Tag Archives: EVENTS

EVENT: Child’s Play: A Field Day For Adults! (9/11 Community Service Day)

Posted on September 8, 2010 | 1 Comment

9/11 is this coming Saturday. A day that was once just like any other day became forever unforgettable after the attacks in 2001. Since then, that day has served as a day of remembrance and honor for those lost during those attacks and forever affected. Now that we are at the 9th anniversary of 9/11, the great people behind DYDC, ConArtistsGuild and DCtoBC/The GeePee are bringing you CHILD’S PLAY: A FIELD DAY FOR ADULTS. This may just be one of the best ideas for an event I have come across as of yet and on top of that for such a great cause, as a portion of the proceeds will go towards the National September 11 Memorial and Museum. They plan to raise enough to sponsor a cobblestone to be placed on the paths of the Memorial Plaza, a beautifully landscaped space surrounding the Memorial. For more info on the National September 11 Memorial and Museum, please visit: http://www.national911memorial.org/

Here is the detailed breakdown of the event:

Who: DYDC, ConArtistsGuild, DC to BC / The Gee Pee

What: Child’s Play: A Field Day for Adults!

When: Saturday, September 11, 1-8pm

Where: Upshur Park 14th Street NW (btwn Upshur St and Arkansas Ave)

Damage: $5 donation

Why: To unite the tastemakers and creatives of the DC community around an event, for fun/networking/camaraderie.

How: A large field day / festival featuring respective crews from the DC metro area and beyond! Featuring music, food, drinks, games and contests. Kick ball, dodge ball, dunk contest, home run derby, moon bounce, we got it all.

RSVP HERE

And after reading all this if you still are sitting there saying to yourself that you can’t go for some wild and crazy reason at the very least, please make sure you donate to this great cause here.

Also, special shout out to my fellow Ethiopians as 9/11 is our New Year. Don’t know what I am talking about? Read more about that here.

-Selamawit

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EVENT: Liquid Soul 9/1/10

Posted on August 21, 2010 | 1 Comment

LIQUID SOUL – A Liquid Arts Experience
by AM Radio + Vitamin Water

LIQUID SOUL is a live arts experience where the artists of AM Radio will create
live art pieces mixing actual Vitamin Water into their paints as well as the
flavor each artist uses will also  serve as the inspiration for their piece
which will allow for a truly  authentic experiential experience.

Event details include:

* Date: Wednesday Sept. 1
* at The Fridge DC – Rear alley of 516 8th St SE (across from Matchbox,
Capitol Hill)
* Complimentary Vitamin Water and cocktails courtesy of Bacardi
* Free admission
* Community Wall: event attendees to express themselves through paint
* DJ 2-Tone Jones: hip hop, soul, rare grooves

Visit www.artworkmbilashaka.wordpress.com for more info.

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FOTO WEEK DC

Posted on July 21, 2010 | 2 Comments

The annual Foto Week DC is held in November but the deadlines for submissions are starting as early as NOW! If you are a photographer of all levels of experience make sure you participate! There is an early bird discount deadline on July 31, 2010.  Read the press release below to get all the details about the event and how to participate:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FOTOWEEK DC 2010 INTERNATIONAL

AWARDS COMPETITION LAUNCHES

Early Bird Deadline – July 31, 2010

Washington, DC  [July 16, 2010]  – FotoWeek DC, the premier photography festival in Washington, DC which celebrates the power of photography and its limitless possibilities, announces the launch of its third annual International Awards Competition.

The 2010 FotoWeek DC festival, to be held on November 6-13, 2010 across the District of Columbia, and throughout the metropolitan area, will kick off with an awards ceremony and exhibition on November 5 at the Corcoran Gallery of Art and the Corcoran College of Art + Design. The work to be unveiled at the invitation-only ceremony will recognize the winners of the FotoWeek DC competition, which has just begun.

“We expect this year to be the best one yet for our competition,” exclaimed FotoWeek DC Founder and President, Theo Adamstein. “Last year, we received thousands of amazing photos and multimedia submissions from 28 different countries. We hope to increase that significantly in 2010, as our reputation for quality grows around the world.”

Images are judged in 12 different categories, with cash prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd Place for each category. There is also the Spirit of Washington Award, which honors the photograph that best captures the essence of the Nation’s Capital and includes a top prize of $5,000.

The competition is open to all photographers, both amateurs and professionals, and there is an early bird discount for work submitted before July 31, 2010. The final deadline for submission before the entries go to the panel of world-class judges for review will be September 20, 2010.

New this year is a Mobile Phone category, in recognition of the fabulous imagery being shot now on smart phones. There is also a free FotoWeek DC Youth Contest for local children up to the age of 18, which is being sponsored by The Washington Post.

The winning work for both the International Awards Competition and the Youth Contest will be exhibited at the Corcoran Gallery of Art throughout the festival in November.

For more information, please go to: http://www.fotoweekdc.org.

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Mark your calendars and make sure you participate!!

Selamawit

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EVENT: BODY BEAT JULY 17TH

Posted on July 7, 2010 | 1 Comment

It’s finally summer.Hands down the best time of the year. The best parties and greatest moments happen during the summertime. One of the events to not miss this summer is BODY BEAT, a FREE ROOFTOP POOL PARTY! How amazing does that sound already?  Here are the details:

In the spirit of summertime Lunchbox Theory, The Great Progression (the same team behind DC to BC) and YEBies.com decided it was only right to take Afro beat to the pool. Join us on July 17th to lay out, hear the deepest dc deejays, adorn your body in paint and celebrate summer.


Where: Donavon House Rooftop

**Now if you have ever been to the hotel then you know how breathtakingly gorgeous the rooftop pool is and the view you get of the entire city.

Damage: FREE!

Free Face and Body Paint.

Most importantly some of my favorite deejays are playing all day:

Jahsonic (of the soul controllers and Marvin Mondays)
Underdog
Cam Jus

These guys be taking us through Reggae, House, Soul, Funk, and you already know…Afrobeat!

Mark your calendars for SATURDAY, JULY 17TH

-Selamawit

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EVENT: Afrobeat Thursday, June Edition

Posted on June 24, 2010 | 1 Comment

Hello folks, its Thursday and I wanted to make sure that if you haven’t gotten anything in store for the evening you should definitely come out to this month’s edition of Afro-beat Thursdays at Bossa Lounge brought to you by dynamic duo of Lunchboxtheory Productions. What better way than to celebrate the start of summer, sweat it out to live music and a great dj anddd give some respect to the late great MJ with great company and cheap drinks?! Here is more info about the event and yet another fresh flier below:

Yes yes y’all its summer and time to celebrate the weather with the sounds and vibrations of DJ Underdog.

Come join us at Bossa Lounge next Thursday, June 24, 2010

You will be transformed by the music of DJ UNDERDOG!

Anna Mwalagho and the Afro Floetry Band Live!

Free Face Painting all night!

Only 5 bucks!

Come and Sweat out your weeek

Lunchbox Theory Presents:

Afrobeat for Ya Soul!

Bossa Lounge

2463 18th St NW

Dancin’ starts at 9pm

Thursday June 24 2010

http://lunchboxtheory.com/2010/06/21/afrobeat-for-ya-soul-june-edition/

I’ll be there, will you?

Selamawit

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EVENT: Biribelle Clothing, SmartChicks Inc and The Amber Tree Gallery present… OUT TO LAUNCH (6/12)

Posted on June 11, 2010 | 3 Comments

BiriBelle’s Afro-futuristic Accessories & Smart Chicks are “Out to Launch”

Washington, DC – On Saturday, June 12th Madia Willis, Founder of BiriBelle Clothing will launch her accessory line through collaboration with milliner Crystal Little at the Amber Tree Gallery located at 122 Waterfront Street, Oxon Hill, MD 20745.  This event, aptly named Out to Launch, spearheads the National Harbor’s Food & Wine Festival.  The event features a live musical performance by vocalist and Smart Chicks, Inc. founder Carolyn Malachi and deep house played by Laroc Cartier. Out to Launch is sponsored by Bluffa Jo Cosmetics, Eye Catching Entertainment, and Authentic Art DC. This event is free to the public, however, advanced RSVPs are suggested, please visit http://outtolaunch2010.eventbrite.com to make reservations.

Out to Launch promises a fantastic evening of fashion, art, and live music at the National Harbor. Bluffa Jo Cosmetics will display cosmetic makeup art on models provided by Eye Catching Entertainment. Attendees will enjoy complimentary food and beverages while dancing the night away to the eclectic sounds of vocalist and Smart Chicks founder Carolyn Malachi and her live band featuring Slyce D, and DJ Laroc Cartier spinning. The event will feature an exclusive Bloggers Lounge, where on site media can live blog, tweet and share details from the event.  Attendees will have the opportunity to peruse the debut Crylittle for BiriBelle hat line on models serving as live mannequins. Along with viewing the fashions, attendees will be able to observe an array of authentic African and African American art exclusive to the Amber Tree Gallery, guest curated by Ms. Sharon Burton of Authentic Contemporary Art.

BiriBelle represents the smart, sophisticated, well traveled, confident, and cultured woman who transcends racial and social barriers.  Designer Madia Willis’ Liberian heritage and a study abroad trip to Ghana inspired her to create the afrochic clothing line. Since 2004, Willis has been fusing traditional West African fabrics with vintage and bohemian style, sharing her intricate and unique pieces in the DC Metro area and surrounding states. Willis’ work has been sold in local DC boutiques such as design coop DEKKA, featured in DC’s fashion week, and received accolades from print and online media outlets nationwide.

Crystal Little’s appreciation for culture and vintage influenced millinery skills personify the BiriBelle woman, so it was only natural that the two designers came together to produce what is sure to be a fresh and eclectic collection. CRYlittle designs have graced the heads of many women of the church, horse race aficionados and women of varying distinctions. Little brings passion and six years of talent and design to the collaboration of Crylittle for BiriBelle.

About Madia Willis & Biribelle:

Madia Willis, the founder and designer or BiriBelle Clothing, is a native of Oxon Hill, Maryland by way of Liberian parents whose hobbies included DJing and collecting vintage hats and clothing. Willis, a graduate of Columbia University, earned a BA in Political Science with a concentration in International Relations in 2004. Biribelle has exhibited at the DC Passport to Africa Trunk Show, Brooklyn Academy of Music’s Afropunk festival, DC’s Octoberfest, Harvard Business School Africa Conference, Columbia University African Economic Forum and 2008 DC Fashion Week, to name a few. In 2008, Willis was one of the highest selling brands at DEKKA, DC’s only design co-op. Madia will further her fashion experience as a student at Drexel University’s Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts & Design in Philadelphia, PA, in the Masters of Science in Fashion Design Program.

About Crystal Little & CRYlittle:Crystal Little, owner and designer of CRYlittle Designs, has been creating hats professionally for six years.  After studying fashion design and fine arts in college, Crystal worked as an assistant at Christine A. Moore Millinery in New York. Little traveled around the fashion and bridal circuit as a freelance milliner and has created hats for many brides, ladies of the church and frequenters of horse races. In 2008 Little moved back to her hometown of Washington, DC to open her own studio and showroom, which is currently located at 464 Taylor Street, NW.  CRYlittle Designs’ timeless hats are now seen at Eastern Market on Sundays, boutiques, and specialty and gift stores throughout the DC Metropolitan area.

About Carolyn Malachi & Smart Chicks:

Hailing from the Prince George’s County/Washington, DC /Baltimore region, Carolyn Malachi is a vocalist, producer, writer and Founder of Smart Chicks, Inc. Malachi, who is the great-granddaughter of legendary jazz pianist John Malachi, has created her own modern infectious genre of music. Combining jazz, hip-hop, and spoken word, Malachi calls her brand of music “haute eclectic soular blues.” Malachi’s debut album was titled “Revenge of the Smart Chicks,” her follow-up album was “Revenge of the Smart Chicks II: Ambitious Gods,” and her third album dropping in July is “Lions, Fires & Squares.” The first project spawned a movement, a blog, and the non-profit organization Smart Chicks, Inc. Smart Chicks is dedicated to developing visibility and leadership opportunities for women in the arts. Carolyn is currently a resident artist at BloomBars, a community arts space in Washington, DC, and is the recent recipient of the Maryland State Arts Council 2010 Individual Artist Award.

About Amber Tree Gallery:

Amber Tree Gallery specializes in original oil on canvas pieces, framed silk thread art, hand carved wooden furniture, stools, masks, jewelry and art made of a variety of precious metals and stones. Currently the works of Akili Ro Anderson, Anthony Armstrong, Charles Bibbs, Lee Davis, Calvin Coleman, Bip Diggs, Albert Fennel, Candy Gordon, Jennifer Grinnell, Samuel Gurmu, Tim Hinton, Kadir Nelson, George Nock, Chuks Okoye, Sabrina Walters and Ann Williams are available for purchase.

The media are encouraged to cover this event. For more information on Madia Willis and BiriBelle please visit www.biribelle.com; for Carolyn Malachi & Smart Chicks visit www.smartchicksinc.org, www.reverbnation.com/cmalachi, and http://tinyurl.com/7ldfcc; and www.ambertreegallery.com for more information on Amber Tree Gallery. For press and sponsorship opportunities, information on the Bloggers Lounge, or to RSVP your blog, please contact Christina Alexander at AmplifyIMC@gmail.com and Simone Jacobsen at simone.jacobsen@gmail.com , respectively.

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So please make sure you come out and support this great event SATURDAY, JUNE 12th!! (TOMORROW!!) and also take a moment and check out Teen Vogue’s Daily Special post on the Biribelle signature cocktail hats here!

-Selamawit

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3rd Annual Capital Hip-Hop Soul Fest

Posted on June 10, 2010 | 3 Comments

The 3rd Annual Capital Hip Hop Soul Fest Highlights the Best Talent from the Nation’s Capital this Summer

Washington, DC — The 3rd Annual Capital Hip Hop Soul Fest (CHHSF) convenes in Washington, DC this summer on Saturday, July 24 from 11am-6pm. Following the trend of the first two festivals, the CHHSF showcases music from some of the top music artists in the soul and hip-hop music genres who are based in Washington DC and the surrounding metropolitan area. Among this year’sheadlining acts are Grammy-nominated hip-hop artist Kokayi, funk-rock band GODISHEUS, QN5 recording artist Substantial and DC’s own Princess of Controversy.

The CHHSF is held annually in Marvin Gaye Park located in northeast DC. Marvin Gaye Park is located in the neighborhood that the legendary Marvin Gaye was raised in and performed in before reaching celebrity status under the Detroit record label, Motown. The festival pays homage to home-grown talent in the Nation’s Capital and highlights the valuable cultural history of the festival site.

At The 3rd Annual Capital Hip Hop Soul Fest, audiences will enjoy:

  • Free music performances throughout the day by over 15 soul and hip-hop musical acts on two stages,
  • Dozens of vendors and small business owners on site selling items ranging from artisan crafts to delectable food treats
  • Children activities, including face-painting and arts & crafts
  • Displays and give-aways from community organizations and participating nonprofits
  • Outdoor comfort amidst the newly-renovated Marvin Gaye Park, including a freshly paved outdoor stage closer to the vending area, a brand-new children’s play yard and revitalized green space.

The CHHSF is produced by Liberated Muse Productions in partnership with Washington Parks & People. Since the first festival in 2008, the Capital Hip Hop Soul Festival has enjoyed coverage by

FOX news, The Washington Post, MTV and National Geographic’s travel blog. In 2009, The Washington City Paper named the CHHSF “…one of the summer’s best freebies.”Past performers at the Capital Hip Hop Soul Fest have included hip-hop artist and multi-instrumentalist Christylez, soul singer Afi Soul, hip-hop band Mello-D & the Rados, songstress Teisha Marie, the band Marcell & the Truth, and vocalist Rogiers, The music at the festival each year is enjoyed by and geared toward area professionals who are single or married with families.

For more information, visit the festival’s interactive web site at www.CapitalHipHopSoulFest.com.

Liberated Muse Productions is a business partnership formed in 2008 that provides arts programming and services based in Washington, DC. Liberated Muse Productions’ online artist communitywww.LiberatedMuse.com has attracted hundreds of local and national artists since its inception in 2008 and continues to link artists with performance opportunities in the Washington DC metropolitan area and beyond.

Press Contact: Khadijah Ali-Coleman,

Liberated Muse Productions LiberatedMuseProductions@gmail.com

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Mark your calendars now and make sure you go support a really great showcase of DMV talent!

-Selamawit

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EVENT: DRINKS FOR DREAMS– FRIDAY, MAY 7TH

Posted on May 3, 2010 | 2 Comments

DC Area Young Professionals Are Invited To Drink for Dreams

Washington, DC- May 7, 2010- If empowering the most isolated children on earth is a goal for DC area young professionals, then attending “Drinks for Dreams,” a fundraiser sponsored by non-profit Dreams for Kids, DC, will be the best way for them to do so. District Lounge in Adams Morgan is the venue. Friday, May 7, 2010 is the night. Dozens of DC area young professionals are expected to gather from 6-10pm to enjoy an ingenious blend of hip hop, soul, funk and rock from DJ Jahsonic (of Marvin Mondays), live art from local artists, signature cocktails, and of course each other, all while raising funds for the implementation of the second DC area Dream Leaders conference scheduled to take place in June. Although the title is “Drinks for Dreams,” this is definitely NOT an event you want to sleep on.

Dreams for Kids empowers youth living in poverty and those with disabilities, by uniting them with their peers, recognizing their abilities, and allowing their voices to be heard. Through dynamic service oriented programming, the most isolated young people from every community are reminded they have something to give. While fearlessly pursing their dreams, Dreams for Kids youth are leading others and compassionately changing the world.

Dreams for Kids provides one principle program designed for youth empowerment: Dream Leaders. Through this program, greatly diverse youth are united with each other and given opportunities to serve others both domestically and abroad. At the core of the program is the empowerment of what amounts to 60 % of the children alive today – those who live in poverty or with a disability throughout the world (1.2 billion.). The intention of the program is to remind each young person that they have something to give as well as giving them opportunities to make a difference in the lives of others.

One hundred percent (100%) of the proceeds from “Drinks for Dreams” will go toward the next Dream Leaders conference in DC. Although this event is intended to raise funds, Dreams for Kids hopes that all of the attendees leave inspired to do more for their community. As past Dream Leader, Carrie articulates, “…to me being a Dream Leader means so much more than just raising money. In my eyes, it’s more about giving someone another person to talk to, giving them hope, and letting them know they CAN.”

For more information and to RSVP, please visit www.dreamsforkids.org/donatedc

I’ll be there, will you?

Selamawit

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EVENT: Afrobeat Thursdays–4/29

Posted on April 25, 2010 | Leave a comment

When: April 29th, 2010
Where: Bossa Lounge
Why: Because you need to get down and dirty… I know you do.
Damage: $5.00

About Slimkat78:

Slimkat78 has been blessing hip hop heads with material for years. The DMV based producer has most recently been noted for his work on the Diamond District Album “In the Ruff” and on Yu’s latest Album “Before Taxes”

About The Cornel West Theory:

The Cornel West theory is a Washington, D.C. based hip-hop band. With the blessing of Dr. Cornel West, the Princeton University professor and renowned author, the band takes its name from his prolific writings and philosophies that have shaped contemporary thought throughout the world.

Inspired by the rich musical history of the nation’s capital and the struggles of poor people worldwide, the band was created in 2004 as a response to social oppression everywhere. They are here to deliver music that holds a mirror up to the world, with a core focus on political, cultural and spiritual commentary.

The band’s purpose is to speak the truth to the masses, while communicating to young and old alike. They create soulful music that entertains, informs, educates and provokes awareness and activism. Their sound, filled with drums, bass, piano, and electronic sounds, contains elements of all great music – from home grown Go-Go to jazz to rock to hip-hop.

Their music is rooted in hip-hop, but that single genre does not define the range and variety of the musicians in the group.

Check out the printed story on the Lunchbox Theory Productions team here and also make sure you go visit their site for posts on global culture and music here.

I’ll be there on Thursday, will you?

Selamawit

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Mustock Music Festival

Posted on April 13, 2010 | Leave a comment

Hey folks, just got this press release about a festival that is going to be in Virginia mid-late summer showcasing some really great DMV talent. Check out the full details below:

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Outdoor Music Festival Presented by Mustock LLC Puts Nearly Two Dozen Music Artists On Mustock 2010 Line Up July 30, 2010 – August 1, 2010

Asheru and the ELs, Fort Knox Five, Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad, Rob Paine of Solomonic Sound System featuring Lady Alma, Mustabar SoulBush and Thunderball to headline.

Washington, DC (April 13, 2010)  — The annual Mustock series returns with the Mustock 2010 Outdoor Music Festival, presented by Mustock LLC, in Lignum, VA on July 30, 2010 through August 1, 2010.  Twenty-two artists will perform Friday evening, entire day on Saturday, with a tree planting ceremony ending the event on Sunday.

Visitors to the Festival will enjoy music styles from across the spectrum of funk, soul, hip-hop, dance, reggae and indie rock.  Artists performing this year include roots and experimental dub reggae group, Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad, Tony Ozier and the Doo Doo Funk All-Stars along with the hip-hop artist known for the theme music for the TV series, The Boondocks, Asheru and his band The ELs.

Alexis Golden Lover, Beetnix, Breden Sound System, Fatso, GODISHEUS, Punk Rogers, Pure Light Seed, SEE-I, Tamika Love Jones and W. Ellington Felton complete the Mustock 2010 lineup.

In addition to the musical entertainment, food, unique clothing, jewelry, camping and yoga by Edward Robinson will be available.

Recording artist, Mustafa Akbar, known to his fans as Mustabar, created the Festival eight years ago. The yearly music event was born of Mustafa’s desire to share his love for his family’s land in Central Virginia.  That passion evolved into an opportunity to showcase the music of his fellow artists and celebrate summer with surrounding communities.

“This land has been in my family since 1882,” says Mustafa.  “Just as my mom’s siblings and their families and friends would gather for parties, fish fries and music, the tradition has been carried on.  I cannot wait to share the cool vibe and hot lineup with fans this year. Mustock 2010 will be the best.”

The festival will see an added element this year:  a nightly music tent.  Philadelphia’s own Rob Paine of Solomonic Sound System and Washington, DC’s Nappy Riddem, will host the Dub Tent on Friday night.  DJ Jahsonic (also from DC), Thunderball and Alexandria, Virginia’s All Good Funk Allliance, host the Funk, Soul and Hip-Hop Tent on Saturday night.

Mustock 2010 is open to music lovers of all ages during the day, with the nightly music tent being for those 21 years of age and older.  Tickets are on sale with prices ranging from $25 for day passes to $65 for weekend passes.  Camping is included in the price of weekend passes.  Discounted tickets may be purchased at www.mustockllc.com until Tuesday, July 27.

Lignum, Virginia is one-hour 20-minute drive from Washington, DC and 20 minutes from Fredericksburg, Virginia.  Additional hotels and motels are located in Fredericksburg and Culpeper, Virginia.

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Mark your calendars!

-Selamawit

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