Displaced Artists Return To F Street

After first blogging of Mike Berman's pending return to F Street in March 2007 I learned last August from Berman that the Downtown Artists Coalition was then still in negotiations with 'the powers that be' for F Street artists studios at the Carroll Square Complex.

And each time that I've since walked pass the Carroll Square Complex in the 900 block of F Street I have looked up to the second and third floors to see if Berman's studio was completed.

Well, in a Monday 18 August 2008 press release Downtown Artists Coalition announces that displaced artists will return to F Street at 6:30 pm on Friday, 5 September 2008.

Called F St Arts the studios occupy the 2nd and 3rd floors of the preserved and rehabbed townhouses that are incorporated into the development. Paintings, photographs, sculpture, crafted jewelry, and wood furniture are some of the artwork that will be featured in the space. Artists will be producing as well as displaying work.

F St Arts will hold quarterly open studio events, in conjunction with the gallery located in the Carroll Square lobby, as well as other functions. Studios are open by appointment only in August. Public hours of operation will be announced in September.

Click the above image to view my Michael Berman photoset.

Here is the Downtown Artists Coalition press release dated Monday, 18 August 2008.

Aioli Gourmet on P Street at Dupont Circle West

After my second video interview with artist Werner Jampen on Q Street in Georgetown which took place Friday evening, 15 August 2008 ... hungry ... but not in the mood for cooking once I would arrive home, yet, cautious about eating out in restaurants since, in recent months, I often experience difficulty when swalling food I took a stroll down P Street at Dupont Circle West and stopped in at Aioli Meditalian Gourmet to check out its take-out menu.

Though in the process of my Dupont Circle West - P Street photo walks I have observed Aioli Gourmet many times since its October 2007 opening ... this was my first visit.

Having worked in the catering industry for many years I remembered the occasion that Bill Homan of Design Cuisine explained to me what aioli was. But, on Friday night I could not remember what it was. These kind of details always interest me.

Not one for pizza, I mentioned to the very friendly server that I was interested in an entree take item to take home. He mentioned that with the exception of one of the items which I now do not recall which one it was ... all pasta entrees which normally cost $12 were at a $9 special ... for that evening.

After some contemplation I ordered the Chicken Piccata, in lemon and butter caper sauce. While the sous chef was preparing my take-out I took a look around. And was impressed with the openness and brightness of the space.

After a little more than five but less than ten minute wait, when presenting me my order, he placed a coupon in the bag that will afford me $1.oo off my next meal at Aioli. When I inquired of a take-out menu he informed me that they deliver within a six block radius.

Expressing that I live in SW DC I joked "I guess you want be delivering to me!".

Joking back he replied "I guess not".

Once home, after first placing a bed of Organics Brand Fresh Herb Salad mix in a large salad bowl which I squeezed a quarter of lemon over, then adding a little more than half the pasta and then a little more than half of the chicken medallions, I topped the dish off with some of the capers that had been included with the meal as a garnish.

Added some olive oil and within minutes ... sat down to a tasty, healthy and organic meal.

There was enough left for a repeat of the same for brunch on Saturday afternoon before I stepped out for my Saturday Photo Walk.

After my Chicken Piccata entree, I definately will be returning to Aioli Meditalian Gourmet to try out other items on its menu which includes salads, paninis, fresh pita wraps, pasta and ravioli and brick oven pizzas. As well as Meditalian gourmet desserts.

Beverages include turkish coffee, expresso shots, cappuccino, latte, nescafe, natural chai tea, natural iced tea, organic hot tea and hot cocoa.

Salads, pastas, sauces and fresh deli cuts may also be purchased by the pound.

According to its carry-out menu, Aioli uses fresh, organic and natural ingredients from local farms and suppliers whenever possible. And, in all their cooking, only filtered water is used to ensure freshness and taste.

The prices are very reasonable And I give the service top marks as well.

Located at 2153 P Street in NW Washington DC, Aioli Gourmet is open from 11 am until 8pm on Monday through Saturday. And from 11 am until 6 pm on Sunday. Telephone at 202-558-6188.

Deliver within a six block radius.

Click the above image to view my ongoing Aioli Meditalian Gourmet photoset.

Friday's Photo of the Week - 15 August 2008

Man Sitting and Reading On His Front Porch

Q Street between 17th & 18th Streets, NW,

WDC . Thursday, 14 August 2008

2008 Fridays' Photos of the Week

What's Happening At The Saint At Large!

Shortly after my September 1980 relocation from WDC to NYC the Saint opened. And from its opening through February 1982 Frank Gramarossa, my best friend, and I partied at the Saint most weekends. And when I moved back to WDC in February 1982 my subsequent weekend trips to NYC were always in connection with a party at the Saint.

And when I relocated back to NYC in March 1984, the Saint or the Garage, were the two places that I partied at ... until my return to WDC in December 1984.

And from 1985 through 1987 my trips to NYC were in connection with a party at the Saint. In fact, it was the March 1987 Black Party that a 1986 image of me by Robert Mapplethrope was featured in the invitation.

However, with the death of both Frank and Mapplethorpe in May 1989 I did not return to the Saint until the 2003 White Party. And then the 2004 and 2006 Black Partys.

I was happy to learn in the Now What's Happening? Saint-At-Large E-News Letter dated Thursday, 14 August 2008 that the Saint-At-Large website is now offering its first SPECIAL 2 Volume CD SET collection of The Music of the Saint (1980 - 1988) at the cost of $20, including shipping and handling.

Here is my Google document of the 14 August 2008 Saint-At-Large E-News Letter which includes details pertaining The Music of the Saint (1980 - 1988) 2 Volume CD Set as well as a link to the Saint's Radio which is where you can Listen to DJ Robbie Leslie's final set from The Saint's THE LAST PARTY.

In addiction to Junior Vasquez at the 2008 NYC Pride Chamption After Party also available for listening at the Saint Radio are the 1988 last performances of Jim Burgess, Michael Fierman and Warren Gluck.

Click the image above to order the THE MUSIC OF THE SAINT (1980 - 1988) special 2 volume cd set. At $20, it is a steal.

As I now listen to Robbie Leslie's May 1988 final set ... and remembering the times that Frank, Steve and I shared at the Saint ... tears come to eyes!

My DJ Alex Funk's compilation from the Dance Tent during Baltimore Pride's Block Party

While in my 23 June 2008 blog posting brought attention to two videos that I shot of DJ Alex Funk's performance during Baltimore Pride's 21 June 2008 Block Party ... this posting connects you to a video compilation representing all five clips that I shot of DJ Alex Funk during the event.

Click image to view the compilation. Though still under construction, here is the Flickr photoset and my 2008 Baltimore Pride webpage.

On Saturday, 6 September 2008 DJ Alex Funk and VJ Jon Corun of AV CLUB Visuals will team up to produce LONDON - DESTINATION HIPPO.

Hmmmmm ... that sounds like an event that I may would like to capture. And an excuse for me to revisit Baltimore for a night of some serious partying!

Yelp's Climbing To New Heights - Columbia Heights!

Though I began my exploration of the area in June of 2005 in recent weeks I have returned to the Columbia Heights, Adams Morgan and U Street Corridor neighborhoods with more intensity.

Apparently, folks at Washington DC Weekly Yelp spent last week exploring this historic area as well.

Here is the WDC Weekly Yelp E-Newsletter dated Tuesday, 12 August 2008 featuring an article entitled "Yelp's Climbing To New Heights -- Columbia Heights! which I have uploaded to my Google documents.

Click the above image to view my Columbia Hieghts WDC 2008 photoset.

Book Your Winter Party Hotel Room Now and Save!

Now is the time to Book Your 2009 Winter Party Festival Hotel Room Now and Save!

Click image for Task Force / Winter Party Festival E-News dated Monday, 11 August 2008.

Here are my 2007 and 2005 Winter Party Festival photo collections.

2007 National Police Motorcycle Rodeo Photos Never Before Seen

In connection with this weeks 14 - 16 August 2008 National Police Motorcycle Rodeo which takes place at the RFK Stadium Complex here are a few never before seen images from the 2007 National Police Motorcycle Rodeo event.

With the recent upload of these never before seen images the 2007 NPMR photoset is now complete. And the images may also be found in the Cop Duty 2007 set.

Here is my 2008 National Police Week webpage.

Should the Third Church of Christ Scientist at 16th & I be demolished?

Upon hearing a TV news report last Friday afternoon that in a battle for the church's demolition and to make way for a new structure the congregation of the Third Church of Christ Scientist had filed a lawsuit in federal court on Thursday against the DC Historic Preservation Review Board ... which, designed by architect Arraldo Cossutta of the I. M. Pei firm the DC Historic Review Board had designated as a historic landmark since it falls under the "Modern Brutalist" school ... during my 8 August 2008 Friday Photo / Video Walk ... I made a point to visit the Third Church of Christ Scientist and Christian Science Monitor Building Complex at the corner of 16th and I Streets in NW Washington DC.

Click the above image to view my Third Church Scientist / Christian Science Monitor Building Complex photoset and 16th Street Historic District collection. Here is the video footage compilation from my Friday, 8 August 2008 visit.

The fate of the ... monolithic example of modernist architecture, will now be decided in court.

The architecture of I. M. Pei and Marcel Breuer are also amongst my ongoing themes.

18th Annual Stone Soul Picnic - RFK Stadium - TODAY - Saturday, 9 August 2008

click image for details

Though still under construction, here is my 17th Annual Stone Soul Picnic (11 August 2007) photo set at Flickr. Some of these images may be found in my August 2007 Photographs Never Before Seen (August 2008) Project.

The Summer Sizzles with the August / September 2008 issue of JustCircuit.MAG!

When I picked up my mail the other night from my mailbox and opened a package from JustCircuit.com I was not only delighted to see the August / September 2008 issue of JustCircuit.MAG but, also a promo cd of DJ Miik Martorell's ONE AMAZING WEEKEND 2007.

Which is actually the third of three promotional cds that Publisher Victor Mauro and Editor Shane Rogers have sent me with print copies of the JustCircuit.MAG. The first two were DJ Max Rodriguez's PRIDE '07 (available at Centaur Music) and DJ Miik Martorell's THE WHITE PARTY 2006.

So, just before I began reading the August / September 2008 "Summer Still Sizzles" Just Circuit.MAG issue I put the DJ Miik's ONE AMAZING WEEKEND in my TV cd player.

Not only does the August / September 2008 JustCircuit.MAG issue sizzle but so does DJ Miik's ONE AMAZING WEEKEND mix.

After reading Victor Mauro's "Ultra Talent: Ultra Nate" and Sofonda Peters' Gossip feature I could not put the issue down. Peters can 'bitch' like no other. You certainly don't want her to catch you in the act of 'not being good'. Just ask Tony Hayden!

Other articles that I've read are "From Sea to Shining Sea" by Mickey Weem which shared an unique perspective on beach parties and the Circuit industry.

And as one who for many years frequented Fire Island, I found "Destination - Fire Island" by Jon Erickson to be one of most informative and best articles that I've read in a long time about the "colorful history of Fire Island".

Just Circuit Music Editor Joey Benitez's "Undeniably Amazing Experience" article reflecting on his experience during the ONE MIGHTY WEEKEND had me smiling and laughing because not only am one to appreciate and enjoy the music and dancing that only gay cirucit parties can provide but, like Benitez, rides at these kind of events are of no interest to me. I go there to dance. And, to party!

Joshua Kater's "Focus on Sin Morera" was also very informative and shed light on the imnportance that Morera's grandmother Maria influence had in Morera's careeer as a DJ. These kind of stories are so important to tell.

And though I have not yet finished reading Dr. Mark Martin's "Prisoner At Sea" Scibbled Notes Aboard A Straight Cruise" as one who journalizes and scripples but have not intention of ever embarking on a straight cruise I have not yet stop laughing ...

And the various photo essays of circuit parties and gay pride celebrations in addition to the August through December 2008 calendar in the August/September 2008 issue continues to make JustCircuit.Mag as one the best and certainly most progressive cirucit publications around.

And DJ's Miik's ONE AMAZING WEEKEND 2007 is one the best circuit mixes that I've heard in a long time.

To learn more about DJ Miik Martorell visit his site at MySpace.

Though always available FREE ONLINE, to have your copies delivered right to your door, and receive a free Centaur Music CD valued at $20, CLICK HERE.

In July 2008, after 10 years, JustCircuit.com changed its appearance, added new features and created a more interactive website. Be sure to check out the new JustCircut.com website.

Madison Livelystones Band - Dupont Circle South - Monday Night, 4 August 2008

The 1350 Connecticut Avenue Complex at Dupont Circle South was jamming last Monday night when during my Dog Nights of Summer 2008 series that I captured the Madison Livelystones Band performing for people.

Just so you know, each individual United House of Prayer for All People Church has its own New Orleans style band as discussed in my July 2007 post. The Madison Livelystones Band, under the direction of John R. Walker, Jr, is from the UHOP at 601 M Street in NW WDC.

Here are the five videos that I shot from the Monday, 3 August 2008 event:

• Video #1
• Video #2
• Video #3
• Video #4
• Video #5

Friday's Photo of the Week - 8 August 2008

Mandu Restaurant . 1805 18th Street, NW, WDC

Mandu Restaurant (Flickr photoset)

Sunday afternoon, 3 August 2008

2008 Fridays' Photos of the Week (Part 2)

Last Sunday at Malcolm X. Park Drum & Dance Circle

Not having been to the Sunday Drum and Dance Circle at Malcolm X. Park since Sunday, 4 May 2008 I was so looking forward to the occasion.

I started last Sunday with an omelett and spam sandwich that I fixed at the apartment before heading to the Best Buy at the DCUSA Columbia Heights Shopping Mall to purchase a Dirt Devil vacuum cleaner.

On my way there and back I took pictures and shot footage in connection with my WMATA "Take Me Out To The Ball Game" series. Including this clip of 3 guys who I met on the Green Line when I was returning to SW with the Dirt Devil.

After dropping the Dirt Devil at my apartment in SW, I'd quickly head back out to the Waterfront - SEU Station and take the subway to Dupont Circle.

When en route to Malcolm X. Park that I passed through Dupont Circle I inquired of Maestro Darrold Hunt if he cared to accompany me to Malcolm X. Park for the Sunday Drum and Dance Circle. In the midst of rehearsing for an upcoming concert, he declined.

As I walked up Connecticut Avenue to R Street, across R to 18th, up 18th to U, across U to 16th and up 16th Street ... taking pictures along the way ... I was so longing forward to the Drum and Dance Circle at Malcolm X. Park.

As I entered the lower level formal garden from the corner of 16th and W Street I observed a group of Capoeira Angola performers across the garden near the 15th and W Street entrance. In the past I had observed them on the upper level ... just yards from the Drum and Dance Circle which, in the past, had been staged at the level corner of the upper level.

As I ascended the stairway and water fountain cascade to the upper level ... nothing could have prepared me for what I was yet to come.

Not only where two different groups of drummers and dancers at opposite sides of the upper level but, in the field there were slackropers on the left, jump ropers on the right and families of soccer player and frisbee throwers in the center.

I spent the next two or more hours going back and forth, in between and from side to side ... capturing the Sunday 3 August 2008 Drum & Dance Circle in Malcolm X, Park.

When departing shortly after 6:30 pm that I descended down the fountain cascade and stairway to the lower level garden on the 15th Street side, I remembered when arriving at the May 2008 session that I ran into a white lady who was in town from Minnesota and who, apparently, had happened upon the event just by chance.

Having witnessed it for several hours, saying that though she did not want to leave ... the experience was just "so exhausting ... yet exhilirating!"

Which is exactly how I felt after my visit to the Sunday 3 August 2008 Malcolm X. Park Drum & Dance. "Exhilirated but exhausted!"

Here are the 15 video chips that I shot.

• Video #1
• Video #2
• Video #3
• Video #4
• Video #5
• Video #6
• Video #7
• Video #8
• Video #9
• Video #10
• Video #11
• Video #12
• Video #13
• Video #14
• Video #15

While there are several more photos to upload there is the Malcolm X. Park Drum & Dance Circle - Sunday, 3 August 2008 photo album.

Exhausted. But, exhilirated!

The Urban Philharmonic Society Presents "Mozart's Jupiter Symphony" Concert a the Imani Temple / Capitol Hill on Sunday, 17 August 2008

click image for details

Maestro Darrold Hunt prepares for Urban Philharmonic Society's 17 August performance of "Mozart's Jupiter Symphony" at Imami Temple on Capitol Hill

When en route to the Drum & Dance Circle at Malcolm X. Park on Sunday afternoon, 3 August 2008, that I passed through Dupont Circle, I had the pleasure of capturing Maestro Darrold Hunt who as the founder and conductor of the Urban Philharmonic Society was rehearsing for the Sunday, 17 August 2008 performance of "Mozart's Jupiter Symphony".

While I have observed Mr. Hunt for over 30 years since we travel in some of the same circles it was not until I began to photograph in Dupont Circle beginning in 1992 that I became more familar with him.

It was in connection with my ongoing People in Dupont Circle Project which was launched in October 2006 that when passing through Dupont Circle on Sunday I snapped more than a few photos of Darrold Hunt, focusing mostly on his hands. It was during this time that he handed me a flyer pertaining to the Sunday, 17 August 2008 Urban Philharmonic Society "Mozart's Jupiter Symphony" event.

A graduate in conducting of the Juilliard School of Music, Maestro Hunt served for four years as Assistant Conductor of the Baltimore Symphony and three years as the conductor/music director of the Conservatory Orchestra at the Brooklyn College School of Performing Arts.

He has been guest conductor of the National Symphony, The Detroit Symphony, The Pensacola Symphony and many others, as well.

Since its founding in 1970 the Urban Philharmonic Society has proven to be one of the most exciting new ventures in the symphonic field. After graduating the Juilliard School, Maestro Hunt embarked on creating a musical institution which had as its primary commitment the presentation of programs of musical excellence to those areas of the urban community which for social and/or political reasons have not enjoyed live professional orchestral concerts as a part of their lives.

To learn more about Maestro Darrold Hunt and the Urban Philharmonic Society visit the website.

Tickets for the 17 August 2008 "Mozart's Jupiter Symphony" Concert at the Imani Temple on Capitol Hill can be purchased here.

General Admissionis at $25. Students & Seniors at $20. On-line tickets are $20. The event will take place at 4 pm on Sunday, 17 August 2008 at the IMANI TEMPLE ON CAPITOL HILL at 609 Maryland Avenue, NE, Washington DC.

Click the above image to view my ongoing Maestro Darrold Hunt (People / Dupont Circle) photo set.

WHITE PARTY this Saturday at C9 in REHOBOTH features DJ Jason Horswill

click image for details

DJ Tony Moran to spin at TOWN's first RED PARTY this Saturday

This Saturday, 9 August 2008, many party-goers will be decked out in red as TOWN BOUTIQUE holds MOULIN ROUGE, its first Red Party.

Featuring the music of DJ Tony Moran, dance production performances by X-Faction Dance Company, an airbrush-tattoo artist to decorate your body, and downstairs music by BacK2bACk ... doors will open at 9 pm.

$12 from 9 -11 pm and $15 after 11 pm.

For more details visit TOWN's E-News dated Monday, 4 August 2008.

Image of Tony Moran by Elvert Barnes is from the March 2007 Winter Party Festival's Beach Party.

Some say Nike ain't right for their new ad campaign

A lot of people are saying Nike's new crotch-in-your-face ad campaign is homophobic. What do you think?

Here is what I think.

GREAT AD! I don't see it as 'homophobic'!
Two THUMBS UP!
Posted by:Elvert Barnes August 01, 2008 at 05:17 PM

and

If anything ... its more HOMO-EROTIC than HOMO-PHOBIC!
Posted by:Elvert Barnes August 01, 2008 at 05:31 PM

Click the image above to read the entire PlanetOut.com article and to post your comment.

Friday's Photo of the Week - 31 August 2008

Nicolas F Shi Artist Studio . 1500 P Street, NW, WDC

Thursday evening, 31 July 2008

Windows - P Street, NW, WDC (2008)

Fridays' Photos of the Week / 2008

Dorothy, Toto & the Mayor of Munchkinland Makes Special Appearance at Last Nights Screening of The Wizard of Oz at Stead Park

Though when I left the apartment it had been my intention to attend last night's Summer Movie Mania screening of the Wizard of Oz! at Stead Park as I strolled down 17th Street from Q Street and reflected on my experiences, over the years, when I have attended such things or, for that matter, stopped in at the gay bars ... I decided to head home.

However, on my way down 17th Street, I did have the pleasure of running into Dorothy, Toto and the Mayor of Munchkinland who, having just exited from JR's was en route to Stead Park. Here is the video clip.

Perhaps, I'll attend the last event of this season on 28 August 2008 when Goonies will be screened.

Steve waters the Steve & Phil's Flower & Weed Garden at Dupont Circle East - 31 July 2008

Though I had noticed it many times before, it was during a February 2006 Historic Dupont Circle Main Street photo walk that I learned that the little garden just west of the Sulgrave Club situated in the Dupont Circle East traffic triangle intersection of Massachusetts Avenue and P Street in NW Washington DC was referred to as Steve and Phil's Garden. Realizing that it was also the work and effort of Steve and Phil ... in connection with my ongoing Community Gardens series ... when passing through the area since then I have often made a point to photograph it.

As was the case on Thursday evening, 31 July 2008, that I'd video-taped Steve watering the flower and weed garden.

Though I have 'noticed' Steve many times at Dupont Circle, over the years, I did not know until Thursday evening, 31 July 2008, that he was the Steve of Steve and Phill who attended to the garden.

Now that I know that ... I'll pay even more attention to what I refer to as Steve & Phil's Flower & Weed Garden at DupontCircle East.

Click the above to view my 31 July 2008 video of Steve watering the garden.

Rick Castro's Antebellum Gallery presents AUTOMOLOVE: car culture with a kink! opening this Saturday, 2 August in LA

Click above image for Google Document w/ details from various sources and info pertaining to severaal exhibitors.

Theo Eastwind advances to Round One in NYC Sound Tracks Competition at MSG / Channel 27

Troubadour Theo Eastwind who I captured at the 1350 Connecticut Avenue Complex / Dupont Circle South in January 2007 is amongst the 8 finalists in the NYC Sound Tracks Competition which is hosted by MSG - Channel 27.

"NYC Sound Tracks" is an eight-episode series that goes underground to find the most talented New York City subway musicians. Tapping into the literal ground level of the music industry, these subway musicians play their souls out trying to make a living and hoping for their big break. The winner, as chosen by the viewers via www.MSG.com, will have the opportunity to play as an opening act on the stage of one of Madison Square Garden's prestigious venues.

Over the first three episodes of the series, MSG's cameras scoured the NYC subway system in an extensive search that offered viewers an inside look into the culture and lifestyle of the underground musician, resulting an open call audition where 16 performers were selected to compete in the "NYC Sound Tracks" competition which took place on Sunday night, 27 July 2008.

Here are episodes #1, #2 and #3. After competing in Sunday night's Open Call competition featuring 16 finalists, Theo Eastwind is amongst the 8 finalists that will advance to the 10 August 2008 Round 1 Episode.

Five Boroughs, 16 Musicians, One Superstar ... the search for NYC's best underground sound is on.

And troubadour Theo Eastwind is amongst the 8 finalists.

Paul van Dyk at Hudson River Park's Pier 54 / NYC - 16 August 2008 (Afterparty at Webster Hall / Brooklyn)

Friday's Photo of the Week . 18 July 2008

Himmarshee Street . Fort Lauderdale, FL . 14 July 2008

2008 Friday's Photo of the Week

Elvert Barnes in JibJab's "Time For Some Campaignin'

Rosen's Prestige Automotive's Hydrogen Conversion Kit featured on Fort Lauderdale's Local 10 News

When on Monday afternoon that we stopped in at Rosen's Prestige Automotive to have the car checked underneath to make sure that there were no damages after an almost acccident at the airport on Friday afternoon, after a friendly greeting by owner Robert Rosen he would inquire if we had seen them on TV.

When we replied that we had not he directed us to a computer screen situated at the receptionist counter and showed us a video feature that recently aired on South Florida's Local 10 News regarding Rosen's Prestige Automotive's Hydrogen Converstion Kit.

While hydrogen conversion kits are readily available online it is my suggestion that unless you are an automobile mechanic that you seek the services of a reputable automotive company such as Rosen's Prestige which is considered as one of the best automotive repair businesses in the Fort Lauderdale FL area.

Regardless, you may wish to read Are Hydrogen Conversion Kits a Scam? by Michael Cooper to gain a better understanding of what hydrogen conversion kits are.

Click the above image to view my Rosen's Prestige Automotive album which also includes a few images of their classic cars collection. See also Rosen's Prestige Automotive at Yelp.

Visit Rosen's Prestige Automotive at their website or at 600 West Broward Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale FL. Telephone 954-467-2234. Email at CarCare@rosensprestige.com.

"Herb Gentry & Friends" Opening Reception THIS FRIDAY at Parish Gallery in Georgetown

Opening this Friday, 18 July 2008 at the Parish Gallery in Georgetown with a 6 till 8 pm reception will be the Herb Gentry & Friends Exhibition that will feature the work not only of Herb Gentry but also of Richard Mayhew, Nannette Carter, Ed Clark and others.

The exhibition will run through 30 August 2008. Click the image above to view a larger version of the flyer that I have compiled from flyers that Herb Gentry's widow Mary Anne Rose furnished me.

The flyer features a letter from Mary Anne Rose with details regarding the event as well as a more complete list of other artsts whose work will be featured in the 18 July through 30 August 2008 HERB GENTRY & FRIENDS EXHIBITION at PARISH GALLERY in Georgetown.

The Parish Gallery / Georgetown is located at 1054 31st Street in NW Washington DC. Telephone at 202-944-2310.

Unfortunately, already in Fort Lauderdale I will not be able to attend.

Friday's Photo of the Week - 11 July 2008

Mr. Yogato . 1515 17th Street, NW, WDC

The 17th Street / WDC Project

Saturday, 5 July 2008

2008 Fridays' Photos of the Week

Jim Lucio / Defekto E-News: Art Stuff Going On...Trash Cinema, Photo Show..etc - Thursday, 10 July 2008

Hi Everyone,

Just wanted to let you know about a couple of things going on.

Tomorrow there is a group photo show that I'm in at the Wind-Up Space called The Fourth Wall and will also feature the work of a bunch of the usual suspects including Joe Giordano, Sam Holden, Eldon Baldwin, Rob Perry, Josh Sisk, et al.

The opening is starts at 7pm and is located at 10-12 W. North Avenue which is right at Charles Street, directly across from New York Fried Chicke.

And NEXT WEEKEND, Saturday and Sunday 19 - 20 July ...yes, Artscape weekend.

Flux Studios and Metro Gallery are joining forces with a show called Sinerama: That's Exploitation!

Click above image for Jim Lucio / Defekto's E-News dated Thursday, 10 July 2008 for more details.

People of Dupont Circle: What's Inside of Werner Jampen's Pants?

Though I had observed Werner Jampen many times before when passing through Dupont Circle and while I now do not recall exactly when it was that we first conversed, in Dupont Circle, I have always remembered him since that first conversation (perhaps a year or so ago) as the artist who spoke of Dallas and Houston as places that he was planning future exhibitions.

So when passing through Dupont Circle on Wednesday afternoon, 2 July 2008, that he suggested that I return with him to his art studio / apartment in Georgetown to view and discuss his "What's Inside The Pants?" collection which he is currently in negotiations with galleries in NYC, the Hamptons, Boston, Dallas, and Houston for future exhibitions ... after joking that I've heard that "... come up and see my etchings ..." line before we took a leisure walk from the Dupont Circle, west on P Street to the rear of his apartment building in the 2500 block of P Street, NW.

During which time he told me a little more about himself. Now 69, originally from Switzerland, when Werner Jampen moved to WDC from NYC in 1972, one of his first exhibitions in WDC was at the Swiss Embassy. Which is where he has exhibited many times, over the years. As well as at other locations throughout the city.

It was also during our walk along P Street that he mentioned that he was in negotiations with the Leslie Lohman Gay Art Foundation in Soho NYC and several galleries in Dallas and Houston TX, including the Main Contemporary Gallery for future exhibitions.

Nearing the rear of his building on P Street he told me of Finnish photographer, Karl Sonio, who held an exhibition of 'out of focus' images projected onto mirrors and glass ... as a means by which to express the fact that the creation of art does not always have be an expensive production but can come from the simpless of the things in life.

And, as an example of his creating art from the simpless of things, once inside his artist studio / apartment, the first works that Werner showed me was his newly started project that involves pouring a small amount of water onto a collage of tissue paper or paper towels that have been embedded into the back of a plastic picture frame that onced dried will then serve as the canvas as well as frame for an abstract oil-painted work of art.

And though I did not photograph nor video-tape the first few minutes of the impromptu get-together in the process of him showing me not only his large collection of "What's Inside The Pants" series but other collections as well ... since such documentation of an artist in his /her studio is amongst my ongoing themes, particularly, when it is my intent to refer the artist to galleries or collectors ... I insisted that I video-tape as much of my visit as possible with him discussing his art.

Currently in the final stages of negotiation with The Main Contemporary Gallery for exclusive representation and exhibition rights to his work in the Dallas and North Texas markets an in discussions with the Leslie/Lohman Gallery in SoHo NYC for future exhibitions, Werner Jampen will be traveling this summer to NYC, The Hamptons, Boston, Houston and Dallas for summer 2008 exhibitons and to finalize plans for future ones.

Having founded the Werner Jamper Foundation in 2007 which will curate his large collection as well as develop creative avenues by which the work of unknown but talented artists may be introduced to the world, Werner Jampen can be reached by telephone at 202-965-1503.

To get a glimpse of what's inside of Werner Jampen's pants ... you, simply MUST, FIRST, EXPERIENCE HIS ART!

While "What's Inside The Pants" derived from his fascination with Texas, as you can see, Werner Jampen's art and exploration of powerful and provocative themes has no bounds.

Drawing on Nina Simone's "Strange Fruit" and through paintings depciting 'racial themes' he's currently in the process of a series that will speak on the issue of lynching!

People of Dupont Circle: Wadey, aka 'Marilyn Monroe'

Born in Costa Rica in November 1933, 75 year old Wadey, also known as Marilyn Monroe was a fixture at Mr. P's which opened in 1975 or 76 as the first gay bar in the Dupont Circle area at 2147 P Street in NW WDC.

In fact, Wadey would inform me during our brief conversation in Dupont Circle on Wednesday evening, 2 July 2008, that he began working for George Dotson and Gene Newsome ... the first owners and operators of Mr. P's ... on the first night of its opening in the coat check.

At the time, working full-time at Helman's Company in the accounting department it was not until after his retirement at 62 that, on a dare, he began to perform in drag at Mr. P's as the infamous Marilyn Monroe. Who, along with James Dean and Elvis Presley, he has always had a fascination with.

Regarding himself as a very patriotic American, Wadey says "Marilyn, Elvis and James Dean" personifies the true America. The America that he fell in love in 1956 when he, his mother and father would visit Washington DC for the wedding of his sister.

Born of wealth to a Lebanese mother and an Italian father who sent him and his sister to private schools in Costa Rica as children, he was much closer to his mother than his father.

It was while she was attending a private University in Washington DC that his sister met her future husband.

While his parents returned to Costa Rica after his sister's wedding in 1956, Wadey did not. Since then he has lived in Washington DC and until recent years would revisit Costa Rica at least once a year.

In addition to diabetes and high blood pressure, now 75, Wadey recently suffered a stroke. Which he as all but recovered from.

When I asked why he chose Marilyn Monroe as his drag persona he replied that it started on a dare shortly after his retirement when a drag party was to be held at Mr. P's. Having had a fascination with Marilyn for many years who he and his mother actually met at a train station when they were traveling in the late 50's or early 60's ... his friends who thought that he had a resemblance to Marilyn suggested that he should go in drag as Marilyn.

And, so he did.

Reminicsing about the good ole days, Wadey spoke highly of George Dotson and Gene Newsome who he said 'took care of and respected people'. While he did not speak badly of John Mako, he expressed that the last owners 'were just into it for the money'. And did not care about the people nor respect him the way Dotson, Newsome and folks of his day did.

When Mr. P's closed its doors in January 2006 or 2007, many of his dresses and other valuables were left in the apartment that he rented above Mr. P's with the understanding that when he recovered from his stroke and other ailments he could pick-up his things. But, unfortunately, in the process of renovation his things were misplaced or disgarded by the contractors.

Which saddens and has angered Wadey!

Robert Lighthouse to appear at 2008 Summer Blues Festival in Sweden

Having captured Delta Blues artist Robert Lighthouse many years ago with 35mm film, as part of my ongoing Street Musicians series, I believe my 2 July 2008 Robert Lighthouse at the 1350 Connecticut Avenue Complex at Dupont Circle South series represents the first time that I have captured him on video.

During which time I also purchased his Deep Down In the Mud cd. And, as a result, will purchase other cds of music.

Delta Blues artist Robert Lighthouse is one of the many artists featured at this summer's 4-day Åmål's Blues Fest in Sweden. Here is the English translation.

His website indicates that his Amals Blues Festival schedule is as follows:

Thursday, 10 July from 21.00 to 22.00 at Cafe Örnäs
Friday, 11 July Blues Breakfast at Cafe Örnäs from 9.30 to 11.00
Friday, 11 July Blues Train (next to Bluesterminalen) from 15.00 to 17.45
Saturday, 12 July Blues Train (next to Bluesterminalen) from 13.00 to 15.45

The Original Soul Invaders perform on 42nd Smithsonian Folklife Festival Closing Day

I would not have revisited the 42nd Annual Smithsonian Folklife Festival had it not been that I wanted to pick-up two official 2008 Smithsonian Folklife Festival tee-shirts (one for Richard and the other for me). Which after much searching over the past two seasons I have not been able to locate at its Folkways online store.

In the past I have visited the Festival a number of times during each summer season, this year, as a result of the 25 June 2008 incident which was not unlike similar incidents in 2007, 2006 and 2005 nor incidents that I experience when documenting the annual National Police Week, Race For The Cure or the various GLBT Pride events ... I purposely did not document the 2008 Smithsonian Folklife Festival nor the Independence Day Parade.

Returning home after my 4 July 2008 photo walk through Dupont Circle and along P Street I ran into a lady who lives in my apartment complex that mentioned that she was just getting in from an almost nine hour day of volunteering at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival's Market Place. It was during that conversation that when I inquired if the tee-shirts were available online that she informed me that they were not.

It was then and there that I decided that I would revisit the 2008 Smithsonian Folklife Festival on Sunday, its closing day, to pick up a couple of tee-shirts.

I'm almost sure that my Sunday visit would not necessarily have been an 'in your face' direct action' had I not received the email that I did from a white man whose book I am in the process of reading who tried to tell me that, perhaps, my perspective about racism is not what it is.

And, as I subwayed to the Festival I reflected on my experiences over the past 40 some years when others had tried to convince me of the exact same thing. Only to realize years later that what I had expressed or suspected at the time that it was or was not was more true than the lies or misconceptions that they had misled me to believe.

So, as I captured The Original Soul Invaders performance on the Dancehall Stage at the 42nd Annual Smithsonian Folklife Festival closing day in a similar way that I captured opening day, not only was that email reverberating through my thoughts so was the incident that had occurred on opening day.

Here is the video.

Alfredo Hernandez's Drum Circle "Lesson" at Dupont Circle last Sunday

Though I was not at Dupont Circle for long this past Sunday while there I made a point to capture a variety of scenarios in connection my ongoing Sundays at Dupont Circle Project, including this photographer in action.

Though, over the past two years I sometimes have ventured to Malcolm X. Park at Meridian Hill for the Sunday afternoon Drum & Dance Circle my introduction to the Drum Circle scene in DC is rooted in Alfredo Hernandez's sessions and often lessons that he and others in his network have held on Sunday afternoon in Dupont Circle.

Which I have captured dating back to 1994. Perhaps, before!

Realizing now that the Dupont Circle sessions are sometimes lessions held by Alfredo Hernandez and others in his network ... my focus when capturing the Drum Circle in Dupont Cirlce this past Sunday was to depict Hernandez and others in the process of mentoring, instructing and teaching.

Click the above image to view my Drum Circle - Dupont Circle - 29 June 2008 photoset.

The videos are as follows:

• Video #1
• Video #2
• Video #3

Music That I'm Listening To: Julie Clark's FEEL FREE

In turn for having sent her a cd of the video footage and photography images that I took of her during the Capital Pride Festival, songwriter Julie Clark sent me a copy of her debut cd entitled Feel Free.

Which, since its arrival last Friday evening, I've listened to many times. Often repeating One Of These Days, The Naked Song, Think Too Much, Your Wings and She's Movin' On. Especially, One Of These Days ... over and over again.

When I first listened to FEEL FREE while fixing dinner last Friday evening I kept thinking that she reminds me of another artist but could not put my thumb on who it was.

Then, eating dinner and taking the time to glance at the lyrics while listening to the cd ... it dawned on me.

Julie Clark, in particular, her songwriting reminded me of Carole King. Who I had just saw a few nights before on one of the late night talk shows discussing that she her recent re-emergence and soon to be launched The Living Room Tour.

FEEL FREE by Julie Clark is a cd that I be listening to for a long, long time. And many times over!

I Hate Shopping At Whole Foods

For more than two weeks I had searched the dairy section at the Safeway at Waterfront Mall for Monterey Pepper Jack Cheese which, living in SW DC since November 2001, is where I have purchased it many times over the years.

Planning to mix up a batch of ground beef for burgers for Sunday's dinner and the weeks leftovers before leaving the apartment for my 29 June 2008 Sunday photo walk I made a mental note to stop in at the Whole Foods on P Street, during my walk, to pick up some monterey pepper jack cheese.

And when I say a mental note I usually will say the world outloud or jot int down into my note pad which is deliberate on my part so as to register the thought in my brain making it more likely that I will forget.

Not even a second would pass after registering "Monterey Pepper Jack Cheese - Whole Foods Market" did the words or thought but more flashback "I hate shopping at Whole Foods" spiral through my head.

My white friends talk about how they love shopping at Whole Foods or brag about how this one and that one cruised them at the DC Eagle or the fabulous time they had at some circuit party or the bath house my reflections which haunting similar to those that flashed before on Sunday afternoon when I contemplated stopping in a Whole Foods for some Monterey Pepper Jack Cheese.

While Whole Foods may be organic and eco-inclined and have received awards for one of the best places to work ... from the very first moment that they saw me, a black man, walk through door their first, last and after thought was to oversee, police, watch, and stalk me.

In the exact same way that when I visited the DC Eagle the night before that they watched my ever move that they have watched my ever move since my first visit to the first DC Eagle almost 30 years ago. If after 30 years I can not walk into the DC Eagle or on my job without being overseen, policed, stalked at every along the way ... Independence Day does not mean to me, a black man ... what it means to you.

But, shopping at Whole Foods is no different than shopping at Safeway. If I can not walk into the Safeway at Waterfront without being targeted the problem is not me. Nor has it ever been me. The problem, at least from where I stand is you!

If you were me or I were you ... what would you do!

I hate shopping at Whole Foods but Safeway, too!

The problem, for me ... has always been you!

Diverse Markets Management Announces Debut of Annual Fall Crystal City Markets

On Friday, 27 June 2008 I received an E-Newsletter from Diverse Markets Management which announced the September 2008 debut of the new annual fall Crystal City Market in Arlington VA.

Operating every Thursday through Saturday for 6 weeks, it will open Thursday, 18 September, and will run for a total of 18 days ending on Saturday, 25 October. Hours will be from 11:30 am - 6:30 pm each day. Additionally, there will be two special event Sunday markets in coordination with Vintage Crystal, a wine festival, on Sunday, 21 September and the Marine Corps Marathon’s leg through Crystal City on Sunday, 26 October.

Click above Crystal Market / Crystal City logo for details.

The Sergeant of Dupont Circle Memorial to Little Freddy

Since first meeting and capturing The Sergeant of Dupont Circle last August seldom to I not pass through Dupont Circle without looking for him. In recent months he has suggested that we shoould collaborate of one or two stories which I am contemplating.

But as I told him, it is not my intention nor practice to tell the story of others but more that my photography is about capturing 'a moment in time'. And since an image of 'a moment in the time of one's life could not ever tell the whole story nor could I ever attempt to tell another's story based on the few moments in each of our lives that we shared.

However, it is often my hope that when a subject views an image that I took of them that they may will then reflect on what they were experiencing or feeling at the time. And, perhaps, be inspired to 'write their own story' through the image (s) that I took of them.

Getting involved in the lives of others for the purpose of telling their story is something that does not fascinate nor interest me. I can't image having another person telling my story. Nor them telling mine!

Each time that I take on such projects it actually opens myself up for other people to enter into my life. Which is something that I am very cautious of. Equally as cautious as 'entering into the life of another person. I do not enter into the lives of other people. Nor do I want other people to invite themselves into my life.

With that having been said, if I take the time to document or capture a moment in time of your life that neither infers nor suggests that you have any claim to me nor do I have any claim to you. We simply crossed paths and that is that.

I say this because it has been my experience, as a black male, that when people see me they see me as their project and a means by which they can get something that has no connection to me. But, more accurately stated ... someone that they will henceforth oversee and police.

But that they will attempt to convince me that they are 'doing it for me' or for some cause to better or save the world.

So, each time that The Sergeant suggests that we should collaborate on projects pertaining to homeless veterans, I am reminded of the many different articles, issues and causes that I have reported on and supported, over the years, ... many which have no connection to me.

And, yet, as a 50 something black male, I can not tell you how many veterans, civil servants and government agents have 'come through me' over the past 35 to 40 years ... feeding through black men. Many who may now be veterans but were then in the miltary. Many who now may have retired from law enforcement, federal or state positions but who, then were civil servants.

And their relationship with me now is the same as it was then but, then ... I did not realize that they saw me and other black men ... just as their ... project!

When during my 29 June 2008 Sunday photo walk that I passed through Dupont Circle, the Sergeant asked that I photograph is memorial to Little Freddy, a sterling, that died in his hands after being attacked in the park by several black birds.

The Sergeant said that he had been taking care of Little Freddy since its birth ... almost two months ago. And that the injury in the palm of his right hand resulted when during the attack upon Little Freddy that he attempted to fight off the black birds.

Since his arrival to Dupont Circle last summer, The Sergeant has gone out of his way to establish a network of other homeless people, many who are veterans, that assist and look out for each other.

He refers to this network as 'family'.

I like that about him.