LONG BEACH FUNKIEST FEST

Who ever thought Heaven could be reached so quickly? Thanks to the 100% gratis 2nd Annual Long Beach Funk Fest, myself and every other person in the greater Los Angeles County call victory on another week of memorable experiences. File that away for the future grandkids. Two outdoor groovy-freshy musical-mayhem city-blocks set the scene for legendary performing artists, bopping speakers, samba and break dancers, eclectic vendors, bellbottoms, and all-ages community celebration.

Last Saturday, August 7, 2010, Downtown Long Beach got taken for a smooth ride back to the 70's. As the vision promised... Our Futures are Sustained. In more ways then just bringing us pure Funk. This year, the event incorporated self-contained solar-powered stages. What does this mean? The LB Funk Fest was a 100% pollution free concert... one of thirteen free summer concerts by Summer and Music 2010. I thought this was so progressive and exciting that I included their promotional video below. Funk-tastic.

Let's get one thing straight between you and eye, FUNK is NOT DISCO. The trailblazer of Funk Music is (bow-please) James Brown. FUNK is known for it's breaks (to my hip-hop & techno brothers and sisters, this is where our dirty electro and dirty south was born). Common signs that you are listening to FUNK... blazing horns, rhythmic percussions and sexy guitar solos seeping in through your gourd and down to your toe, causing leg movement, hip gyration, and hand clapping.

Saturday passed in a sweet psychedelic blur... when we arrived on the scene the OG (translation: Original) Stone City Band minus the late-great Rick James was vibing sex and love to an eager open-arm crowd. Swigging gin from the flask we hollered at the crew of live artists gracing the scene... anyone want a taste? We bopped over to Yo Mama's Big Fat Booty Band, jived to Bloco Nove feat. Delta Nove and finished off the day with the Ladies of P-Funk, Brides of Funkenstein and Parlet (!).
I saw sparkles and danced from day to shimmering night with my down crew. During this lovely time my Colombiana amiga Manny of MANU Swimwear and I tried our first-ever Funnel Cake, thank you generous Sayuri Flores, provider of delight (check the blurry photo of our first experience). What to do when the show's over? An EPIC after-party at Rhythm Lounge featuring an All-Star Jam Session with the key members from performing bands at Funk Fest.

I earned my wings at The Long Beach Funk Fest. To FUNK and Beyond!

PS. We were so stoked on the vibe we forgot to take photos ... please enjoy the photos & video courtesy of Capoeira Salve taken at the LB Funk Fest Aug 7, 2010 (don't mind my cameo lol).

Sabrina Vedete

THE SHOWDOWN AT AREA 33

Do you have any plans this Saturday, July 31st, from 10pm to 6am?

Now you do.

Area 33 is going off and it's another special night you cannot miss. Art Cruz and Area 33 Events throws The Showdown & The Send Off - a night of DJ vs. DJ & a send off for SUNEVIL AKA Love Child before he goes on a Euro Adventure. Love Child is an Electro/Glam/House beat-mix-master don't forget your dancing partner.

Area 33 is an eyeparty hangout/dancespot that always excites, uplifts. Walk in, feel the vibe, good energy, slide along the dance floor, groove to banging music. Go outside, smoke some stoogies, meet your new crew, have interesting conversation with down folks, then go back inside, order another doozy then back to the dancefloor. Righteous.

Or keep it mellow at the Patio with some downtempo, talk about life, the stars, whatever gets you off. Like fire? They got a pit. Like art? Watch it created in front of your zinging eyeballs. Then go on, peruse the Gallery.

Get your costume, or leave it at home. I recommend costume... dig out those glitter sparkle eyelashes and leather bustier, dudes get your feather caps and chaps & fly out of your box! Always beautiful people inside and out, sharing creativity, smiles and namaste! All one till 6am!

How do I get on the bus? Who do I donate my money to? What DJ's can I expect to bless my drummies?

Visit Facebook! Go to: Area 33 Presents: The Showdown for all event details and links to buy tickets.

See you out there. Ka-pow!

Sabrina Vedete

BRASILIAN CARPENTRY 101

New Life! My Capoeira academy has a new home in Huntington Beach. We left the studio I grew up by in Los Angeles, Bellflower, and moved beach-side. It was a Sentimental move, Damn good memories, left my Sweat and Blood in the grains of that floor, Footprints on the walls and mirrors. Forged friendships, True Love, Devotion, Passion, Broken bones, all of this came to me through those doors, Centrosul Capoeira, Escola de Vida.

Life moves forward and so do we March on, the new place is... Beautiful. Open. Airy. Sexy. Home.

So what's good about the new Centrosul Capoeira? We've got a new member to our Family - Professor Mosquito. We all be down to get down to Learn and Expand. Blessed! We're also gonna have a Juice Bar. Totally fly-away stoked on this. This Juice Bar is going to be the Missing Link connected in our Universe as soon as we build it. I already envisioned the possibilities in a dream last week, there were Acai bowls and Mango Coconut smoothies dripping from the walls, sticky tasty sweet (in my dream).

I've never helped build a Juice Bar before, and wasn't quite sure if there were Instructions or Special Tools when it comes to demolishing walls. Well, you could bring in the hard hats and the drills, the wrecking ball and the red cones... if you're a pussy(kat). But that's not the way they do it in Brasil. And that's not the way we get down at Centrosul. All we needed were a few good men and their stomping hard feet. Please enjoy these informative instructional videos, not to be tried at home, Brasilian Carpentry 101. Axe!

Sabrina Vedete

Brazilian Carpentry!

Plenty of after hour's excitement at Huntington Beach's Capoeira Centrosul. In the rough and tough economy with a heavy emphasis on "going green" what better way to take on a late night remodel then to put the "play with" (but really kill) your opponent's moves into action. The powerful bencao was a perfect replacement for a sledge hammer when said wall belonging to future refreshment bar needed to be removed. Maestre Gui was nearly struck by an enthusiastic foot, but please don't worry, he's a trained profesional.

Erica Ether's STAR+CROST

What's a girl to do with all the talent? Illustrator, singer, dancer, fashionista/designer Erica Ether has managed to put it all together in a motion comic video. An East Coast girl with an uncaged spirit the wings of this woman have roamed the streets of Boston lived in the maze of New york city, and soaked up the California sun. I've had the pleasure of dancing with her personally and even witnessed some of her creative genius in person and now you will too with her video STAR+CROST. She personally illustrated, wrote and sang in this piece, I know and have created the possibility that Erica Ether will not be underground for too much longer. Check out more of her work at Erica-Ether-Music-Art

-Jamie Starr

These boots are made for Art walking

I often assume that "everyone", whoever the heck that is, knows about the monthly Santa Ana art walk. Well, I'm just putting it out there now so that you first-weekend-of-the-month-don't-know-what-to-on-Saturday types know that your pockets don't have to be full to see some rad art and get free wine. Multiple galleries, stores featuring art and dj's, dub-step, reggae, rap, cover bands and break-dancers, original t-shirts, bizarre sculptures, artists lofts and apartments all waiting for you to come join, drink and dance in right in down town Santa Ana. Last month not only did I get to see some of my artistic colleagues have there art featured in some of the stores, I also got invited to an "I can't believe my house isn't a gallery party" where I mixed and mingled to the sound of funky beats, had a hug war and soul connected with people around a back yard fire pit. What does Santa Ana have in store for you? Check it your Artwalk possibilities!

If I were in your shoes...

I'd dance the night away this weekend at Audiotistic. This San Bernardino festival has such a great line-up I'm wiggling in my bed sheets! Bassnecter, the cool kids, N.A.S.A, flosstradamus,Donald Glaude & kill the noise are just a few that I'd be thump thump thumping to. If I had some dimes in my pocket and a clear calendar you'd know exactly where to find me. Gosh! I'd kill to be you!

http://www.facebook.com/audiotistic

Jamie Starr art pic of the week!

While at the "Cozy Castle" I couldn't stop starring at this piece. Of so many beautiful paintings, sculptures and collages this lullaby sketch sang out to me. I'm not sure the medium, but it was framed behind glass (hence the glare)so I'm sure it is graphite or ink. In between two others by the same artist this particular one had hundreds of words and meanings, my present, future and childhood was trapped in this maze of evolution. A women walking, fluidly, softly, her legs being shaded by creatures that became fish that became birds. In her heart a phoenix like one ones I used to draw and cover in glitter in Sunday school bursting into a million doves.

The Alternative

Due to a double event can't believe the press list was written in pencil mix up I was not able to attend the Ludacris concert. I've learned that if you want to have fun you have to scout your opportunities and be FLEXIBLE, and while I don't quite mean yoga in this situations dred locks were definitely involved.
While picking up my Friend Jameel of ichantmusic.com in L.A. it was hard not to notice the scores of people filtering in and out of this cement building corner spot at field ave and exposition, directly next to the would be healing center in which Jameel resides. I have to be honest, the music was so thumping and lively I honestly believed it was a metal show. I mentioned that if there was time I would love to check it out. After driving into downtown, being rejected as press and driving back I thought the only way to save the night was to see what this cement haven had to offer.
To my pleasant surprise this cement block was really a "cozy Castle". A nook decorated with draping scarves, hanging orbs a hand built wooden stage and art art art covering every open space on every open wall. The set list showed that bands had been playing steadily since 2 p.m. it was time to see "Grapes 'n' Nuts" preform and people were rolling in. Dred locks, long hair, shaved heads both male and female, costumes, feathers, glitter, vintage, boots, sandals, barefoot, androgyny I was surrounded by my people. The first song was called "flora and fauna" a lyric-less tribute to the worlds plants and animals. Bluesy, jazzy, trance-like bass, and key board seduction there was not a person inside that wasn't dancing swaying or smiling.
In between sets the operators of Cozy Castle kindly ushered out to the parking lot where people sat on the cool cement in circles and got to know each other. I sat with two girls off to the side and we talked about everything whimsical, from dreams to ghosts to the love our lives and then it was time to go back a in to jam again!

Dwight Freeny joins Crenshaw Colts!

All the hype about the Crenshaw high event and we didn't deliver the story on time. Not to fret, the weekend way busy and eventful and the week have mockingly followed the same criteria.
Saturday July 17, 2010 Eyeparty was awarded press passes in order to witness and record the Crenshaw high's Developing Nations 1st Annual Health & Wellness Camp. We got there in the afternoon. With exceptionally friendly staff and barrels of bottled water on ice one barely noticed the blazing afternoon heat over head. Just in time to see the Indianapolis colts Dwight Freeny make an impressive speech about the ways a youthful person could become successful. The theme and most impacting part of his speech was and is "Dream Big" the simplicity of which effects even us, as adults with big aspirations and achievements. Children by volume are powerful in the face of "no" but it is equally important to see in the space beyond limitations in order to create what truly is possible. SO keep dreaming big kids, the greatest things in life are waiting for you, the future.
When his speech was wrapped up and awards handed to the traveling Colt, Dwight then posed with his honorary teammates in a yearbook meets front page cover photo shoot. With true team spirit fashion Dwight was amazingly relaxed and natural positioned between dozens of young wide-eyed fans. What a day for these girls and boys!
GO Crenshaw Colts!

<3 Jamie Starr

DELTA NOVE, HAVE YOU HEARD?

i used to train Capoeira with Bobby, i always knew he had a band, Delta Nove, that they had a brasilian-rootsy-capoeira vibe to them, a good energy. i knew they got down with Parliament, that gave them street cred in my eyes. Southern California is fortunate enough to have them home-base here, but i somehow never really got to see them in action, with their drums and their horns and their feather-touting *beautiful* Samba Crew - until last Wednesday at Alex's Bar in Long Beach.

They had a solid crowd - scanning the bar i ID'ed a crew of dreaded rastas and hippie folk, some dancing maniac get-down foolz buzzing off the vibe and $1 Heineken's, the smooth cats here for the Samba and a little hip jousting and of course a psychedelic-outfit dancing girl - who you pointing at, sista - from my experience i know that every bitchin jam band has one in tow.

Big up's to my boy Ahn and HOODATHUNK Entertainment, in the house representing, supporting and generally being the coolest kats up in the place. We shared a drink, shared a laugh and imagined tentative plans for Burning Man, for as you who know, there is no such thing as a plan for visiting The Man.

Delta Nove got DOWN, they weaved their funky world-beat sound into our lips and hips and we grooved baby, grooved and got hot on a Wednesday night with new friends and old. The Samba girls kept the beat in their smiles, feathers waving and sparkling jewels scattered across their bodies... were they even wearing any clothes? i hustled up to the front row to get a peak for myself. Smoking, for real. Another sapphire and soda, please. i looked over to Salve - my fly guy - you need to get an eyeful of this before they glide away.

Sabrina Vedete

VENDING WITH CAPOEIRA SALVE

Blood stains the roofs and the palm trees of Venice... blood in my love in the terrible summer... Saturday Jamie Starr and I went on a field trip to the playground of the strange, last-stop-on-the-train, SoCal's own, Venice Beach. I've always been down for meandering in Venice. Founded by 1900's tobacco millionaire Abbot Kinney as a beach resort, the streets were once canals, and during the Beat generation, cultivated counterculture artists and writers that planted the scenes of today.
Jamie and I teamed up with the upstart brand, Capoeira Salve, to debut their first line of tees featuring historic moments in Capoeira history as Venice Boardwalk vendors. Jamie had a few creations of her own for sale, feather hair accessories and hand-sewn dinosaur bags - you know, the usual.
California sun did not disappoint as we stood behind our little booth on the Venice Boardwalk, peering out at the interesting characters as they skated, skipped and strutted on by, for the first time on the other side of the matrix. For the first time having a personal interest in the outcome of events. When people approached, do we say hello, or let them be? Do we mention prices or wait to be asked? We all finally decided to just talk to people about the core reason we were there - Capoeira. Definition... Capoeira is an afro-brasilian art form that combines elements of martial arts, music and dance. We have all been training for a various amount of time, but felt confident, relaxed and happy to speak with medi doctors, hippies and emerging rap artists about what we do. Victories - girls and men liked our wares (and bought some too!) Allegiances - the Evil Eye Turkish guy asked me to watch his booth. Education - Vending 101 from an old-timer who's been there since the 1970's. We're coming back... Bloody red sun of Phantastic LA!
Sabrina Vedete

What we missed

You can't hit it all up and once weekend and with our philanthropist and artisan desires calling we completely missed Infected Mushroom thrown by Insomniac events for $15 at the music box in Hollywood! They have an amazing electronic sound that forbids the feet from staying still. I'm a little disappointed but I know that unlike the unique event of the Crenshaw High youth event I'll be able to catch these artists again soon. hopefully in time to invite the world along with me. ~Peace~

~Jamie Starr

Want something free?

Sunday night at Detroit bar, starting 7 p.m. free to get in Autolux will be throwing a dj set. Check them out, it may be a fun, cheap local way of catching good tunes. I used to love Detroit Bar when I first moved out here to California, I would love to see how it has evolved since then.

http://www.myspace.com/autolux

-Jamie Starr

Sunshine Venice and Crenshaw High benefit concert

Saturday July 17, 2010 was a busy day filled with new adventures. Details to come later, but basically we got to hang out at Crenshaw High's youth event featuring the Indianapolis Colts Dwight Freeney. He was there in order to inspire L.A.'s youth. Tonight we will be at the other half of this event which is the Diabetes Benefit concert staring Ludacris, Ray J, and New boyz at club Nokia at 5p.m.

During the day yesterday we teamed up at Venice Beach with "Capoeria Salve!" a t-shirt company displaying Capoeria's unique history through fashion. We met local artists, Capoeria supporters and ate lots of beach food which now includes fresh fruit and Indian cuisine.

Today Sunday 18, 2010 we will be back in Venice with the same mission, only breaking to check this afternoons Roda at Santa Monica peer, before heading to the concert. Hopefully we'll see you there!

~Jamie Starr

Lords of Acid

Surprise surprise Lords of Acid are playing tonight, Friday July 16, 2010 at club Nokia. This blows my mind simply because electronic music has such a historical attachment to Lords of Acid. Breaking into a fairly fresh scene in 1988 with controversial singles, explicit lyrics and sneaky sexual samples Lords of Acid managed to bring the exciting secrecy of RAVE into peoples bedrooms.

I cannot recall the countless times as a new kid 8 years ago in the New England electronic music scene I was asked "You DON'T know Lords of Acid?!" Finally and kindly the late Bill Ammels introduced me to these legends. I am more than grateful.

~Jamie Starr

Genesis and Art make magic and vegan treats

Soon to be well known Art Martinez and Genesis Sullivan created a sweet and slightly edible affair at Jet Studios of 7th and Olive, Long Beach Ca. Free to those that were invited, copious amounts of guests included, the night consisted of a funky dj, back to basics (except totally vegan) bake sale, live painting collaborative pieces and a get your groove on art supply raffle. With an underlying theme of sweetness each painting made made the mouth water with media ranging from photo to sculpture to paintings. A dance party went into the deep of the night and contribution to this fund raiser/art sale was optional throughout the course of the evening. Good friends, fun times and amazing art. Gotta love Long Beach.


~Jamie Starr

Que Sera

Thursday night at Que Sera on 7th and Cherry (Long Beach) was an interesting local experience. To start out it was free, which is awesome, the unemployed love free. Drinks were cheep, $3.75 domestic bottled beer, and $4.00 well drink. I went there under the premise I'd be seeing "live artist" what the awesomely home made flier didn't say was that the canvas was actually live women. Now, I've been to my fair share of women exploiting events and I can honestly say this was not one of them. Neither the artist or the "canvas" jumped at the opportunity to be tasteless. What was given instead was a creative experience. The music had me dancing like a 19 year old raver from Boston with a steady stream of smooth beats and dancing lazer lights. I had the best time ever.
~Jamie Starr

Thumpin Thurday anyone?

It's been recommended to me several times in the past few weeks to check out Que Sera on 7th street in Long Beach. Looking through a pile of fliers I stumbled upon one in true DIY fashion hand printed in Black and white for Que Sera's "thumpin' Thurs". Apparently there will be four live artist painting on stage; Ayeuh, Swiss Precise, Harley Kat, and Harrison Schaen, as well as a number of D'j's. I think this will be a good way to check out a local spot for the first time. I recommend the same for you. I'll post the local review later.

-Jamie Rachael

Google Breakfast

Thursday morning, while living the fabulous life of the unemployed I was invited by my friend and photographer Gabriel Eng to an exclusive Google Breakfast. Although it was invite only the Google crew was generous enough to allow each guest to have well, guests. Breakfast of fresh fruit coffee and bagels was provided and the meeting was held in a conference style room. The purpose of this meeting was to educate and demonstrate Google's new Adsense to the blogging world. The leaders of the meeting gave a step by step demonstration better and more detailed than the tutorials I've used on Youtube to learn excel, Powerpoint and other great tools of the writing world.

Besides feeling fortunate for the invite, I also felt inspired. I've for sometime running have been wanting to blog about my experiences in life, California, the arts, the music scene and all the wonderful things life has to offer. As my close friends know, I was laid off last Tuesday. Since then my roommate and respected friend Sabrina have put our heads together to get our creative gears spinning. This blog will display some of the things we've come up with and some of the places we'll be spending our time.