Safeway/Waterfront Station Holds 2-Day Grand Opening Event in SWDC

As reported in my Wednesday, 14 April blog posting the newly constructed Safeway at Waterfront Station in SWDC held a two-day grand opening event.

When I arrived for the Preview Party and Shopping Tour on Thursday evening, 15 April 2010 the Chin Hamaya Culture Club was just concluding its performance.

While DC Council Chairman Vincent Gray (D) and Councilmember Tommy Wells (D-Ward 6) attended Thursday's preview event, Mayor Adrian Fenty and Councilmember Jack Evans (D-Ward 2) were on hand for the Friday morning, 16 April 2010 Ribbon Cutting Ceremony.

And if you stopped in on either day you may would have been serenaded by the country soul and old time rock and roll sounds of Boss "Cowboy" Hawk who many SWDC Safeway shoppers already know as Leslie, The Cowboy as he greeted the crowd at the front entrance.

Here is my Thursday, 15 April 2010 video of his performance.

Click the image above to view my 16 April 1010 Ribbon Cutting photo album.

And here is my 15 April 2010 Preview Party & Shopping Tour album.

16 April 2010 Friday's Photo of the Week

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DCFD . Safeway Preview Party & Shopping Tour

Waterfront Station . 1100 4th Street, SW, Washington DC

Thursday afternoon, 15 April 2010

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2010 Fridays' Photos of the Week

Safeway at Waterfront Station in SWDC to hold Thursday Preview Party before Friday's Grand Opening

In an article dated Monday, 8 March 2010 the SWDC Blog reports that while the official grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony for the newly constructed Safeway at Waterfront Station will take place this Friday, 16 April 2010 ... a preview party for shopping and tours (with a 10% discount on all groceries) will be held on the evening before which is Thursday, 15 April.

Similar to the Safeway at the CityVista Complex at 5th and K Streets in NW WDC the new "urban lifestyle Safeway" at Waterfront Station will also feature a Starbucks. As well as a Signature Cafe which is a new trend at Safeway.

Click the image to view my Safeway / Waterfront Station, SW, WDC and Waterfront Station, SW, WDC photo albums.

The newly constructed Safeway at Waterfront Station is located on the newly opened 1100 block of 4th Street between M and I Streets in SW Washington DC.

My 2010 Cherry Blossom 10 Mile Run Project

While I've captured the National Cherry Blossom Festival most years since 1993 this year represents the first time that I've focused on the Credit Union Cherry Blossom 10 Mile Run event as part of my ongoing Races, Rides, Runs & Walks series.

Though my docu-project is still under construction I've just completed the following video projects from the event.

1. Video #1/3 - Tidal Basin/East - Ohio Drive, SW, WDC
2. Video #2/3 - Tidal Basin/East - Ohio Drive & Maine Avenue, SW, WDC
3. Video #3/3 - Tidal Basin/East - Ohio Drive & Maine Avenue, SW, WDC

Click the image to visit my 2010 Cherry Blossom 10 Mile Run webpage.

Here are the results from the 2010 event.

9 April 2010 Friday's Photo of the Week

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Man Reading Book . Dupont Circle . NW Washington DC

2010 Easter In Washington DC

Sunday evening, 4 April 2010

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2010 Fridays' Photos of the Week

My 2 April 2010 Crystal City 5K Friday Videos & Docu-project

Launched in 2009, Crystal City has a new fit and fun spring ritual.

For the second consecutive year Crystal City BID and key sponsors will host weekly 5K Friday Runs though the streets of Crystal City in Arlington VA during the month of April 2010.

As part of Crystal City's Green Scene, the April 2010 series kicked off last Friday, 2 April as more than 900 people took to the streets and Robbie Wade set a new course record of 15:24.

Though my 2 April 2010 docu-project is still under construction and with many more photos to upload the following represent my video projects from the 2 April 2010 Run event.

1. Step-off from the driveway at 2121 Crystal Drive
2. The Race (#1/4) from the driveway onto Crystal Drive
3. The Race (#2/4) along the 2000 block of Crystal Drive
4. The Race (#3/4) along the 2100 block of Crystal Drive
5. The Race (#4/4) along the 2100 block of Crystal Drive

As I worked on this project I remembered that I had participated in at least two 5K run events through Central Park during the early 80's when I worked at the Veterans Administration on 7th Avenue and 23rd Street in NYC.

Click the image to access my Crystal City 5K Friday Run - 2 April 2010 docu-project.

Join in the fun when 5K Fridays resume at the Courtyard at 2121 Crystal Drive at 6;30 pm on Friday, 9 April 2010.

Register here, or before the race. Afterward, grab a shower at the Sport & Health Club and head down to the Concord Luxury Residences at 2600 Crystal Drive for the after party with entertainment by DJ Adrian Loving. Runners also get half price pasta at Kora, or 20% of your check at Cafe Italia. Get Fit, Get Healthy, and Get Green!

Congratulations to Hugh Hysell whose being considered for The Biggest Loser

Congratulations to NYC HHC's Hugh Hysell whose auditioning video, having gone viral, caught the attention of the The Biggest Loser producers.

Now being considered for the next stage, the producers requested that Hugh submit more material.

Click the image to view Hugh's video submission.

My 2010 Cherry Weekend "Forever Young" House/Gay Circuit Mix

Another tribute to Frank G. and in celebration of CHERRY WEEKEND 2010, click the cd cover for my April 2010 "Forever Young" house / gay circuit mix which features an uplifting and high energy dance tracklist of several remade and remixed anthems.

My 2010 Cherry Blossom Festival "Fading Memories" Trance Mix

Though completed last week and definately a tribute to Frank G. my March 2010 "Fading Memories" trance mix is in celebration of the 2010 National Cherry Blossom Festival.

Which, of course, I'll be listening to on my Ipod as I document this year's festival.

When starting the project I had no intention of making it a tribute to Frank but, as the tracklist reverberates in my head ... he comes to mind.

Click the cd cover to listen to and/or download the music mix.

Chad Alan's "Easter in the Park with George" wins first place at JR's 2010 Easter Bonnet Contest

According to Metro Weekly's video by Aram Vartian, adorned in the "Easter in the Park with George" bonnet, Chad Alan was crowned as the first place winner in JR's 2010 Easter Bonnet Contest which took place on Easter Sunday evening, 4 April 2010 at JR's Bar & Grill and 1519 17th Street in NW Washington DC.

While I did not witness the event inside the bar, for reasons which I shed light on in my 2010 Easter In Washington DC docu-project, and as I have done for most years since 1992 I did make a point to capture easter bonnets in the streets before my ritual Easter Sunday at Dupont Circle photo project.

Though still under construction, click the above photo to view my 2010 Easter Bonnet / Dupont Circle photo album.

While Chad Alan may have won first place my personal favorite was the creation of Tim Woody who, according to the Metro Weekly's video, won second place.

HHC Marketing's Hugh Hysell auditioning tape to The Biggest Loser

Hugh Hysell, President of HHC Marketing in NYC is submitting his auditioning video to The Biggest Loser TONIGHT.

One of the funniest videos that I've seen in a long time, click the image to view the final edit from this first draft.

April 2000 Millennium March on Washington Photos Never Before Seen

This weekend is the annual CHERRY event in Washington DC. And as I have done most years since 2003, in celebration of CHERRY WEEKEND 2010, I've just completed an online exhibition of never before seen images from the April 2000 Millennium March on Washington for Equality (MMOW).

Here is the slideshow.

The April 2010 never before seen project includes the following:

• Film Roll #5/12 - MMOW Rally . Sunday, 30 April 2000
• Film Roll #9/12 - MMOW Rally . Sunday, 30 April 2000
• Film Roll #10/11 - MMOW Festival . Sunday, 30 April 2000
• Film Roll #11/11 - MMOW Festival . Sunday, 30 April 2000

And as with last year's "Cherry Morning" here is my "Forever Young" mix in celebration of the 2010 Cherry Weekend.

Metrorail records 2nd highest ridership day on Thursday, 1 April 2010

According to WMATA Press Release dated Friday, 2 April 2010 ... Hundreds of thousands of people helped Metro set the transit agency’s second highest weekday ridership day in the history of the 34-year-old rail system on Thursday, April 1, when 877,890 trips were recorded on the Metrorail system.

Taken at the Waterfront SEU Station in SW DC at 3:49 pm on Saturday afternoon, 3 April, the image depicts a train full of passengers en route to the Washington Nationals Stadium for a sold-out exhibition game which started at 4:05 pm.

Crystal City's 5K Fridays Start TODAY

As part of Crystal City's Green Scene, the Crystal City BID and key sponsors are providing a fun, healthy, and green place to hang on Friday evenings. For five consecutive Friday's starting on April 2nd, test your abilities, race against your friends or yourself, or just have fun getting Fit with "5K Fridays!".

Runners can sign up for a single race for $15 or sign up for all five for $50 and save.

Strap on your running shoes and Aly from Mix107.3, at 6:30 pm tonight. Afterward, grab a shower at the Sport & Health Club and head down to the Concord Luxury Residences at 2600 Crystal Drive for the after party with entertainment by DJ Adrian Loving. Runners also get half price pasta at Kora, or 20% of your check at Cafe Italia. Get Fit, Get Healthy, and Get Green!

Click banner for details.

2 April 2010 Friday's Photo of the Week

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Photographers In Action 2010 Series
2010 National Cherry Blossom Festival Docu-project
Jefferson Memorial Grounds . SW WDC . 1 April 2010
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2010 Fridays' Photos of the Week

Virginia Tourism's April 2010 Media Blitz in WDC

Traversing through WMATA Gallery Place / Chinatown Station on Wednesday evening, 31 March 2010 the April 2010 Virginia Tourism Corporation Ad Billboard Displays more than caught my attention.

For more information regarding the Virginia Tourism Corporations (VTC) April 2010 Media Blitz in Washington DC read the VTC Press Release dated 31 March 2010.

Click the image to view my (VTC) April 2010 WDC Media Blitz photo album.

My G40 Art Summit/Crystal City (WDC Artists - 8th Fl) video compilation

Though my March 2010 G40 Art Summit / Crystal City docu-project webpage is still under construction and there are more 17 March 2010 G40 Art Summit / Crystal City 8th Floor images to be uploaded click the image to the left to view my 17 March 2010 G40 Art Summit / Crystal City video compilation which shot on the 8th floor explores artists from the Washington DC metropolitan area.

On display from 1 - 31 March 2010, the exhibition was held on 5 floors of the Vornado Building at Plaza Five at 223 23rd Street, South, in Arlington VA with each floor highlighting artists from different areas of the country and world.

With a total of four visits on 4 different evenings, I began my documentation of this event on Wednesday, 17 March 2010 by first focusing on the 8th floor which highlighted artists mostly from the Washington DC metrotpolitan area.

Visit my March 2010 G40 Art Summit / Crystal City docu-project webpage to view photo albums of the three other visits that were made to floors 7, 6 and 5.

I did not capture the Lobby Level.

Mixed specifically for this project, "Distant Sounds", a new age mix created by Elvert Barnes Mixology featuring free music from the Unsigned Band Web site serves as background music for this video compilation.

David Mixner's HELL KITCHEN Journal Celebrates 50th Anniversary

This coming month marks David Mixner's 50th anniversary of organizing for justice, equality and peace. [His] very first effort at the age of 14 was as a regular volunteer for President John F. Kennedy in 1960.

Click banner to read the entire David Mixner Big Daddy blog posting dated 28 March 2010.

DC Students' 2010 Cherry Blossom Poster Art Exhibit at Union Station

The 2010 National Cherry Blossom Festival annual Community Cherry Blossom Art Show at Union Station in NE Washington DC celebrates the creativity of DC Public and Charter School students whose artwork focuses on expressing how the cherry blossom trees in Washington DC spread the message of goodwill and friendship.

Experience their insight and view all competition entries including winners at the Union Station / West Hall from 21 March through 11 April 2010.

Shot during my Thursday evening, 25 March 2010 visit, click the image to view my 2010 Student Community Cherry Blossom Art Show photo album. Which may also be found by visiting my 2010 National Cherry Blossom Festival webpage.

Here is my 25 March 2010 video compilation of the exhibit.

And here are my 2009 and 2007 documentations of the annual Cherry Blossom Art Show.

26 March 2010 Friday's Photo of the Week

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Voices of School Choice "Let Me Rise" Ad Campaign

WMATA Union Station . NE Washington DC

Thursday afternoon, 25 March 2010

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2010 Fridays' Photos of the Week

Anne Marchand's "Luminous" Exhibition Opening Reception in Crystal City on Wednesday, 24 March 2010

Before my third visit to the G40 Art Summit at Crystal City yesterday evening I stopped in on the Opening Reception for the Anne Marchand's "Luminous" Exhibition at the Vornado Building at 2231 Crystal Drive in Arlington VA.

Having opened on 26 January 2010, the Luminous exhibition consisting of eight large canvases, will be on display through 26 April 2010.

Learn more about the artist Anne Marchand at her website.

Luminous is part of the Crystal City BID’s ARTFUL program. This new exhibition builds on the success of previous Crystal Art projects which have demonstrated the power that art can add to public spaces.

Click the image to view my Anne Marchand's "Luminous" Exhibition Opening Reception - 24 March 2010 photo album.

Last Week for G40 Art Summit at Crystal City

This is the LAST WEEK to see the G40 Art Summit at Crystal City. Don't miss out on the event that everyone is talking about. As the Washington Post wrote this is "Art on a Grand Scale."

Shot during my Wednesday, 17 March 2010 visit, click the image to view my Washington DC Artists / 8th Floor photo album.

Though still under construction here is my G40 Art Summit / Crystal City March 2010 webpage.

19 March 2010 Friday's Photo of the Week

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HRC's REPEAL DON'T ASK DON'T TELL NOW Ad Campaign
Windows / Dupont Circle North Series . VSL Hair Design
1607 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Washington DC
Wednesday afternoon, 17 March 2010
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2010 Fridays' Photos of the Week

Russell Richards to teach the Art of Etching at McGuffey Art Center

An email from artist Russell U. Richards dated Thursday, 18 March 2010 reads as follows:

Hello everybody,

It's been a while since I've updated my website, as I am in the process of redesigning it, so have been a little lax on updates. But I wanted to tell you about my upcoming printmaking class at McGuffey Art Center in Charlottesville VA.:

The Art of Etching
Thursdays 6-7:30 pm,
Starting April 1, for eight weeks

Students will create an edition of black and white etchings under the guidance of an expert printmaker. No printmaking experience necessary. Classes will be held in Studio 26 at the McGuffey Art Center in Charlottesville VA. For adults and mature teens.

Cost of class: $225, materials included
Teacher: Russell U. Richards
(434) 825-0557
russell@russellrichards.com

To register, fill out a class registration form at the McGuffey Art Center, or call (434) 295-7973.

Note: there will be additional days and evenings during the week when I will be working in the studio, that students may come by and work. This will be as my schedule allows. Also I'll demonstrate my four-color process, and am open to helping students explore other intaglio techniques. You'll get a lot of instruction for the money, and at least one full edition of etchings, by the end of eight weeks!

Russell
Russell U. Richards
http://www.russellrichards.com

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My "Spring Affair" Black Party 2010 Weekend Mix

A definate tribute to Frank G whose birthday is 20 March and to Robert Mapplethorpe whose image of me was featured on the 1987 Black Party poster invitation, my March 2010 "Spring Affair" dance mix features a 70's and 80's disco / gay circuit tracklist of songs that Frank, friends and I danced to during the early years of The Saint when it was located at the old Fillmore East.

Celebrating this weekend's Saint At Large Rites XXXI: The Black Party 2010 event in NYC as well Spring Equinox, click the cd cover to listen to and/or download the March 2010 "Spring Affair" music mix podcast.

Here are my March 2009 "Rise Above" Black Party mix and photo montage of my Some Hands photography exhibit from the 2006 Black Party event.

My Art at BWI Airport Docu-Project

In connection with my ongoing Airport Photography and Public Art In Public Spaces series it was during my 10 March 2010 visit to the BWI Airport that I launched my Art at BWI Airport series.

The work of John Esparolini, click the image to view my St. Mary's College of Maryland "Governor's Cup Yacht Race" Photography Competition Exhibit at BWI Airport and BWI Airport - 10 March 2010 photo albums.

And in connection with my Airport Art docu-project here is my Art at BWI Airport webpage.

My "The Chase" Progressive Spring 2010 Mix

With the DJ Sneak Beatchase Remix of Giorgio Moroder's "The Chase" as the title song my first Spring Reverberations 2010 series mix entitled "The Chase" features a progressive trance/house tracklist.

Click cd cover to listen to and/or download THE CHASE.

Eileen Ivers' "Beyond the Bog Road" Tour at GMU Center for the Arts This Sunday, 14 March 2010

Eileen Ivers' "Beyond the Bog Road" Tour will be in Fairfax VA this Sunday, 14 March 2010 at George Mason University's Center for the Arts. Click banner for tour schedule.

12 March 2010 Friday's Photo of the Week

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St. Mary's College of Maryland's

"Capturing the Spirit of the Governor's Cup Yacht" Photo Exhibit

SMCM 2008 Governor's Cup Yacht Race Photography Competition

Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport

B Concourse . Glen Burnie, MD . Wednesday morning, 10 March 2010

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2010 Fridays' Photos of the Week

Stripped: Greg Friedler's Naked Las Vegas submitted a new blog: REVIEW - LV CITY LIFE

Click banner/image to read City Life / Las Vegas blog posting regarding Stripped: Greg Friedler's Naked Las Vegas docu-project with film maker David Palmer.

E. W. Stokes Steel Drum Band perform at National Cherry Blossom Festival Kick Off Press Conference at Newseum

Having captured some aspect of the National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington DC most years since 1993 I made a point to attend last Thursday morning's 2010 National Cherry Blossom Festival Kick Off Press Conference at the Newseum.

Opening with a short performance by the E.W. Stokes Steel Drum Band, whose appearance was a prelude to its upcoming participation in the 2010 Festival Family Day & Opening Ceremony, the press conference began with welcoming remarks by Joe Urschel, Executive Director of the Newseum.

Following an overview of this year's Festival by president Diana Mayhew, the following speakers made remarks:

• Susan E.S. Norton, NCBF Board Chair, introduced Festival Partners and the Goodwill Ambassadors;
• Minister Hideo Fukushima, Minister for Public Affairs, Embassy of Japan, discussed the Embassy's growing role in the Festival;
• Adrian M. Fenty, Mayor of the District of Columbia, discussed the economic importance of the Festival to all DC;
• Ambassador John Malott, President & CEO, Japan-America Society of Washington, DC discussed the 50th Annual Sakura Matsuri-Japanese Street Festival;
• Jo-ann Straat, Senior Manager, Public Affairs, Daiichi Sankyo, Inc., addressed the plans for the 2012 Centennial Celebration;
• Rob DeFeo, Chief Horticulturalist of the National Park Service, announced this year's peak bloom period prediction to be 3 - 10 April 2010, with the reminder that the blooming period of the trees begins many days before and can last as long as up to 14 days. Mr. DeFeo predicted the blooming period would be from March 31 through April 11, 2010;
• Scott Loretan, Senior Vice President of Sodexo School Services, spoke about the joy and success of sponsoring the Festival's Youth Ambassador Program.

Following Loretan's remarks the E. W. Stokes Streel Drum Band closed the event with a final performance.

Click the image to view my 2010 National Cherry Blossom Festival Kick Off Press Conference photo album which represents the first event of my 2010 National Cherry Blossom Festival docu-project. Here is my 2009 NCBF documentation.

For more information regarding the E. W. Stokes Steel Drum Band visit the Elsie Whitlow Stokes Community Freedom Public Charter School website.

And here is the National Cherry Blossom Festival website.

5 March 2010 Friday's Photo of the Week

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Mayor Adrian M. Fenty

98th National Cherry Blossom Festival "Kick Off Press Conference"

Newseum . 555 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington DC

Thursday morning, 4 March 2010

98th National Cherry Blossom Festival 2010 Docu-Project

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2010 Fridays' Photos of the Week

National Cherry Blossom Festival "Pink Tie Party" - Thursday, 11 March 2010

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Eat, Drink & Be Cherry with host and celebrated Chef Charlie Palmer at the National Cherry Blossom "Pink Tie Party" on Thursday evening, 11 March 2010 at the W Washington at 515 15th Street in NW Washington DC.

Click banner flyer/banner for details.

This year's National Cherry Blossom Festival is from 27 March through 11 April 2010.

My VOICES #3: "Song Of Slavery" Progressive Mix Celebrates Black History Month

Though it had been knawing at my brain since the beginning of the month it was not until this past weekend that in celebration of Black History Month 2010 my VOICES #3: Songs Of Slavery" mix was completed.

Inspired by THE DARK project and Eileen Ivers' "Beyond the Bog Road" Tour which when delving into the sounds of Irish Immigration also reflects on the slave trade ... I wanted this tracklist to have a dark yet uplifting feel.

Opening with Ron Carroll's "Song Of Slavery" followed by "Last Cry Of The Red Indians" by Dirty Rhythm Syndicate it not only pays tribute to the African American and Native American experiences in America but to other 'peoples of the world' that have experienced oppression.

Which is why before ending with Giuseppe Ottaviani's remix of Paul van Dyk's "We Are One" featuring Johnny McDaid this powerful trance voices mix also includes "Free Tibet (Original Mix)" by Hilight Tribe.

Two other of my trance compilations that reflect on my experiences as a black male are Conspiration and Ritual Purification.

Click the cd cover to listen to and/or download the music mix cast.

26 February 2010 Friday's Photo of the Week

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Fare Alert. February 28, Metro Fares Will Go Up 10 Cents

WMATA Gallery Place/Chinatown Station . NW Washington DC

Friday afternoon, 19 February 2010

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2010 Fridays' Photos of the Week

27th Annual DC Antique Photo Show - Sunday, 14 March 2010

For the second year in a row, Diverse Markets Management will manage the 27th Annual DC Antique Photo Show which will take place at its regular venue on Sunday, 14 March 2010 at the Holiday Inn Rosslyn/Key Bridge at 1900 North Ft. Myer Drive in Arlington VA.

Click the banner for more information.

My February 2010 "Both Sides Now" Mix Celebrates My Brother's 55th Birthday

In celebration of my brother Joe's 55th birthday my February 2010 "Both Sides Now" mix features a mostly 70's and 80's Soul, R&B & Disco tracklist.

As does my February 2010 "Winter Melody" which was also mixed with him in mind.

Click the cd cover to listen to and/or download the "Both Sides Now" music mix podcast.

Happy 55th, Joe!

19 February 2010 Friday's Photo of the Week

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F15-03 NYC Anti-War Protest

"The World Says No to War on Iraq"

60th Street between 2nd and 3rd Avenues . NYC

Saturday afternoon, 15 February 2003

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2010 Fridays' Photos of the Week

Edge Magazine Names Josh Wood Productions as Best National Promoter / 2009

In its Best of 2009 Awards, Edge Magazine has named Josh Wood Productions as Nightlight's Best National Promoter /2009 and Wood's The Pines Party: Endless Summer as Best Beach Party / 2009.

My "So Many Men" House/Circuit Mix Celebrates the 2010 Winter Party Festival / South Beach

First, let me reiterate that there is no connection between myself and the Winter Party Festival other than the fact that having attended the 2005 and 2007 events I subsequently donated my Winter Party Festival photography collection to the Stonewall Library & Archives in Fort Lauderdale FL.

Secondly, in conjunction with my photography and my writing I regard my music mixology as documentary in nature. Which is why in recent months that in connection with my FLASHBACKS project my music mixes have revisited the disco and dance music spanning a period of more than 30 years.

Realizing the importance of disco and dance music to the gay culture and heritage ... and as I have done with several of my "gay oriented photography collections" ... the Elvert Barnes Miixology collection will be donated to the Stonewall Library & Archives.

With all that having been said, in celebration of the 2010 Winter Festival Festival at South Beach / Miami FL, my February 2010 SO MANY MEN mix features a gay/circuit track list of house, disco and r&b music spanning more than 3 decades.

Click the cd cover to download and/or listen to the February 2010 SO MANY MEN music mix podcast. The image featured on the cd cover can be found in my 2007 WPF Beach Party photo album at Ipernity.

Each year since 1998, Winter Party Festival and Centaur Music have collaborated in the production of an annual Winter Party Festival Compilation collection which features some of the biggest DJ names on the circuit. Visit Centaur Music for information.

And you still have time to escape the freezing winter weather and head down to Miami for the 3 - 8 March 2010 Winter Party Festival at South Beach.

Eileen Ivers "Beyond the Bog Road" Tour

Making fire from mud, Celtic fiddle virtuoso Eileen Ivers delves deep into the influential sounds of Irish immigration in her latest Beyond the Bog Road Tour.

Click banner for tour schedule.

Here is my Eileen Ivers & Immigrant Soul photo album from the September 2006 Planet Arlington World Music Festival at the Netherlands Carillon / Iwo Jima Grounds in Arlington, VA.

Main Event Caterers receives prestigious Caterer of the Year Award from Catering Magazine

Having been awarded the prestigious Caterer of the Year Award from Catering Magazine ... Main Events Caterers will be featured in a spotlight article in the magazine's January/February 2010 issue, which can be viewed in pdf format by clicking here.

Click the above page from the article to read the Main Event Caterers press release/announcement dated Monday, 15 February 2010.

My "Winter Melody" Eclectic 'White Out Blizzard' Mix

While it was during the 5 - 6 February 2010 Snow Blizzard that I contemplated the tracklist it was during the subsequent 9 - 10 February 2010 White Out Blizzard that I mixed the WINTER MELODY compilation.

Featuring Donna Summer's "Winter Melody" as the title track as well as several more of my favorite house, disco, r&b and soul songs from the 70's, 80's and 90's click the cd cover to listen to and/or download the MIX.

If all goes as planned, Summer's "Spring Affair" will be the title track for my Black Party / Spring 2010 mix which will celebrate the Saint At Large's 2010 'The Black Party' event.

Freedom To Marry's Valentine's Day E(quality)Card

While my TO BE ABLE TO LOVE dance mix represents my Valentine Day 2010 statement in support of Marriage Equality ... in the following ... Michael Crawford of Freedom to Marry suggests sending a Valentine's Day E(quality)Card:

Sunday, February 14, 2010

Today's Valentine's Day - the holiday of love.

But in the United States, land of the free, not everyone is free to make a life-long commitment to the person he or she loves.

Today, take a stand for love by sending your friends, family, and neighbors a Valentine's Day reminder telling them you care - about them and about marriage.

Send a Valentine's Day E(quality)Card now!

Valentine's Day is a perfect time to stop for a moment to think about how far we've come in ending marriage discrimination - and also about how much more we have to do to ensure that loving couples can share in the responsibilities, protections, and commitment of marriage.

I recently joined the Freedom to Marry team. In Washington D.C., I was blessed to work with an amazing group of gay and straight people to pass a marriage bill and soon, same-sex couples will be able to marry in the District.

With your help, we can win marriage nationwide.Celebrate Valentine's Day by sending E(quality)Cards to spread the love and spark a conversation about the freedom to marry.

Have a happy, happy Valentine's Day!

Michael Crawford
New Media Director, Freedom to Marry
email at editor@FreedomToMarry.org

P.S. For those of you who still haven't signed the Freedom to Marry Pledge, you still have a chance

12 February 2010 Friday's Photo of the Week

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Snow Plower . Day After Snow the Blizzard

Waterfront Station . 4th & M Streets, SW, Washington DC

Sunday afternoon, 7 February 2010

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2010 Fridays' Photos of the Week

My January 2010 Remake/Remix of the Fall 2004 TAKE MY BREATH AWAY Mix

When first mixed in the fall of 2004 the eclectic 'old school' mix TAKE MY BREATH AWAY included only 13 of the 20 songs that is now featured on the newly remade/remixed January 2010 tracklist.

Click the cd cover to listen to the CLOUDCAST.

JustCircuit.MAG's February/March 2010 "LOVE" issue has arrived!

“Love is in the air… everywhere you look ...” in the third annual JustCircuit.MAG “LOVE” issue, which reminds you of JustCircuit’s long-time mantra: “Live, love, laugh…and be STUNNING!”

Click the cover to preview an online edition of the February/March 2010 issue of JustCircuit.MAG.

Beatport's Black History Month's Legends Of Dance Music

Beatport celebrates Black History Month and remembers the important contribution that black producers, artists, and DJs have made to electronic music, throughout February, by publishing a number of in-depth interviews on Beatportal from some of dance music's most important pioneers.

In launching Beatportal's 2010 Black History Month coverage, Beatport has interviews with two of the originators of house music, Frankie Knuckles and Jesse Saunders.

Click the banner to read Beatportal's "Black History Month's Legends Of Dance Music" Newsletter dated Tuesday, 9 February 2010.

Bikestation at Union Station / Washington DC

Though the grand opening was last October I just noticed during my 5 February 2010 Snow Blizzard trip that there is a Bikestation at Union Station in NE Washington DC.

The first of its kind on the East Coast the Bike Transit Center (BCT), paid for by the U.S. Department of Transportation and DDOT, will offer secure bike parking, a changing room, lockers, bike rentals, repairs and a small retail shop selling bike accessories, for about $1 a day.

Click the image to view more more of my Bikestation / Washington DC photos.

My "To Be Able To Love" Valentine Day Mix in Support of Marriage Equality

In celebration of Valentine's Day and as a personal statement in my support of Marriage Equality the February 2010 "To Be Able To Love" dance mix features a R&B/House/Gay Circuit tracklist.

Listen to TO BE ABLE TO LOVE at MIXCRATE.