AIDS Walk Miami "Art for AIDS Auction" at eBay until Saturday, 19 April

Click image for details

Centaur Music's $5 Sale on Blue Ball & Cherry Official CDs thru 15 April

Centaur has been a Proud Sponsor for two of the east coasts greatest fundraising weekends for the past several years and this year is no exception.

Blue Ball (Philadelphia) and Cherry (Washington) are fast approaching and you are encouraged to join the excitement and show your support with the purchase of the Official CDs for past events. All Blue Ball and Cherry CDs produced by Centaur are currently on sale for only $5.00 each. This offer included: Blue Ball 2, Blue Ball 3, Blue Ball 4, Blue Ball 5, Cherry Six and Cherry 2. No coupon code is needed and the discount will be added during checkout. Offer expires on Tuesday April 15, 2008.

FREEDOM: Junior Vasquez w/ Kevin Aviance at Cielo / NYC - Sunday, 13 April

From Mark Nelson Events:

VIDEOS on FLICKR is NOT A GOOD THING!

When I first heard of the idea a week or so ago either in an email that I got from flickr contact Billy Warhol or from a posting on one of his blog sites I did not know for sure if it was true. Or a rumor. At the time, busy working on some project, I did not take the time to read it further.

And then, when I heard the day before yesterday that it was to go in effect later that evening, at first, I thought it may would be a good idea.

But after reading some of the feedback from many flickrites who object and several attempts to upload ... realizing that there are already other video sites including YouTube, Google, Daily Motion, AOL, and even Yahoo Videos ... I now think that it is not a good idea.

Or, as Martha Stewart may would say "... its NOT a good thing!"

If YAHOO / FLICKR wishes to offer video sharing than, perhaps, they should start up a new site, separate from FLICKR. and by another CATCHY NAME. Or, update the YAHOO VIDEO service.

But, by all means, what ever video service that they start up ... it should be an improvement upon the various video sites that already exist.

I, Elvert Barnes, say "Videos on Flickr is NOT A GOOD THING!"

No, no, no ... videos at flickr, is NOT the one for me!

My 1996 Olympic Torch Relay departure from the White House photos

Here are some of my images taken on 21 June 1996 during the 1996 Olympic Torch Relay departure from the White House.

While I captured runner #1 exiting the White House east gate with a lighted torch I was not able to capture runner #1 passing the torch to runner #2, perhaps, at 15th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, NW.

I did capture runner #2 passing the torch to runner #3, Kim Brown, on 15th Street, at the half-way point between Pennsylvania and Constitution Avenues.

And a series of images of runner #4, a Special Olympics boy and his family, as he signed autographs at the Washington Monument Grounds.

So if you want to see what the official Olympic Torch looks like, check out my 1996 Olympic Relay - White House Depature / WDC - 21 June 1996 photoset.

Cherry Blossom Festival's Annual Gala Dinner Cruise Aboard The Odyssey TONIGHT

Set sail on the Annual Gala Dinner Cruise aboard the Odyssey TONIGHT, Wednesday 9 April, a fundraising event to benefit National Cherry Blossom Festival programs.

Cruise the Potomac with Japanese and American dignitaries and friends on Washington’s premiere dinner cruise vessel. This unique Washington experience includes fabulous views of the nation’s lighted monuments as well as the cherry trees along Haines Point. Enjoy Japanese cultural performances, dancing to live bands, four-course dinner and open bar. Proceeds from the National Cherry Blossom Festival® Gala Dinner Cruise support Festival programs.

The Odyssey departs from Gangplank Marina, Southwest Waterfront - 600 Water Street, SW, wdc. Boarding starts at 6 p.m. and cruises from 7 - 10 p.m. Cocktail attire is recommended.

Reservations are required; space is limited. Tickets are $125 per person and available by phoning (877) 44BLOOM or visiting http://arestravel.com/2209_attraction-tickets_a577.html

DJ Brett Henrichsen's Masterbeat World Tour Coming to TOWN / DC - Saturday, 19 April 2008

After the incredible kick off in Los Angeles, the Masterbeat World Tour is starting with it's first stop at Town Danceboutique in Washington DC next Saturday, April 19th ... for an incredible audiovisual journey with DJ Brett Henrichsen spinning the music that has made Masterbeat famous simultaneously with projections on Town's gigantic video screens synchronized with the music.

Free downloads for the new masterbeat.com will be given to the first 500 people through the door!

Watch for the Masterbeat World Tour to hit your city as it travels this summer to Atlanta, New York, Houston, Dallas, Las Vegas, Phoenix, Sao Paulo, Rio, Berlin, Amsterdam, Sydney and more ...

Brett Henrichsen will spin from 9 pm until 4 am on Saturday, 19 April 2008. Tickets at $12. Town Danceboutique is located at 2009 8th Street in NW WDC.

NOTE: Every Friday and Saturday, the Town Danceboutique hosts two different drag shows, at 9:30 amd 11 pm, featuring hostess Lena Lett and a cast including Blair Michaels, Destiny B. Childs, Ophelia Bottoms, Regina Jozet Adams and Shi-Queeta-Lee.

Here are images that I took of Brett Henrichsen at the 4 March 2007 Muscle Beach Party at South Beach during the 2007 Winter Party Festival.

DCFD Spokesman Alan Etter Rocks at Cherry Blossoms Festival Fireworks Prelude in SW DC

Stopping in at the Southwest Waterfront Associations 4th Prelude to the National Cherry Blossom Festival's Firework Display at the Southwest Waterfront Park on Saturday evening, 5 April 2008, I found out that DCFD spokesman Alan Etter 'can rock' ... as he, Jacob Keaton, Jim Wilson and Jodie Knox (lead vocals) of the Seacocks Band 'rocked' the crowd just before the fireworks display began.

Listening to the music and capturing the crowd dancing in the street was exactly what I was looking for, after staying in for most of day due to weather predictions of rain.

But by days end, not only had it not rained but the weather had been absolutely gorgeous. So much for predictions!

Click image to view Seacocks Band or Fireworks Prelude or (2007 - 2008) Southwest Waterfront Marinas / Washington Channel photosets.

Visit the Seacocks Band at myspace. Band members include Alan Etter, Jacob Keaton, Jodie Knox and Jim Wilson.

Here is the compilation of all 5 videos.

Alberto's Wooden Pencil Cases & Chaulk Boards for Children

During my March 2008 trip to Fort Lauderdale I happened upon Alberto & Sandra's Designs at the 8 March 2008 Las Olas Art & Crafts at Las Olas Riverfront / Riverwalk.

A husband and wife team, Alberto's and Sandra's Designs wares, all designed for children, also include Peruvian handcrafts and handmade clothing.

Contact Alberto and Sandra by email at soviediz@hotmail.com

17 - 20 April 2008 Cherry Weekend / WDC

Jim Lucio (defekto) book signing at Shine in Hampden / Baltimore tonight from 6-9pm

Just a reminder that Jim Lucio, aka Defekto, will be holding a 6 - 9 pm book signing tonight at Shine Collective in the Hampton area of Baltimore.

Only 100 books were printed, each signed, numbered and come with an original Polaroid! Books are $50 and your support will help Lucio to continue to promote his work to produce bigger and better things.

And as most of you already know, Polaroid has stopped production on its film. Going the way of the dodo bird, what is available is scarce and already hard to find, this really is the beginning of the end for this type of photography.

Shine is located at 1007A West 36th Street in Hampden. The number there is 410.366.6100.

Friday's Photo of the Week . 4 April 2008

Mirror, Mirror! . Anacostia Riverwalk Trail

Beneath the CSX Transportation / Washington Railway

Maine Avenue, SW, WDC . 1 April 2008

2008 Fridays' Photos of the Week

FIRE, 40 Years Ago: Sam Smith's reflections on the 1968 Riots

This Friday, 4 April 2008, marks the 40th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King's assassination.

In "Fire", an excerpt from Multitudes: the Unauthorized Memoirs of Sam Smith, writer, activist and social critic and the Editor of The Progressive Review / DC CITY DESK reflects on the '68 riots in Washington DC.

Click image by Sam Smith to read article.

Berlin Artist Nicolaus Schmidt's "Kosmographie Gayhane" Exhibition at NYU's Deutsches Haus

Following a September 2007 visit in connection with his New York Breakdancer ( Steps Away Dancers) Project, Berlin artist Nicolaus Schmidt will return to NYC for the 12 April 2008 "Kosmographie Gayhane" Opening Party at NYU's Deutsches Haus.

Click image for details.

Founded in 1977 as one of New York University’s prestigious international houses, Deutsches Haus at NYU is a key American institution in the New York City area fostering German-American and international understanding.

For media purposes, Nicolaus Schmidt can be reached by email at nicolaus.schmidt@gmx.de or nicolaus.schmidt@lycos.de. Since I'm not able to locate Fatma Souad's contact info, perhaps the staff at Berlin's SO36 Club, which is where Gayhane is held, may be of assistance.

Deutsches Haus at NYU is located at 42 Washington Mews, one block north of Washington Square Park. Telephone is 212.998.8660.

The exhibit will be on view from 12 April through 17 May 2008.

Robert Parry at Mark Crispin Miller's 1 April "First Tuesdays Series" Book Talk in NYC

Award-winning investigative journalist Robert Parry will be discussing his latest book, Neck Deep: The Disastrous Presidency of George W. Bush as part of Mark Crispin Miller's "First Tuesdays Series," at 7 pm on 1 April 2008 in New York City.

The book talk will be held at McNally Robinson Booksellers, 52 Prince Street, New York City, between Lafayette and Mulberry.

Parry also will be available to sign copies of Neck Deep, which he co-authored with two of his sons, Sam and Nat.

For more details on the event, contact McNally Robinson Booksellers at 212-274-1180.

For our spring fundraiser, we have set a modest goal of $25,000. But we must reach it if we are to continue functioning through the months ahead.

You can make a tax-deductible donation by credit card online or by mailing a check to Consortium for Independent Journalism (CIJ); Suite 102-231; 2200 Wilson Blvd.; Arlington VA 22201. ( For readers wanting to use PayPal, you can address contributions to our account, which is named mailto:consortnew@aol.com).

With donations of $100, we'll send you an autographed gift copy of our latest book, Neck Deep: The Disastrous Presidency of George W. Bush. (Or you can request that we substitute either Robert Parry's Lost History or his book on the rise of the Bush dynasty, Secrecy & Privilege.)

With donations of $150 or more, we'll send the hard cover version of Neck Deep. (We also have a few copies left of Parry's Trick or Treason, which we can substitute, if you wish, while supplies last.)

"Mondo Defekto: The Polaroid Photography of Jim Lucio" booksigning at Baltimore's Shine Collective on Friday, 4 April 2008

Twenty years in the making, NYC defector and now Baltimore inhabitant Jim Lucio will be on hand this Friday evening, 4 April, in Baltimore at the Shine Collective's 'First Friday' event to sign his new book, "Mondo Defekto: The Polaroid Photography of Jim Lucio".

From the author: "The book is a self-published, limited edition of 100 signed and numbered copies. The images were selected from the 1,000s of Polaroids that I've taken over the course of 20 years. Most of the images included were taken in Baltimore over the last few years. The support I get for this book is allowing me to further promote my Polaroid work and hopefully get a book deal that would allow for a more complete and retrospective look at what I've been photographing with my Polaroid cameras all these years."

For this book signing Jim will be taking personal photos of the buyer. Please note- for the first time since 1943, Polaroid film production has ended. As of this moment, there is no new Polaroid film available in any markets anywhere- only what can be found left on the shelves of random drug and grocery stores. This is a rare moment in the history of photography.

In true form with his medium, Lucio's book is very limited. Pre-order now and reserve your copy. $50.

Shine Collective was founded in 2002 by Melissa and Matt Kirby. Having lived in NY and LA- but moving back to be with family in Baltimore, their experience in fashion, music and film industries left them wanting to bring it all back home. Shine's original mission was to combine their affection for fashion, film, music, art and independent designers into one store.

A 'First Friday' event, the Mondo Defekto: The Polaroid Photography of Jim Lucio's book signing will take place this Friday, 4 April 2008, from 6 until 9 pm at Shine Collective which is located at 1007A West 36th Street in Baltimore, MD. Telephone at 410.366.6100.

Learn more about the artist Jim Lucio, aka Defekto, by visiting his website. Email at defekto@gmail.com

Baltimore '68: Riots and Rebirth Conference at University of Baltimore . 3 - 5 April 2008

For two weeks in April 1968, beginning in the dark hours following the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr., the city of Baltimore was devastated by a series of civil disturbances that left six dead, dozens injured and hundreds of properties, both private and public, burned, shattered and in ruins. The events, which culminated in the deployment of thousands of armed National Guard troops across the city on the orders of Gov. Spiro Agnew and the addition of regular Army troops by Pres. Lyndon Johnson, riveted the attention of the nation, which already was reeling from similar riots in other cities across the country.

In 2008, the 40th anniversary of King's death, the University of Baltimore will offer a close-up examination of the riots—their causes and the short- and long-term consequences—in a series of public events called "Baltimore '68: Riots and Rebirth".

The highlight of the events will be a conference exploring the effects of the riots and the many efforts at civic healing that followed. This national gathering of experts, including scholars across disciplines as varied as race relations, civic engagement and 20th-century history, will take place on campus in April 2008, 40 years to the date of King's murder and the unrest that followed.

Register online now.

DC Cowboys DVD Release Cocktail Party at Nellie's Sports Bar - Friday, 4 April

On Friday, 4 April 2008, the DC Cowboys Dznce Company will host a "DC Cowboys: On Stage and At Play" DVD release party at Nellie's Sports Bar / Upstairs Pub Room.

Enjoy complimentary vodka cocktails from 8-9PM and 1/2 price vodka cocktails from 9-11PM sponsored by Surreal Vodka while you watch the exciting DC Cowboys: On Stage and At Play DVD - 70-minutes of non-stop action! For the first time on DVD, see live theater performance footage of the DC Cowboys as well as a behind-the-scenes peak at a nude photo shoot from a local B&B in Dupont Circle and never-before-seen dancer interviews and backstage photos.

Get your copy of this professionally edited, performance DVD at our Nellie's party or at our on-line store for $20.

50% of the proceeds will benefit Northern Virginia AIDS Ministry's (NOVAM) ORION Program a peer-facilitated HIV/AIDS education and prevention program for GLBTQ youth.

Situated at the corner of 9th and U Streets, Nellie's Sports Bar is located at 900 U Street in NW Washington DC. Telephone (202) 332-NELL (6355).

Here is my DC Cowboys Dance Company FLICKR COLLECTION.

Graffiti Epidemic on 14th Street

Though graffiti has always been of interest to me as evidenced by my very first photography exhibition, "Graffiti, Propaganda & Other Writings on the Wall" at Cafe Luna on P Street in NW Washington DC from June through September 1994 ... it has been since June 2005 that in the process on my 14th Street and Logan Circle photo walks that I have taken particular note to document graffiti along 14th Street.

So when I heard news last week of the graffiti epidemic on 14th Street though, not surprised, I felt 'affirmed' in the fact that I had had the 'foresight' to document / record the 'epidemic' in the process of my walks.

While, in the past, I may not ventured north on 14th Street beyond Columbia Heights with my camera gear, my exploration of the corridor will eventually lead to the Maryland border just as my exlploration south has already taken me through Thomas Circle down to Ohio Drive at the Tidal Basin - East in SW and the 14th Street Bridge Complex.

Where when crossing the Potomac River by the WMATA Yellow Line I seldom miss an opportunity to 'capture' the traffic along the 14th Street Bridge. And the the graffiti on the CSX Transportation - Washington Railway and Virginia Railway tracks, as well.

Fortunately, for District residents and business owners along 14th Street Corridor, last September the DC Department of Public Works announced its Graffiti Removal Voucher Program for those whose property has been defaced by graffiti.

Eastern Market Artist Quest Skinner Featured on Cover of Washington Post's Sunday Source

Artist Quest Skinner, who exhibits at Eastern Market's Sunday and Saturday Market Festival, an Arts & Crafts Fair is featured on the cover of this Sunday's Washington Post Source Magazine, dated 30 March 2008, as staff writer Dan Zak explores "Art on a Budget The Secret to Starting a Great Art Collection? It's Not a Fat Bank Account".

An art teacher for three area community centers, price ranging from $20 to $200 to the thousands, 30 year old Quest's "tips" can be found on page 2 of the article.

Painter Quest Skinner, who I have sometimes captured at Eastern Market says that "... discounts will be given to all who bring the article to Eastern Market on Sunday between the hours of 9am and 5pm".

Quest can be found at Eastern Market on Saturdays and Sundays. Or visit her at myspace. Email at questskinner636@hotmail.com. Or call 202-415-6684.

Click the above photo by Juana Arias of The Washington Post t oread the entire article.

My 2007 Smithsonian Kite Festival Photo Montage Video

In celebration of tomorrow's 42nd Annual Smithsonian Kite Festival, here is my 41st Annual Smithsonian Kite Festival photo montage video. Which features "Dreaming", an October 2004 'chill / ambient' mix by DJ Bryan Hughes and photography images taken by Elvert Barnes during last year's event on the National Mall in WDC.

Peter Rauhofer & The Work Crew present Darkroom / Highline Ballroom - 28 March 2008

Josh Wood Productions' 28 - 30 March 2008 Weekend Events: Corey Craig at Star/Lina at Socialista!

Friday's Photo of the Week . 28 March 2008

Barracks Row Main Street / Capitol Hill

Barracks Row . 8th between E & G, SE, WDC . Capitol Hill

Sunday Photo Walk, 22 July 2007
2008 Fridays' Photos of the Week

Jane Haslem Gallery Open House . Saturday, 29 March . 1 - 5 pm

Celebrating its 48th anniversary, Jane Haslem Gallery will host an open house on Saturday afternoon, 29 March from 1 until 5 pm.

Two current exhibits will be on display as well as selections from the gallery's paintings and prints & drawings inventory.

In particular, Stephen Tanis' "Sensory Mix" and "Our Spolied Land". Which features prints and works on paper by various artists including Scip Barnhart, Anne Chesnut, Carlton Fletcher, George Harkins, Bill Hill, James McGarrell, Nancy McIntyre, Elizabeth Peak, John Winslow, Dorothy Yanik, and Richard Ziemann.

The Jane Haslem Gallery is located 2025 Hillyer Place in NW Washington DC.

Please RSVP 202 232 4644.

RITES XXIX: The Black Party

My 2nd National Marathon photo montage just in time for the 3rd National Marathon!

In celebration of next weekend's 3rd Annual National Marathon, it had been my intention to create a never before seen photo montage / video of last year's 2nd National Marathon featuring DJ Bryan Hughes "In Search of the Sun (Snowboarders Mix)" as background music but, when a few weeks ago that my Simple Tech external hard drive 'corrupted' all the data includig a photography archive from, at least, October 2005 through June 2006 and correspondence and wrtings dating back 2004 or 2003 ... that plan, along with many others, when out the window. Or down the drain!

Thanks to my 2nd National Marathon collection I was able to create this 2nd Annual National Marathon / WDC - 24 March 2007 photo montage from images that I had already uploaded to my flickr account. Unfortunately, the remaining 500 or images that were 'corrupted' will not now ever be seen!

Too bad, because they were some great images shot in SW DC along 7th Street, Maine Avenue and M Street. And put to Bryan Hughes uplifting 'In Search of the Sun (September 2007) mix would've resulted in a empowering reflection of last year's National Marathon!

Easter Does Not Mean To Me ...

For much of my life, the celebration of Easter and spring were one of my favorite times of the year. However, when in recent years that I have reflected on the past and, more importantly, attempted to move forward ... EASTER HAS NOT MEANT TO ME ...

As I now prepare for 'the end of my life', the image, shot in Dupont Circle on Easter Sunday, 10 April 2006, ranks as one of my favorite Easter images.

When a few weeks ago I learned that my Simple Tech external hard drive containing much my digital photography from October 2005 through June 2007 (including the above image) and correspondence, writings and other important data dating back to 2004 could not be viewed on my computer and may have been deleted ... I flashed back to 'scenarios' in the past when something of value to me had been destroyed or dismantled by someone in my life.

And that the 'dismantling of the lives of black men', at least from experiences, have been foundation for the weatlh of many.

Hoping that the historic data could be retrieved, when visiting Fort Lauderdale in early March, I took the hard drive down with me and left it at Best Buy's Geek Squad. When checking with Best Buy on the morning of my departure that I was informed me the data had been lost, while, I certainly was disappointed, after my experiences of the previous week, the 'lost data' not only did not mean to me what it had meant, just a few days before but, and not unlike when one's last breath is exhaled, though the lost was still felt, the news from Best Buy, representing 'a sign' to 'move on' came as 'sigh of relieve'!

While the lost images represent only a few years of the past 15 years, what is more important, is the fact that whenever I revisit any of the images taken between 1992 and 2007 and not unlike Ken Wyban when he revisits images that I took of his last days at 21 N Street, SE, or that revisit places that I once lived or frequented or that encounter people that I have known, over the years, haunting memories flash before me.

However, Mr. Wyban was compensated. I, a 50 something black male, was not. Nor will I ever be able to regain nor recover what what 'dismantled' from me. It is not able the pictures nor the external hard drive.

If the past 15 years of institutionalized racism has been enough, you know God Damn well that more than 30 years of being targeted and blacklisted by the US Government and the law enforcement community, is more than enough!

Rick Bauer Band - Jazz On The Square / Lauderdale by The Sea . 7 March 2008

Rick Bauer Band - Jazz / Lauderdale By The Sea . 7 March 2008
Video sent by ElvertBarnes

Video compilation of the Rick Bauer Band performing at the Village Grille / Village Pump's "Jazz On The Square" at Pelican Square in the Anglin Village area of Lauderdale By The Sea, FL on Friday night, 7 March 2008.

Elvert Xavier Barnes Videography

WHAT BLACK MEN THINK

A 'Vernal Equinox' Tribute to Robert Mapplethorpe

This always happens. While, it is true that he often crosses my mind as was the case a week or so ago when I received an update from the Saint pertaining this year's Black Party, on this particular day, he was not.

When in the process of selecting today's Friday's Photo of the Week that, in the background, I listened to Martha Stewart's Friday 21 March 2008 Easter Show I realized that I was not focusing on Easter nor Spring as I had in the past.

And then, it happened. As it has ... each and every vernal equinox, since 1999, when ten years after his death that I remembered the morning of 22 March 1987 when Robert Mapplethorpe predicted that "... years from now, you come to realize that you were just their nigger ..."

Friday's Photo of the Week . 21 March 2008

Canoe . New River . Las Olas Riverwalk

SUNDAY VIDEO / PHOTO WALK

Fort Lauderdale, FL . 15 March 2008

2008 Fridays' Photos of the Week

Friday's Photo of the Week . 14 March 2008

El Mar Drive / Lauderdale By The Sea

P H O T O / V I D E O W A L K

Anglin's Fishing Pier

13 March 2008

2008 Fridays' Photos of the Week

Marc Furth's 'Underwater Photography' exhibit at St Lawrence Gallery to benefit Epilepsy Foundation of Florida

When interested in learning more about a particular community and that which I refer to as flaneurism but others refer to as 'a flaneur' I will embark on photo/video walks. Having captured last Friday's "Jazz On The Square" at Pelican Square in Lauderdale By The Sea and wanting to learn more about El-Mar Drive I began my Thursday, 13 March 2008 'El Mar Drive' flaneurism project at the Oriana By The Sea complex, just north of Pelican Square. While I first observed during my June 2007 visit to Fort Lauderdale.

Wanting to capture Oriana's ocean view I entered the beach at the 4300 El Mar Drive entrance and 'strolled' south along the beach, through the Anglin Pier / Beach Village complex, photographing and videotaping along the way. It was when I had exited the beach to capture the construction process of the Villas By The Sea complex along El Mar Drive that Marc Furth introduced himself to me.

After mentioning that as a tourist from WDC I was in the process of a photowalk through Lauderdale By The Sea, Mr. Furth informed me that not only was he a former Lauderdale-by-the-Sea Town Commissioner and that he and his wife, Cristie, own and operate the Blue Seas Courtyard seaside inn which was just yards from where we were standing ... but that as an underwater photographer the Town of Lauderdale-by-the-Sea had proclaimed him as "Town Marine Photographer Laureate".

Continuing our walk south along El Mar Drive, in the direction of Blue Seas Courtyard, he invited me to the Friday, 14 March 2008 (6 - 9 pm) 'Wine & Cheese' Opening Reception of the Marc Furth Underwater Photography Exhibit at the St. Lawrence Gallery.

Stunning underwater photography depicting local and international seascapes, on display through 10 April 2008, Marc Furth and the St. Lawrence Gallery will donate a portion of the sales to benefit the Epilepsy Foundation of Florida.

Come out and support a good cause while enjoying some beautiful work. There is a raffle and no door charge. Marc Furth will be there to share his passion and sign prints.

The St. Lawrence Gallery is located at 3556 N Ocean Boulevard in the Galt Mile Community of Fort Lauderdale. Telephone at 954.566.8011.

Like I said, it has been through my flaneurism projects that I not only explore communities but also meet interesting people.

Unfortunately, for me, a 50 something black male ... and as I mentioned to Mr. Furth and the ladies at the Kilwin's Chocolate & Ice Cream in the Village ... my photo walks and travels throughout the world are always tainted by the racism that I experience.

Josh Wood Productions & St. Ann's Warehouse 'IRAQ WAR' 5th Anniversary Benefit Concert SOLD OUT!

Josh Wood Productions 14 - 16 March Weekend: Joe Hickerson at Star Lounge / Chelsea Hotel & Lina at Socialista / Riverview Hotel

Rick Bauer Band performs at Jazz On The Square at Pelican Square / Lauderdale By The Sea

I believe it was a few weeks before Memorial Day Weekend last year that a friend who lives in Lauderdale By The Sea suggested that during my next visit to Fort Lauderdale I should check out the Friday evening Jazz On the Square at Pelican Square.

Though I missed the Friday evening Jazz On the Square at Pelican Square during my Memorial Day 2007 and November 2007 visits when joining two friends from New York during their 6 - 10 March weekend trip to Fort Lauderdale I made sure to stop in at the Jazz On The Square.

As I entered The Village along Commercial Boulevard from Ocean Boulevard a soulful rendition of "Sittin on the Dock of the Bay" reverberated through the Square as folks danced in the street and meandered about the Village to the sounds of the Rick Bauer Band.

Bruce Springsteen's "Everybody's Got a Hungry Heart", Johnny Cash's "Love Is a Burnin' Thing", Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet's "Old Town Rock and Roll" and Stephen Still's "Love The One You're With" followed before the band took a break.

At which time I headed back to the apartment on Ocean Boulevard to join friends for dinner which our guests from NYC had prepared.

May I suggest that if you are ever in the Lauderdale By The Sea area on a Friday evening that you check out Jazz On The Square at Pelican Square which, just yards from the Anglin Pier and beach, takes place from 6 until 10 pm on the streets just outside of The Village Grille and Village Pump at El Mar Drive and Commercial Boulevard.

And should you ever get the opportunity to catch the Rick Bauer Band, by all means do so.

To order cds or learn more about the Rick Bauer Band, visit their website or myspace.

In addition to founder Rick Bauer, drummer Rich Pistocchi and bassist Rick Bauer (known to all as Pops), a power trio that has garnished local an international acclaim as one of the most ecclectic and capable three pieces anywhere, on this particularly evening, the Rick Bauer Band also featured Richard Malfitano or "Malfie" on sax.

Here is video clip #2/5, from the event, of the Rick Bauer Band performing Bruce Springsteen's "Everybody's Got A Hungry Heart". Other clips and a compilation will be uploaded along with more photos once I get back to DC.

Friday's Photo of the Week . 07 March 2008

Demolition / Excavation . Waterfront Mall . SW WDC . 5 March 2008

Happy 46th Birthday, Leander

Today represents my nephew, Leander's, 46th birthday who was born on 6 March 1962. While in Fort Lauderdale I picked up a carrott cake from Publix at Sea Ranch Village. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, LEANDER.

SPOTLIGHT ON DJ, Producer, Remixer Tom Colontonio

In the launching of his new VANDIT Digital label, one of the artists that Paul van Dyk features in the VANDIT Newsletter dated Friday, 29 February 2008 is DJ Tom Colontonio, aka DJ Tommy Boy.

"After releasing his first commercial productions only 3 short years ago, Tom has entered the elite group of producers being acknowledged by the most acclaimed DJ’s and labels in the world. Each new release has consistently found its way to the playlists and charts of the best of the best – the type of recognition that speaks to both the quality and significance of his work."

After listening to Colontonio's "Looking Glass", "Bridge the Gap" and "Inspiration" I know exactly why Armin Van Buuren proclaims Tom as "... the man of the moment." and why John O'Callaghan regards Tom as "... one of the leading new artists in trance."

And why Paul van Dyk and staff has selected Colontonio as one of the featured artists of VANDIT DIGITAL.

Tom's websites are at tomcolontonio.com and myspace.com/djtommyboy.

And here is his discography.

Friday's Photo of the Week . 29 Feb 08

Collins Avenue . South Beach Miami, FL

Sunday Photo Walk, 4 March 2007

2008 Fridays' Photos of the Week

Food & Friends' 20th Dining Out Night - Thursday, 6 March 2008

There's only 1 week feft to make your reservations for Food & Friends' 20th Dining Out for Life.

Simply by dining at one of the more than 150 participating restaurants, YOU can make a critical difference in the life of someone facing HIV/AIDS, cancer or another life-challenging illness.

During Dining Out for Life, 25 to 100% of your bill will be donated to Food & Friends. View Our Full List of Participating Restaurants. The funds raised will provide home-delivered meals and nutrition services to the more than 2,800 men, women and children whom Food & Friends will serve this year alone.

And, as a special treat, stop in at the Dining Out for Life After-Party at Cobalt (17th & R NW) for an after dinner drink and celebrate all you've done to make Dining Out for Life 2008 a huge success for our clients. All Are Welcome!

Winter Party Festival kicks off tonight!

The 2008 Winter Party Festival gets under way tonight in Miami with our official welcome reception, Departure Lounge, presented by Showtime Networks. Held at our host hotel, the beautiful Doubletree Surfcomber at 1717 Collins Avenue in Miami Beach, the event features cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, prizes and a showcase of some of the most dynamic organizations serving the local community.

The reception kicks off six days of events, ranging from the most incredible dance lineups of any annual event in the world to art exhibits and gatherings geared toward LGBT youth, families and the transgender members of our community.

Go to www.winterparty.com for full details, including a schedule and how to purchase tickets and passes.

Here are Elvert Barnes' 2007 Winter Parry Festival photo collections and 2005 Manhunt Pool Party photo set at FLICKR.

End the Israeli Occcupation of Palestine Rally/ WDC . 10 June 2007

EndIsraeliOccupation.USC.WDC.10jun07
Video sent by ElvertBarnes

This video compilation includes 3 clips shot during the 10 June 2007 "End the Israeli Occupation of Palestine Rally" on the West Lawn of the US Capitol Grounds in Washington DC.

Though there were many speakers, I was only able to capture Ambassador Ed Peck (Former Chairman, Council for the National Interest Foundation), Andy Shallal of Iraqi Voices for Peace and George Friday (National Co-Chair of United for Peace and Justice).

Since on that particular day I also reported on the 2007 Capital Pride Festival I was not able to document much of the 'End the Israeli Occupation of Palestine' Rally which after assembling at the US Capitol's West Lawn then marched from the US Captiol grounds to the Washington Monument Grounds on the National Mall in WDC.

Elvert Xavier Barnes Videography

The 'Meatpacking District' Diner / NYC

I first ate at the diner at the 'triangle' intersection of 9th Avenue, Hudson and West 14th Street during the summer of 1980 when during a weekend trip to NYC that I visited Frank at an apartment that he shared with one or two other guys in the yellow brick apartment building located at the corner of Christopher and Hudson Street in The Village.

At the time, if my memory serves me correctly, the Hellfire was one of the 'sex clubs' located in the triangular building at the intersection just across the street from the diner. There always seemed to be at least two different clubs located in the building.

The back entrance which led down into a dungeon attracted more of a straight crowd. While the back room bar at the street level was strictly for gay men. Over the years, the names of the clubs would come and go. In 2004, after a few months of closure, the Hellfire Club would re-incarnated as the Fetish Warehouse in Brooklyn, which a year or so ago would go on hiatus.

So, sometimes after a weekend of partying and bar hopping at the many different gay clubs in the West Village / Chelsea area including the Mineshaft ... it was on our way home to the studio that we shared on West 21st Street in Chelsea that Frank, I and whoever he may have collected along the way ... would stop in at the diner at the corner of 9th Avenue and West 14th Street.

While the food was relatively cheap, it was not all that impressive. After my September 1980 move NYC and with the sharing of the 319 West 21st Street aaprtment we found much better eateries on 8th and 9th Avenues in the Chelsea area. In particular, the greek diner, which still remains at the corner of 9th Avenue and West 23rd Street.

And then, too, it was just a few weeks after my September 1980 move to NYC that the Saint opened.

Which, therefore, and for the most part our 'weekends of partying' took place at the lower east side on Saint Marks Place. Where after partying and dancing at the Saint followed by a visit to Saint Marks Bath House (now Saint Maraks Hotel) we sometimes stopped in at a diner on the Lower East Side / Bowery area.

When in NYC for the 2006 Black Party that I embarked on a Saturday evening photo walk I observed that the old diner at the corner of West 14th and 9th Avenue had gone more 'upscale'.

Though I did not stop in since I had already dined at the greek diner on 9th Avenue and West 23rd ... when taking a series of photos of what is now "The Meatpacking District Diner" I remembered the first time that Frank, in the summer of 1980, introduced me to the diner.

It was also the first time that I would become acquainted with the 'sex clubs' located in the triangle building at the intersection of West 14th, Hudson and 9th Avenue. It would became an area that, over the years, I would become very familiar with.

According to a PDF press release dated 14 October 2005, accouncing its opening "The Diner ... is a hip New York diner serving American, comfort food."

A September 2005 JoonBug Productions blog posting reports that "Along with seasoned restaurateurs Sergio & Mario Riva (Candela) and Marc Packer (Tao, Rue 57, Bolzano), and some of NYC’s biggest nightlife moguls, the Diner will bring modern interpretations of 30’s & 40’s American diner food like southern fried chicken, blackened catfish, and macaroni & cheese with or without chorizo – 24 hours a day, and at reasonable prices."

And here are some mostly favoritable reviews at Yelp.

Located at 44 9th Avenue at the corner of West 14th and Hudson, the next time that I visit NYC I'll make a point to stop in at The (Meatpacking District) Diner. Perhaps, for a spiritual reconnection with Frank who passed in May 1989.

Click the above image to view my Meatpacking District / NYC and March 2006 NYC photo sets.

My Election 2000 protest image featured on political book cover

It was in the spring or early summer of 2001 that I received an email from Ronald Hayduck requesting permission to use my December 2000 All We Are Saying Election 2000 Disenfranchised Protest photo as one of the images for the cover of an upcoming book that focused on the issues of the 2000 election.

Though I have sometimes wondered if I'd ever come across the result, when googling for Elvert Barnes, tonight, I came across a link to Democracy's Moment: Reforming the American Political System for the 21st Century By Ronald Hayduck, Kevin Mattson.

And, viola, there was my image featured amongst others on the front cover.

Thanks Ronald Hayduck and Kevin Mattson.

See the image, also, on my November 2004 Election webpage "Is History Repeatin' Itself?".

White Crane Editors' GAY WISDOM for Daily Living 22 February Tribute to Andy Warhol

In White Crane's GAY WISDOM for Daily Living posting for Friday, 22 February 2008 we are reminded that it was on this day in 1987 that Andy Warhol died at 6:32 am in NYC.

Read the complete 22 February 2008 THIS DAY IN GAY HISTORY at the White Crane's Gay Wisdom Yahoo Group.

After taking a quick glance at the daily messages you, too, may wish to join.

Click image of Andy Warhol's "Details of Renaissance Paintings; (Paolo Uccello, St. George and the Dragon)" to view other works by Warhol in the collection of Elvert Barnes.

Friday's Photo of the Week . 22 February 2008

PHOTOGRAPHS NEVER BEFORE SEEN

Alistair Millar . Washington Director of the Fourth Freedom

NATO's 50th Anniversary Washington Summit

De-Nuke NATO Rally & Protest Against NATO's Bombing of Yugoslavia

GW Monument Grounds . NW WDC . 23 April 1999

2008 Fridays' Photos of the Week

Larry Tee's Dizzy / Brooklyn NYC . Saturday, 23 February

Larry Tee's Dizzy!
Brooklyn's Most OUTrageously Fun Party!

Saturday, 23 February 2008
Alberto Cortes Video Art Show & B-Day Bash

Guest Performer: Geo Vaughn
Resident DJs/Hosts: Larry Tee & Kevin Graves
Curated by: Earl DaxDoor girl: Jordan Foxx

RVSP @ http://myspace.com/dizzynyc
Galapagos Art Space in Williamsburg

Here is NANYA BIDNESS video AT LAST WEEK'S DIZZY

Here's Larry Tee's Dizzy / Weimar NY Performance at Galapagos, Brooklyn.

Today is the 43rd anniversary of Malcolm X's assassination

Today, 21 February 2008, marks the 43rd anniversary of the assassination of Malcolm X. By clicking images and some highlighted text at 40 Years Ago Today (2005) Tribute to Malcolm X you can access various Malcolm X. projects.

Though I had contemplated releasing TODAY a photo / video montage of images and footage that I shot over the 2008 Presidents Weekend in WDC that would be sampled with several of Malcolm X's speeches, in particular "Field Negro vs House Negro" I decided that the "Field Negro / House Negro" projections project would be better suited for Malcolm X Day, 19 May 2008.

Recognize.HipHop.Graffiti.NPG.DWRC.WDC.16feb08

Recognize.HipHop.Graffiti.NPG.DWRC.WDC.16feb08
Video sent by ElvertBarnes

RECOGNIZE! Hip Hop and Contemporary Portraiture . www.npg.si.edu/exhibit/curex1.htm#hiphop . National Portrait Gallery . Smithsonian Donald W. Reynolds Center for American Art & Portraiture . 9th & G Streets, NW, WDC . Saturday afternoon, 16 February 2008.

Elvert Xavier Barnes Videography

Winter Party Festival's 3rd Annual South Florida LGBT Family Pride Picnic

On Sunday, 24 February 2008, the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force and South Florida Family Pride invite parents, kids and their friends to the 3rd Annual LGBT Family Picnic at Hollywood's T-Y Park ... for an afternoon of food, games, face painting and more.

For more details on these events or the entire Festival line-up, please visit www.winterparty.

Click the above photo to view my 2007 South Florida Family Pride Picnic at TY Park photoset and 2007 Winter Party Festival collection.

Winter Party Festival Gold Passes Will Sell Out Soon!

LESS THAN 75 GOLD PASSES LEFT!

The most economical way to enjoy the Winter Party Festival line-up is with one of our multi-event passes, which can save you anywhere from $45 to more than $400. Our Gold Pass, which includes entry into six of our spectacular dance events, is selling fast. With less than 75 still available for sale, the Gold Pass will certainly sell out before the Welcome Center opens next Wednesday. If you're planning to go for the Gold, don't wait any longer to buy your pass: go to www.winterparty.com now! You should also consider our Platinum Pass for only $90 more, you receive entry into nine dance events!

Click the above image to view my 2007 Beach Party flickr set and 2007 Winter Party Festival flickr collection.