Very thankful. Working & learning at the same time never gets old.
the night ended with Hand shakes,Hugs & Q showing us a rare video of James brown show where he calls up Mj & Prince to get down with him they both had dueling records on the charts at the time Q says:so u can see the nervousness of both them and the way out Antics of Prince..Classic.

James Brown, Michael Jackson & Prince

The next night i was also invited to the Public Screening at the Silent theatre on Fairfax it was a packed house

Big up to QD3 and Brianne pins for letting me take part and capture these events, if you looking to check it out all the info is here: http://thecarterdoc.com/
Its worth your while for sure.

Movie Trailers - Movies Blog

Lil Wayne will have his first full access documentary "The Carter" hit stores on the 17th of this month and now a new trailer has hit the internet showing how behind the scenes the film truely is. The new movie is an in-depth look at Dwayne Carter Jr, better known to us as Lil Wayne, who is often proclaimed (mainly by himself) as the "greatest rapper alive." Featuring comprehensive and personal interviews with Weezy and insight from those who know him the best, the documentary will give fans a chance to find out the history surrounding one of the most prolific artists of our generation.

Samhain = Halloween!?

2009-10-31T08:40:00.000-07:00

Yes a month since i last touched these keys to say what i was thinking..on HALLOWEEN i return,ha!well last night i took a nap and awoke this morning missing My gig (Firecracker) its been a long week... life goes on as does this yearly tradition of Halloween. where we seem to let loose dress up as something we are not in some cases as we really see ourselves or just to have the chance to take the risk of..the slutty everything girl costumes and the full artistic life size reproduction costumes..so funny. i have several Memories of this day. it has always had some kind of happening, about 7 years ago it was the day i realized that i wanted to date someone that i had only thought of as a friend we found a white rabbit running down an echo park street and rescued it from its sure demise, it was that moment that we knew..some years after that, a huge Argument with my mom over taking a Realistic fake gun out..yeah she was right not wanting me walking around in the streets with it..that was also the year that cops walked into a Halloween party and shot a black actor with a fake gun..

"It wasn't clear if the actor knew the officer was responding to a noise complaint or if he thought he was just another party goer in costume, a Los Angeles Police Department spokeswoman said"
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/police-officer-shoots-and-kills-actor-at-halloween-party-634901.html

Who thinks that would of been a possibility..Fuck the police!!
i have thrown Countless parties on this day its crazy to look back at all of them that don't reflect at all the origins of Halloween:

The festival of Samhain celebrates the end of the "lighter half" of the year and beginning of the "darker half", and is sometimes^[5] regarded as the "Celtic New Year".^[6]

The celebration has some elements of a festival of the dead. The ancient Celts believed that the border between this world and the Otherworld became thin on Samhain, allowing spirits (both harmless and harmful) to pass through. The family's ancestors were honoured and invited home whilst harmful spirits were warded off. It is believed that the need to ward off harmful spirits led to the wearing of costumes and masks. Their purpose was to disguise oneself as a harmful spirit and thus avoid harm. In Scotland the spirits were impersonated by young men dressed in white with masked, veiled or blackened faces.^[7]^[8] Samhain was also a time to take stock of food supplies and slaughter livestock for winter stores. Bonfires played a large part in the festivities. All other fires were doused and each home lit their hearth from the bonfire. The bones of slaughtered livestock were cast into its flames.^[9] Sometimes two bonfires would be built side-by-side, and people and their livestock would walk between them as a cleansing ritual.

How do i feel about this night. Today really kind of bored especially after that description..
sounds a lot better then most of our options that we have now..wish there was something to attend that was classic and a real get away maybe in a castle with costumes of the past With real Production Value is what I'm looking for i think..with most of our options of the same surrounds just different night all hiding in masks and slutty clothes..don't know if i will be taking part this year,i do know of a nice House party in cypress park going on that is the only perk of interest.
if i do decide to wonder out into the Spooky LA madness.. it will be as Stanlee Black for sure..
my Yearly Escape.Stanlee:Masked Hero of the beats and Young ladies hearts on an intergalactic Mission of Peace love and always a good time.Accompanied by His Side Kick the THRILL Sargent.the two travel the Universe to fight the EVIL doers where ever they may show there faces Disabling there powers with the sweet sounds of Stanlee's Exotic Percussion's and future Orchestra.

Lovely Tricks and Adult treats baby. www.myspace.com/stanleeblack

I know i know..but its all Fantasy.. or is it?

check this out was just sent to me..
15 Interesting Halloween Facts for Grown-Ups

so for some of you that still have no plans here is a little list of some events going on.so i don't get hit with text later"whats going on tonight"..

Have fun what ever it may be u get into.

SECRET HALLOWEEN PARTY TONIGHT w/ DJ's PUBES, HAN CHOLO, HAYCOCK and VERY SPECIAL GHOULS @ the DRAWING ROOM 1800 N. Hillhurst Los Feliz

San Francisco heads!!

Okay folks… this brings us to this Sunday’s annual Boo-Over costume jam.

ASHE!

2009-10-05T13:12:00.000-07:00

Saturday i woke up laying in my bed slowly focusing on my ceiling fan going round & round..Thinking about The past month of promoting our event ASHE..thoughts of what was in store for the evening reflecting on how happy i felt to be working with my very close crew.IronHoney.The day had arrived and it was starting..

The process of getting music ready for events is always different For me.Not to mention when you decide to play Wax.not just making a play list at my desk on my computer...
but pulling my records and siting and listening to what comes to some musical order.
(kind of an all day...pre-event private stress party)
This night was not only about taking it back but Moving it forward

"A night to celebrate our divine oneness,through rhythm and dance"

ASHE our first night of an on going working relationship of good friends to express The music close to us freely in a new place..but also the first chance to collectively celebrate Diana & Kaya's wedding Anniversary & 30th birthday... so as i lay there having all these warm thoughts of what this night meant to me and all those involved and the people planning to attend ...
The NERVOUS ANXIETY OVERWHELMED ME.
Maybe i should go back to sleep and nap,till this feeling goes away
NO I need to jump and get these records together!!

The Process begins 1pm.The process ends 745pm.

i got lost in the music didn't put anything in order,just grabbed what i wanted to play and grouped them in two bags .Afro Latin electronic future disco jams & the basics of those rhythms cumbias salsa & Batucadas..i trusted that the sequence would come to me later that night.so with just enough time to get ready drive by radio shack to pick up some recordable mini disks to record the sets of the night... im Off.first stop.
Azul: do you guys have recordable mini disks
Radio shack:No sir we don't carry those anymore.
AZUL:Really?..Thanks.aghhhh.
its 845 I'm late need to do get to sound check and set up..no more time to stop.
900:Son Zoo.greats me.we plug up and start getting the sound in order.
soon after Ironhoney in the place.Faces painted,Headdress on, face painting booth good to go.
incense burning,Candles Lit.sound checked.lets dim the lights.

10:00 Tok's starts us with the Afrobeat Assault the room starts to fill

11:30 I get on the decks.Opening with the Introduction Narrative from a Tumba Francesa record on Afro Cuban Music..blending at the same time a Louie Vega cut "Africa/Brasil" its on...about an hour and a half later i awoke from the music knowing i had dropped some heat from uptempo Afro Latin house to a cumbia salsa set that judging by the crowded dance floor had been just what was needed no planned set just the vibe and energy of the night..

time to hand it over to Son Zoo to finish it off..

And That he did with his own mix of Next level Diaspora Afro-progressive sounds..
i have to thank all of the people that came out Saturday night it was a wonderful evening and with out you it wouldn't be possible.thank you Paul @Blu Monkey for letting us transform your space to hold these music sessions.. thank you Kaya & Diana (IronHoney) Toks,Sonny & Manny for doing what u do.. we have a lot to be thankful for and more events to produce..

ASHE!!

See all Foto's Here.

Dj Quik's Groove!

2009-09-24T16:34:00.000-07:00

Last Night I was privileged to have a sneak peak and listen to Dj Quiks Band Rehearsal.
Now Being a Fan of Quik since back in the day & knowing a bit of history on his producing skills i jumped at the opportunity... live funkified LA jam session. I didn't know really what to expect, this year for me has been all about live music from the Artdontsleep jam sessions to the Timeless Orchestra's its just been blessings in music one after another...Last night was right in line.
so i roll up and the band is getting ready, I introduce myself saying "I just want to be the fly on the wall don’t pay me no mind”. A couple minutes later Russell Redeaux of Stampede Management my contact shows up he tells me do my thing Quik should be here soon, Bet. I have some time take a smoke break in the truck get my Head together ,little did i know my timing would be on point.. As i'm walking back from my hotbox session behind walks Quik I turn to him as we walk in...I Introduce myself...He tells me he remembers me from the NBA live shoot just didn't remember my name and thanks me for coming out. I’m like man I'm really glad to be here!! Sounding like a school girl crushing…Catching my long smile i say thank you for letting me come out, and I proceed to disappear in plane sight..

it takes a minute for everyone to get set up Quik has his Valentine Red MPC,there is drums, two keyboards voice coders,bass,computers,guitar,Saxophone,more Keys.. These guys start jamming and its like what!? Quik is all over the place from working the Board to jumping on the MPC, sampling Drums for the drummer, pointing out the right Keys and tunes to the Bass player. I start to see how Masterful this Man is.RESPECT.the band is sounding amazing He knows actually what he wants but he’s not afraid to let the band also do there thing a bit. Musicianship at it’s best. Then Battlecat shows up The Energy in the room just gets HIGHER.Smiles & Handshakes West Coast Hip Hop legends in the room for sure. A Complete Band now they bust into it

Quik plays the tracks First then the band chimes in and he makes tweaks then they jam. This being there first Rehearsal, whoa they are going again tonight too, Friday nights Performance at the HOB they are going to be some heads blown for sure. Me being the only non band member in the room Head Bobbing foot tapping picture taken I'm getting smiles as its obvious i am being moved by what is happening here., they can feel it as well Quik is Pleased indeed..

Quik's " dam you sound good... face"

We could all be here for ever Blacknout as Quik calls it...
As they run down the Classic like "Tonight" with a Flip, Born & Raised in Compton, Get at Me,Etc..i cant help but think when i first heard these songs & that i would ever be in the Same room with Quik but to go to a venue to see these being performed with a full band....Fantasy! Our Music has come a long way and for that we are all blessed.. Thank you Quik,Russell & Rona for letting me take part.

check the show this Friday night, Pure fire Trust!!!

more fotos Made it to Ballerstatus.com

Thanks Cashmere Agency for the information Below

Notable hip-hop producer DJ Quik is bringing back his popular jam session style concert series, Quik's Groove, to the House of Blues in Los Angeles located on the Sunset Strip. The first concert of the series will begin on September 25th, 2009. Quik's Groove combines the elements of hip-hop, R&B, jazz & funk against a back drop of live music.

“This is my own musical playhouse.”, says DJ Quik. “Quiks Grooves are special to me because they are not your typical DJ Quik show. Quik's Groove give me a chance to be a fan of music again and invite out artists that I have admired and BlaQKout with them under the appreciation of musicianship and artistry. You will never see the same show twice and you never know who might show up. The new partnership with the House of Blues on the legendary Sunset Strip is sure to make each night one to remember.”

Last year, Quik's Groove sold out Los Angeles’ own Key Club, as well as The Grove in Anaheim where Quik performed with a live symphony. Guests from past Quik's Grooves' include an array of hip-hop and R&B stars, including Xzibit, Ricky Bell (Bell Biv Devoe), Lady of Rage, Kurupt, Yo Yo, Jay Rock, Murs, Truth Hurts, Problem, Latoiya Williams, Dogg Pound and Raekwon. Quik's Groove and the House of Blues plan to announce new and exciting special guests to join the line up for the September 25th event.

Make sure you don't miss out this time!
Buy your tickets now on HOB.com.

Hanging with the Chef RAEKWON

2009-09-17T02:50:00.000-07:00

Monday Evening i was fortunate to help my friends at Cashmere Agency Do a lil last Minute something Special for Raekwon,in light of his new Album just out.. Only Built 4 Cuban Linx Pt. II
Have u Heard. i like it. its about time there was a change from all this garbage going on these days Rae does his thing,Respect.

(120,000 sales; Raekwon’s “Only Built 4 Cuban Linx Pt. 2″ in fourth place on the charts)

The event was hosted by DJs sour MILK and Just-N-Credible & Reflex of Power 106 ,i got some of my LA Fam out to support Aloe Blacc, DJ Lady Sha, Aceyalone, Gaslamp Killer, Medusa and Bambu all in the house.

Rae wrapped up the evening Making a speech and thanking the LA crowd for coming out letting them know how many labels had slept on putting this out and that he had to do it his self..
super Highlights for me Of course Rae getting his PEACE photo alongside the LA leakers and some of the Cashmere crew who would of thought.
PEACE Hip Hop Dreams do come true.

see the PEACE Project

Ballerstatus.com posted my flicks from the night.

An Awesome sunday makes for easy Monday

2009-09-16T18:58:00.000-07:00

The last couple of days have been full of Hip Hop Dreams Realized,This Past Sunday was a Special treat The Old School Jams Concert @ the Greek Theatre with crew.Now yes I am Completely dating my self ("38" feels great) this concert took me back to My junior high days in the Bronx..Lisa lisa,Kurtis Blow,the Soul Sonic Force,Grandmaster Melle Mel,Klymaxx & Ready For the World..shit! like that was it back in the day,Break Dancing & Graffiti in the streets on the radio Purto rican queens and Black kings,the roots of all this Hip Hop steeze all u R&B fools got your Whining on the mic from RFTW, we don't even have to argue the point of Kurtis blow or the Grand master you know the deal there is no Hip Hop Movement with out them.

The Afternoon b4 the show i thought it would be a good idea to have our concert goers over the estate for drinks and bbq.3pm + Saturday was Toks birthday so breaking bread with crew was def nit in order... since we had no idea what we were about to see in a few hours some pre conversation and good Food & vibe Building was the plan.
One person got a surprise he thought he was to old for
but you never too old for some Cake,let us all not forget this as we grow older..
Joy Rules!

Excuse the Falme-ing Dramatic cake trick Presentation
this is what happens After a few of Tok's Special Tequila drinks
THEN quickly trying to put 32 candles on tiny cake from Super A in
the bathroom b4 your guest notice you have been gone for awhile.
Toks still had no idea what was going on.

off to the Concert.
i didn't Know how this Show would take me back, like it did..
but i began to think about HOW it must of taken them back as well..
here i was excited about These Artist that i was idolizing in my youth romancing that time in my life real first kisses first Street fights,Those character making experiences.. being able to be my self the self ,when i had no responsibilities of the reality of the My world today & to be surrounded in that golden time of NYC then in the Bronx ,Knowing this was there HAY DAY years made me really think about how different the world had become & how that time shaped some views about life that i still hold true..sweet reminders of how Blessed i Am to be Present in this time and the possibilities of what Age means in our current pursue of Hip Hop Dreams.
i never thought i would be going to see these people then or now..but the truth of that is on some collective transmission of this hip hop thang was in all of us to different degrees awake to the possibility of it all making it happen to witness another moment of that truth.
Wish i Could Pull a Spock & Vulcon mind melt on the Tour Group to hear what they were thinking b4 the show.or maybe That's not a good idea.
Excitement is building..

we get there GMMM is into the last song
He starts the the shirt taken off Parade..Pro Body Builder that he is must be at least 56 on stage Rapping shirt off flexing, women yelling.wow.Handle Grandmaster.

Melle mel Checks the Crowd on there HipHop 101

How can you forget seeing that, forever a time marker 2009.
Next was the Soul Sonic Force with no bambaataa?? but somewhat dressed like the old days,globe was rocking the Indian head gear all in black robes..a half Attempt at it
wish they would of been in full funked gear but being over weight and out of shape there was no way fitting into the Zulu nation costumes of the 80's

they did looking for a perfect Beat, a jam on it play that beat Mega Mix then of course B boy Anthem Planet rock i recorded video too but erased it by accident...Please Say Dooooooosh i was very disappointed..Wish Bam was there would of been super fresh,Ive toured with him as a dj but never seen him perform any of these famous Hip Hop Bible songs..

Never the less the thrill was the same & then out walked Kurtis Blow,with son on stage giving props to his mom in the crowd & bringing out his wife of 25 years "i love you Baby"
then breaking and rapping like the Movie Crush Groove "these are the Breaks" smiles Screams everywhere.

Kurtis Killed it.check the clip on you tube.

Kurt got rushed off stage and ended with "they Playing basketball" up next PB WOLF dj vj set which was point on for this crowd he hit all the MJ, Rick James,Prince ,salt n pepa and old school favorites like i knew he would he had folks flipping on the videos some people had never really seen,a Dance Party for sure . Klymaxx came on after that doing there thing which still was about bashing men and Drugs Direct Quote "we swipe young men like credit cards" whoa Alpha cougar Female I'm scarred

Ready for the world hit the stage.with no curls!!!

come on i would pay double to see that even if it was fake..its just not the same.they killed all the little girls that were now full grown women taken it back..singing Let me love you down, digital display, & oh sheila.. such a flash back but not much different from today's R B swoons..of course all of these songs provoked yells from the crowd that never stopped..

to wrap it up Lisa Lisa came out to do her thing, now as most men my age she was a super crush Bgirl style and the sexy take you home record the ladies anthem i mean come on..
here is how i remember her

this is not what walked out more like someones auntie lisa lisa with no cult..her voice strong and she did her thing for sure.. even attempted a new house song,not really a crowd pleas er...but we all knew it was coming the song that can still be heard in clubs today the super duper hit
I wonder if i take you home, she new she had to sing it and this would be the official sing along Flashback Klymaxx of the evening...check the clip

i know & you know if we get together emotions will run wild

She thanked the entire crowd for coming out and showed her gratitude for being able to perform for us after something like 25 yrs of being in the biz and silently i did the same,what an evening
never thought i would be able to see any of these performances live.
The Gift of Music the tie that brings us all a little bit closer and can transport you around the world and back in time.How Much I love you.

Doors of Perception

2009-08-29T16:26:00.000-07:00

If the doors of perception were cleansed everything would appear to man as it is: Infinite.
--William Blake

The Doors

Donald Lipski

The Doors is the first in a series of significant public and privately funded artworks that will populate Scottsdale’s Arizona Canal area. The sculpture sets a high bar for future additions to the canal area collection as it offers all the best elements of experiential art—it is approachable, unique and fun, and appealing to motorists and pedestrians alike. In addition, The Doors has a dynamic quality that will encourage visitors to re-experience the sculpture at different times of the day as well as over time. The sculpture invites exploration—not only of itself—but of the entire downtown as well.

http://www.scottsdalepublicart.org/LipskiTheDoors.php