Friday Photo of the Week - 25 April 2008

From the Perspective Of . US Capitol Police

National Socialist Movement March on Washington

US Capitol Grounds . WDC . 19 April 2008

2008 Fridays' Photos of the Week

In response to Matt Foreman's final Task Force opinion

In case you experience technical difficulty accessing the pdf format of The Task Force's exiting Executive Director Matt Foreman's 22 April 2008 compelling commentary The (ex) governor’s wife, my best friend and the down low click the image above to view my reconstructed, copied and pasted version at Google Documents.

Let me began, first, with a SHOUT OUT to Matt Foreman for a job well done as Task Force's executive director.

Who I first met during the August 2003 40th Anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr's historic Civil Rights March on Washington. And, subsequently, cross paths with at the 2005 and 2007 Winter Party Festival. While I have high regards for his work and efforts and have always been impressed with his writing and ability to 'hit the nail on the head' and, as I expressed to him during our first meeting, in August 2003 ... I'm sick and tired of joining hands and marching in the streets ... only to realize some 30 or 40 years later that every touch and step along the way was yet another premeditaed act to deter but dismantle my dreams.

When reading the first line of Foreman's final commentary which states that he never thought that he had much in common with Eliot Spitzer’s wife Silda ... I remembered the moment in early March 2008 when in Fort Lauderdale that my partner and I first heard the news on TV.

After some discussion regarding the matter of transporting a prostitute across state lines, I looked at him and said, "O' please ... the Mayflower Hotel was only one of the places in WDC that Girard and I rendezvoused, partied and engaged in things that were 'not safe'.

Of Franco-Swizz descent, Girard had a striking resemblance to Rock Hudson. We first met in late February 1988 on the very same night after having spent the day earlier moving into a new apartment in NE WDC that I stopped into the DC Eagle. The reason that I moved to the new apartment was because my white house mate of several years but then ex-lover who, himself, was a cocaine dealer, pot head and alcoholic demanded that I move out because he was sick and tired of 'all the white men' calling the house and coming around looking for me.

Had I known then what I came to realize many years later not only would Girard not have been invited back to my new apartment which resulted in his invitation for me to fly out to LA to visit him over the 1988 Easter Weekend but, our subsequent rendezvous in high-priced hotels in NYC and WDC, including the Mayflower, would not have occured.

Girard was only one of the many white men who, over the years, that I had ongoing relationships with. Of course, there were the occasional one night stands. But, hose are not the subject of this essay. While most identified themselves as gay, there were more than a few who were straight and married that I had ongoing sexual relationships with. As well as a few straight guys from catering that travelled with me to other cities and accompanied me to gay bars in WDC who I did not engage in sexual relations with but, felt comfortable enough with me, that we slept in the same bed. And whenever they needed a place to stay or money, it was not uncommon for them to ask for my assistance. And ... with no strings attached.

And, yes, there were two straight black women who I was close with and a white woman that some may refer to as a 'fag hag' that I still include amongst my dearest friends.

So, when I speak of relationships I'm talking about people who I had more than just a passing connection to.

I mention Girard for several reasons. One of which has to do with the fact that like many of the white men that I had relationships with, of European descent, Girard was not an American citizen. He as an alien.

When over one summer of 1975 or '76 that collegemates Frank, Mark, Ken, Tim, Rob and I held a contest to see who could sleep with the most men, many which we met at the Lost and Found, Frank nicknamed me "the diplomat' as well as Melba (for Melba Moore) and Sapphire since many of the men that I met were foreigners. And of various ethnicities.

I'm almost sure that Frank, an Italian from Long Island, who had a thing for blondes ... won the contest.

And even back then, the foreigners always discussed with me their disillusionment with the racism that they witnessed in America. Particularly, that which they observed directed towards black men. And then, too, they also expressed their 'unsatiable love for black men'. And, that, if I were to visit their homeland ... 'Man, they would love you!".

Speaking of the summer of 1975 and 'unsatiable love for black men' ... it was also in the summer of 1975 that I met David, a Morman from Utah and an FBI Agent in training, at the Pier 9 who, like many white men, when professing of his 'attraction to black men' told me that his family, friends and colleagues would not only disapprove but, in fact, probably would disown him.



While his 'attraction to black men' bothered me and though I did not judge him, his obsessive drinking and pot smoking was of more concern. At his invitation, in July or August 2005, I rode up to NYC with him to see Bette Midler on Broadway in her "Halfshell Review". Having stayed with one of his FBI agent colleagues who, I believe, lived in Chinatown ... shortly after our return to NYC ... he was called into the office of his supervisor and informed that, as a result of his relationships with blacks ... he was to be terminated.



At the time, I was renting a basement apartment from an integrated couple who owned a house in Chillum MD. It was on a Sunday afternoon, in late August, when I was in the midst of ironing work clothes for the upcoming week that Mr. Maxell, a black retired Army Officer who was married to a European woman of German descent, came downstairs to inform me that since FBI agents were snooping around the house ... it may would be best ... if I found another place to live.

So, when in the fall of 1987 that Greg demanded that I move out, because he was sick and tired of the white men coming around, (as he had done several times before) not only did I flashback to the Easter of 1985 as well as the summer of 1975 but, also, reflected on what had always bothered me when, in the then past, that white men had professed their 'unsatiable love for black men"!

Back to Girard. While I had taken many east coast trips with white friends the Easter 1988 Weekend in LA was my first trip to the West Coast. So, when Girard invited me out to LA I mentioned to him that, historically, whenever I had travelled or had been in relationships with white men who had 'unsatiable love for black men' ... problems had always resulted.

It was in LA over Easter Weekend 1988 that I first heard of 'crack'. While I had known a few friends in NYC who were into freebasing which I was not ... I had not heard of 'crack' until Easter of 1988 which is what Girard was heavy into. And, made arrangements with a black lesbian to deliver several batches over the weekend.

It was also a black lesbian who would deliver batches of crack to a white guy who I knew some years later who lived in SW WDC. This connection between black lesbians and gay white men is a most important element that I have discussed in other essays, pertaining to their relationships with black men!

And the concept of 'house negroes'. Or 'house negresses!.

It was upon my return to WDC a few days later, that fuck buddy Bobby McGee (a white guy from Bostonian who had connections to Warhol's The Factory) told me that he had been smoking crack, along with pcp, for several months. While I was of aware of his pcp usage I had never heard of crack until the week before in LA.

And, it was from that time on, that white guys, many who I did not know began to approach me in bars or in the street ... about crack ... in the same way as had white guys approached me since 1978 about pot, folllowed by acid, followed by cocaine. And that those who I had known before who had snorted, only now talked about 'crack'. And their 'unsatiable love for black men'.

So, while I do not recall the specifics, it was during our rendezvous at the Mayflower Hotel that I discussed with Girard that, over the then 10 year period, though the government, media and society projected a very different image ... it had been my personal experience ... that not only were whites far more into drugs than blacks but, that there seemed to be an uncomfortable connection between white addictions and the 'struggles' that I had experienced, as a black man.

And while I do not now recall when it would be a few months or perhaps a year later that we would spend the weekend together at the Carlyle Suites Hotel. And on one occasion when a friend named Tristan invited me up for a weekend at his Chelsea apartment, Girard visited with us. And on another occasion I flew up to NYC to party with Girard at a fancy hotel in Mid-town.

So, each time that I now walk pass the Carlyle Suites or the Mayflower Hotel ... Girard comes to mind.

Foreman, in his final commentary, is not the only one who has come to realize that much of what the government and society has projected onto and about black men not only are based lies and untruths but, in many cases is more true for whites than blacks. And that the projection onto blacks is more a deflection not a reflection of the truth.

It's too bad the Foreman could not have have seen the obvious before his final commentary. And, if he had any doubt, on at least two occasions when we crossed paths ... I spoke of these very things.

For more than 30 years, this black man, has spoken the truth. But, the truth has never been what they wanted here!

Revamping & Relaunching of RockStarPix.com

Concert photography and web designer Dalila Kriheli has recently revamped and relaunched her RockStarPix.com website.

In the coming months, if time permits, she will import pictures from the former rockstarpix site and, of course add more images from upcoming shows.

Dalila's portfolio includes sessions with Almost Queen, Anvil, George Lynch, Joe Perry, Lenny Kravitz / Craig Ross, Loudness, Ninja, Paul Stanley, Sebastian Bach, Ted Nugent, Twisted Siter, and Wolf Hoffmann.

In addition to the newly revamped RockStarPix site info pertaining to Dalila may be found at myspace.com/rockstarpix.

Contact info for Dalila Kriheli can be found at the RockStarPix website.

In celebration of Earth Day 2008

Having happened upon the set-up on Saturday afternoon, it was my intention to visit the 2008 Earth Day on the National Mall the followjng day. But, since it rained all day I did not make it.

Since signing onto Google early this morning and observing its Earth Day 2008 logo and campaign I've contemplated ways by which that I not not only celebrate Earth Day 2008 but, also institute ongoing projects and/or practices that will be eco-conscience.

Two former ideas, immediately, came to mind.

The first has to do with the many brown paper bags that, over the years, I have collected from Safeway that are neatly stored in the cabinet over the refigerator. Though, I have contemplated this idea before, effective today, when planing a visit to Safeway I will make extra efforts to carry my brown paper bags.

The second idea which since its January 2008 launch I have not worked too much on nor promoted is my series of Musicians Hands 100% cotton tote bags at Cafepress. So, in celebration of Earth Day 2008 here is my second Musicians Hands 100% cotton tote bag at Cafepress.

My current Cafepress accounts are Cafepress.com/ElvertBarnes and Cafepress/Washingtoniana.

Google wants to know what you will do for Earth Day '08

Will you take the train or bus to work? Start washing your laundry in cold water? Just turn off a few more lights?

However you're planning to honor Earth Day (April 22) and combat climate change, Google wants to hear all about it – the more unique, the better.

Yes, we can tackle climate change – but only if we all pitch in. Here's your chance to do your part – and inspire your fellow citizens to do theirs. Share your ideas, put yourself on our map and let your fellow users know what you've committed to do for Earth Day 2008, and for the rest of the year.

Click image for details.

April / May 2008 Issue of Just Circuit Mag NOW AVAILABLE

Always available every two months, the industry's newest, freshest and most important "Circuit-dedicated" magazine ... the recent April/May 2008 issue of Just Circuit Mag represents its third installment.

Click image for online viewing. Print copies are available at locations in the Fort Lauderdale / Miami (South Florida) area.

Or, perhaps, you'd prefer getting your own personal copies of the next six issues sent to your home or office, including a free CD (a $20.00 value) from Centaur Music!

FLANEURISM: Bike Friday / WDC - 11 April 2008

BikeFriday.WDC.11apr08
Video sent by ElvertBarnes

Commencing on Maine Avenue between 14th and 15th Street in the Southwest Waterfront / Tidal Basin area of Washington DC this compilation features footage shot of bicyclists during my 11 April 2008 Friday Photo / Video Walk.

From Maine Avenue, across from the Tidal Basin I proceeded north along 15th Street, across the National Mall, to Madison Place which is where I veered right until 14th Street.

Proceeded north on 14th Street to Freedom Plaza, turned left onto E Street, passing the Willard / Occidental Hotels complex.

Headed north on 15th to Pennsylvania Avenue, walked through the 1600 block of Pennsylvania, in front of the White House, and through Lafayette Park.

Proceeded north along Coonnecticut Avenue through Farragut Park and then, along Connecticut Avenue to and through Dupont Circle.

Walked east on Q until 17th. South on 17th until P. East on P until 14th. South on 14th, through Thomas Circle down to the McPherson Square WMATA Rail Station.

While pedestrians, joggers, vehicular traffic and some architectural were my major themes this compilation, in connection with my ongoing BIKE FRIDAY Series, features 'bicylists' that I captured along the way.

Elvert Xavier Barnes Videography
FLANEURISM / BIKE FRIDAY Series

Friday's Photo of the Week . 18 April 2008

Commuters near Department of Commerce

14th Street between Constitution and Pennsylvania Avenues

NW Washington DC . Friday, 11 April 2008

2008 Fridays Photos of the Week

NYC Phtographer Trevor Brown's "Brooklyn Rises" Solo Exhibition at Hibiscus Day Spa / Brooklyn

NYC photographer Trevor Brown solo exhibition, Brooklyn Rises, will be on display at Brooklyn's Hibiscus Day Spa from 12 April through 17 May 2008. An opening reception will be held from 1 until 3 pm (TODAY) on Friday, 19 April 2008.

Hibiscus Day Spa is located in the historic Stuyvesant Heights section of Bedford-Stuyvesant at 558 Halsey Street, Brooklyn, NY.

Click image to visit Trevor Brown's website and to learn more about the exhibit or to register and vote for Trevor in the Brooklyn Museum Click Exhibition. View his Brooklyn Rises collection at flickr.

Trevor will also be be featured in the May issue of WOOF! Magazine.

ATLAS Events To Re-Launch Lizard Lounge at Lima on Sunday, 4 May

In a PRESS RELEASE dated Thursday, 17 April 2008, long-time nightclub producer and well-known local nightlife advocate Mark Lee announced that his special event production group, ATLAS Events, is set to re-launch Lizard Lounge beginning Sunday, 4 May, following a two-year closure.

The weekly Sunday event will now be held at the popular nightlife venue Lima at 1401 K Street NW.

Lizard Lounge will again feature former Resident DJ Kostas, who will share the performance schedule with local DJ Luke Easley. Admission is free and restricted to those 21 years of age and older. The event will open each week at 8:00 p.m. and will offer special drink prices until 2am.

Here is the 17 April 2008 press release with pertinent details. Or click the image/fyer to learn more about the opening event.

And visit the ATLAS Events website to learn more about future events or to GET INTO ORBIT: Sign Up on the Announcement List.

Coconut Point Art & Craft Festival - Saturday & Sunday, 19 - 20 April 2008

Coconut Point, located near Estero and Bonita Springs (between Naples & Fort Myers), will host the inaugural Coconut Point Art & Craft Festival this weekend, 19 - 20 April.

Fine art, crafters market place, music, and more will occupy the town center for two exciting days. Grab the family and your comfy shoes to stroll amidst, sculptures, paintings, one-of-a-kind jewelry, pottery, and an expansive Green Market lends plants, orchids, exotic flora, and homemade soaps.

Held this Saturday and Sunday, 19 - 20 April 2008 from 10 am until 5pm each day, admission is free.

1st Annual Downtown Hyattsville Arts Festival - Saturday, 19 April from 12n until 5p

Celebrate the revitalization of downtown Hyattsville, the DC area's newest urban neighborhood, at this Saturday's First Annual Downtown Hyattsville Arts Festival.

This one-day event will showcase talented local artisans, live music, and great food from 12 noon until 5 pm at Longfellow Street and Route 1 (Baltimore Avenue).

Take the Metro to West Hyattsville Station.

My "In Search of the Sun - April 2000 MMOW Photos Never Before Seen" Cherry Weekend 2008 DVD / Video Release

In celebration of the 2008 Cherry Weekend which opens today, click the image on the left to view my In Search of the Sun - April 2000 MMOW Photographs Never Before Seen / April 2008 photo montage video / dvd projections project.

"IN SEARCH OF THE SUN", an August 2007 progressive / morning trance mix by DJ Bryan Hughes of San Francisco serves as background music for this collection of NEVER BEFORE SEEN IMAGES from the April 2000 Millennium March on Washington for Equality which took place in Washington DC.

Bryan Hughes' PROGRESSION #3 served as background music for the August 2007 MMOW Projections Project which features an unique slide show of hundreds of images taken by Elvert Barnes over the April 2000 MMOW Weekend.

In celebration of the 2008 Cherry Weekend, the April 2008 IN SEARCH OF THE SUN - APRIL 2000 MMOW Photographs Never Before Seen photo montage not only features seven rolls of 35 mm film that were not processed until 11 April 2008 but, also, integrates copies of actual pages from the ADVOCATE MAGAZINE's 'Official March Weekend Guide' and MMOW related articles from the 5 May 2000 issue of the WASHINGTON BLADE.

Though still under construction here is my April 2000 MMOW Photographs Never Before Seen / April 2008 flickr collection.

Cherry's WELCOME CENTER opened at today, 17 April 2008, at HALO on the Second Floor. The hours will be 11am to 8pm. DJ Jace from Ann Arbor MI will be spinning.

And, in celebration of Cherry Weekend 2008, DJ Seth Gold from NYC will be at the helm at tonight's Thursday College Night at Apex. $5 or free with college ID.

Capitol Pedicabs Rides Into Town!

I'm sure most have observed DC's first bicycle rickshaw, DC Pedicab which since March 2006 has been the only pedicab service in WDC. However, when out taking pictures along 15th Street on the National Mall during my 11 April 2008 Walk I captured the newly launched Capitol Pedicabs. Which, according to the operator, opened for business approximately three weeks ago.

Though still under construction, visit the Capitol Pedicabs website for more information.

Click image to view my 11 April 2008 Capitol Pedicab video.

Here are March 2008 video footages of the Ocean View Rickshaw and an Independent Pedicab that I shot while in Fort Lauderdale.

And here is my DC Pedicab photoset.

Bike to Work Day/Ride of Silence 2008

This year, Bike to Work day is 16 May 2008. And don't forget to memorialize fallen cyclists one week later, on a Ride of Silence, held nationwide on 21 May.

In Washington DC, join thousands of area commuters for a celebration of bicycling as a clean, fun and healthy way to get to work! Meet up with your neighbors at one of 26 pit stops all over the region, ride into the city with experienced commuter convoys and meet your colleagues at Freedom Plaza. Washington Area Bicyclist Association and Commuter Connections invite you to try bicycling to work as an alternative to solo driving. Help the Washington region become a better place to ride. Bike to Work Day is a FREE event and open to all area commuters. Free Bike to Work Day t-shirts are available to the first 7,000 registrants.

Tell everyone at your workplace about Bike To Work Day by downloading this printable PDF flyer.

Here is info pertaining to Bike to Work Day 2008 in Baltimore.

Having launched my Bike Friday Series as result of the Fall 2007 Bike-Friendly Fridays Campaign it was during my Friday afternoon, 11 April 2008 photo / video walk that I captured this neighbor on the National Mall, crossing Independence Avenue, SW, as he headed south on 15th Street in the direction of the Tidal Basin and Southwest Waterfront.

Friday's Photo of the Week - 11 April 2008

US Postal Service Headquarters Building

I. M. Pei's L'Enfant Plaza / Promenade Complex

Southwest Federal Center Project

10th Street, SW, WDC . 1 April 2008

2008 Fridays Photos of the Week

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