Friday's Photo of the Week . 13 July 2007

Adrian Krygowski & Mohamed El-faki . Street Musicians

Dupont Circle - Washington DC - Sunday, 08 July 2007

2007 Fridays' Photos of the Week

John Wojnowski of Vatican Hides Pedophiles

When 15 year old John Wojnowski was sexually molested by a Catholic priest in Italy, in 1958, the experience was so traumatizing that he repressed it for many years.

39 years later, at the age of 54, news of a Catholic Church sexual abuse scandal in Texas started the recovery of his memory and an awareness of the damage that had been done.

After becoming aware of the damage, Wojnowski wrote to the Vatican Embassy. When they ignored his letter he began, 1998, a one man protest in front of the Vatican Embassy, across from the Vice President's House on Massachusetts Avenue in NW Washington DC.

Which was when I first observed and sometimes photographed him since as an independent contractor associated with Occasions Caterers I often catered for Tipper and Al Gore.

Unlike many of my colleaques who dismissed him as a lunatic the fact that I took the time photograph or acknowledging him when reporting to work at the Vice President's House represented a statement of solidarity. And support. Or, at least, empathy.

As would be the case when in November 2002 and 2003 that in the process of documenting the Soulforce Protest at the US Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) that I also captured John Wojnowski.

While I was not abused by priests, as a 53 year old black male, I do know a great deal about institutionalized racism. And hearing the same colleagues who for many years dismissed Wojnowski, at the same time, also dismiss me and my very vocal protests against their racism against me.

And in the same exact way that they dismissed Wojnowsi as 'a lunatic' they also 'dissed me'.

So, each time that I see Wojnowski, I reflect on the many government agents inclduing one who was a priest whose right to do drugs were projected onto me. It was during this time and, in fact, beginning in 1988, that many a white crack addict had been positioned around me. And when ever they came around me, they affected my life, my home and my work. So, my experiences when catering for the Gores was rooted in a form of racism that I will never recover from.

A racism that, as a 53 year old black male, I am still confronting today.

So, when photographing John Wojnowski on the Red Line on Thursday evening, 12 July 2007, it was statement of solidarity. From the perspective a 53 year old black man ...

CALOR SUNRISE MORNING PARTY with Roland Belmares 29 July 2007 at Club Five

Bahia Productions presents

CALOR Sunrise
w/ DJ Roland Belmares
Sunday Morning Party, 29 July 2007
at Club Five
1214 B 18th Street, NW, WDC

6AM - 12 noon
18+
$30

www.experiencecalor.com

Theo Eastwind & Band at The Cutting Room on Saturday, 14 July, 9:30 PM

Theo Eastwind, The Modern Day Troubadour, will appear LIVE with his band, featuring Shakerleg on drums and Adam Roberts on bass at The Cutting Room on Saturday night, 14 July 2007 at 9:30 PM.

An 11 pm performance of Le Scandal Burlesque will follow Theo and The Band.

$10 admission.

The Cutting Room is located at 19 W 24th Street between Broadway & 6th Avenue in New York City and within walking distance from any of the 23rd Street subway stop.

Click photo by Elvert Barnes to view 13 January 2007 Theo Eastwind at Dupont Circle South in WDC photoset.

Friday Night in WDC Summer Series / 06 July 2007

I actually began my Friday Night in WDC Summer 2007 Series on Friday, 8 June when the day after my return from a Memorial Day Holiday in Fort Lauderdale that I stopped in at Frank Muzzy's Bare to Bear opening reception at Pulp on 14th Street.

Armed with a new Canon Power Shot S3 1S I recorded my second video-interview when after leaving the reception and in the course of my ongoing 14th Street Project that I happened upon David Dienstag, a motorcycle enthusiant, who lives just one block south of Pulp On 14th Street.

The following week when on a weekend trip to my hometown, Lexington Park, in Southern Maryland for the purpose of photographing the Saturday, 16 June 2007 St. Mary's County Juneteenth Celebration I captured Friday Nights in Southern Maryland at the Brusters Real Ice Cream in Hollywood Maryland.

My 22 June 2007 Friday Night in Washington DC begin with the Herb White Memorial Service at the Friends Meeting House and concluded with the Two Steps Away Dancers in Dupont Circle.

Having spent Wednesday and Thursday, 27 - 28 June, capturing the first two days of the 2007 Smithsonian Folklife Festival I spent Friday night, 29 June, organizing my photos and finishing up on the June 2007 webpage.

And re-editing my ongoing "Independence Day" photoessays which includes "It's A Camera, Not A Gun" and "When White Folks Come Around" and "The Fiddler".

In the past, my Friday Evening Photo Walks and Friday Nights in Washington DC were represented by still images. Whereas, this past Friday's 'walk against racism' involved videography.

I began my 06 July 2007 Video Walk at Dupont Circle South by capturing the Madison Livelystones Band, who I have photographed since 1994. While I did shoot a few few still images along Connecticut Avenue at Dupont Circle North I resumed my video walk at the corner of 17th and Q Streets. And proceeded south to P Street, east to 14th through the Logan Circle area and south on 14th Street to Thomas Circle.

Dancing On The Beach 7 - East Hampton NY - Saturday, 28 July 2007

Convicts take over the 'joint' at the Kennedy Center on 1 September 2007

The Prison Art Gallery, in conjunction with its parent organization the Prisons Foundation, will be presenting a three-hour show at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC, on Saturday, September 1, 2007 at 7pm. The show, entitled "How Music Helped Me Escape from Prison," consists of singers and musicians who put their interest in music to productive ends while behind bars. Everyone is invited to attend this free event.

If you are an ex-prisoner musician or singer, or know of an ex-prisoner musician/singer, there is still time to be included in the show. Each performer will have a designated amount of time to perform songs of her or his choice with brief remarks about how these songs helped her/him rise above the prison experience.

Organizations are especially welcomed to become a sponsor, which includes many special privileges and inclusion in the Kennedy Center program and in a video production of this historic event. For further information, please call 202-393-1511.

Located three blocks from the White House, the Prison Art Gallery is served by two Metro stations (Farragut North on the Red Line, and McPherson on the Orange and Blue Lines). Note that the entrance is on 16th Street, at the corner of K Street. Open Mon to Fri, 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM, and Saturday and Sunday, 12:30 to 5:30 PM (also open evenings by appointment - groups welcome - admission is always free).

Friday's Photo of the Week . 06 July 2007

The Bogside Artists, Muralists . Northern Ireland Exhibition

41st Annual Smithsonian Folklife Festival

National Mall WDC . 4 July 2007

Should the Red Barn at No Point Farm in Dameron Maryland be BARN AGAIN!?

Located at No Point Farm on St. Jeromes Neck in Dameron Maryland this particular barn was built by my grandfather, Walter Biscoe, in the 1960's.

As one of the largest black land owners on St. Jeromes Neck Road Walter and Violet Biscoe were well respected. And always held their own.

My grandfather often told the story that in order for him to have purchased the land he had to get a Jewish man to purchase it first. And then resell it to him. Because no good standing white folk, at that time, would sell land to Negroes. Since it was not uncommon for KKK members who lived on the nearby farms to threaten my grandparents they pointed out areas, to me, in the woods behind the garden that my grandfather had often found crosses carved into the bark of trees. Since, I had always been fascinated with 'the woods' my grandparents often told me 'be careful about going back there ...!".

A few years ago when I visited West Virginia with Bill Ware I came to realize that my fascination with 'the woods' may be connected to a previous life when as a 'run away slave' that 'the woods became my safe haven and 'passage to freedom'.

The Norrises, as were most of the families on St. Jerome Neck Road, were white. Many who also owned large farms. It was not too uncommon, at that time, for my older brother Bernard Jr and the Norris boys to play together when they were at a younger age since my mother sometimes worked as their maid.

But, once they reached their teens years, white teen males were discouraged from maintaining a relatiionship with their negro childhood friends. Often the relationships had blossomed as a result of the fact that many Negro women worked in the homes of white families.

In fact, this is a matter that former President Jimmy Carter recently spoke on as having still been the case, in recent years, when his son reached 13 or so.

I've always regarded my grandparents as important figures not only in our lives but in the history of America. And have contemplated spearheading a project that would place the No Point Farm on the National Trust for Historic Preservation Register.

So when I came across Barn Again! last fall I immediately thought of the remaining red barn at No Point Farm. Which was constructed by my grandfather, Walter Biscoe.

My recent visit to St. Mary's County for the 2007 Juneteenth Celebration at Freedom Park in Lexington Park has reminded me of the rich heritage and contributions that African Americans have made to St. Mary's County Maryland. As was highlighted in the recently published book "In Relentless Pursuit of an Education".

Putting together a July 2007 - June 2007 Family Calendar in celebration of my sister, Bevaline's, birthday when selecting an image of the red barn as the calendar's cover I was again reminded that efforts should be taken to register it on the National Historic Trust For Preservation Barn Again! Registry. Which I do not find any programs listed for the state of Maryland.

When speaking with Alonzo Gaskin of the St. Mary's County NAACP during the 2007 Juneteenth Celebration regarding the importance that his mother, Elvare Gaskin, had played in his life and the community I, again, contemplated sharing with him my interest in spearheAding a project in the preservation of my grandparents' farm, No Point Farm, as an important heritage of and contribution to the African American community in St. Mary's County. As well as to the history of America!

Two Steps Away Break Dancers at Dupont Circle on Friday evening, 22 June 2007

After attending the Herb White Memorial Service at the Friends Meeting House on Friday evening, 22 June 2007 I headed to Dupont Circle in connection with my ongoing Friday Nights in Washington DC series.

As I entered the Circle at its north side, from Connecticut Avenue, I observed two Metropolitan police officers several yards in front of me walking in the same direction as I.

At a distance I could see and hear a group of black males in the process of 'break dancing'. I wondered if the police officers were rushing to the fountain to instruct the black males that they could not perform. As had been the case just a few days before when a cop car pulled up to the overpass at Dupont Circle North and told three young black males who I was in the process of videotaping playing New Orleans jazz that they could 'toot their horns' at that location.

In a similar way that I take pictures of windows that shop keepers will run out into the street and demand that I not take pictures. Or that people on the street will follow me up and down the street watching my every move and sometimes will demand to know "what are you photographing?".

As a black male photographer I am very famiiar with such discrimination since it is something that I encounter each and every time that I photograph. Not only in Dupont Circle but throughout the country in the course of my travels. And, in several cases, cops and security guards have demanded that I show them my ID.

Though the police did not instruct the group of black males to leave - the way that they stood watching was not unlike the way that I had been treated moments before by many who attended the Herb White Memorial.

After video-taping and photographing the group of black male 'break dancers' I handed them my card and said that I would post the images to flickr and upload a video to You Tube.

From New York City, Two Steps Away Dancers include Ross from Brooklyn and Sham, Chubs and Alex from the Bronx. Contact information is Stella, their Manager, at 347-365-8903 or tsadancers@yahoo.com.

"2008 Wirefly National Marathon" Early Bird Registration Starts July 4th!

The 3rd Annual Wirefly National Marathon and Half Marathon is scheduled for Saturday, March 29th, 2008.

Be one of the first to sign up for the event by taking advantage of the "Celebrate Freedom" sale. Registration for the marathon is only $60. With the half marathon set for $50.

Offer runs from 12:01am on July 4th through 11:59pm on July 7th. After that, standard registration rates apply:

MARATHON RATES
July 4th - July 7th: $60
July 8th - September 30th: $75
October 1st - December 31st: $85
January 1st - March 28th: $95

HALF MARATHON RATES

July 4th - July 7th: $50

July 8th - September 30th: $60

October 1st - December 31st: $70

January 1st - March 28th: $80

Visit Wirefly National Marathon or view 28 June 2007 Press Release, in pdf format, for more information. Click photo by Elvert Barnes to view 24 March 2007 Wirefly 2nd Annual National Marathon photo collection.

Friday's Photo of the Week . 29 June 2007

Virginia Governor Tim Kaine . Virginia Quilt Museum

2007 (41st) Smithsonian Folklife Festival Opening Day

National Mall . Washington DC . Wednesday, 27 June 2007

2007 (41st) Smithsonian Folklife Festival photo collection

2007 Fridays' Photos Of The Week

Photojournalist Michael David Murphy reports on Louisiana's Jena Six Trial

Jena Six (2 of 6)
Originally uploaded by whileseated

Michael David Murphy first became aware of the Jena Six story as a result of BBC2's documentary "Race Hate in Louisiana". He is now in Louisiana photographing and recording interviews related to the trial of the six african american boys who were charged with attempted murder and conspiracy to commit murder for a schoolyard fight.

In the next few days, Murphy will post a few images from Jena that, related to the case, will link to a multimedia piece he is working on. CNN began reporting on the story today, following the lead of the BBC, who crafted an excellent hour-long documentary that can be found on P2P networks.

Monaldi Brothers Band to reappear at DC's 9th annual Italian street festival

At one time, Washington, D.C., had its very own Little Italy! The area around Holy Rosary Church, at Third and F Streets, N.W., was once home to a vibrant Italian neighborhood, complete with frequent feste - or street festivals - like those in New York, Milwaukee, Chicago, Baltimore and many Italian cities. In 1999, Washington's active and growing Italian community came together to revive the traditions of their ancestors, and D.C.'s Festa Italiana was born! The inaugural festival that year drew 1,500 of the metro area's Italian-Americans and those interested in Italian culture, and it has grown every year since!

Now in its ninth year, the Festa Italiana, the largest Italian festival in the D.C. area, and the only one in downtown Washington, will be held on Sunday, July 8th from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Third and F Streets, N.W.

On tap will be plenty of delicious Italian food, live music, dancing, crafts, trade demonstrations, games, performances and events for children and much, much more!

Click the above never before seen photo depicting the Monaldi Brothers Band performing at the 2006 event which took place on Sunday, 24 September 2006. They are scheduled for an encore performance at this year's 8 July 2007 Festa Italiana.

Tuesday, 3 July 2007 proclaimed as Herb White Day

A memorial service was held last evening, 22 June 2007, at the Friends Meeting House in NW Washington celebrating the life of Herb White who passed at Sibley Hospital on 8 June at the age of 71 of complications associated with lung cancer.

Born 06 July 1935, a restaurateur and real estate investor who owned and operated businesses in Baltimore, Washington and Miami, Herb White was one of the founders of DC Arts Center.

When remembering his long time friend, Councilman Jim Graham brought his remarks to a close by announcing that the District of Columbia's City Council had enacted a proclamation designating Tuesday, 3 July 2007 as Herb White Day.

Though it will take me a few days to upload all the images, click the above photo to view my Herb White Memorial - Friends Meeting House - WDC - 22 June 2007 photoset.

Here is the video of Jim Graham proclaiming 3 July 2007 as Herb White Day. And you'll find the text to the "Herb White Recognition Resolution of 2007" here.

Friday's Photo of the Week . 22 June 2007

On The Rise Band . Sounds in the Square Concert Series

Farragut Square Park . WDC . Thursday, 21 June 2007

2007 Fridays' Photos of the Week

Marking the Streets for this weekend's 15th National Capital Barbecue Battle

When out taking pictures on Wednesday evening, 20 June 2007 that I happened upon this workman at the corner of Pennsylvania Avenue and 13th Street in NW WDC, at Freedom Plaza, I inquired if I may photograph him as part of my Men At Work 2007 series.

He said yes. Upon my questioning, he said he was 'marking the streets' so that when the crews arrived on Friday to set-up for a weekend festival they would know where the street closures were.

Thanking him, I handed him my card and said the photos would be posted to flickr in a day or so and would included in my ongoing Men At Work series.

Checking the internet tonight I learned that the festival that he was 'marking the street' in preparataion of is The Safeway 15th Annual 2007 National Capital Barbecue Battle.

Sounds in the Square Concert at Farragut Square Park TONIGHT

Each Thursday evening from 10 May through 09 August, the Sounds In The Square Concert series is held in Farragut Square Park between 17th Street and Connecticut Avenue and H and K Streets in NW WDC from 5 until 7 pm.

Produced by the Golden Triangle Business Improvement District in partnership with NewsChannel 8, Smooth Jazz 105.9, the U.S. National Park Service and Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority the free outdoor concert series features local and regional artists, representing genres ranging from rock to pop, reggae to country.

Tonight, 21 June 2007, Country and Southern Rock musician Dean Crawford will take to the stage, from 5 until 7 pm. Here is a sample of his music.

And here is the Summer 2007 schedule.

As a concert attendee, you’ll also receive an “all access” wristband entitling you to discounts and special deals at bars, restaurants and other businesses in the Golden Triangle.

Make a night of it.

Become a friend of the Sounds in the Square concerts at www.myspace.com/soundsinthesquare.

Daniel, Strummin' His Fingers in Dupont Circle

I began my STREET LIFE / STREET MUSICIANS video-interview documentary project on Wednesday evening, 20 June 2007 when I happened upon Daniel in Dupont Circle.

Focusing on homeless subjects who are also street musicians each interview will shed light on the individual's personal story. Or, in some cases, serve as a means by which the subject may express his/her views regarding a particular matter(s) of his/her day.

Eventually, images that I have taken, over the years, of the homeless as well as video-interview clips from my newly launched STREET LIFE / STREET MUSICIANS series will be included in a provocative "Homelessness in America - Street Life" exhibition / installation.

Daniel was sitting on the north side of Dupont Circle when I approached him inquiring if I may conduct a brief video-interview of him while he played his guitar. And explained further that the resulting video would be uploaded to the internet as part of an ongoing STREET LIFE / STREET MUSICIANS project.

Here is the video which includes the following text:

STREET LIFE/STREET MUSICIANS video-interview series: 52 going on 53, born in England, Daniel moved to PG County MD in 1965 with his family. After a discharge from the Army he returned to PG County. His music reflects the 60's but, without a 'pick' on this particular day and for the sake of this video-interview Daniel is, simply, "strummin' his fingers" ...

Click the above photo to view Street Life 2007 and Street Musicians 2007 photo sets. See also Street Musicians 2006 and Musicians & Bands and Street Life 2006 and Homelessness - WDC.

Video is at You Tube.

Mo Alem performs "The Flip Side of A Coin" at DC Guerrilla Poetry Insurgency in Dupont Circle WDC . 18 June 2007

On the 1st and 3rd Monday of each month, DC Guerrilla Poetry Insurgency (GPI) holds an open mike night in Dupont Circle, from 7 until 9 pm.

I first captured the DC GPI open mike night, a few years ago, when reporting for DC Indymedia. Out testing my repaired Canon Rebel XT on Monday evening, 18 June 2007, I have captured the DC - GPI Lyrical Ambush for the third or fourth time - in as many years.

Though I videotaped and photographed several performers Mo Alem's performance of The Flip Side of A Coin" was definately amongst those that stood out. Here is the video and here is the text.

Click the above photo of Mo Alem to view my 18 June 2007 DC Guerrilla Poetry Insurgency session in Dupont Circle photoset.

Prison Art Gallery / Street Exhibit at Farragut North Subway Station

Founded by Dennis and Carolyn Sobin the Prison Art Gallery, located at 1600 K Street, NW, Suite 501 opened its doors last October.

In 1991, Sobin was arrested in Florida for filming naked children frolicking at a nudist resort. Sobin claimed the footage was for use in a documentary; a court viewed his work as pornography and gave the combative defendant over five years in state prison. Now free, Sobin is gathering other incarcerated artists in his stand against the Man.

Sobin, 63, is the director of the Prisons Foundation, which was officially incorporated after his January 2003 release from the Federal Correctional Institution in Petersburg, Va., where he was serving an additional five years for bankruptcy fraud-related charges. “The foundation,” he says, “promotes the arts and education in prison and alternatives to incarceration”—which includes publishing resource guides for inmates and inmates’ families, hosting events to increase public awareness about prisoner issues such as mandatory sentencing minimums, and responding to letters from prisoners.

The Prisons Gallery of Art, which opened in early October, is the foundation’s latest project.

In addition to its leased gallery space at 1600 K Street, Suite 501, the Prison Art Gallery also operates a Prison Art Gallery / Street (Outdoor) Exhibit at the Farragut North WMATA Subway Station exit at the corner of Connecticut Avenue and K Street in downtown WDC.

Hours for the main gallery at 1600 K Street, Suite 501, are Monday through Friday 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM and Saturday and Sunday 12:30 - 5:30 PM.

The Prison Art Gallery / Street (Outdoor) Exhibit, at the corner of Connecticut Avenue and K Street operate from 11 am until 6 pm, Monday through Friday.

For more information visit the website at http://www.prisonsfoundation.org/ or telephone 202-393-1511.

Click photo to view my now ongoing Prison Art Gallery / Street Exhibit and Golden Triangle Street Vendors photo sets.

Curtis Tire Center: After more than 40 years, one of the few remaining black owned businesses ...

Though it was only recently that I learned that my picture-taking is a form of flaneurism when visiting Southern Maryland this past Fathers' Day Weekend I could not help but reflect on one year ago when documenting the 2006 Juneteenth Celebration at Berry Hill Plantation that I spent a great deal of time photographing South Boston Virginia.

While my interest and foci span the gamut I always make it a special project to photograph black owned businesses in the course of my travels. Which, in recent decades and, particularly, with the onset of integration has been on a steady decline.

As a young black boy growing up in Southern Maryland I have many memories of many black owned businesses.

The 'decline' is not only true in Southern Maryland but also along 14th Street in NW WDC as well as in communities and cities throughout the nation. Including Fort Lauderdale where Tanis Hair Design Unlimited remains as the only black owned business in the Wilton Manor area. When I visit Fort lauderdale or Chelsea NYC, black businesses are hard to find.

It was during my 16 June 2007 Saturday Photo Walk along Great Mills Road in Lexington Park MD when remembering that Curtis Tire had been at the same location during my attendance at Great Mills High School, which I graduated from in June 1973, I then reflected on the fact that Curtis Tire represents one of the few remaining black owned businesses in the lower part of St. Mary's County.

Learn more about the history of Curtis Tire visit Southern Maryland Stories at the Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative's Community Newsletter.

View my Curtis Tire & Auto Center photoset or images at Insider Pages.

Friday's Photo of the Week . 15 June 2007

Commuters (Baltimore - Washington series)

BWI Airport Rail - 08 June 2007

2007 Friday's Photos of the Week

June 2006 South Boston VA Photos Never Before Seen

A Letter To Black America

On 15 May 2007, 22 Black American professors, writers, religious figures, and other leaders issued a call to Black America to join in the June 10 March and Rally, and break the silence on the injustices faced by the Palestinian people. To read and endorse the letter click here

June 10-11 Mobilization in Washington, DC

On June 10-11, 2007, the US Campaign and United for Peace and Justice are sponsoring a two-day mobilization in Washington, DC to protest the 40th anniversary of Israel's illegal military occupation of the Palestinian West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Gaza Strip. Under the banner, "The World Says No to Israeli Occupation", the US Campaign and UFPJ will hold a massive rally, teach-in, and grassroots lobbying day. Get involved today!

Friday's Photo of the Week . 08 June 2007

Graffiti, Propaganda & Other Writings on the Wall

Las Olas Riverfront . Sunday, 03 June 2007

Vanity Fair July 2007: The Africa Issue

Eastern Market: A Fresh Approach

Through the efforts of the Capitol Hill Community Foundation, assisted by an exhibitor relief fund committee, an ad campaign has begun to make the metro area aware that Eastern Market is open for business, despite the upheavals related to the April 30 fire in South Hall of historic Eastern Market, Communications Director Michael Berman announced today.

"It's essential people understand that the interdependent Market activities continue to operate. This campaign will go a long way to getting the word out" Berman promised.

The idea spun, in part, from brainstorming sessions of the Exhibitor Relief Fund, chaired by photographer- exhibitor Steve Miller. "The committee came together to assess exhibitors needs in wake of the tragedy. We found that what we needed was not necessarily relief, but rather business," Miller explained. "Thus the Relief Fund Committee became a marketing committee, and we set about ideas for bringing business back to the Market."

The ad, designed by Edge Advertising, is targeting several audiences and takes into account all of the different market businesses. The message that the Market is open while being restored will be published in several media.

A special thanks goes to Nicky Cymrot and Gary Peterson of The Capitol Hill Community Foundation's highly successful "Eastern Market, Keep It Going" fund raising campaign which provided much of the financing for the advertising. The organization is also contributing to other aspects of the Market's needs including signage and equipment for the merchants. Donations are still needed and are being accepted both at the website and at their booth at Eastern Market on weekends.

Cymrot pointed out recently that most of the displaced market businesses are now operating outside under the Farmer's Line canopy. A list of South Hall merchants and their new operating schedules is posted at the Save Eastern Market website.

Eastern Market Newsletter dated 08 June 2007

Jason Barnett: The surfer who jumped off Pompano Beach Pier during September 2004 Hurricane Frances

Wanting to get some shots of the Lauderdale-By-The-Sea's "Beach Village", once the sun had began to go done, I'd leave the apartment late Monday afternoon to catch the number 11 bus to Anglin Square.

Waiting at the bus stop just across the street from the apartment building, at the corner of South Ocean Boulevard and SE 19th Street, in the process of setting and configuring the camera I'd focus on bicycle traffic.

The first were of three bicyclists who waved as they passed by while the second was of a shirtless man would stopped and said "Hey, I once photographed 'a chair' that had been abducted by aliens".

"Did you say 'a chair' ... inducted by aliens ...?" I inquired. He said, yes. And then explained further that he and others had seen the aliens on more than one occasion. I said that I had not ever seen an alien but, "... anything is possible ...!"

The shirtless bicyclist then asked "what are you taking pictures for?".

Replying that I live in Washington DC and was visiting a friend who lives in Fort Lauderdale I explained with an interest in tourism that I take pictures of everywhere that I go. Mentioning that it was a brand new camera, I said further that I was testing the new camera out. And that it was very different than my other two digitals that were, both, in for repair.

Unlike my other two this one also shoots videos and movies.

He then asked if I had ever heard of the surfer who jumped off the Pompano Beach Pier during the 2004 Hurricane Frances and that police had spent several days looking for. Reminding him that I live in DC I said that I had not heard of the incident. Nor had any particular recollections of Hurricane Frances.

I then asked if I could photograph him for the purpose of posting the images to flickr and my blog pertaining to his "15 minutes of fame".

In the process of this photo-interview, 40-something Jason Barnett said that he moved to Fort Lauderdale from Fairfax VA in 1973. Which brought to mind September 1973 when I began my first semester as a freshman at the University f Maryland. I also then remembered that was the third person that I had met since Sunday who said that they moved to Fort Lauderdale from Fairfax Virginia.

Handing him my card, I thanked him for his time. Saying, 'good luck ...' Jason then would continue bicycling north along A1A.

The bus would arrive a few minutes later. On the bus ride to Anglin Square, which is about a 5 minute trip, we'd pass Jason along the way, peddling north along Ocean Boulevard. I wondered if and, perhaps, hoped that I'd see him at the Lauderdale-By-The-Sea 'Beach Village'.

After spending about an hour taking pictures of the Village, the Beach and the Pier at Anglin Square I'd catch the number 11 bus back. And, to my surprise, it was the same bus driver from an hour before.

Once back at the apartment when I asked Richard if he remembered news about a surfer jumping off Pompano Beach Pier during the 2004 Hurricane Frances he said "... no".

And when told him about Jason who I had photographed at the bus stop across the street, Richard said "and you didn't think to walk away when his first words were that he had photographed a chair that had been abducted by aliens ...?".

I said "Not reallly. Anything's possible".

In searching the internet for Surfer Jason Pompano Beach Pier 2004 Hurricane Frances I came across an article that confirms the shirtless bicyclist's 'claim to fame'.

In a 5 September 2004 Washington Times article entitled "A weakened Frances roars ashore in Florida" I found the following:

In Pompano Beach, close to the spot where the eye of Frances was expected to make landfall, a lone surfer, who would identify himself only as Jason, jumped off a pier into the huge waves. Hours later, police were still searching for him.

See, also, Surfline AFTER THE FALL which reads:

And the fun didn't stop there. One surfer in Juno Beach is still living large on his 15 minutes of fame. "Jason the surfer" was all over the local 6pm Eyewitness Newscasts up and down the state. In the eye of the hurricane, Jason eluded law enforcement and made it out to the end of the Pompano pier. While local news cameras focused, Jason waited for a lull and launched himself into 8 - 12'+ barrels, zoomed around for the right wave, snagged a large one and rode to fame and television glory while the police waited and then chased him down the beach as he drifted north within the eye wall. Surfers all over the state cheered the sheer bravado.

Or CNN.com's 4 September 2004 Transcripts which reads:

JILL MARTIN, WFOR REPORTER: Hi, Rob and Maggie. No news on the surfer, although everybody is coming out here asking about Jason the surfer.

Like I said. "Anything's possible!".

Should I come across Jason again, perhaps, he will permit me to conduct a second photo-interview of him for inclusion in my NAKED TRUTH Project.

Click above photo taken by Elvert Barnes to view Surfer Jason Barnett photoset.

Sun Trust's Sunday Jazz Brunch along Fort Lauderdale's Riverwalk

Having spent the first nine days of my Memorial Day Week visit to Fort Lauderdale without the benefit of neither of my two digital cameras since both at Ritz for repair I did not resume my 2007 Sunday Photo Walk Project until Sunday, 03 June. When after purchasing a Canon Power Shot S3 IS at a Best Buy in Fort Lauderdale that I visited the Sun Trust Sunday Jazz Brunch at the Las Olas Riverfront.

In its 17th year, the acclaimed SunTrust Sunday Jazz Brunch, produced by the City of Fort Lauderdale Parks and Recreation Department and sponsored by SunTrust takes place the first Sunday of every month along Fort Lauderdale's Riverwalk.

Downtown Fort Lauderdale and the Riverwalk came alive this past Sunday, 03 June 2007, as jazz musicians performed on four diferent stages along the New River.

Not aware, at the time, that the Sunday Jazz Brunch took place along the entire Fort Lauderdale Riverwalk I only photographed the event at the Las Olas Riverfront which is where Billy Bones performed.

And then took a photowalk along the Las Olas Boulevard where after capturing windows and pedestrians, with my All Day Pass, I caught the number 11 bus back to the Lauderdale Beach. Where before catching a third number 11 bus back to Lauderdale By The Sea I spent more than an hour photographing folks and motorcyclists along the Atlantic Boulevard / Beach Promenade.

Now that I know of Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale I am sure to return to the New River with the all three cameras. An advantage of the Canon Power Shot S3 IS is that I can shoot videos and movies as well.

Click the above photo by Elvert Barnes to view Sun Trust Sunday Jazz - Las Olas Riverfront - 03 June 2007 photoset.

Frank Muzzy's "Bear To Bare" opens at Pulp on 14th on Friday, 8 June

"Bear To Bare", a photography exhibition by Washington DC based photoartist Frank Muzzy opens on Friday evening, 8 June 2007, with a 5 - 7 pm opening reception at Pulp on 14th Street in NW WDC.

Featuring some of Muzzy's images that were included in the February 2007 Bare: Body & Soul at MDH Fine Arts in Chelsea NYC and recently at a gallery in Provincetown the Muzzy's "Bare To Bare" will be showing throughout the summer at Pulp on 14th Street.

Located at 1803 14th Street at S Street in NW,WDC, it is the first and remaining Pulp in WDC since the 14 February 2007 closing of Pulp on the Hill.

Contact Frank Muzzy is at muzzydc@verizon.net.

"Debating Race" by Michael Eric Dyson

Whether chronicling the class conflict in the African-American community or exposing the failings of the government response in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, Michael Eric Dyson has never shied away from controversy. No stranger to intellectual combat, Dyson has always been ready to engage friends and foes alike in open conversation about the issues that matter. Debating Race collects many of Dyson’s most memorable encounters and most poignant arguments and gives readers a front row seat as he spars with politicians, pundits, and public intellectuals. From John Kerry and John McCain to Ann Coulter and the hosts of television’s The View — Dyson shows the mental agility and rhetorical tenacity that have made him one of America’s most astute intellectuals.

St. Mary's County Seeking Historic Information on Residents of the Former "Flat Tops"/Lexington Manor Neighborhood

Located adjacent to the main gate of the Patuxent Naval Air Station at Patuxent River in Lexington Park, Maryland, the Flat Tops Project Development had been built in the 1940's for whites. Many who worked at or whose jobs were connected with the naval base. With the same architectural design and similar street scape, a few miles down the road and further from the main gate but nearer to the south gate, the Carver Heights Projects Development had been constructed for Negro Americans. Many who also worked at Pax River Naval Air Station.

A survey of Lexington Manor’s, (also known as "Flat Tops") rich cultural heritage is being conducted by St. Mary’s County. To date, the County has acquired the property, provided relocation assistance, and demolished all but two selected buildings for historical preservation. The survey project intends to seek out individuals who lived and worked in the Flat Tops/Lexington Manor from the 1940’s through the 2000’s.

Flat Tops/Lexington Manor Historical Collection Session and Reunion is planned for Monday, 11 June 2007 at the Lexington Park Library, located at 21677 FDR Blvd in Lexington Park, MD, from 2 to 6 p.m. Special remarks are planned for 4 p.m. to commemorate the occasion and recall the neighborhood’s rich cultural heritage. If you can share stories or knowledge, artifacts, or photos about Flat Tops/Lexington Manor because you lived there, worked there, maintained the property, played there, etc. during the 1940’s, 1950’s, 1960’s, 1970’s, 1980’s, 1990’s, and 2000’s, plan to attend this information gathering event.

The County and the Maryland Historic Trust would like all former residents to bring photographs from their years at the Flat Tops/Lexington Manor to be copied for possible inclusion in the project.

For more information, please contact Cynthia DellaGatta, Economic Development Coordinator, St. Mary’s County Dept of Economic Development, at 301-475-4200, ext. 1408, or cynthia.dellagatta@stmarysmd.com.

Click the above photo by Elvert Barnes taken during his 25 December 2004 visit to Southern Maryland which sheds light on the history of the Flat Tops and Carver Heights developments.

"Hop On, Hop Off" Open Top Sightseeing Comes To America ... and Washington DC

I first noticed the red double decker tour buses when photographing at Dupont Circle North on Sunday afternoon, 29 April 2007 that within a half-hour period two different red double decker buses veered north, from the circle traffic, and headed north on Connecticut Avenue.

At the time I was in the process of capturing the Madison Livelystones positioned on the overpass at Dupont Circle North. However, having to use my old 35 mm Canon Rebel G since both my digital cameras had been left at Ritz for repair - it may be some time if the negatives are processed. For now, with the exception of those taken at Artomatic on 24 April images that I took with 35 mm film from 27 April until 22 May which is when I picked up my first digital camera from Ritz, after it had been repaired, will be included in my Photographs NOT Taken (May 2007) Project.

While, in recent years, I have observed and often photographed the red and sometimes orange Gray Line tour buses passing through the streets of Washington DC it was Sunday, 29 April, that I first observated the red, white and blue open top double decker tour buses.

The brainchild of Abdallah EL-AZM who after living in Paris for more than 20 years, as a transplant Great Britain he began to envision ways that the double decker tour buses that had been so common in Great Britian may could be exported to Paris.

Accepted by the Union of Parisian Transportations, LES CARS ROUGES started to run in Paris on July 27th 1991.

Though I'm not sure when they first arrived, as my first observation was on 29 April, having invested more than $12 million in his company, founder and CEO Abdallah EL-AZM of Les Cars Rouge, recently brought his vision to America with the launching of the Open Top Sightseeing Washington DC Tours. Other cities will follow.

This is how it works. Here are the fares. And here are the Hop On - Hop Off locations. Buses run from 9am until 7pm from 25 stops. Tickets are valid for two days from the time you board (if you board after 3pm your ticket is extended to 3 days), and you are welcome to HOP ON and OFF as much as you please.

Click photo to view my ongoing Open Top Sightseeing Washington DC and Traffic at Dupont Circle photo sets.

Michael Moore's "Sicko" Is Completed and He's Off to Cannes!

A message from Michael Moore

It's a wrap! My new film, "Sicko," is all done and will have its world premiere this Saturday night at the Cannes Film Festival. As with "Bowling for Columbine" and "Fahrenheit 9/11," we are honored to have been chosen by this prestigious festival to screen our work there.

My intention was to keep "Sicko" under wraps and show it to virtually no one before its premiere in Cannes.

Click photo to read MOORE.

Dance Place in Step with the Brem Foundation - Sunday, 20 May - 11:30a - 1:30p

Come see a free performance by Deborah Riley Dance Projects this Sunday in Dance & Brem.

The performance honors of the Brem Foundation to Defeat Breast Cancer, which is committed to its mission of eliminating breast cancer as a life threatening disease by advancing diagnosis, treatment, research and education. Founded in 2004 through a grassroots effort dedicated to aiding the work of world-renowned radiologist Dr. Rachel Brem, the foundation has been supporting advanced technology and community outreach in the Washington, DC since its inception.

Hosted by Dance Place Founder/Director Carla Perlo and George Washington University Medical Center Radiologist Dr. Jocelyn Rapelyea, the inspiring performance will feature Riley’s exquisite choreography performed by the all female dance company. We hope you will join us for a morning of inspiration and positive energy for women’s health!

Sunday, 20 May 2007 from 11:30 am. – 1:30 p.m.
Dance Place: 3225 8th Street, N. E. Washington, DC

THE TIME OF OUR LIVES - Pride 2007 - May 2007 Edition by Elvert Barnes

click image to view video

My Capital Pride 2006 'Love Power' Pride 2007 DVD Edition

In celebration of the 2007 Gay Pride Season I hope to create several photo montage / musical DVDs, over the next few months, that will feature images that I've taken, over the years, of gay prides, equality demonstrations and circuit events.

Some of the projects may date back to 1992.

In launching my 2007 Gay Pride Celebration Project which is actually part on my ongoing "Out In The Life" series I spent the last few days reediting my 2006 National Come Out Day ' Love Power' Capital Pride 2006 photo monage into the DVD format.

As of Friday evening, copies were left at The Fireplace, Omega, JR's Bar & Grill, Cobalt / 30 Degrees and Green Lantern.

Auditions for MetroPerforms! begins TODAY - 10 May

Thursday, 10 May - 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Saturday, 12 May - 9:00 am - 6:00 pm

Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority
600 5th Street
202.962.1234

The Metro's Art in Transit program and the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities will hold auditions for live performances at Metrorail stations, allowing local performers the chance to showcase their talents at select Metrorail station entrances.

Auditions are on a first-come, first-served basis. A photograph and one-page biography or resume should accompany each individual or group auditioning.

For more information.

excerpted from Downtown DC Bid Events Calendar.

Click photo by Elvert Barnes to visit saxophonist James 'Kenyatta' Palmore's photo set.

12 May - UNDERWATER: organic electronica sound + visual show at 1520 14th Street, NW

Aphrodizia is a live music and art performance collaboration out of Washington DC that incorporates an organic musical and visual experience blending live hypnotic soundscapes, with projected visual elements and interpretive human sculpture.

On Saturday evening, 12 May 2007, Aphrodizia in collaboration with Yoko K will perform UNDERWATER at 1520 14th Street, NW, WDC - a space provided by Metropolis Development Company.

Doors open at 8 pm. Show at 8:30 pm

Suggested donataion: $12 advance / $15 door

RSVP online at www.aphrodizia.net.

Email at info@aphrodizia.net

Telephone at 240-235-3898

ArtspaceWashDC "Affordable Artist Live/Work Project" Kick-off! event TONIGHT at Dance Place

ALL ARTISTS OF ALL DISCIPLINES!!

Affordable Artist Live/Work Project market survey kick-off TONIGHT

Thursday, 10 May 2007 @ 6 PM

Artspace Projects (a national, nonprofit organization) , in partnership with Dance Place, is studying the space needs of artists in the Washington, D.C. region. This study will assist in the development of affordable new space where artists may live and work, and a new home for Dance Place in the Catholic University/Brookland area of Northeast D.C.

The survey is waiting for you online at www.ArtspaceWashDC.org.

"WINDOWS OF THE WORLD" May 2007 video demo

I have photographed windows for many years, dating back to the fall of 1972. Here is my first WINDOWS OF THE WORLD demo video which, in sync with Dionne Warwick's version of "The Windows of the World" from her Definitive Collection cd, features images that I have taken, over the years, in New York City, South Boston VA, Miami Beach FL and Washington DC.

The self-portrait to the left was taken in July 1992 at Lothar's apartment, in Chelsea, on West 20th Street in NYC. Here is the original photo.

Here is the WINDOWS OF THE WORLD May 2007 demo video at Google and my Windows of the World 2007 photo collection at flickr.

MCA Open Studios May 19-20

OPEN STUDIOS
May 19-20, 2007

22 member artists of MCA are throwing open their doors for Spring Mid City Artists Open Studios. Several new artists have joined our ranks, and we all have new work for "show and sell." This is a unique opportunity to see some of DC's most exciting artists in their home environments – and to visit the local galleries and businesses supporting our effort.

Visit www.midcityartists.com for more information, view artwork and to download a map.

Visit EVENTS to find out what other things these artists are up to.

New Homesites Released at Capitol Quarter

I am pleased to announce that Capitol Quarter will accept reservations on our next 5 market rate homes on Saturday May 12th, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. Capitol Quarter is EYA's exciting new community within walking distance of the new Washington National's Baseball Stadium and the Navy Yard Metro. Reservations will be accepted on a first come, first served basis beginning at 11:00 a.m on May 12th. A deposit in an amount equal to 10% of the base price of the home will be required to reserve a specific homesite.

Please note that no reservations will be accepted before 11:00 a.m on Saturday May 12th, 2007, and this offering does not include any workforce homes, which will be released at a later date.

We anticipate an additional 5 market rate homes will be made available each month for the next several months. We will notify you of all subsequent releases via email as well. The sales center, which is located at 1023 4th Street, SE (4th & L) will re-open 7 days a week from 11:00 am - 6:00 pm beginning Saturday, May 5th, 2007.

The following homesites will be available for reservation on May 12th:

2834 - Addison - Interior @ $567,000

2835 - Addison - Interior @ $567,000

2804 - Addison - Interior @ $567,000

1838 - Banneker - Interior @ $634,000

2833 - Banneker - End @ $684,000

Philip Salin

Capitol Quarter Sales Manager

capitolquarter@eya.com

22nd AIDS Candlelight Vigil - Greenwich Village NYC - 22 June 2007

Greenwich Village-Sheridan Square Park and Christopher Street
Friday, 22 June 2007 @ 7 PM

AIDS CANDLELIGHT VIGIL NYC is a memorial to all the people who died of HIV/AIDS, to show support for survivors in addition to support for those now afflicted with HIV/AIDS. This event is a nondenominational event. There is no discrimination of color, race and/or sexual preference.

AIDS CANDLELIGHT VIGIL NYC is not associated with any political, religious, or city, state or federal agency. It is just a group of loving, caring individuals with a common cause, to REMEMBER, and to SHOW SUPPORT. Everyone is welcome!

SHOW THE WORLD AND NYC THAT HIV/AIDS HAS A FACE AND A NAME AND EVERYONE IS AFFECTED!

AIDS CANDLELIGHT VIGIL NYC provides candles free of charge. The procession starts at Sheridan Square Park and proceeds down Christopher Street. . a banner and the wreath is carried down Christopher Street. Supporters of those struggling with HIV/AIDS, and friends, family members and loved ones of those who have passed from AIDS carry light candles in a quiet march to the waterfront. At the end of Christopher Street at the Hudson River waterfront a wreath is tossed into the waters in memory of those who have passed of AIDS.

AIDS CANDLELIGHT VIGIL NYC is an official HOP *Heritage of Pride* event.

Download postcard or invite from my flickr account.

Contact GAIL CAMINITI at 347-297-8501 or email at GEEE2252@AOL.COM

www.aidscandlelightvigilnyc.org

One Year Ago Today: Nats new stadium groundbreaking ceremony

It was one year ago today that the official groundbreaking ceremony was held for the construction of the Washington Nationals New Stadium and Ballpark.

Having visited the area since the fall of 1972 when friends and I began frequenting the Pier Nine, when hearing of redevelopment plans of Near Southeast DC, I began my ongoing historiographic project, of the area, in November 2004 at the Arthur Capper Projects.

I returned in January 2005 to south of M Street, at Half & O Street, and since then have accumulated an interesting archive of architectural images that I have curated into several collections. They are:

1. Arthur Capper Projects (Anu Yadav 'Capers') - November 2004
2. Capper / Carrollsburg - One Year Later, November 2005
3. Capper / Carrollsburg - November 2004 - March 2006
2. Capitol Quarter (Capper / Carrollsburg) since March 2006
4. 20 M Street, SE - Since August 2005
5. Industrial Yard - South of M Street - September 2005 - January 2006
6. Washington Nationals Baseball Stadium - Industrial Photography - January 2006 thru May 2006
7. Washington Nationals (New) Baseball Stadium . Groundbreaking . 4 May 2006
8. Washington Nationals Ballpark "Under Construction" since 4 May 2006

Click above photo by Elvert Barnes to view recent never before seen images of the 4 May 2006 groundbreaking ceremony. In my Window With A view 2007 project I recently began photographing the construction of the stadium from my bedroom and patio windows.

Here is an official video of the 4 May 2006 groundbreaking ceremony.