[kuumba]

Happy Kwanzaa! On New Year's Eve the Kwanzaa principle is Kuumba (creativity): To do always as much as we can, in the way we can, in order to leave our community more beautiful and beneficial than we inherited it. -The Official Kwanzaa Website

[ball droppin/champagne poppin]

Wishing everyone a Healthy and Happy New Year! A little before 10pm tomorrow night we will be heading downtown to see the Big Wish globe set on fire. The globe, a 1500-lb steel sculpture full of paper wishes sent in by Monroe county residents, will be set aflame right before the fireworks display. This I gotta see.

After that we will be heading to One. Enjoy and see ya in '09!

[nia]

On this fifth day of Kwanzaa the principle is Nia (Purpose): To make our collective vocation the building and development of our community in order to restore our people to their tradiitonal greatness. -The Official Kwanzaa website

[ujamaa]

Today is the fourth day of Kwanzaa. Today's principle is Ujamaa (cooperative economics): To build and maintain our own stores, shops and other businesses and to profit from them together. -The Official Kwanzaa Website

[ujima]

Happy Kwanzaa! Today's principle is Ujima (collective work and responsibility): To build and maintain our community together, make our brother's and sister's problems our problems, and to solve them together. -The Official Kwanzaa Website

[kujichagulia]

Today is the 2nd day of Kwanzaa. Today's principle is Kujichagulia (Self-Determination): to define ourselves, name ourselves, create for ourselves and speak for ourselves. Check out the official Kwanzaa website to learn more.

[umoja]

Happy Kwanzaa! Today marks the beginning of the seven day celebration. Today's principle is Umoja (unity): To strive for and maintain unity in the family, community, nation and race. "Kwanzaa, which means “first fruits of the harvest,” is a time of reaffirming African American people, our ancestors and our culture. We seek to honor our past, evaluate our present and commit ourselves to a more productive future. Africans and African-Americans of all religious faiths and backgrounds practice Kwanzaa." -Baobab Cultural Center

Celebrate Kwanzaa in Rochester, NY:

Kwanzaa 2008: A Change is Gonna Come

Umoja (Unity): December 26 - Wheatley Library, 3-5 pm. 33 Dr Samuel McCree Way.

Kujichagulia (Self-Determination): December 27 - Baobab Cultural Center, 3-5pm. 728 University Ave.

Ujima (Collective Work & Responsibility): December 28 - Memorial Art Gallery, 12 noon -5pm. 500 University Ave.

Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics): December 29 - Rochester Museum and Science Center, 6-9 pm. 657 East Ave.

Nia (Purpose): December 30 - North Street Recreation Center, 3-6 pm. 700 North St.

Kuumba (Creativity) December 31 - Dunwoody Studios, 6-9 pm. 34 Elton Street.

Imani (Faith): January 1 - Celebrate at home with family.

For more information: call the Kwanzaa Hotline at 585-234-KWAN (5926).

[gee whiz, it's christmas]

Holidays and music go hand in hand. For another spin on the Xmas mixtape head over to That Real Ish and get a free download of "A Funkadelic Christmas". This mix features Tribe, Snoop, The Roots, Mr. James Brown and a whole bunch of other artists I love. So sip that eggnog, chill with the fam, and love every minute of it.

[santa's got a big bag of soul]

Enjoy the holidays! For a seriously funky Xmas mix head over to Daptone Records and download JBX's "Soul Santa" (it's FREE Merry Xmas). I am loving all the tracks on this mix and will be playing it tomorrow for the fam. Spread some soul and love around.

[crazy cousinz]

Kyla- Do You Mind {Crazy Cousinz Remix}

[let the rhythm hit'em]

Start celebrating early. Tuesday night head to Spike's- 655 Monroe Ave- for hip-hop, funky beats, and some ill mcs. Merry Merry!

[jingle bells around his feet]

'Tis the season for holiday songs and traditions! Last night we went to a fabulous holiday party at our friends' place. Throughout the night we all took turns at computer dj'ing and one song that was in heavy rotation was "Dominick the Donkey." Neither of us had ever heard this Italian-American Xmas tune and it's one catchy little song. The hostess of the party told me that the song was one of her Xmas traditions and and how as a child she had loved envisioning Dominick bringing presents to kids in Italy. She explained that Rudolph could never make it up the hills of Naples so Dominick did the work. A cute little donkey climbing hills so he can bring presents to children? This song has Xmas cartoon special written all over it.

[tundra zone]

If you are reading this blog from a location in upstate NY then you already know that winter has arrived and that the snow is serious. If you are nowhere near upstate NY you should know that once you live in a snowbelt area and survive some winters you are pretty well equipped to live anywhere. Right now in the ROC you can cross country ski (or snowshoe) anywhere- even downtown. Wind chills are approaching negative numbers and there's blizzard conditions when the wind kicks up. But believe me we are some tough tundra warriors up here- we might drive a little slower but the weather doesn't stop us.

[eat it like couscous]

[blue-eyed soul]

The folks over at Stones Throw are geniuses. Heart shaped vinyl- i'm head over heels! Plus the track is addictive to say the least. Mayer Hawthorne manages to create a new soul song that sounds like an old soul song with some serious breaks mixed in for good measure. Looks like the vinyl is sold out at Stones Throw but I'm sure some internet searching could turn one up.



"Just Ain't Gonna Work Out"- Mayer Hawthorne & the County

[potential life]

For a while now I've been meaning to check out the gallery at Potential Life Studios (34 Elton St. 1st floor). I've picked up several of their flyers at Lakeshore Records but somehow I have yet to make my way over. Today I stumbled across their website and it all clicked. This gallery/musical space is currently exhibiting "reMIXED MEDIA"- mixed media work from Rochester artists kurt ketchum, chicken bone, jeremy dziedzic and r. scott oliver through January 2nd, 2009.



In addition to showcasing works of art Potential Life also has a weekly "improvised musical collaboration"- Sundays from 6-9pm. So even if you go every sunday you will never have the same muscial experience. Sounds exactly like my cup of tea. Check out Potential Life Studios and support local artists.

[lo-fi/ lo-tech]

Real cameras are back! Yes digital was fun but haven't you missed loading the film, manually focusing your camera, and the excitement of getting your pictures developed? Haven't you missed all those strange imperfections and color variations that only film can produce? Digital cameras are great for immediate gratification and internet posting but there's just something magical about a still film camera. The camera that I am obsessing over right now is the Holga. The Holga was invented in China during the '80s and is a simple plastic camera that produces gorgeous photos with all the details that digital loses! Plus the "fundamentals of Holga" (created by the Lomographic Society International) are brilliant:

1. Free yourself from rules

2. Embrace random results
3. Disarm your subjects
4. Engage individuality
5. Get your hands dirty

I can't wait to get my own Holga. I will use Kodak film exclusively since I am a Kodak baby (being from Rochester and all).

[these are the breaks]

This Friday NuROC is throwing their 4th anniversary party at Tilt Nightclub. As you can see on the flyer they have major support from some very talented djs. Guaranteed to hear them booty-shakin back- breakin beats! Gonna be a late night so wear your dancing shoes. For more info check out: NuROC

[chalupa- scrilla-scratch-paper-yaper-capital]

N.A.S.A. "Money" feat. David Byrne, Chuck D, Ras Congo, Seu Jorge, & Z-Trip from Paul Griswold on Vimeo.

[musical devotion]

If you had to pick one musician/group to solely listen to for 6 months straight- who would you pick? I ask this question because I once overheard a man say that he listened to only Prince for 6 months. When I heard this I immediately thought well yeah- I could listen to Prince for 6 months too. Prince's musical catalog is not only extensive but extremely diverse. Dude's got some 30+ albums, his music has been featured in countless movies, he's won a billion awards, and his career spans thirty years or so. Plus I happen to be a fan of the artist formerly known as... My other votes for a 6 month musical devotion include:
Syl Johnson
Bettye LaVette
Bad Brains

Nina Simone James Brown

And my new favorite group that I want to devote 6 months of listening time to is the South African group BLK JKS. I can't stop listening to their Mystery EP- which is free at Other Music.

BLK JKS- Summertime

[soothe]

Beanfield- "The Season"

[cut/mix/scratch]

To get you in the mood for tonight's Ugly Sweater Party. Here's a video of the headlining dj- Klever:

[happy hour art]

Rochester now has a First Friday gallery night! Every first Friday of the month (from 6-9pm) local galleries host a community night for folks to experience and share art. This winter there's even a free shuttle to take you between galleries. Basically you get a chauffeured ride to and from spots filled with art. That's like finding a portal through other people's imaginations. Plus don't you find it amusing to have random conversations with strangers about the "meaning" behind a painting/sculpture/modern art piece? Check out the First Friday website for info and a map of the participating venues. Initiative by ROCO.

[kudoro]

Buraka Som Sistema ft. M.I.A. - Sound of Kuduro

[radio roulette]

Does anybody really listen to the radio anymore? Ipods, the internet, and satellite radio have pretty much made AM/FM radio an antiquity.

There's a bunch of reasons I rarely tune into on air broadcasts anymore. The number one reason is the frequency and amount of commercials. There are more ads than music on most radio stations these days. My number two reason is that most radio stations play popular/mainstream songs that are backed by major labels. Independent music is basically ignored. On FM radio you hear the same 20 pop songs all day/everyday until the rotation is switched.

I watched the movie Before the Music Dies and I understand that radio is a business not just an art. It's still a pity that radio can't introduce listeners to new, innovative music on a regular basis. Enough of my soapbox ranting. Here's some FM radio stations that I still tune into when the mood strikes:


My favorite FM radio station of all time is 104 WDKX- straight out of Rochester, NY. It's the only locally owned and operated station in the Roc. The call letters for DKX stand for Frederick Douglass, Martin Luther King Jr., and Malcolm X. I grew up on this station and it brings back memories every time I tune in. 104 has some unique radio shows including the Quiet Storm, Oldies on Saturday mornings, and the live mix shows on Saturday afternoons. You can now listen online.
College stations have a great deal more freedom when it comes to radio programming. Commercials are far and few between and djs are more apt to play indy/underground music because they're allowed to! My favorite local radio show is "the slowFlow show" on 89.7 WITR (RIT's station). This hip-hop and R&B radio show was created by Jaythreeoh. As the host/selectah Jay plays a diverse mix of music- making sure to showcase local artists and underground/independent talent. Not only are the tunes on point- Mr. Jaytreezy has personality for days. Tune in weekdays from 9am-12pm. You can listen online.


NPR (National Public Radio) has always had a diverse lineup of radio shows. I don't listen religiously but whenever I catch a show it usually sparks my interest. WRUR 88.5 broadcasts a few NPR shows including my favorite World Cafe and the not-so-traditional talk radio show called All Things Considered. "World Cafe" profiles contemporary musicians and features live performances and interviews. "All Things Considered" features quirky human interest stories and news from around the world in a creative format.


Honorable mention: WBER 90.5 is a self-described alternative radio station. WBER is one of my car radio presets so when I feel like playing radio roulette this happens to be one of the choices.

[Petal Power]

The other day I was browsing at Abundance Co-op when I discovered four locally made products- Petal Power Salve/Balm and Green Power Salve/Balm. Each formula comes in a thick salve for the body and a lip balm. The amazing thing about these products is that they are made by Rochester students who are enrolled in a school-community garden project. Their pamphlet and website describe the program:"An...organic farmer and an educator work with elementary school students, teachers, and the community to develop school-community gardens on or near the schools. Students learn sustainable agriculture techniques. The gardens are located in low-income areas where food insecurity is high. Having the students research, design and process a product that is marketed and sold to the public is one of the goals of the project." Wow. Not only is this an incredible project that benefits local kids, schools and our communities but the products are natural and beautiful. Plus 100% of the proceeds from every purchase go back into the Rochester Roots program. Make sure you purchase Petal Power/Green Power products- they will make excellent stocking stuffers and help someone survive that dry skin and chapped lips we deal with in the winter! I'm giving them to everyone on my holiday list. These products are super affordable and can be purchased at the Abundance Coop (62 Marshall St. ) or online: Rochester Roots.

[Roc Native]

Mike Dispenza
Check out the Soul Slingers for that realness.

[Rehab Record Party]

Oh yes it's Rehab time again. Every 2nd Friday at the Bug Jar we get down with the get down. Djs playing vinyl just like in the good old days! And by old days I mean circa 1996. Make sure to say happy b-day to Miss Rachel on Friday. See ya on the dance floor! [more info: Rehab Record Party]

[speak up]

Katalyst ft. Stephanie McKay "Say What You Feel"

[from the pyramid's attic]

Wax Tailor "The Games You Play"
by ATMOSPHERIQUES

[artiste extraordinaire]

[BIRD KING by Rah Crawford- 30x40" mix media on canvas]

Living in Philly I was exposed to the magnificent artist Rah Crawford. Not only are his paintings vibrant, contemporary, and beautiful- each one seems to leap off the canvas and whisper something remarkable in your ear.[24K Godz- by Rah Crawford- 40" x 30" acrylic on canvas]

Visit Rah Crawford's website and check out his artwork. You can also purchase prints and other goods such as apparel.

[Dream Car]

I have always been obsessed with muscle cars and more specifically Shelby Mustangs. I happen to share my name with these legendary cars and someday I will own one.Just learned about Carroll Shelby's Ebay auction for his 1968 Shelby EXP500 CSS "Black Hornet". The car has some serious muscle- boasting a V8 engine with a 335 hp. This car is perfect- beautiful, powerful, and classy as they come. Check out the slide show over at Restoration hardware. I just keep picturing myself in the drivers seat, out in the middle of nowhere, speeding down an empty straight away. Yup I'm in love. Bidding starts at $100K and all proceeds go to Carroll Shelby's Children's foundation.

[Flipbooks make everything artsy]

KRAAK & SMAAK - SQUEEZE ME (VIDEO)

[i wanna dance with somebody...]

Received a text message about this dance competition- have no clue who's involved with this. Either way who doesn't love a good ol' fashioned dance-off?

[The Ugly Sweater Party]

--Now we all know we've received some pretty strange gifts for Xmas/ Hanukkah/ Kwanzaa/ insert whatever you celebrate or don't celebrate.
--But nothing beats the ugly sweater. Especially when the box is wrapped so beautifully that you are fooled into thinking the gift will be super beautiful too. Then as soon as you move the tissue paper aside you find a hideous and/or ill-fitting mess of yarn. Holiday sweaters with too many colors, sequins, 3-d decorations, lights, annoying slogans, reindeer, and whatever else the so called designer thought would be "so cute, festive, and unique!" Funny how the word unique is often used when something is just plain ugly. --Well here's a use for your fugly old sweater- wear it to the Ugly Sweater Party! On December 10 Klever will be headlining the party at Montage Grill (50 Chestnut St. in the ROC). And don't worry- with Klever on the tables we will all be partying so hard that the sweaters will be off in no time. See ya on the dance floor! For more info see: RIPROC

[bmore and illadelph]

MZ STREAMZ - TEAR IT UP

[Things i'm digging...]

1. Really Ridiculous Comedy

I don't watch TV- ever. But I recently discovered HULU and It's Always Sunny is too damn hilarious! Maybe I like it because it's set in Philly. But I'm guessing the real attraction is just the sheer absurdity of the characters' adventures which involve pretty much everything I would never ever do. I won't even get into the shenanigans. Just click on over to HULU and catch up on it- I promise you'll be laughing out loud Urkel style in no time.

2. Nuts and Garlic

Not sure if it's the change of seasons but we've been devouring nuts at an alarming rate. And garlic is in pretty much every dish i make (not the desserts of course but you know what i mean). Combine the two and you've got perfection. My girl Nicky Nic Nick recently visited from the Bay Area and brought us the most incredible Garlic Pistachios (thanks Nick!). I'm telling you these pistachios melt in your mouth! Nicky picked these up from the G.L. Alfieri stand at the San Francisco market. Luckily the brilliant people who made these nuts have a great website and ship all their treats. I am already planning to grab some holiday gifts from the site. Check out: G.L. Alfieri

3. Wray & Neph
Jamaican Rum will always do the trick.

4. Support Starving Artists and Local Business This Holiday Season

We all indulge and spend more money this time of year on gifts for loved ones. For the holiday season I say boycott the mall and all large corporate stores. For gift giving try to save money, support local artists, and spend money in urban businesses.

First: I make a portion of gifts and even if a gift is not entirely handmade I always personalize wrappings with funky collages and clippings.
Second: I check out the ETSY website. ETSY is an awesome site chock full of all kinds of unique handmade goods, vintage finds, and supplies. PLUS- you can search and buy locally.
Third: I shop in urban businesses ('hood business as we like to say). By urban business i mean a business that has chosen to stay in the city to serve the needs of residents.

Off the top of my head here are some Rochester shops/ vendors I will be perusing: MoodMakers, Archimage, Thread, Tonja's Hat Store ( 674 South Ave. right near Thread), Future Xclusives, The Public Market, Abundace Co-Op, Record Archive (make sure to ask about local artists), and LakeShore Records. Obviously there's a million more- get exploring. Remember when you spend your money where you live you will get to see the benefits.