The solSource Group ...Vitalize.

The hardworkin homie Russell Taylor's D.C. show

2009-08-04T08:07:00.002-04:00

Black Spade finally debuts in D.C. with Wes Felton and NY's Peter Hadar!!

2009-06-13T18:35:00.004-04:00

An incredible show full of soulful hip-hop!

Thursday 6.25.09 @ Liv 11th & U Streets NW:

Performing Live:
W. Ellington Felton aka Wes Felton,
Black Spade making his D.C. debut!, and
Peter Hadar with brand new album!

Doors at 7:30, Pay cover or Advanced $12 tix: http://hiphopsoulbros.eventbrite.com

NY's Peter Hadar, St. Louis' Black Spade, and D.C.'s own W. Ellington Felton join forces to give the people what they want: hip-hop with heart & soul.

Art Hurts! Support these independents on their serious grind - with several albums deep. Go to iTunes and search for yourself!

NYC - Peter Hadar's last two albums are FIRE. Serious electro-soul tracks with his OG baritone singing voice...
Check out his latest cosmic video "Planets" off the latest album: WATCH IT!

St. Louis - BLACK SPADE (OM Records) makes his D.C. debut! Featured on Nicolay's mixtape and MANY other hot soul AND hip-hop mixtapes (ask True School's Cuzzin B' about him in St. Louis!), the Brother produces, raps and sings.
Check his latest "Evil Love" hip-hop soul video dealing with the pain of relationships: WATCH IT!

Washington, D.C. - Wes Felton aka Dub El aka W.Ellington Felton is a name that travels as far as Japan with his unique blend of hip-hop, jazz influences and soulful messages of love & experience, he still remains D.C.'s own true renaissance man with one of the best stage shows in independent music. Check out his stance on the direction of hip-hop with "Go Outside" : WATCH IT!

Hip Hop Cinema Cafe: The Art of 16 Bars 6.20.09

2009-06-13T18:03:00.003-04:00

The solSource Group and Historical Society of Washington, D.C. present

HIP HOP CINEMA CAFE

The Art of 16 Bars
81 minutes. 2005 Peter Spirer

Saturday, June 20, 2009

2:00 PM

FREE

@ Historical Society of DC
801 K Street, NW
at Mount Vernon Square
Washington, DC 20001

It's raw, blistering talent that defines the legendary MCs. But going from hungry amateur to rich professional takes more... much more! From the filmmakers who brought you The MC: Why We Do It, Beef, Beef II, The Freshest Kids and Rhyme and Reason, learn from the biggest MCs of our time exactly how they achieved success. They share their approach to live performances and how they put together a demo tape, got signed and dealt with labels as well as their hard-won behind-the-scenes knowledge about how the industry really works.

Includes interviews with Kanye West, 50 Cent, Common, Raekwon, Nas, Rakim, KRS-One, Jay-Z, Slick Rick, Jadakiss, Talib Kweli, Twista, Lil Scrappy, Ghostface Killah, Russell Simmons, The RZA, Hieroglyphics, Dilated Peoples, The Clipse, Q-Tip, Redman, Guru, MC Lyte, Killer Mike, Soup of Jurassic 5, Big Daddy Kane and Kool Moe Dee.

Plus: exclusive archival footage of Tupac, Biggie, Nas, Snoop Dogg, NWA, LL Cool J, Ice Cube, A Tribe Called Quest, Kool DJ Herc, Lauren Hill, the Wu Tang Clan and many more! After the film, you are invited to participate in an audience discussion with some of the best on DC Hip Hop Scene..

Following the movie, we will host a panel discussion by some of D.C.'s most acclaimed hip-hop artists:

Kokayi
http://www.myspace.com/kokayi

X.O.
http://www.myspace.com/xouptown

YU
http://www.myspace.com/yuremainz

Moderated by Dru Ryan

Hip Hop Cinema Cafe: Deep Crates 5.16.09

2009-05-01T09:22:00.007-04:00

Join us as we contribute to a D.C. hip hop producer's weekend with Innerloop's Beatdown producer's competition Friday at Almaz Restaurant & Lounge with performance by the Diamond District, and our own Saturday showing of Deep Crates with panelists Oddisee, J $crilla, Nick the 1da and Overok.

Saturday May 16, 2009

2:00 PM

FREE

@ Historical Society of DC
801 K Street, NW
at Mount Vernon Square
Washington, DC 20001

Deep Crates

70 minutes. 2004 Jeremy Weisfeld

Deep Crates' is the kind of film that has been overdue for so long. A seventy minute documentary on the history of crate digging for samples and beats from the late seventies to now. Interviewed artists include Diamond D, Madlib, Lord Finesse, Maseo, Peanut Butter Wolf and Egon, Buckwild and the Soulman amongst many more. Inspiring stories about how the scene started - basically the foundation blocks of the old school rap movement. The unbridled joy at finding that rare gem and the twisted politics that went along with with the oneupmanship. The stories flow deep and hard like an extended Wax Poetic feature on film - no less. Hear how these producers got heat - the rivalries, the respect and the love - crackly vinyl obsession, a trait that many are infected with. This film is the hip hop joint to see - hilarious, insightful, wise and inspiring.

Following the movie, we will preview the trailer for Rest in Beats, and host a panel discussion by DC hip-hop producers:

Oddisee
http://www.myspace.com/oddisee720

J$crilla
http://www.myspace.com/gunsnbutter

Overok
http://www.innerlooprecords.com

Nick tha 1da
http://www.myspace.com/nicktha1da

Hip Hop Cinema Cafe: Bomb It! 4.3.09

2009-05-01T09:07:00.003-04:00

Saturday, April 4 2009

2:00 PM

FREE

@ Historical Society of DC
801 K Street, NW
at Mount Vernon Square
Washington, DC 20001

BOMB-IT
93 minutes. 2006 Jon Reiss

BOMB IT is the explosive documentary from award-winning director Jon Reiss. It investigates the most subversive and controversial art form currently shaping international youth culture: graffiti.

Graffiti, postering, stenciling and stickering form a fascinating and radical movement that defies definition except as a voice demanding to be heard. Literally born out of urban blight, graffiti's tough mimetic code consistently defies the forces that try to stop it and thrives today in varied and artistically evolved forms. BOMB IT explores how graffiti writers are expanding into the highest levels of technology including the web, cell phones, and laser projections.

After the film, you are invited to participate in a forum discussion with panelists:
Cory Stowers, Words, Beats & Life
Asad ULTRA Walker
Peter Krsko, Albus Cavus
Decoy of DC51

"The monthly Hip-Hop Cinema Café is a great way to enjoy hip-hop and film at the same time in D.C., but if you want to participate fully in these screenings, you should first familiarize yourself with a few canonical movies. Sure, you can show up, watch, and bounce, but often the best part of this event is the talk afterward, which typically includes a roundtable of D.C.-based arts luminaries." - Washington CityPaper Best Of D.C.

LACED Photos:

2009-05-01T08:48:00.004-04:00

We were absolutely proud of the solSource vision that was executed into reality with very few bumps and bruises. The crowd was marvelous and so was the art, the music, the video, the live music, the fashion, the exhibitions... we proud of how LACED has matured so gracefully...

Thanks to Red Stripe, Barefoot Wine & Bubbly, Stockholm 180, Jonathan Sears, Bobby Cato, participating artists, models, DJs, Wale Photos for some beautiful shots, and you.

Video on VIMEO: http://www.vimeo.com/5108395

FLICKR ALBUM

Nightime LACED Party for the late night partying types

2009-03-31T13:42:00.008-04:00

NOTE: This party begins at 10PM and is SEPARATE from the earlier Art Show; it's an open bar event with 4 DJs for the nightlife crowd.

OPEN BAR * 10PM-3AM * $25 b4 11:30 * Supports kiva.org

VIDEOKILLERS x DJ OKUN x DJ I-WAH x DJ CHRIS BURNS

@ Wisconsin Overlook 2136 Wisconsin Ave NW WDC - entrance + parking in rear off W Pl

Chic Attire , no athletic wear

LIST ONLY

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The return of LACED...The official art show! 6-10PM FRIDAY APRIL 3RD

2009-03-19T10:59:00.013-04:00

EVOLUTION OF CULTURE
This current time marks a point in history. Is it the beginning of a shift? Or is it a new
case on the same device? With a new president, a new optimistic outlook, and new
global view perspective by the world, American culture automatically leaps into the
door of opportunity- a mainstream opportunity to share and be open to
inclusiveness. It also means a new found evolution of thought, new expression of
individuality, yet juxtaposed with new expressions of association-concepts of life
experiences represented as family, heritage, tradition,
language, style, diction and
life experiences—CULTURE.

Cul ture [kuhl-cher]:
:a particular form or stage of civilization, as that of a certain nation or period.
:the behaviors and beliefs characteristic of a particular social, ethnic, or age group
:the quality in a person or society that arises from a concern for what is regarded as excellent in arts

This makes us who we are, uniquely cultural, uniquely devoted to those subtleties
and conformities, traditions that associate us with a specific group, form or
expression. Featured artists at this event will explore our past, present and future
with the EVOLUTION OF CULTURE; the consistent transcendence of it, how it is
exported, represented, adhered to, understood, defied, related, and what this means
to them in American society.
Join us in a consciously progressive walk in time as bring back LACED, our mix of video, music, art & fashion elements in
The Return of LACED THE ART SHOW: EVOLUTION OF
CULTURE
at the Grand Opening of the WISCONSIN OVERLOOK.

Curated by Jonathan Sears

LACED:
THE ART SHOW
FRI 04.03.09

6-10PM
$10

Thematically exploring the EVOLUTION OF CULTURE,
with artworks by MAHWISH CHISTY, BILLY COLBERT, PRISCILLA DE LIMA-LEDESMA
SHAUNTE GATES, BRANDON HILL, CHARLES JEAN-PIERRE,
ELLINGTON ROBINSON

Live installation by ANIEKAN UDOFIA

Curated by JONATHAN SEARS

Fashion exhibition by DANA AYANA GREAVES
Additional stylings by L'RAI ARTHUR-MENSAH
Classical Carnatic music by RANGASHREE VARADARAJAN (Violin/Vocals) & V:SHAL KANWAR (Tabla)
Video by VIDEOKILLERS
also with music by DJ ADRIAN LOVING & DJ I-WAH

Complimentary wine & champagne by BAREFOOT

Partial proceeds donated to LIFE PIECES TO MASTERPIECES

Sponsored by WASHINGTON CITYPAPER

@ GRAND OPENING OF
WISCONSIN OVERLOOK
Parking in rear | 3 floors + rooftop
2136 WISCONSIN AVENUE NW WDC

Hip Hop Cinema Cafe: Counting Headz: South Africa's Sistaz in Hip Hop

2009-03-02T15:58:00.005-05:00

Hip Hop Cinema Cafe:
Counting Headz: South Africa's Sistaz in Hip Hop

50 minutes. 2006 Vusi Magubane & Erin Offer

Counting Headz reveals the struggles and victories of South Africa's women from the perspectives of three major performers in South Africa's hip-hop scene.

MC Chi asks if there's a contradiction of values between African and hip-hop cultures, and if it's possible to reconcile the two. Her questions thread together the obstacles encountered by fellow sistaz. DJ Sistamatic, challenged by a distorted media portrayal of her persona, candidly addresses the influence of male-formed images of women. World-renowned graffiti artist Smirk finds a way beyond her family's initial misgivings about her art and prepares to merge a life with hip-hop and motherhood.

After the film, you are invited to participate in an audience discussion with some of the best DC Female Emcees(RaTheMC, Carolyn Malachi, Porche' 9-11and more) on the Hip Hop Scene and before the film the first look into DC Hip Hop History(Female Edition) with a video presentation from The solSource Group. Live Performance follows with Carolyn Malachi

Konyka Dunson Moderator-WPFW/DCTV

Abeer aka Sabreena Da Witch-Palestine Hip-Hop/R&B Artist
http://www.myspace.com/sdawitch

Ra The Emcee-Emcee
http://www.myspace.com/simplyra

Porche'9-11
http://www.myspace.com/p9eleven

Carolyn Malachi
http://www.myspace.com/msmalachi

Artistic Sole displays by
Imani Brown
http://www.artistic-sole.com

DJ Earth 1ne
http://www.myspace.com/djearth1ne

SATURDAY, FEB 28
2PM
@ HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF WASHINGTON, D.C.
801 K STREET NW @ MT. VERNON SQ
WDC

Hip Hop Cinema Cafe: The Freshest Kids: A History of The B-Boy

2009-02-19T13:28:00.005-05:00

..................................................................................................................................................................

Back for our second installment of HHCC, check out the Washington Post article "Film Series Spotlights D.C. Style Of Hip-Hop"

..................................................................................................................................................................

Hip Hop Cinema Cafe:
The Freshest Kids:A History of The B-Boy

90 minutes. 2002 Israel

The Freshest Kids is the first documentary to explore the mostly unknown history of hip hop's first dance and its early pioneers.

Known by many names—Breaking, Rocking, Burning, Going Off, B-Boying, Break Dancing—the style was born at DJ Kool Herc's South Bronx house parties in the early 70s, catapulted to worldwide fame in the 80s, and evolved through the 90s into its latest gravity-defying incarnation as a thriving underground movement.

For the first time ever, legendary B-Boy pioneers such as Crazy Legs and Ken Swift bring their stories to you. From how the dance originated to how it has evolved through its 25+ year history, The Freshest Kids will leave you entertained, educated, and inspired.

After the film, you are invited to participate in an audience discussion with some of the best B-Boys, DJs and Emcees on the DC Hip Hop Scene and before the film, the first look into DC Hip Hop History with a video presentation.

Kobie Nichols Moderator-Hot Topic TV/DCTV
http://www.fpeg.com

Grey Matter-Emcee/BBoy

Giovanni Galleno-BBoy
http://www.myspace.com/geosnap

Atomic Goofball-Bboy
http://www.myspace.com/atomicgoofball

SATURDAY , FEB 28
2PM
@ HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF WASHINGTON, D.C.
801 K STREET NW @ MT. VERNON SQ
WDC

Support this: (it's free too) ART, BEATS & LYRICS

2009-02-19T13:21:00.005-05:00

It's free, just registere here

Our man J in ATL's event that is on tour exploring themes in hip hop and highlights urban art forms expressed through photography, graffiti, paintings, multimedia fused with DJ'ing, break dancing and live music.

Event Information:

Friday, February 20, 2009
7:00 PM - 12:00 AM
21+
cover: FREE
music: Hip Hop

RSVP:
http://www.jackdaniels.com/abl

Venue Information:

Hippodrome Theater
12 North Eutaw St.
Baltimore, MD 21201

Hip Hop Cinema Cafe is here!

2009-01-22T13:25:00.009-05:00

Hi folks, we've been brewing our new project that will continue to educate and shed positive light on our hip-hop and soul inspired stories and talents. We're partnering with Historical Society of DC to program and present some awesome independent films that are in line with everything we do - Vitalize...

Freestyle: The Art of Rhyme
75 minutes. 2004 Kevin Fitzgerald

SATURDAY JANUARY 31

2PM - FREE

@ Historical Society of DC
801 K Street, NW
at Mount Vernon Square
Washington, DC 20001

with panelists:
Head-Roc (Godisheus)
LabTekwon
Tyrone Norris (Rosetta Stoned)
Kobie Nichols (Hot Topic TV Show)
moderated by Konyka Dunson program host with DCTV and WPFW
Special appearance by The Package, & Mental Salvation Radio's Enoch 7th Prophet

Musical backdrop by DJ Jav

Explosively tracing the story of a group of underground hip hop MCs and DJs from the early 1980s to the present day, Freestyle: The Art of Rhyme is a work-in-progress documentary film that explores the world of improvisational rap—the rarely recorded art form of rhyming spontaneously, or "off the top of the head."

Made over the course of more than seven years—mostly with borrowed cameras from a non-profit co-operative of B-Boys, DJs, and MCs known as The Center for Hip Hop Education—Freestyle takes the viewer on a journey through the previously unexamined dimensions of hip hop as a spiritual and community-based art form.

Following some of the best MCs ever to bless the mic, Freestyle features legendary battles including those of the film's hero, Supernatural, pitted against his arch nemesis, Craig G. As these artists improvise poetry out of the mix of language, politics and culture that make up their lives, we discover revolutionary worlds where the English language is subverted and re-appropriated as a tool of economic and social empowerment.

Freestyle is experimental in its nature as improvisational cinema. No showing of the film is ever the same experience. By combining the best of independent documentary filmmaking with the hip hop mix tape format, director Kevin Fitzgerald offers us a context in which to view living art as a social critique through story and rhyme.

You are invited to participate in an audience discussion with some of the best in the area's Hip Hop Scene, a preview of Rest in Beats*, a first look into The DC Hip-Hop History Project**, and a screening of the D.C. music video The Warning (feat. Sunrock, The Package, Enoch, Grammy nominated Kokayi & more).

*Rest In Beats is an original and independent documentary that pays homage to record producers of the past through intimate conversations with renowned record producers of today. The documentary comes at a time where fear and uncertainty often deafens inspiration and creativity in the recording business. Rest In Beats allows viewers to explore the musical influences and historical sources of inspiration behind today's hit makers, though not without observing the milestones that served as catalysts in ushering in the music industry as we know it today. It is a timely, educational and entertaining work of art for students of music and general music-lovers.

**The DC Hip-Hop History Project is a movie currently in production, which takes a look at history of hip-hop in Washington, D.C. from 1985 to present.

Can A Sista Rock A Mic? Festival 2008 - FULL SCHEDULE

2008-09-25T10:17:00.011-04:00

D.C.'s Can A Sista Rock A Mic? Festival returns for a fourth year featuring powerful, independent female artists in soul, hip-hop and beyond! This year the festival brings to you a film and panel discussion, a theater production and a free grand finale in beautiful downtown Silver Spring with vendors, visual art and more!
..................................................

WEDNESDAY OCT 8, 7:00pm
Bohemian Caverns
2001 11th St. NW
21+

tix: $15 http://ndambibc.eventbrite.com/

CASRAM 08 opens with an acoustic show from one of the pioneers of the new soul movement, N'Dambi! 2 shows: 8pm and 10pm - 8pm opening is D.C.'s own Tamara Wellons who is slated to release her newest album this month. 10 pm opening is HU graduate from Atlanta, Soultracks.com 08 Best New Artist recipient April Hill!

...............................................

THURSDAY OCT 9, 7:00pm
Bohemian Caverns
2001 11th St. NW
21+

tix: $10

A collage of hip-hop inspired performances from newcomers Bless Roxwell & Ra the MC, electric funk band OP Swamp 81, funky hip-hop's Eagle Nebula, and electro-soulful Ms. TK Wonder (with Taylor McFerrin). This is a memorable show of unique performances that will leave you in a zone!

Hosted by XO and DJ JAV

...........................................

FRIDAY OCT 10, 7:30pm
DC Arts Center
2438 18th St. NW (Adams Morgan)
Ages 17+(some nudity)

tix: $10 http://thesaartjieprojectreloaded.eventbrite.com

The Saartjie Project: The life and legacy of Saartjie Baartman who is also known as the Hottentot Venus. Using drama, song, dance and spoken word we explore the continued fascination of the black female form.

...........................................

FRIDAY OCT 10, 7:30pm
The Republic
1355 U St. NW
21+

tix: $15 http://casram08friday.eventbrite.com

CASRAM's flyest take the stage for a live evening of rhythmic basslines and beautiful people as Canada's Ayah makes her D.C. debut, along with Portland, Oregon's Liv Warfield, pioneer Jean Baylor of Zhane' fame, rising star Alison Carney, and hometown heroine Yahzarah.

with host and DJ W. Ellington Felton

.................................................

SATURDAY OCT 11, 2:00pm
Historical Society of Washington D.C.
801 K St. NW
Washington, D.C. 20001
FREE: rsvp@historydc.org

No! The Rape Documentary & Panel Discussion with Konyka Dunson: In recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, NO! The Rape Documentary is a groundbreaking feature length documentary unveiling the reality of abuse and healing in the black communities, and is being used around the world by grassroots movements around the world to end violence against women. After the film, there will be an audience discussion moderated by Konyka Dunson of WPFW & DCTV.

.................................................

SATURDAY OCT 11, 4:00pm
Downtown Silver Spring
Ellsworth Drive
Silver Spring, MD 20910
FREE - All Ages

CASRAM closes in grand fashion every year. This year, with a family friendly environment complete with vendors and visual art in beautiful downtown Silver Spring, we feature stellar, diverse performances by the truly soulful, energetic Angela Johnson, R&B singer Emily King, young hip-hop prodigy Ms. Emoni Fela, Singer & MC Josephine Silla, reggae spiced hip-hop gems Nola Darling, spoken word matriarch Dehejia Maat, the airy, electronic Yoko K. / aphrodizia, jazzy grooving Deborah Bond, up-and-coming DC soul singers Ne'a Posey and Teisha Marie and more!

In support of Raising Expectations!

Sponsored by SCION, Arts & Humanities Council of Montgomery County, Downtown Silver Spring, Washington CityPaper, Zipcar, Whole Foods Silver Spring, Honest Tea, Red Bull and YOU!

Can A Sista Rock A Mic? Festival 2008

2008-09-15T11:21:00.004-04:00

Back in stride again! This year will be special as we incorporate The Saartjie Project, exploring the continued fascination with the black female form, and serious soul lineup with N'Dambi, the very talented Angela Johnson, DC's own Yahzarah, souful Liv Warfield and veteran Jean Baylor of Zhane' just to name a few. Newcomers Ayah, Nola Darling and Op Swamp are also just a few of the names you will remember after this year's festival.

We also are adding visual art and we've expanded our usual outdoor event to downtown Silver Spring which will be a true grand finale as we feature some of DC's best artists all day in front of thousands.

Stay tuned! Log on to www.canasistarockamic.com to check the latest information and schedule.

We're still accepting visual art submissions and vendor application forms.

Volunteers: e-mail Charlene Stevens, cstevens [at] solsourcegroup.com

Visual Artists: e-mail Courtney Savoy, csavoy [at] solsourcegroup.com

Vendors: e-mail Tam Henry, thenry [at] solsourcegroup.com

FRIDAY JULY 25: Southern Comfort Soul with Anthony David

2008-07-21T19:22:00.004-04:00

SATURDAY JULY 12: WAXPLOITATION Lost in Transit

2008-07-03T09:58:00.005-04:00

Since its inception into the burgeoning Hip-Hop subculture of the late 70s, a decline in record sales, and the advent of technology, the vinyl record still maintains its relevancy by becoming a conduit for self expression. This exhibit will celebrate hip-hop's age old medium of the spiral groove with art by Andy T, Billy Mode, Blister, Daniel Edlen, Decoy, Ellington Robinson, Jon Bollo, Justin Angelos, LOTVI, Megan Buchanan, Michael Todd Smith, OWEL, Radical BPN, RVLTN, Solomon Asfaw, Stew Lus, Taxi Gang, Unjuanted & more.

AudioVideo backdrop by: DJ OKUN
Hosted by: DJ Ali Shaheed Muhammad (A TRIBE CALLED QUEST/LUCY PEARL)

brought to you by the solSource group, Groove Arts Collective, and the Hip Hop Theater Festival.

Presented by SCION

@ Pacific Cafe' Lounge 1129 Pennsylvania Avenue SE WDC 20003
Saturday July 12
21+
10PM-2AM

Space is limited, so please
RSVP FOR ENTRY: rsvp@solsource.org

FRIDAY JULY 11: Blue & Exile, Wes Felton , Platinum Pied Pipers

2008-06-29T11:03:00.003-04:00

Blue & Exile

PPP

Dub El (Wes Ellington Felton)

What a show! The soul of hip-hop with serious J Dilla influenced basslines, intelligent words and a beautiful crowd... A dope show!

@ Black Cat
Friday July 11
all ages doors 9PM
12 adv /15 door

6/20: FRIDAY: Martin Luther + RES

2008-06-16T16:49:00.002-04:00

LACED 6/19: THURSDAY Hip-Hop You Don't Stop!

2008-06-16T16:48:00.003-04:00

LACED 6/19

shoe-LACED with sneaker art + live painting , Wii, no cover, VIDEOKILLING...

Hippest party on U Street... @ CUE BAR 1115 U Street NW

ART to check...

2008-06-06T09:37:00.012-04:00

We usually don't post non-solSource related stuff but since we are enthralled (you like that word?) by art, and we feel like it's a serious communication method to VITALIZE, here are some picks to check this weekend out of a million different openings:

FRIDAY & SATURDAY:

Here's Jonathan Sears' curated event at Woodman Studios in Silver Spring:

I'm told to look out for Chris Hoeting and Billy Colbert...

ALSO:

The Funk Aesthetic: Chocolate Coated, Freaky & Habit Forming, opens on June 4th – 29th at the H&F Fine Arts Gallery located at 3311 Rhode Island Avenue, Mount Rainier, MD.

Curated by Tonya Jordan with commentary by author Thomas T. Stanley, the exhibition presents new art grounded in the aesthetic of Funk music of the mid-sixties to early eighties and features international and locally based artists visually interpreting the music form through various media: Aniekan, Pedro Bell, S. Ross Browne, Deadra Bryant, Miles Bumbray, K. Wesley E. Clark, Jamel Craig, Ronald "Stozo" Edwards, Dejon N. Gee, Gary Johnson, Alexis Peskine, Akia "Space Lady" Quander-Jordan, William Rhodes, Jerome Spinner, Katurah Thomas, Hank Willis Thomas, and Tedra Wilson.

Funk, a highly rhythmic African American music form, emerged in the sixties with bands such as Sly & The Family Stone. The music is a hybrid of Soul, R & B, and Jazz--- with bass guitar and percussive instruments taking an upstage position. James Brown is often cited as the forefather of the Funk music movement with compositions rhythmically rooted on the downbeat or on the one-- laying the groundwork for Funk's groove. The seventies and eighties marked expansions in the music form through performers and groups such as George Clinton, Parliament Funkadelic, Betty Davis, Bootsy Collins, Prince, The Ohio Players, Cameo, Curtis Mayfield, and Tower of Power to name a few. The music was heightened by visual presentations with elaborate costumes, intricately themed stage productions, and bold Afrocentric and otherworldly expressions in fashion and attitudes.

An opening reception will be held Saturday, June 7th, 5-8pm followed by a musical performance by Mind Over Matter Music Over Mind (featuring Bobby Hill, Thomas T. Stanley, and Chris Downing) and an after party with a special guest DJ at Artmosphere Café, 3311 Rhode Island Avenue, Mount Rainier, MD.

Public programs include a panel discussion the Funk movement and aesthetic on June 21st and an artist talk/closing reception June 28th.

For more information visit www.hffinearts.com and/or www.musicovermind.org.

AND:

(from BYT:)

+ Another Friday, another Hillyer party: Hillyer Art Space Exhibition
June 6 - July 2, 2008
Opening Reception: Friday, June 6th, 2008, 6pm to 8pm
Featuring music by DJ Chris Burns
Catering generously provided by Napoleon Bistro and Lounge
Wear your Friday best.

Old Bones and Artifacts reveals two of Dave Moreland’s explorations back in time and through the history of art. The exhibition features a selection of his newest repoussé pieces, drawings, and constructions inspired by classical artwork and its preservation. The two different explorations manifest themselves into different art forms reflecting varying inspirations: his repoussé pieces fuse acrylic paints, metal and fabrics together to create textured images inspired by classical art and Greek mythology, while his drawings and constructions are a direct result of his efforts to connect with Native American people and their history.

IA&A’s Hillyer Art Space is funded in part by the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities, an agency supported in part by the National Endowment for the Arts. This program also depends on the support from locals of the greater DC area.
9 Hillyer Court NW | Washington, DC |

-----
Patsy Fleming
June 4 - 29
Reception:
Friday, June 6
6 - 8 pm

Artist Talk:
Saturday, June 21
3 pm

@ Foundry Gallery
1314 18th Street, NW

-----
Erica Rukin - Paintings
Brad Howe - Sculpture
June 6 - July 3

Opening:
Friday, June 6
6:30 - 8:30 pm
@ Aaron Gallery
1717 Connecticut Avenue, NW

J*DaVeY BABY! THURSDAY JUN 5

2008-05-27T21:52:00.006-04:00

WHAT A LIVE KICKASS PARTY with J*DAVEY...

If you like N.E.R.D., Rihanna and Kelis you'll like...

CLICK FOR ADVANCE TIX

Can I Kick It? @ Adidas Originals Store Saturday 5/31

2008-05-27T21:39:00.002-04:00

Adidas Originals Georgetown
1251 Wisconsin Avenue NW
Washington, DC
12pm - 4pm

Fresh off the heels of Steady Baltimore's Juxtapoz
published, "Nothing But the Breaks" artist Adam Neubaur joins local
Sneaker social site kings Priceless Pair for a live

painting session @ Adidas Originals Georgetown.

Paying homage to the Adidas Superstar and Stan Smith's decades long
pairing with the Hip Hop culture, Adidas Originals Georgetown will
allow sneaker and Streetwear enthusiasts a chance to have their own
pre-purchased Adidas Superstars or Stan Smith's custom painted live in
the store.

LACED: [ART VIDEO LIFE] w Concrete Alchemy, Ride, Deka + more!

2008-05-15T21:44:00.005-04:00

"...one of the hippest nights on U Street..." - Washington Post

LACED returns May 22 featuring the visual artists of Concrete Alchemy
and Live VJing by VideoKillers banging all of the classics and the hot
new new, with Wii, Pool tables, Ping pong, and Giveaways from VIBE
Magazine.
Come hang with GREAT PEOPLE at the spcial event the Washington Post
calls "One of the hippest nights on U Street!"

+Live art installations by Ride and Deka,
+Going away bash for Monica "Gangsta Mittens"
+Debut of Co-Op's soulful hip-hop video "Girl"
+Special preview of BOMB IT the movie.

Always worth coming out for, and of course, ALWAYS FREE!

Event Information:
Thursday, May 22, 2008
7:30 PM - 1:30 AM
21+
cover: FREE
music: Hip Hop, R&B, Soul, Funk,80s, 90s, Old School Classics

HEY DONT STAY HOME AND PLAY WITH YOURSELF. PLAY WITH US.

Submissions for art display during Hip-Hop Theater Festival

2008-05-07T14:32:00.002-04:00

DEADLINE JUNE 30TH

solSource is currently accepting submissions for its first Vinyl Art
exhibition opening in conjunction w/ HIP-HOP THEATER FESTIVAL
week in
Washington DC.

Waxploitation: Lost in Transit will feature works created on Vinyl
Records using but not limited to acrylics, spray paint, paint
markers., mop paint...etc.

Samples and inquiries should be forwarded to lbrady3611@gmail.com.

Blister @ Adidas Store (Georgetown)

2008-04-24T13:49:00.004-04:00

Hailing from Baltimore, MD, graffiti artist Blister stays busy by
exhibiting work with Baltimore based artist collective Steady
Baltimore, live painting on Sundays @ Sonar and most recently working
with LOCATION - a multi media gallery/residence project developed by
AM Radio, in partnership with SCION.

Using stencils, paint markers and spray paint on canvas, Blister's
work often depicts a solemn, solitary character hovering above urban
landscapes familiar to most East Coast cities.

Join Blister and DJ Spontaneous this Saturday @ 2pm for a live
painting and DJ set at:

Adidas Originals Georgetown store
1251 Wisconsin Avenue NW (Georgetown), WDC

If you're shopping in the area, swing through!

LACED 4/17: Re-FRESH

2008-04-12T13:52:00.005-04:00

RE-FRESH: The LACED 6-month anniversary with solSource founders Kimani and Brandon's birthday celebration, along with friends Subi, JB, Steve, Stereofath, Ida & Selma - Aries rock! It's gonna be spectacular with live visual artists Jazirock and Blister tearing up canvas. Featuring hometown hot gear by: DOPEVILLE, FRESH PRODUCE THREADS and CLOCKWISE CLOTHING. Sponsored in part by VIBE Mag.

LACED 3/20: [Art & Sk8 Life] DOPE JAM

2008-02-22T19:32:00.012-05:00

NO FAKIN', JUST FUNNIN. THURSDAY MARCH 20th

DARREN HARPER OF DGK Hosts!

The one and only, famous Obama of the skate world from SOUFEAS (S.E.) DC will be there showin love, so come poli with him as we show some of his awesome tricks of the trade on our big screens while we fade in some shit like Aint No Half Steppin' video by Big Daddy Kane...or Beastie Boys, depends on the mood. That's how we go. Free giveaways by Focus Skateboard Magazine (sold at Palace 5ive off 14th St) and Frank 151 -and of course drink specials.

Also peep live sneaker installation by Seductive Customs and some live art by Greg the Color Slinger. Bliki clothing in the house to showoff their new line.

LACED is still hot yall, DC in August hot, and will be for a long time... *cheers*

Darren Harper of DGK Hosts
\Live Art installation by Greg the Color Slinger
\Live Sneaker Art by Seductive Customs
\VideoKillers VJing skate videos with golden era music videos
\Nintendo Wii on the big screen
\Pool (get there early)
\Ping pong (get there early)
\giveaways & more
\drink specials
sponsored in part by Palace 5ive, Focus Skateboard Magazine, Bliki Clothing, Frank 151 & Fusicology

"Wii games merit their own projection screen at Laced, a monthly "video party" at Cue Bar that features VJs cutting up golden-age hip-hop and R&B videos (Run-D.M.C., Prince, Eric B. and Rakim) while the crowd dances, shoots pool and plays table tennis." -Washington Post 2/15/08

"Cue Bar (1115 U St., NW; 202-332-7665). Playing the Wii is only half the fun at this U Street bar, where every third Thursday of the month, Laced, a video and live-art installation party organized by a group of artists and musicians known as the solSource Group (solsource.org), takes place. The next party is scheduled for March 20." -The Washingtonian 03/05/08

Pete Rock's NY's Finest Album Release Party + [Art Life] Dope Jam @ LACED Thurs Feb 21

2008-02-15T15:02:00.011-05:00

LACED 2.21.08 LEGALIZED DOPE

Not only will Pete Rock be doing a later set, but we continue to have the Wii, the hottest VJing by VideoKillers, and live art installation by DC's own, the talented ANIEKAN UDOFIA, with show posters up by PK of Definitive Doodle.

"Pete Rock's current mission is to bring New York back. The veteran beat banger represents a large constituency of serious heads who feel the original city of hip-hop has lost its way amid ringtone rap and the southern takeover. His new album, "NY's Finest," (watch) reunites fans with his soulful sample manipulation, accompanied by a gang of guests ranging from Styles P and Sheek Louch to Redman and Little Brother. If you can't wait until Tuesday to cop it, get a taste at Cue Bar tonight. The Chocolate Boy Wonder himself will be doing a short set at Laced along with resident VJs the VideoKillers and live art by Aniekan Udofia. Rumor has it that the guest of honor is going on late. Until then, kill time by playing on the free Wii system. "-Washington Post, February 21, 2008

What a night...

Thursday February 21

Doors: 7PM

@ CUE BAR 1115 U STREET NW WDC 20009

SHOUTS TO: Forever Entertainment, Cynthia McBride, Kwasi Frye, Next Icon, Groove Arts Collective
(Bobby C & I-Wah), & 2Tuff (Andy C)

Special shout out to ONLOQ.COM
ONLOQ.com is a new online TV network and social media platform focused on content from independent creators. Features include an entertainment job board, community forum, The Breakdown channel, the groundbreaking interview show, Man and Wife, the relationship show with Fat Man Scoop and Shanda, Directors Cut, featuring sketch comedies, documentaries and animation, FAT CAP Channel, for the graffiti writers, Def Jux Channel, from Def Jux Records and much more. Check it: amazing graffiti! check out Bomani's latest!

VINX - Sunday February 17

2008-02-13T10:44:00.004-05:00

REAL MUSIC AND CULTURE COMBINATION

2 shows: 6:30pm and 8:30pm

Who is Vinx? Most people know him as...One man. One voice. One drum. As you will discover, Vinx is much more. Vinx's music transcends languages and borders. This is evident from his international touring schedule and cult-like popularity. Vinx has taken the wisdom of his mother to heart. She often told him that "You can't sing of life unless you live." Vinx has had a longstanding, travelling career as a musician, artist, and songwwriter, working with the likes of Herbie Hancock, Bonnie Raitt, Bruce Hornsby, B.B. King, Kenny G, Sheryl Crow, Sting, Bradford Marsalis, Mother's Finest, Zap Mama, Patrice Rushen, Stevie Wonder, George Howard, Cassandra Wilson, Omar, Brenda Russell, Darius Rucker , Wil Downing, and much more.

Kuku, the Yoruba, DC-based troubadour has been touring extensively since the release of his debut recording “Love Sessions.” His enchanting sound has landed him on the stages of Chicago’s Old Town School of Folk Music series-AfroFolk Live; New York’s SOB’s; Georgia Music Festival;; Philadelphia’s World Café; and the Temple Bar in Los Angeles to name a few. In October 2007, South African guitar maestro Mongezi Ntaka (former band member of the late Lucky Dube original band) joined Kuku as he launched “The Absence of Cool” at his third Kennedy Center appearance. The album concept asks listeners to stop enslaving themselves to the concept of “cool,” – with cool being the absence of emotion – and instead join him on a musical journey to the raw emotions deep in their souls.

LACED: THURS. JANUARY 17TH

2008-01-03T09:31:00.001-05:00

Stop? We will not stop...As we proceed...

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!!! [holiday] LACED: THURSDAY DEC 20th

2007-12-11T14:57:00.002-05:00

Don't miss it!!!LACED 12/20!

AL B. SURE!*EARTH WIND & FIRE*SNOOP*PRINCE*TUPAC*POLICE*AH HA* TEARS FOR FEARS*EPMD*MADONNA*CULTURE CLUB*RICK ASTLEY*SALT N PEPA* BLONDIE*SUGAR HILL GANG*CAMEO*CINDY LAUPER*NUCLEUS*RICK JAMES* STESASONIC*GOGOs*DIGITAL UNDERGROUND*RUN DMC*NAS*THOMPSON TWINS*VANITY 6*NWA*GEORGE CLINTON*WHAM!*DOUG E. FRESH*BDP*MARY JANE GIRLS* NEW EDITION*RAKIM*GANG STARR*MUUUUCH MORE
Hittin' the screens and speakers again at the coziest venue on U, it's the LACED video mix [holiday] party /w JB of VideoKillers cuttin' up classic music videos and extras live on the 2 big screens along with added fun:
+ drink specials
+ Wii (on a separate projector)
+ pool tables
+ ping pong
+ giveaways
doors 7pm | 21&up
bring your real friends.

brought to you by: solSource } VideoKillers } Fusicology } Host-DC } Frank151

OFF THE F'IN CHAIN!!!!

Photos courtesy of solsource & big Ben Claassen iii

Photos courtesy of solsource

HERE IT IS...BAM AND YOU SAY &@*%#! LACED DEBUTS IN DC!

2007-11-02T12:20:00.000-04:00

THIS IS A DOPE JAM

WE RUN TINGS, TINGS NUH RUN WE - Note: We originated the term and concept "Video Party" so remember where you heard it first... and the little carbon copies you will see will be nothing like this one. We're combining classic and new videos from various genres from music you know and love, with all types of clips, all mixed live...LACED.

Beginning Thursday November 15th, Washington D.C.'s socialites, artists, hipsters, suits, nerds, bourgeoisie and miscellaneous will be introduced to the world premier of b-movie, 80s infused, hip-hop and R&B classic mix of underground and pop in a live video editing style that partygoers have never seen before. The future of audio and video, this affair will feature (already 3-year veteran) VJs VideoKillers, who have been in the lab for over 2 years perfecting their art and the new wave of entertainment. Kicking off a new spree of video killing, DC will be set ablaze as we mix music video pieces from the funky and futuristic sounds of Prince, Rick James, Outkast, Beastie Boys, David Bowie, roots, electronica, with clash with live, mixed-in clips and video pieces from various cult classic and sci-fi and movies, b-movies and rare vintage.

Nothing you've ever seen before... on 2 big ass projectors at the beautiful CUE BAR [cuebardc.com]

FUN:
-Wii (on a separate projector)
-Golden Era, Old School, 80s, Hip-hop, R&B, & Pop, Rock & other classics
-free shit (mags & music)

Cost: $0.00

shouts to Hollerway, Stereo mi bredda, Perpetual Systems, AudioSolutions, Team Spirits Imports, VIBE and Dopeville!

FROM THE WASHINGTON POST (& EXPRESS):

Nightlife Agenda
Washingtonpost.com Staff Writers Thursday, November 15, 2007; 12:00 AM

When DVD DJ decks first hit the market, it was predicted that "VJing" was the next frontier. Around these parts, you can find video artists manipulating images to accompany shows and DJ sets, but the VJ as the main focus hasn't yet caught on. At tonight's Laced party at Cue Bar you can experience one performer doing live simultaneous mash-ups of sights and sounds culled from classic hip-hop records, '80s pop, B-movies, and horror flicks. If that ends up not being compelling, you can play some Wii on a projector screen.

October: RUSH HOUR Wednesdays @ Geisha Lounge

2007-10-24T14:48:00.000-04:00

A little hump day coolout spot...

Every Wednesday, we help you break the week with some happy hour discounts. Save yourself from the rat race traffic as we jumpstart a this new Sushi Bar right downtown - with excellent food. We don't eat just anybody's sushi...

Rush Hour Wednesdays
@ Geisha Sushi Bar & Lounge:
727 15th Street NW
(between New York Ave and H Street NW, WDC - 2 blocks from McPherson Square Station)
5-9PM : Soul soothing & Int'l lounge music

On the not-so-real TIP

2007-10-04T15:28:00.000-04:00

We doin it again yall at Liv this Friday with another jam - this time we got the free FREE Courvoisier poppin' and Q-Tip doin his thing for those old enough to know the name of his former group. (You'd be suprised...)

Get cheaper door access by RSVPing to RSVP@SOLSOURCE.ORG so you have room for a $3 Coors Light to mellow you out later...

Truth be told: Ok, not quite wack enough to apologize, but it definitely wasn't the the ?uestlove party...and why did Tip just say two mumbled words as the DJs tried to salvage a bleak night while the crowd waited for the explosion...real awkward.. BUT, thank God for the free Courvoisier all night - (and the girl reps) which saved this one from being a total buzzkill.
See yall in a few weeks when we make it hot again and crossover like the old AI...yall not even ready for Laced..

Photos:
(That's Q-Tip with the OG from RAMP (Roy Ayers Music Project - Their song "Daylight" gave birth to the Bonita Applebum track)

2007-10-04T05:26:00.000-04:00

Listening Party: G&D (Georgia & Dudley) : The Message Uni Versa

G&D is music made by Georgia Anne Muldrow and Dudley "Declaime" Perkins, inspired by soul, funk, and hip-hop. Their album is a spiritual message of hope, light, and love, loaded with bounce and funk. San Francisco-based record label, Look Records celebrates the release of pioneering musicians G&D?s album, The Message Uni Versa, by dropping G&D off in D.C. at The Glass House.

The Glass House will feature the official G&D Listening Party along with performances by

Rosetta Stoned, The Cornel West Theory and much more.

Thursday, October 4, 2007

Asylum Bar & Lounge: 2471 18th St NW, WDC (Adam's Morgan)
9PM - until: $5

Special thanks to Ty and Chris (Rosetta Stoned)

2007-10-02T14:22:00.000-04:00

Listening Party:

Soul:ID from Brussels, Belgium

Dub's Pub keeps the specials on the Belgian beer. Well we're adding another selection to it this Tuesday 10/2: Soul-ID. They will be here in a few weeks (10/20) so come through and peep their music as the album drops Tuesday on ABB Records. Enjoy discount prices on one of the largest Belgian beer selections in town. Featuring: Chimay, Stella Artoirs, Hoegaarden, Leffe, Delirium, and more with the DJ stylings of W. Ellington Felton.

Tuesday, October 2, 2007

Bohemian Caverns: 11th & U St NW, WDC

6PM-9PM : NO COVER

Soul:ID's story begins in Africa where three-quarters of the band originate (Burundi, DR Congo and Rwanda respectively). The group consists of producer Urban Deep, the hip-hop drumming naughty boy and the nucleus of Soul:ID, Tchaï, the beautiful soul-loving songstress with a golden voice, V, the stylish, soul-sensitive singer/producer and creative mad scientist and Dad'D, the old-school crooner/producer who brings a peaceful balance to the group. They traveled different paths - from encountering the dark side of immigration, the constant day-to-day struggle to survive and racism - but they all share a common love for all things soul, proving stronger than any of the hardships they endured. These and other stories are ones told on Soul:ID's stellar U.S. debut release Sex, Love & Philosophy on ABB Records' ABB Soul. Their unique story has given shape to a concept (and sound) – dubbed "Afropean Soul" by Zap Mama herself - which reflects their own virtues and beliefs. Soul:ID is a product of this African/ European renaissance and recognize the importance of celebrating it.

A Vibe Called ?uestlove @ Liv

2007-09-24T18:04:00.003-04:00

Making his return to DC as the most recognizable Roots member, not on the drums but on the serato- this Friday as a part of D.C.'s infamous CBC Conference (home of politcs)...

Suits, Mohawks, Dunks, Stilettos, Nerds, Metros, Fashionistas, Intelligent hoodlums, all of yall are welcome...

A party indeed... all of the above showed up too...

Thanks to Kool, JCM, solSource, Bohemian Caverns & Fusicology.com

What you missed: 3rd Annual Can A Sista Rock A Mic? (2007)

2007-08-28T19:30:00.000-04:00

TRIED TO TELL YALL! Well there's always next year (we hope)...

The Washington Post [Style]: Sistas, Your Rhyme Has Come

The Washington Post [Nightwatch]: Sistas Ready to Rock for Female Respect

Washington Post Express [Free Ride/Waterfront]: The Grand Dame of Rap

The Washington Post [Nightlife Agenda]

Washington City Paper [Black Plastic Bag]: The Jam of The Summer?

The Washington Post [Sunday Source] Can't Miss: (#1)

The Silver Spring Penguin: Local Licks: Stephanie McKay

2007 CASRAM "BLEND"... incredible

2007-08-17T12:54:00.000-04:00

Clip from the show: CAROL RIDDICK...
(courtesy of Gadget)

Clip from the show: YAHZARAH IS PURPLE SAINT JAMES...
(courtesy of Gadget)

Clip from the show: SY SMITH...
(courtesy of Gadget)

The GRAND OPENING is OFFICIAL.

2007-07-26T13:22:00.000-04:00

Too much going on to type. Just come on and get your quality experience. And you are already getting a major discount at 12 bux. Get there early!

Weather forecast: VERY HOT Summer ahead! Can A Sista Rock A Mic? (CASRAMv3.0)

2007-06-19T09:29:00.000-04:00

In its 3rd year already, CASRAM has created wonderful exposure for some of the nation's brightest stars and provided a platform for these exceptional female artists. This year Washington, D.C. promises to be a smash with some of the most talked about names in hip-hop, soul and beyond! Support the sisters this year by telling your friends, coming to all of the multiple events and purchasing the music you like. They are totally independent and so are we.

Grand Opening: Wednesday - August 8 - Rock & Roll Hotel - Beauty & The Beat - 7PM LadyBeatMakers Competition /w Special Guest Judges and MC performances| DJ Earth1ne | ArtbyLiz | EmoniFela (DC) | Georgia Anne Muldrow /w Dudley P (Las Vegas)| BAHAMADIA (Philly)!

Thursday - August 9 - Cue Bar - CASRAM Remedy Lounge - 7PM - | DJ Fusion (NJ) | DJ Earth1ne (DC) | Videos | Free stuff!

Friday - August 10 - Republic Gardens - BLEND - Happy Hour 6-8p - Live Show @ 8p - crunk @ 11p - Sy Smith (Los Angeles) | Yahzarah is Purple Saint James (NC) | Carol Riddick (Philly) | Alison Carney (DC) | DJ Cuzzin B (True School/Digital DJs) and DJ Uncle Q (Low Budget)!

Saturday - August 11 - Arts Alley / Mayorga Coffee (Silver Spring, MD)- SummerLoveFest - 4PM - Visual Art | Spoken Word | Live performances by Stephanie McKay, Wendy McIntyre, Green Tea, all girl band jam session and Mosadi Music!

Sunday - August 12 - Zanzibar on the Waterfront - Grand Finale - Doors 6PM - Live Show @ 7pm sharp - Choklate (Seattle) | Afi [ah-FEE] (DC) | MC LYTE!!!!!

Sa - Ra Hip-Hop Sci Fi Funky Soul

2007-04-15T18:20:00.000-04:00

Listening Party THIS TUESDAY APRIL 17th @ Bourbon (Adam's Morgan) /w Q

@Bourbon
2321 18th Street NW
Adam's Morgan, WDC
10:00 pm to 1:00 am
FREE-21+

Listen + Learn
Sa-Ra Creative
Tour Dates
http://www.crackspace.com/sa-ra
sa-ra.net
http://www.babygrande.com/

Sa-Ra Creative Partners
The Hollywood Recordings
Click below to buy

Check out photos from the DC Listening Party!

Sneak Preview: Afi Soul [pronounced ah-FEE] Live!

2007-03-12T12:00:00.000-04:00

Not quite released to the massess yet, but continuing to give us all a sample of what's to come in her debut CD Lovely. This venue is owned by a husband and wife team of artists so the place will be guaranteed to be warm. Be there this Friday, cause Baby It's Cold Outside...

The window is open so come on in while it's ripe!

2007-03-03T19:30:00.001-05:00

It's that time again!

We're in the planning phases of CASRAMv3.0 and we want submissions, volunteers, ideas, anything you want to contribute to this year's week-long, next-level event-all about the ladies...

Art, film, music, we're showcasing it all.
2007 is going to be unbelievable!

E-mail info@bgirlmanifesto.com and we'll respond right back.

2007-02-06T23:25:00.001-05:00

Hey, it's Winter in DC... "We still cool, but not on ice..."

Incognito - bees + things + flowers Listening Party this WEDNESDAY 2-07-2007

@ Play Lounge
1219 Connecticut Ave.
6:00 pm

Listen now:
"Crave"
"Deep Waters"
"Everybody Loves The Sunshine"
"Everyday"

Anyone paying attention to the upper echelon of soul music's ever changing face knows the name Incognito. Over a 27-year career, London-based Mobo Award winners Incognito made stateside strides with both dreamy urban adult/Quiet Storm fare such as "Deep Waters" and "Still a Friend of Mine," as well as jazzy horn-kissed club jams like "Everyday" and a cover of the Ronnie Laws/Side Effect classic "Always There." Fans will be glad to know that all four of those songs can be found on their latest album, Bees + Things + Flowers, only they'll sound nothing like the arrangements to which they've grown accustomed. This departure marks an artistic spike in the canon of Incognito with the largely acoustic and meditatively down-tempo Bees + Things + Flowers, the band's first album affiliated with hallowed jazz giants Blue Note Records via Narada Jazz.

Incognito has been affiliated with several great labels including the British pioneering acid jazz imprint Talking Loud and American jazz stalwarts Verve. Guitarist/songwriter, Jean-Paul "Bluey" Maunick shares, "I've had people in Japan, Indonesia, South America and Europe come up after shows and tell me, 'Bluey, your music saw me through a rough period.' I think, 'I wrote this thing with my innocent heart so far away from here, yet it's touched someone here.' That's when I realize we can't fix the people, but we can make them aware of what is within. I believe we're on this planet to use language and music to set moods and emotions. Part of that is to strip things down. That was the beauty of doing Bees + Things + Flowers. It shows how we really feel about music."

also...

Wale Oyejide & DJ 2 Tone Album Listening Party Tour this WEDNESDAY 2-07-2007

@ Common Share
2003 18th St.
8 pm-1 am No Cover

BlackGold: The Afro Future Mixes

In support of his new project (Africahot!), Wale Oyejide links up with vinyl connoisseur DJ 2-Tone Jones to create a truly unique blend cd. Entitled "BlackGold", this next installment in Wale's 'Afrofuture Sessions' series features an array of past and future classics intertwined with his signature afro-beat sound. From label-mate CL Smooth, to ATL upstart Yung Joc, each of these artists is seen from a whole new perspective. Try to imagine what it would sound like if The Clipse and Jill Scott recorded in the slums of West Africa and you might get a vague idea of where this is heading. In an age where mix-tapes come off the assembly line as frequently, and as bland in appeal as cereal boxes, this appetizer is a breakfast of champions.

"The mashups on Black Gold throw a passel of recent radio staples into a moodier, funkier light."

-Washington City Paper

BlackGold: The Afro Future Mixes, is the first release from the newly created tag team of Wale Oyejide (One Day Everything Changed, Africahot!) and DJ 2-Tone (Shamanwork vs. adidas, Chuck Flavas vol. 4). Come celebrate the release of this album along with Wale, 2-Tone, John Robinson, and other members of the Shaman Work family.

A couple good music culture tours brought to you by solSource/FusicologyDC

Shout outs to mr hardworkin' solo soldier 2-Tone Jones
and also Mike of The Suspectz

Sleng Teng Lounge

2006-11-21T01:46:00.000-05:00

(And the place had an electrical problem last week so ... we'll keep you posted...)

We love it all, and since we are such old heads (even though we look so young ha) we remember the days of The ClubHouse (yeah 18th & Upshur when our age group was just as wild), DC Dragon Center, old Settings, WUST (anybody remember when Panther from Black Cat would come destroy? What about David Radigan?) etc etc... Yeah dancehall at its finest. Buju and Beres classics. Dark rooms with only the flair of a lighter. Wall bangin and noise makin for the rewind... Tempos a little slower for the wine out... We want some of that old time sometin back. And some of the new tunes that are worthy of spinning after the classics. Just good music like we love...and I don't wanna have to go to Crossroads even though it's ok, but how about some reggae on U Street? Done...

$5 before 10pm every Wednesday @ Cafe Nema 8pm-until

Rating for Opening Night: 4/5 : It rained non-stop until about 11PM. We were in there twidling our thumbs until all of a sudden it stopped. Then people began pouring in. Then Destiny poured in. Then the vibes went up a notch. The bartender was really really friendly, so friendly we should have advertised drink specials cause people got hooked up major. (Hey don't expect that every time, it was a holiday ting...)
It actually went past 2 somethin, people wouldn't leave... A party indeed.

IN THE WASH POST AND WASH POST EXPRESS (P.21)!!

(CLICK TO SEE ARTICLE):

The Going Out Gurus
of the washingtonpost.com City Guide
Thursday, November 30, 2006

Bethesda, MD: Can you recommend a fun reggae venue in DC or Baltimore? I used to go to 13th Floor on Friday nights (Bmore) but the place is hot or miss. Some of the places I've heard of seem more like a restaurant but I'm really looking for dancing and drinks. Thanks!!

Rhome: Crossroads and Zanzibar are the big dogs. There are a bunch of smaller spots around that the real reggae heads know about. For example, there is a new weekly event called Sleng Teng Lounge at Cafe Nema every Wednesday.

Pics from 22nd & 29th:

If you want to hear the wonderful vibes that we experience, click:
[ S.T.L. 11/29/06 ]

New Era of Hip-Hop: Hype Without Bling

2006-10-15T13:30:00.000-04:00

Ok there was an article forwarded to me called Why I Gave Up On Hip-Hop by Lonnae O'Neal Parker in The Post, which reminded me of the movie Brown Sugar. It echoes what continues to "reverberate around the league"- materialism and super-macho, gun totin', crack-cookin lyrics have somehow de-evolved from our classic era of the 80s, when we were on the brink of something big... and like our folks' civil rights era, we all felt unified under one cause, something edgy, and yet something so true and exalted from the heart of our African American culture, that it affected the masses in a way we would never anticipate. So how do we recapture that essence? We have to try our best as grown-ups to overexpose the seemlingly dormant side of hip-hop to the youth (and each other) who are bombarded by Scarface carbon copies in different Southern, Northern and Western dialects...

Introducing our New Era Attack. Straight-up hip-hop: "party-with-us" lyrical fencing, truth inspired stories and wit, colliding with hardcore crate-diggin samples, and unique styles providing for a memorable experience. Enter LoudMinority Recording Artists Tanya Morgan (3 lyrically skilled, funny dudes with the name that throws you off and pays homage to the ladies) who have a video currently in rotation on MTV Jams (who renigged on this tour support here) , Che Grand, someone us grown folks can relate to, which he calls "human rap music" with its many faces of live experience, Mello-D & The Rados, a suprisingly refreshing artist who plays the horn and doesn't perform without his live band, and 16 year-old hyperactive rap prodigy Emoni Fela. All of these artists should be on your radar - if you can remember what you used to love about hip-hop...
IT LIVES.

Show rating: 5/5 stars: We really had a ball, and I can't blame it on the drinks. We were actually suprised about how many nice looking women actually came out to a hip-hop show, and I did not mind rubbin' up against 'em all night -it was packed. Che Grand opened up the show and got people hype. Emoni did her thing and hosted and introduced herself. K-Beta came through off the metro and did a few tracks. Mello-D and the Rados pleasured the ears and then he grabbed the sax and soothed. After Emoni and Mello-D played live with their bands, the levels were high. So naturally, Tanya Morgan stepped up and brought the house down. Thanks to DJ Jav for keepin the energy high on his serato and RBI for the tables. Special thanks to Mike the bartender who worked his last night there at DC9. A night full of fun people, hot music and eye candy so sweet - our own hip-hop Halloween...

Special thanks to Goldie for helping to make this show as hot as it was supposed to be. Also shoutouts to the solSource fam: Whatsup Jabari! Stephanie W for the hustle! J Stewart for the music! Jasmine for the bomb video work! Kannon, you got our eye!

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Clip from the show: Tanya Morgan LIVE

Nicolay of the Foreign Exchange's Album Release Party

2006-08-23T17:18:00.000-04:00

Nobody stole the soul - it's still right here. He's on his way toward that official category- 9th Wonder, Pete Rock, J Dilla... producers able to capture the head-bop and melody while uniquely infusing their own jazz inspired brand of eclectic funk... In just a few years this 7 foot dude from the Netherlands has needed no help gettin in where he fit in. Check the history. The beat providing half of The Foreign Exchange is tHere with his latest release. (Check the scion CD)

Show rating: 2/5 stars : I'm sorry but my hopes were high. An up-and-coming producer he is, but a DJ he is not. Not hating, simply speaking the truth. He is a soul producer really, which is the direction he should go in and not attempt to rock a party. His new album is a little farther away from hip-hop than expected with very few stand outs. Thanks to DJ Eskimo for holding it down when Nicolay couldn't quite get it going, even with an unnecessary hype-man.

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2006-08-16T14:25:00.000-04:00

Yoruba Acoustic Soul

Not something I would miss, even if I had nothing to do with this. Not only am I a fan of African music, afrobeat and soul, but I've been waiting to see what the talk is surrounding NY's African soul brother Siji.
Kuku is doing music from his new album, and Sparlha Swa always delights with her passionate acoustic melodies (and beautiful face). Join us with eclectic styles definitely outside of your normal boring stuff. This is at DC9 with great sound. America meets Africa...

sponsored by Kuku, us, Ariztos the Magazine and you!

Show rating: 4/5 stars: People got what they came for. Although it was late getting started (the venue didn't even open on time), it ended up being worth the wait. Great performances, great crowd. I wanted some drums, but Sparlha Swa had the crowd enthralled (even me and I have a.d.d.) , and Siji had 2 beautiful background singers, his keyboard, and our attention. (oh and Flavor Flav made a brief appearance to heckle Kuku during his performance, a memorable moment.)

Clip from the show: (the beautiful elven princess) Sparlha Swa live...

Clip from the show: BBE's Siji live...

2006-08-16T14:20:00.000-04:00

solSource presents: The Robin Thicke Pre-Listening Party @ The LivingRoom

The dude is talented. Think Jon B without the hood. We got a chance to showcase his music from the upcoming album (that got pushed back thanks to Interscope and Pharrell) and we even gave away some DVD of his live performance. (I kept one, that's why I can say he got skills.) The ladies were in the house of course.

Special thanks to Sy & Curt.

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2006-08-16T13:54:00.000-04:00

Can A Sista Rock A Mic?: Grand Finale

A warm and pleasant experience wrapping up a week of work (and enjoyment) with Nimat, Afi [pronounced ah-FEE] and Julie Dexter with each of their bands. Nicolay did the lounge set with AppleJac- all of this at the 'swanky' 18th Street Lounge (did you know we are the first ever to do a black music event there?) 'Nuff said.

Articles:

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Produced, managed, executed, publicized, promoted, and enjoyed by The solSource Group

2006-08-16T13:50:00.000-04:00

Slide show: Can A Sista Rock A Mic 2006: Summer LoveFest and Grand Finale

2006-08-16T13:29:00.000-04:00

Slide show: Beauty & The Beat and The Remedy
Can A Sista Rock A Mic? 2006

2006-08-16T13:10:00.000-04:00

Can A Sista Rock A Mic?: Summer LoveFest in full effect

Honestly, we weren't sure how this thing would turn out. We had a vision for a backyard BBQ with stage on a beautiful day with all kinds of people enjoyin food, art, music, spirits and soul. Were we impressed? Yes. Every aspect was a delight to the senses. The food was bomb, the DJs held it down, the spoken word inspired, and of course the ladies killed (you knew it was coming). The list is too long to go through right here of who did what, I'll just send you to an article covered by a white boy who hadn't the slightest idea about the vibe and still had a good time (despite the black power chants). The Washington Times gave us an early push, and Ebony Jackson closed it out, leaving smiles on everybody's faces wanting to go home and shake it even more. It was perfect weather and we wanted to set a positive tone that just flowed the whole evening.
Mission accomplished.

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The solSource Group did it all. You don't even realize how many bands/musicians, stuff, and personalities we had to deal with.
Event production,booking, management, media & publicity, Internet and street promotions.

2006-08-16T12:51:00.000-04:00

Can A Sista Rock A Mic?: The Remedy

Once again, the ladies killed, all 132490810 of 'em that did their thing for a packed house at the opening week of The Red & Black Bar (even without alchohol...) hosted by Jamila and music by Victorious, Claudia and DJ Earth One. So hot, dark and gritty, the way open mics really should be. Julie Dexter even came through and did an improv, with other performances by NY's St. Juste, Richmond VA's Kia El-Amin, Green Tea (pictured above) and much more.
And this night was given props in the Washington Post as the place to be in D.C. (along with the grand finale).

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2006-08-16T11:32:00.000-04:00

Can A Sista Rock A Mic? Opening night:

Beauty & The Beat
A big production indeed...

It was definitely sweat, no tears and almost no blood. A triumphant success for chocolate city D.C. , for the sistas, and for independent music. We decided since many hadn't heard of Tanya Morgan, it would be interesting to see their response when we suprise the folks and put the group of three guys with a girl's name on the opening night of Can A Sista Rock A Mic 2006. Of course we got some flack (expected in our city), but in the end, TM ripped it, and they got to play with a live band (never been done by them before). They had a tough job though, considering they came after Naima J, Stacy Epps, and hip-hop prodigy Emoni Fela, who really incarnated to bless mics and souls with her lyrical contortions and high energy killer performance. (Age 15)
Thanks but no thanks to Club 5 who gave us their "inclusive" sound team who arrived 2 hours late with no clue producing sub par sound all night. Thanks to Ralph for cussin' them out continuously through the night while he took over the boards. (We insisted to the club that we bring our sound but noooo.) On a positive note, THE LADIES (& gents) ROCKED (yet so did the bar)...

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The solSource Group developed, designed, produced and executed every aspect of event management, booking and promotions.

2006-08-16T10:35:00.000-04:00

"We Shall Proceed and Continue..."

A necessary preview party of what was to be expected at the 2nd Annual Can A Sista Rock A Mic? proved to give the audience much more than they bargained for. With DJ Eskimo on the cut, Jamila, Naima J, Green Tea and a send-chills improv by Ebony Jackson, burned the house down with pure fiya. Just imagine someone ripping the "Stay Fly" (3-6 Mafia) riddim with accurately hit tones, vibrato and freestyle lyrics...No ballads allowed. A live mixtape by our Can A Sista Rock A Mic 06 stars? We were in awe ourselves...

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The solSource Group developed concept, coordinated event and artists, and designed and executed Intenet promotions.

2006-08-16T09:59:00.000-04:00

"I am dust, blown away..."

An amazing Spring night, which exclusively featured Van and his full band of characters (including that hot long white girl with pumps on bass) rockin' out on the pseudo stage at Jin (used to be Mango's). The dude can blow, and perform, and he knows how to give off that old head rocker sniffer tight pants wearin vibe. ("Sexy") Ladies love him and we love ladies who love him.

The solSource Group executed Internet promotions.

Slide Show: Van Hunt at Jin

2006-08-16T09:18:00.000-04:00

'A Sista' Act I

The first Can A Sista Rock A Mic? occured in 2005, and was birthed from The B-Girl Manifesto monthly event based in Washington, D.C. 2000-2004. The event occured throughout the week creating a platform for women performers in hip-hop, soul and spoken word with a grand finale featuring soul sista Afi [pronounced ah-FEE], and headliner Grenique (remember her?). This took place at good ol' Killi's Kafe [r.i.p.]...

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The solSource Group developed the B-Girl Manifesto website, secured venue and executed street and Internet promotions.