Verizon Center launches 10th anniversary ad campaign at Gallery Place / Chinatown Station

The Verizon Center launched its tenth anniversary ad campaign on Thursday, 27 September 2007, at the Gallery Place / Chinatown Station as they begin to flood the subway system with "A Passion That Shows - 10 Year ..." billboard displays for two months. Street decals and banners across the city of Washington will follow. Later in the year trains on the red line will also be wrapped with the advertising campaign.

Click photo by Elvert Barnes to view ongoing Verizon Center - 10 Year Anniversary Ad Campaign and WMATA - Billboard Displays (2007) photosets.

Goody's Corner Eatery on P Street at Dupont Circle West

It was during one of my late July or early August nights out when en route to the Fireplace and Omega that I first noticed Goody's at 2004 P Street at Dupont Circle West.

Not only was I surprised to see so many folks congregating inside and milling about on the sidewalk in front of the place which for many years had been a similar establishment but of a different name. But as I proceeded west on P Street in the direction of the two gay clubs I passed numerous others who while walking west, as well, and chowing down on a slice of pizza juggled a box or two (of pizza) that they, apparently, had just purchased from Goody's. Though most appeared to have been college students, perhaps from GWU and Georgetown U, many of the usual P Street folks were in the mix, as well.

A large TV screen propped up against its right wall projected images through the front window as dance music from a local radio station reverberated out onto the 2000 block of P Street, NW, at Dupont Circle West.

After spending the next hour or so going back and forth between The Fireplace and the Omega Club, looking for a trick, and more than a bit perturbed with the institutionalized racism that as a 50 something gay black man I experience at gay clubs I headed over to the Green Lantern to drop off a dvd version of my FREEDOM 2007 - Capital Pride Parade - WDC - 08 June 2007 projections project for DJ Rob and DJ Bill. Whose mixologies I hope to feature in one or more of my future WDC projections projects that will integrate my photography with mixes created by dj artists whose mixologies ''... and without apologies ... reflect the rhythms of our times."

Heading east on P Street in the direction of Dupont Circle and passing a stedy stream of folks eating a slice of pizza with one hand while juggling a box or two (of pizza) in their arms I remembered my freshman and sophomore years at the University of Maryland, in 1973 and 1974, that when congregating at the Student Union Building or at fraternity houses on Fraternity Row or at the various beer gardens along Route 1 ... college mates and I ... ate and juggled pizza the exact same way.

Then, but, not unlike a flashback I then remembered that a concern that my four white Delta Tau Delta fraternity brothers and I always had when I drove them down to the Pier Nine and Lost And Found in SW and SE WDC in my VW was " ... will they let Elvert in ...?".

Which also would be a concern in the late 70's when I begin to frequent Mr. P's and in the 80's at the Fraternity House which, now the Omega Club, black men would be asked to present two ids. And while my white friends have always done and in many cases delt drugs ... in the exact same same way that black men will be asked to present two ids at clubs many a white man, over the years, have approached me for drugs.

As I walked pass 2004 P Street, NW, I could not help but observe that the crowd inside and outside of Goody's had mushroomed to an even larger number than just an hour before. Taking note of a white guy that I have often seen at the Omega Club who was sitting in the window eating a sandwich with a black guy I had little doubt that the white guy was 'juggling' the black guy same way that white men, over the years, had attempted to 'juggle' me. Observing the TV screen that was visable through the bay window I said to myself "... this may would be a great a place for my "Dupont Circle, Over The Years" photography exhibition".

On Saturday nights throughout the exhibtion and, of course, during the opening reception dvd versions of my dance music projections projects would serves as background music and visual effects.

After stopping in at the Green Lantern and dropping off the FREEDOM 2007: Capital Pride Parade dvd I walked home to SW WDC and while visualizing a "Dupont Circle, Over The Years" exhibition at Goody's and remembering the events and faces of that evening I reflected on the institutionalized racsim that I had experienced, over the years.

I seldom go to "the bars" anymore but during the two subsequent Saturday nights, in August, that I did visit the gay clubs on P Street, at Dupont Circle West, not only were there crowds inside and in front of Goody's but, many a folk milled about in the streets ... eating slices of Goody pizza while juggling carryout.

There is not a day nor moment in my life or a time, over the past 35 years, that when I have walked along P Street, through Dupont Circle or visited gay bars throughout the nation that I have not been confronted with institutionalized racsim and negative reinforcements.

When stopping in at Goodys a few days before my September visit to NYC to inquire if they would interested in playing dvd versions of my projections project on their TV screen I would learn that the TV does not play dvds.

And when I got home, later that evening, I would receive a phone call from a friend of friend who "... asked me about drugs" ... in the exact same way ... that when ever I walk along or visit clubs and venues on P Street that some white guy, in an attempt to 'juggle' me will 'ask me about drugs.

Having heard news in early August of the Delirum Sunday Tea Dance Party at Pasha's which I may would have attended over Labor Day Weekend had I not been in NYC after photographing the Black LUV Festival and Duke Ellington Jazz Festival at the Sylvan Theater on Sunday, 16 September 2007 I stopped at Pasha's to introduce myself to Bill Alldredge of ATMOS EVENTS. And to inquire if, at a future event, I could get a few photos and video shots of the djs and crowd as part of my ongoing DJ Artists and Out In the Life documentary series.

Mr. Alldredge said Columbus Day Weekend may would be a good time. Later that evening or, perhaps, the next day when I received a third phone call from that same 'friend of a friend' 'asking me about drugs' I could not help but reflect on the fact that each and every time that I walk along or promote my art along P Street .. . and in attemot to 'juggle me' some white man will 'approach me about drugs'.

Not a day goes by ... that I am not confronted with institionalized racism.

When at the beginning of my Saturday, 22 September 2007 Photo Walk that I felt 'faint', in Dupont Circle, I decided to grab a quick bite by checking out Goody's. It being mid afternoon, I was happy to see that there was no crowd.

The young man behind the counter was very polite and friendly. Feeling 'faint' I thought, at first, that I would get a slice of pizza. But, viewing the menu I saw that Goodys offers much more than pizza.

I ordered the Spring Chicken sandwich with Monterey Jack Cheese at $6.99 and a large Sprite soda. Within a short period of time, the young man handed me my sandwich. I sat at the same table in the front window as had the white and black guys that I spoke of earlier. While I now do not recall what was on the TV screen I believe it was some sports event.

The sandwich was fresh and very tasty. It was then that I realized why Goody's attracted such a crowd.

Acccording to its website, in addiction to Dupont Circle and Clarendon locations they also offer Catering and online / delivery service through Doctor Delivery. For Take - Out call 703.524.0800. I also observed a great selection of cakes.

Not only are there crowds at Goody's at Dupont Circle West on Saturday nights but when I passed by Goody's on Wednesday afternoon, the line reached out into the street.

When at Dupont Circle West that you are in need of or wish for a quick but delicious bite to may I suggest you visit Goody's Corner Eatery at 2004 P Street, NW. Since there may be a crowd you may should call 202-223-4646, first, for a take-out.

Friday's Photo of the Week . 28 September 2007

2 Joggers . 22 September Project

Dupont Circle WDC . 22 September 2007

2007 Fridays' Photos of the Week

Billy's Bakery on 9th Avenue in Chelsea

It was during an episode of Martha Stewart a few months ago that I first heard of Billy's Bakery. Since when visiting NYC, over the years, not only do I almost always stay in the Chelsea area but, since 1992, windows along 8th and 9th Avenues in the Chelsea area have been amongst my most prolific themes.

I, therefore, was quite surprised to learn during an episode of Martha Stewart that Billy's Bakery is located is located at 184 9th Avenue near 21st Street in Chelsea.

Though I have posted some of my March 2006 9th Avenue - Chelsea photos to flickr it is quite possible when I go through the entire March 2006 NYC collection, many which have not yet been posted, that I'll find images of Billy's Bakery because it was during my March 2006 visit to NYC that I focused, specifically, on windows and store fronts along 8th and 9th Avenues in Chelsea.

It was during a Saturday, 01 September 2007 photo walk that Richard and I first observed Billy's Bakery. When Richard returned on Wednesday or Thursday night to purchase a slice of chocolate cake for himself, he picked up four lemon squares for me.

His slice of chocolate cake was so big that he said that he would leave some in the refigerator for me. Returning to 'frig a few minutes later, he said "Don't worry, there is plenty left for you."

Which he would repeat several times through the night and early morning

When, the next morning, the I asked "Where is the chocolate cake from last night?" he had the audacity to look surprised and say "You must have eaten it. I left you a big piece!".

On Friday evening Richard and I met Michael at the Hunter College subway stop and took a ride out to Brooklyn which is where Richard would stay Friday night and I would join them on Sunday morning.

Not wanting to leave NYC without having experienced a Billy's cake after dining at Boston Market on West 23rd Saturday night on my way back to Lothar's apartment on West 20th, between 8th and 9th Avenue, I stopped in at Billy's Bakery and picked up a slice Billy's carrot cake.

Once back at the apartment the first thing that I did was to call Richard on cell out in Brooklyn and rub it in that, as he had done the night before with 'his' chocolate cake, I would be spending the rest of the night and early morning watching old movies on the TV and eating Billy's carrot cake.

And it was good too. But, perhaps, and as Martha would say "It was a good thing!"

When in the Chelsea are of Manhattan, it would be a good thing for you to stop in at Billy's Bakery. Located at 184 9th Avenue just north of 21st Street hours are:

Monday to Thurs: 9am-11pm
Friday: 9am-12am
Saturday: 9am-12am
Sunday: 10am-11pm

Telephone at 212.647.9956 and Fax at 212.647.9953

Here are some frequently asked questions pertaining to Billy's Bakery which is owned and operated by Billy Reeece.

The Dish Restaurant on 8th Avenue in Chelsea

I first ate at The Dish Restaurant on 8th Avenue in Chelsea NYC in February 2000 when Steve O'toole and I took a trip to Manhattan from WDC for the 2000 International Center for Photography Expo.

Arriving in NYC by AMTRAK early afternoon on Saturday, 12 February we checked it at the McBurney YMCA on West 24rd and 7th Avenue before heading over the International Center of Photography Expo on Avenue of Americas and 23rd Street.

Checking out of McBurney on Sunday morning we stopped in at Lothar's on West 20th which is where we left our things, for a few hours, before taking the AMTRAK back to DC. If my memory serves me correctly, just before Steve took a quick afternoon visit to an old friend who lives somewhere in NYC we stopped in at The Dish on 8th Avenue in Chelsea for brunch.

Since that time, when NYC I usually stop in at The Dish at least once duirng my stay. As was the case on Saturday afternoon, 01 September 2007 when Richard and I brunched at The Dish.

Click to above photo to view my 8th Avenue - Chelsea - NYC - September 2007 photo set and September 2007 NYC photo collection.

Located at 201 Eighth Avenue, between 20th and 21st Streets, in the Chelsea area of Manhattan The Dish is open from 7 am until 1 am, seven days a week. Telephone at 212-352-9800.

The Old Red Brick Church at 10th and V, NW

The old red brick church at the corner of 10th and V streets in NW WDC has always fascinated me. Though I began my photo documentation of the old red brick church at 10th and V Street, NW, in June 2005 it was not until when I recently came across THROUGH THE VALLEY at VICTORIAN SECRETS OF WASHINGTON, DC that I learned of its history.

Click the photo to visit my Peoples’ Seventh Day Baptist Church (Independent) which is part of my ongoing Religious Art & Spiritual Symbolism - Church Photography series.

Betsy Fisher 'garnished' with 5 stars in NY Times T Magazine's WDC Fall Shopping Review

I began my Fall Fashion 2007 series during my Labor Day Week 2007 visit to NYC by focusing on billboard displays.

Shortly after my Monday, 9 September return to WDC and as I have done since the spring of 1992 I began to photograph"Fall Fashion 2007" window displays in WDC.

One of the first Fall Fashion 2007 - WDC windows that I captured were taken on 19 September of Rizik's which, designed by John Kiser, I have photographed since 1992.

Located at 1224 Connecticut Avenue in NW, Betsy Fisher is also on my list of favorite windows to photograph.

By the way, congratulations are in order for Mary Elizabeth Albaugh, the founder and owner of Betsy Fisher, and her staff.

The NY Times T Magazine (Travel Section) Capital Gains article dated Sunday, 23 September 2007, garnishes Betsy Fisher with a 5 star review.

Click the above to view my ongoing Betsy Fisher and Mannequins & Store Window Displays photosets and Windows of the World collection.

Located at 1224 Connecticut Avenue, NW, WDC this Wednesday, 26 September 2007, Betsy Fisher is hosting a 5 - 8 pm SCAN THE FALL 2007 FASHION HORIZON event whereby ten percent of the evening’s sales will be donated to SCAN, Stop Child Abuse Now of Northern Virginia.

Here are details:

Join us for bellinis, antipasta and a closet-altering experience.

Saturated colors, clean shapes and rich textures make a selection from fall’s clothing, shoes and accessories a style coup. Ten percent of the evening’s sales will be donated to SCAN, Stop Child Abuse Now of Northern Virginia,, scanva.org, which provides a life-altering experience for the parents and children reached by its work to prevent and ameliorate the effects of child abuse.

Bring a friend and please RSVP to store@betsyfisher.com.

Ben Willman of Mostly Monkee Band at Dupont Circle on Friday evening, 21 September 2007

The Fall 2007 installment of Friday Evening in WDC and Friday Photo / Video Walk ongoing projects were launched last night in Dupont Circle with the photographing and videotaping of Ben Willman from the Mostly Monkee Band.

Consisting of Ben Willman on vox and guitar, Mark Miller on bass and Scott Fitzpatrick on drums Mostly Monkee is a WDC based rock-reggae, cow-punk band that plays with the energy of the Clash and the stylistic mayhem of Elvis Costello.

When checking the internet I find recent performances include sets at the 2007 Adams Morgand Day Festival, the 2007 Artomatic in May, and at The Red And The Black in November 2006 and 3 April 2007.

Learn more about the Mostly Monkee Rock Band at their website or myspace.

After videotaping and photographing Ben Willman's performance at Dupont Circle during my Friday, 21 September 2007 Walk I'm sure I'll check out a future performance.

Friday's Photo of the Week . 21 September 2007

End The War (ANSWER) March on Washington

March Assemblance . 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue

NW WDC . Saturday afternnon, 15 September 2007

2007 Friday Photos of the Week

Steve Maguire's Science Club ... a refreshing aversion

I first encountered Steve Maguire the week after Easter of 1994 when out photographing along the P Street Bridge in NW WDC that I also encountered and photographed Russell Richards and Kim of The Art of Russell U. Richards. Whose art I've kept a breast of, reported on and blogged about, over the years.

These particular images of 10 April 1994 which still rank amongst my favorite reflect a very different style of photography than is the case, in recent years. Back then, it was not uncommon for me to walk up to someone and inquire if I may take up-close shots of them. However, in recent years, I tend to 'keep my distance' and photograph more as an observer ... always in motion.

Which is exactly what I was doing yesterday afternoon when after picking up a pack of CD & DVD labels from Staples at the corner 19th and L Street that I resumed my ongoing 19th Street, NW, WDC photography project. Walking north, along 19th Street, en route to Dupont Circle I photographed a 'handsome man' that, if my memory serves me correctly, I have photographed, at least, one other time in recent months sitting on the same steps.

When he asked why I had photograpahed him I explained that not unlike my Lincoln Road or 8th Avenue series, 19th Street and Golden Triangle were ongoing projects. He then said that I had photographed him several times before. Once in September 1004.

It was then, and not unlike a photographic memory, that I would visualize the images from 10 April 1994 which I mistakenly said had been taken on 19 September 1994. He said that I had also photographed him one other time, as well, but that he was not sure when or where.

Again, but not unlike a photographic memory, the images of the two faces would flash before me. Like the 10 April 1994 images the 31 October 1994 images not only rank amongst my favorite but, also, struck at the core ... since they were depictions of integrated relationships.

Something that this 50 - something gay black man knows a hell of a lot about. Which sheds light on, perhaps, why these particular images and the actual ones taken on 19 September 1993 of Phillipe and Rebecca often come to mind.

While I can not speak for the women depicted in these pictures, as a gay black male who practiced integration, my experiences has always been in sharp contrast to those of my white lovers, white friends and white colleagues.

In 1994, my picture-taking was more up-close. In 2007, it is '... from a distance ...'.

Steve Maguire KNOWS A THING OR TWO about nightlife.

Before opening the Science Club in December 2005 Maguire had been general manager at Chi-Cha Lounge on U Street and managed Gazuza on Connecticut Avenue at Dupont Circle North.

"... a bar where there's intelligent discussion about the news of the day ...", Science Club draws ahead-of-the-curve DJs and women with high heels and tiny purses, as well as people who introduce themselves to the bartender as science teachers who stopped by because they heard about the name. Couples wander in at happy hour, dressed in their office suits, for glasses of house wine and cold $3 bottles of Yuengling, and perhaps a snack of hummus or baba ghanouj. Tables are hard to come by on weekends, and the dance floor fills as DJs spin forward-looking dubstep and broken beat records.

Though I have not visited Science Club, at 1136 19th Street, NW, AOL City Guide says Science Club is an out-of-the-ordinary nightclub with a refreshing aversion to anything VIP. Since its opening Science Club has become a favorite meet - up spot for DC Drupal.

And here are some reviews of Science Club at Yelp.

While I may not be too much into the crowd nor do I drink alcohol the atmosphere and intelligent discussions certainbly interest me. And, since DJs and dance music are amongst ongoing projects, I may stop in one evening or Friday or Saturday night, at the Science Club, with friends or out-of-town guests.

Situated between L and M Streets, Steve Maguire's Science Club is located at 1136 19th Street in NW WDC. Here is the menu, the wine list, some events and contact information.

Click the above photo to view my Steve Maguire photoset.

Wirefly National Marathon Introduces New Logo

The Wirefly National Marathon introduces a brand new logo, which embodies the energy of the race within the District's powerful backdrop. Found on t-shirts, medals, signs, and all other Wirefly National Marathon paraphernalia, this iconic image of running in the District not only will be a patriotic motivation to complete all 26.2 (or 13.1) miles, it also serves as a souvenir of your ultimate accomplishment.

(Excerpted from Wirefly National Marathon E-News dated Monday, 17 September 2007).

I've just added a few more photos taken along 7th Street in the L'Enfant Plaza - SW Federal Center area to my 2nd Annual National Marathon photo collection.

15th Annual Arts On Foot at Penn Quarter TODAY - Saturday, 15 September 2007

Marking its 15th anniversary, Arts on Foot is a one-day, multimedia Festival that kicks off the fall arts season in Downtown DC’s Penn Quarter. Incorporating visual art, music, theatre, dance, film, and creative cuisine, it’s an interactive celebration the whole family will enjoy. With a lively outdoor street festival as its centerpiece, Arts on Foot also invites you to explore the neighborhood’s museums, theaters, galleries, cultural organizations, and shops. From traditional classics to cutting edge, Arts on Foot offers something for the arts and food lover in everyone!

Located on F between 7th and 9th Streets and on 8th between D and F Streets, in NW, the Outdoor Street Festival features 7th and 8th Street Cultural Corridors, a Music Stage at 8th and F Street in front of the Reynolds Center for American Art and Portraiture, an Art Market of more than 70 artists, the World Market Wine Tent, an array of Restaurant Sampling Pavilions and Cooking as Art Chef Demonstrations.

From Pennsylvania Avenue to L Street, NW, and 4th and 14th Streets, NW, more than 45 neighborhood venues, performing companies, and neighborhood businesses and organizations who, participating in the Neighborhood Showcase will host free activities and exhibits.

Click the above photo to my view my 2006 Arts On Foot photoset. See also my 16 September 2006 and 22 September 2006 blog postings.

Effi Barry Remembered

Mourners gathered at the John A. Wilson Building on Thursday afternoon until midnight and from 7 am until 9 am on Friday morning to pay respects to former District of Columbia first lady Effi Barry. Who, at age 63, died of leukemia on Thursday, 06 September 2007.

A funeral procession then escorted the body of Effi Barry through the streets of the Nation's Capital to the Washington National Cathedral in NW Washington DC for a Friday, 14 September 2007 funeral service scheduled to have begun at 11 am.

Images taken during Thursday's and Friday's repose service at the John A. Wilson Building may also be found in my Effi Barry Memorial (Repose) - JAWB - WDC - 13 - 14 September 2007 photo collection.

Video clip #1 and video clip #2, shot during Friday's repose, have also been included in my Effi Barry Memorial . Repose . John A. Wilson Building . WDC . Friday, 14 September 2007 compilation which features Paul Van Dyk's "Time Of Our Lives" as background music.

Gay Life & Home Show / Washington Convention Center . Saturday, 15 September 2007 . 11am - 6pm

Friday's Photo of the Week . 14 September 2007

Windows . Greenwich Village . NYC . 04 September 2007

2007 Fridays' Photos of the Week

Calvin Klein "Steel" Underwear / Fall 2007 Ad Campaign

Celebrating 25 years, Calvin Klein Underwear launched its Fall 2007 ad campaign with yet another ground-breaking international product, Calvin Klein Steel, in September 2007.

Shot in late March or early April, the Calvin Klein 'Steel" Underwear Fall 2007 campaign features images of Oscar-nominated actor Djimon Hounsou.

As a fan of Calvin Klein and in particular of his powerful ad campaigns, in 1995, I actually created and submitted plans for "Not The Shoes" ad campaign to CK. It, of course, was rejected.

While I observed and photographed many billboard displays during my September 2007 trip to NYC those of Calvin Klein's Steel Underwear rank amongst my favorite.

The above photo was shot on 8th Avenue in Chelsea on Friday afternoon, 31 August 2007.

Sparkle Hayter's "Bring Back The Bards" Hotel Chelsea Protest Campaign

Long time Chelsea Hotel resident and mystery writer Sparkle Hayter has started a protest campaign to Bring Back The Bards.

Inspired by the banner on the building and by Cinci Natalie's brilliant Bard button, Sparkle Hayter in collaboration with Ed Hamilton of Living With Legends: Hotel Chelsea Blog invite folks from around the world to contribute images to the flickr photo group "Bring Back The Bards".

For nearly 50 years, Stanley Bard and his family owned and operated the Chelsea Hotel until 24 July 2007.

Taken during my September 2007 visit to NYC, click the above photo to view my ongoing Hotel Chelsea photoset.

Designed by Casebeer of the Myers family I would love to purchase several Bring Back The Bards tee-shirts. Though musician Joe Myers has added the Troubled Notes from the Hotel Chelsea to his webiste I have not yet been able to find how to purchase the "Bring Back The Bards" tee-shirt designed by his wife, Casebeer.

Next Magazine & The Men Event Join Forces.

Next Magazine, New York's most read guide to gay life in the city and TheMenEvent.com, the city's largest Gay business and social networking company, proudly announce that they have joined forces. Beginning Tuesday, September 18, NextWorks will be co-hosted by Next and TheMenEvent.

NextWorks was developed as a means for influential gay business professionals to get together, network and make that all important business or social connection. In the past three years, NextWorks has seen its attendance skyrocket. All attendees enjoy an evening dedicated to expanding their business rolodexes, making new friends or simply to husband- hunt!

So whether you are seeking a new job, promoting your business, meeting new friends or looking for a man to flirt with, Next and TheMenEvent.com are here to serve you!

To RSVP for the 18 September 2007 NEXT-WORKS Launch Party at Splash visit TheMenEvent.com.

Artist David Combs painting in front of the Chelsea Hotel

Arriving at Port Authority in New York City shortly before 2:45 PM via the Peter Pan Bus Lines on Friday afternoon, 31 August 2007 Richard and I would taxi down 9th Avenue to Chelsea and check in at the Chelsea Savoy Hotel on West 23rd before picking up keys from Lothar on West 20th.

En route to Lothar's we observed an artist adorned in a black leather cowboy hat painting on West 23rd Street in front of the Hotel Chelsea which is just doors west of the Chelsea Savoy. Saying that I was in town from WDC and that one of my ongoing themes was street artists I inquired if I could photograph him.

When during our photo-interview that I learned that David Combs resides at the Hotel Chelsea I informed him that Ed Hamilton of the Living With Legends: Hotel Chelsea Blog and I are fellow blogists. And that when I got back to DC I would send links to Ed of the images that I took of him.

In addition to David's website and myspace blog when searching the internet I found the following pertaining to artist David Combs.

1. MySpaceTV: Chelsea Hotel Lobby #5: Day One by David Combs
2. What is the Hotel Chelsea?
3. The Connected Traveler - The Chelsea Hotel: Topsy Turvy in New York
4. Living with Legends: Hotel Chelsea Blog: The Guy Who Paints In The Lobby
5. Gothamist: Finding Things To Blog About
6. Guide for the Careering: October 2005

Click the above photo to view my 31 August 2007 David Combs photoset.

Tiles For America Memorial - Mulry Square / Greenwich Village - NYC

It was during my March 2004 visit to NYC for the M20-04 Anti-War Protest and 2004 Saint-At-Large Black Party that I first came across the Tiles For America Project. Though for a subsequent September 2004 Writings On The Wall - 11 Setember 2001 - 3rd anniversary commemoration it referred to as a September 11 Victims Memorial Wall I learned during this past NYC - Saturday, 08 September 2007 photo walk through Chelsea and The Village that the Greenwich Village NYC Memorial is part of a national project coordinated through the Contemporary Ceramic Studios Association.

In commemoration of the 5th anniversary of 9/11, TILES FOR AMERICA held a 2006 National Contest. Comprised of over 4000 tiles collected from all over the USA and several from Europe and Asia, a temporary memorial has now been erected on the Ground Zero site which will remain for approximately three years, leaving ample space on the Greenwich Village fence for new tiles. Here are pictures of some of the tiles from the NYC Memorial.

The Paint Your Own Pottery Studios from around the world responded to the invitation to participate in a Nation-wide effort to refurbish the memorial.

Here is a posting from blogist Lorrie Veasey pertaining to last year's refurbishing of the memorial at Mulry Square with a link to a website that features some of the tiles from studios that participated in the refurbishment.

Click the above photo to view my 08 September 2007 Tiles For America New York City Memorial photoset.

Videographer & Activist Cheryl Spector Dies

CherylSpector.CPF.WDC.11jun06
Originally uploaded by ElvertBarnes

Cheryl Spector, a Washington-based gay activist, died early Tuesday after a 10-week battle with leukemia, according to the Rainbow History Project.

Spector’s long list of community involvement included working with AGLA, the Human Rights Campaign, Service League Defense Network and Reel Affirmations.

A majority of her volunteer time had been devoted to the Rainbow History Project, an organization cataloguing gay local history. Spector had amassed a large video and photo archive of gay life in D.C.

Spector, a lesbian, became an AIDS activist in the 1980s after losing her brother to the disease.

A memorial service is tentatively set for Sept. 30 but time and location have not been announced.

--excerpted from the Washington Blade article dated 4 September 2007.

Friday's Photo of the Week . 31 August 2007

Vanessa Rubin . 16th Rosslyn Jazz Festival

Gateway Park . Rosslyn VA . 09 September 2006

2007 Fridays' Photos of the Week

My August 2007 Video of the Month

This April 2000 MMOW / Equality projections project is one that I have contemplated and worked on since when a few weeks before the April 2000 MMOW that I requested press credentials.

Having donated my entire April 2000 Millennium March on Washington for Equality photographic collection to the Stonewall Library & Archives in Fort Lauderdale FL. in March 2004, it was during the April 2000 MMOW photographic exhibition opening reception which took place at the Stonewall Libary & Archives in September 2004 that I mentioned to Chuck Williams of Arts United and Brad Koogle of SLA that it was my hope to develop a dance music dvd that would creatively integrate my April 2000 MMOW images with the dance mix of a gay dj artist whose mixology reflects the rhytyms of our times, heritage and culture.

In support of same sex marriages and as part of THE TIME HAS COME TODAY Ad Campaign a demo entitled THE TIME HAS COME TODAY was created in March 2005 which featured a mix that I created.

Since my introduction to the sounds of DJ Bryan Hughes in June 2005 the integration one of his mixes with my April 2000 MMOW collection has been on my mind.

Having chosen Progression #3 from his mixology, effectively speaking, the April 2000 MMOW / Equality Progression Projections Project represents an unique online exhibition and slideshow that not only documents the event in chronological order but features almost all of the images whose negatives have been processed to date.

And, if all goes as planned, at the request of a former catering associate and now event coordinator for a WDC real estate redevelopment firm, in conjunction with my FLANEURISM: Friday Photo Walk - WDC - 13 July 2007 and FREEDOM - 2007 Capital Pride Parade projections project, both, which also features the sounds of DJ Bryan Hughes, dvd versions of my April 2000 MMOW / Equality Progression Projections Project will serve as background music for future art openings and receptions.

A project that I have worked on for several years. With many rolls of April 2000 MMOW 35 mm film negatives not yet processed, April 2000 MMOW / Equality - Progression #3 - DJ Bryan Hughes - Elvert Barnes represents my August 2007 Video of the Month.

The work is not yet done.

Click the above photo to view the video.

Crystal City Rollerblade & Block Party . Saturday, 25 August 2007

Crystal City will be rockin' and rollin' tomorrow, 25 August 2007, from 8 am until 6 pm.

Creating a “Beach Drive” experience in the heart of Crystal City visitors can rollerblade along the long stretches of Crystal Drive, between 12th and 23rd Street, from 8 am until 12 noon.
Free and open to all ages, CrystalRolls is actually a precursor to the FREE outdoor summer block party, CrystalBlock. Which takes place from 1 pm until 6 pm on West 23rd between Fern and Eads Streets.

Celebrating historic “Restaurant Row,” Crystal-Block will feature live musical entertainment and family friendly activities, including:

1:30 pm - Johnny Artis Band
3:00 pm - Mary Ann Redmond
4:30 om - Niki Barr Band

Crystal-Block is opened to all ages. Must be 21 to drink.

Eastern Market food merchants relocate to temporary structure at East Hall

East Hall Market Building Opening
Food Merchants Return, Eastern Market Revived

PRESS RELEASE
24 August 2007

Eastern Market food merchants displaced by the April 30th fire are relocating to a new temporary structure dubbed the East Hall and will open for business on Saturday August 25th. This will mark the return to full operation of all Eastern Market activities since the fire.

Mayor Adrian Fenty will cut the ribbon Saturday morning at 9:30 am to officially open the East Hall at 7th & C Streets, SE, according to a release from Bill Rice of the DC Office of Property Management (OPM), which oversees the new facility, erected across the street from Eastern Market, whose South Hall was devastated in the fire.

"The rapid response of the Fenty administration will be applauded as an example of government at its best," exclaimed Michael Berman, Communications Director of The Flea Market at Eastern Market.

Tom Rall manager of the popular Sunday flea market claimed, "While both we and many of the market businesses have been open since the fire, business has been off throughout the neighborhood. It should recover rapidly now as customers rediscover the full market offering."

Rall said a tour of the new building yesterday revealed an attractive, sparkling setting full of bustling activity as merchants prepared for the reopening. "Most of the familiar faces were already there," he said.

The tour also revealed that a last minute decision had been made to resurface the entire adjacent Hine School Playground, which is also used by the weekend flea market. "That was an unexpected plus," Rall noted, "because the surface had been badly damaged by construction activity. The resurfacing will be safer than a patch job.

Another positive aspect will be what Berman called "great synergy between the new structure and the flea market activities on the school grounds". While a fence separates the building from the school property, a twenty foot wide gateway in the middle of the fence provides direct access between the two. "This will likely boost pedestrian flow for both activities", Berman explained.

"Stacey Norris, Acting Coordinator for OPM at Eastern Market, also confirmed that Seventh Street between C Street and North Carolina Ave. SE will continue to be closed on weekends," Rall reported. "That was particularly good news because it maintains an alternative venue for farmers and exhibitors who are displaced from areas around the market reconstruction."

"Now the main thing we have to do is tell everyone to come on out and see us," Berman concluded.

The East Hall will be open Tuesday through Sunday with similar hours to those of the South Hall previously: Tuesday-Saturday from 7am-6pm, and Sunday from 9am-4pm., Norris said. The Flea Market at Eastern Market will continue its advertised 10-5 Sunday schedule.

The Flea Market at Eastern Market
EasternMarket.net
1101 North Kentucky St.
Arlington,VA 22205
703-534-7612

Friday's Photo of the Week . 24 August 2007

Bicyclists . Francis Scott Key Bridge

Georgetown . WDC . 4 September 2006

Planet Arlington's 2nd Annual World Music Festival . Saturday, 1 September

Exploring issues of immigration, globalization and the environment through the lens of the arts and humanities, the 2nd Annual PLANET ARLINGTON WORLD MUSIC FESTIVAL will be held on Labor Day Saturday, 01 September 2007 at the Netherlands Carillon/Iwo Jima Memorial Grounds. Rain or shine!

The FREE OUTDOOR CONCERT opens at 4 pm with a performance by The Ska-talites (Ska/Reggae-Jamaica's Greatest Band). A 5:30 PM performance by Cyro Baptista (avant garde Brazilian percussionist) preceeds the New Orleans street band Benny Jones, Sr. and the Treme Brass Brand 6:30 PM set.

At 7:30 pm Latin Grammy winning/Oscar nominated Mexican-American vocal powerhouse Lila Downs takes to the stage. While the 2nd Annual Planet Arlington World Music Festival closes with legendary South African trumpeter Hugh Masekela whose performance is scheduled to begin at 8:45 PM.

Visit the website for details.

Click the above photo to view my 1st Annual Planet Arlington World Music Festival photo set which took place on Saturday, 02 September 2006.

DELIRIUM Sunday Tea Dance Party at Pasha's previews this Sunday, 26 August

Though DC's newest Sunday Tea Dance Party, Delirium Sundays at Pascha, will not launch until Labor Day Sunday, 2 September, Bill Alldredge and the folks at Atmos Events will hold a preview party this Sunday, 26 August 2007, at the former Mr. P's.

DJ Kevin DuRard kicks off the Sunday tea dance event at 5 pm while Michelle Miruski takes helm from 9 pm until 2 am.

Click the above image to view flyer and to connect with ATMOS EVENTS.

FED EX - KINKOS opens on 14th Street in the Logan Circle area

I began photographing the U Street Corridor, the Historic 14th Street District and P Street in the Logan Cirlce area in June 2005 with my 35 mm Canon Rebel. Having lived at 1320 Q Street from April 1985 until July 1986 which was when Greg and I moved to 417 15th Street in SE my documentation of the area has not been unlike my interest in other areas of the city. Or NYC including Chelsea and Gramery Park that I have had more than just a passing connection to.

Observing during my Wednesday, 15 August 2007 photo walk that a FED EX KINKOS had recently opened in a retail space at Lofts 14 - Two which I have photographed since June 2005 I stepped inside and while informing the staff of my ongoing interest in 14th Street, inquired how long had KINKOS occupied the space.

They said three weeks.

Before acquiring an IMAC 9.2 OS in 2001 I spent a lot money creating many photoessays, collages, and greeting cards via KINKOS. Most of which were catalogued and archived.

However, with the IMAC computer in 2001 and a Dell 4600 in July 2003 most of my projects since have been via the internet. Including reporting for several news organizations which began in September 2001 as a result of the 11 September attack. Which, in recent years, has shfited more toward blogging.

Located in a ground level retail space of Lofts 14 - Two the FED EX - KINKOS at 1512 14th Street in NW is a much needed service to the Logan Circle area.

Phone at (202) 232-4826 or fax at (202) 234-0892. Email at usa1864@fedexkinkos.com.

Stoney's Bar & Grill on P Street in Logan Circle area

I haved photographed the windows of the P Street Bistro Cafe, in connection with my ongoing Windows of Logan Circle project since June 2005 focusing, first, on the table settings while in recent months shifting more to the customers who sat on stools or stood in front of the the windows ... I did not realize until putting together my FLANEURISM: Friday Photo Walk - WDC - 13 July 2007 photo montage projections project the sign "Stoney's" that appears above the bay window and entrance.

So, during my brisk Wednesday photo walk along the Logan Circle P Street stretchI stopped in at Stoney's to inquire as to when the establishment had changed its name. Which is what I also had done, a few months or weeks before, in the cases of Jack's Restaurant and Bar and the 17th Street Cafe. Which before had been known as Le Pigalle and Cyber Stop Cafe, respectively.

Since, the fact that I was a black male ... standing in the door ... aroused unneeded suspicion I explained further to the young man and, perhaps, maitre d' that as part of my ongoing Windows of the World project I had often photographed the windows of this establishment and having observed, recently, that it is no longer the P Street Bistro Cafe I asked when had it changed to Stoney's.

He said November of last year.

Since as a documentary photographer these kind of details are important to record ... and as I have done with Jack's Restaurant which changed ownership in January 2007 and the 17th Street Cafe which changed in June 2007 ... I will go through my photographic archives and make sure that any images that were taken of the 1433 P Street location after November 2006 will be annotated as "Stoney's Bar & Grill". As opposed to "P Street Bistro Cafe".

Details. Details.

Washington Post article "At Stoney's, Everything Old Is New Again", dated Friday, 19 January 2007 by Staff Writer Ellen McCarthy sheds light on Stoney's history. And, perhaps, future.

Makeup Artist & Hair Stylist Donnell Robinson

Born in Warrenton VA, 50-something Donnell Robinson began his 'drag diva' career in 1976 when as Hurricane On Heels he took his first job as a female impersonator at the DC bar, "The Plus One".

Regular performances at The Rogue and The Other Side preceeded his almost 30 year extravaganza at Ziegfelds in SE WDC. Which is where he performed as Ella Fitzgerald, The Illusionist, from 1980 until its April 2006 closing.

Though Robinson has attended all the DC Pride celebrations since 1975, "Ella" did not take to the stage until 1979 which was the year that Donna Summer released her Bad Girls album. "Ella", of course, performed 'Bad Girls' and 'Hot Stuff'.

I first photographed Ella Fitzgerald, The Illusionist, during the 1994 DC Pride Parade. And while many oif the images are not on flickr the Pride 1004 images launched my now ongoing Ella Fitzgerald, The Illusionist, project.

Ella Fitzgerald, The Illusionist, has not only been the recipient of several community awards but as a professional makeup artist and hair stylist, Donnell Robinson is considered as one of best in the fashion industry.

I suspect that when I took this series of photos of Donnell Robinson during my 15 August 2007 Wednesday evening photo walk that he was en route to VSL Hair Design at 1607 Connecticut Avenue, NW, which is where he has worked for almost 12 years.

Friday's Photo of the Week . 17 August 2007

Lap Tops & Hands . Starbucks at Dupont Circle North

Windows of the World . Dupont Circle North . WDC
Wednesday evening, 15 August 2007
2007 Friday Photos of the Week

Cathy Hughes' "Family" Stone Soul Picnic Concert Series

Though I had never heard of the annual Stone Soul Picnic until Saturday afternoon when en route to the National Pow Wow at the Verizon Center that I happened upon a neighbor and his daughter waiting on the platform at the Waterfront - SEU WMATA Station in SW WDC for the next Greenbelt Green Line train.

When he inquired if I was heading to the Stone Soul Picnic replying that I had never heard of it I said that I was en route to the National Pow Wow at the Verizon Center. Surprised that I had not heard of the Stone Soul Picnic he explained that it was founded by Cathy Hughes of Radio One and that it was celebrating its 17th year.

I explained that having photographed two recent events associated with the Smithsonian National Museum of the Native American the National Pow Wow would be included in my ongoing Native American Heritage Collection. Reflecting on the experiences that I have had, in the past, when visiting or photographing at the National Museum of the Native American I said that had I known of the Stone Soul Picnic event I certainly would have made plans to attend it rather than the Pow Wow since, in the past, my experiences at the National Museum of the American Indian dating back to its September 2004 grand opening, as well as other scenarios when dealing with organizations or groups of Native Americans had often been marked by forms of outright racism directed towards me.

Which always brings to surface reflections my great grandmother, Violet Emma Dove Biscoe. who of Native American descent was married a Negro man, Thomas Walter Biscoe.

After photographing and videotaping the 2007 National Pow Wow for more than an hour I decided that the 17th Annual Stone Soul Picnic was exactly the kind of Afro-American event that I would be an important addiction to my ongoing Afro-American Heritage Collection.

While WDC may have celebrated its 17th Annual Stone Soul Picnic last weekend the Stone Soul Picnic Concert Series, founded by Cathy Hughes in 1991, is an important annual summer event in, I believe, nine other 'markets' associated with Radio One. Which Cathy Hughes refers to as "Family Members".

Other cities which host annual Stone Soul Picnics are Omaha Nebraska and Baltimore Maryland. In fact, Baltimore's 16th Annual Stone Soul Picnic will be held next weekend on Saturday, 18 August 2007 at Druid Park.

Click the above photo to view my 2007 Stone Soul Picnic at the RFK Grounds photoset. Here are video clips #1 and #2 of Kelly Rowland whioch were difficult to shoot with such a large crowd.

Depending on my schedule next weekend, I may take an overdue trip to Baltimore and capture Baltimore's 16th Annual Stone Soul Picnic at Druid Park.