Ma Dukes Presents:The Rebirth Of Detroit
J dilla’s mother, Ma Dukes, speaks about “The Rebirth Of Detroit.”
Free Music: The Ice Cold – Leak Pack
Here’s some free previously unreleased music from Del The Funky Homosapien, Tion bukue, Serendipity Project and Zac Hendrix. Download it for free. Spread it around. If you’re in the bay area there’s a free Hieroglyphics show with the whole crew at UC Berkely, Upper Sproul Hall… 5pm.
La Parada Vol. 3 – Pics & Thanks
We just wanted to post a few pics from this past La Parada (First Fridays – El Paso). Mad respect to The DA, DJ Seoul (Detroit Techno Militia & Bang Tech12), One Man Jazz (Boombox – LA), Rob Bass & System A., all the artists from Mad Vizual Poetz and Notorious Tattoos, and of course all the beautiful people that came out to celebrate with us. Can’t wait till next month.
Semillas De La Paz
Roughly 2.5 million people call the El Paso/ Ciudad Juárez border their home. Every day people from Juárez come across the border to go to school and work. People who live state-side may have family back in Juárez. Some-how, everything seems to be connected. There is a lot of history and culture… a lot of life. Statistically El Paso is one of the safest cities in the United States. Ciudad Juárez has been publicly recognized as the most dangerous city in North America. The level of corruption and violence surrounding the drug war, politics and social issues are almost indescribable. Over 28,000 people have died in drug related violence. This year alone there has already been over 1,700. If you turn on the TV or search the web, all you see is tragedy.
A few months ago I had a conversation with a new friend about creating something reflecting the people and the social issues surrounding the El Paso and Ciudad Juárez borderland. We wanted to bring people together to raise awareness of the other side of things. We wanted people to see the beauty and inspiration within the people here and how they could affect the world around them by simply realizing that there is another side to things. Or at least kinda of remind them. People seemed to relate to the idea.
The images and video featured in this article document a series of events involving many people from both sides of the border that spawned from the conversation over a period of several months; including a photo-journalist journey into Juárez and community protest walk, as well as a short documentary creative film project featuring a collaboration of local artists.
This past Saturday, we invited the community to come out to join us to celebrate life, reflect on the idea that creativity and expression can change the way we see the world that surrounds us and to bring peace. The event, “Semilla De La Paz” featured the artwork of Cimi and Victor Casas, as well as a collaborative piece created by local artists, and raise money for Hands of Love and Hope, a charity in Juárez dedicated to providing food and shelter to area orphans. There was some amazing art, music, and people.
*Featured artists:
Arturo Arce
Fernie “GFX” Fernandez
Werc
Gera Lozano
Frank Rosales
Luis House
Shedrick Allen
A lot of people have been involved with “Semillas De La Paz” in some way or another. This wouldn’t have been possible without them. I’d like to give a special thanks to everybody at the San Carlos Building (especially Koi Studio Productions and The Root Yoga Studio), Arturo and Ellisa Arce (Hellpaso), Celisse Villagrana, EP Culture Beat, everybody involved in The Green Beans Project, Sons of Villa, Rafa Pistola and The Immigrant Noise, Christina Velia Gurrola. Not to mention, Sonic Ranch Studios, L&P Scientific Consulting, Klothes Lime Fashion who sponsored the movement. Thank you to anyone that I’ve missed. If you do not have an understanding of the issues surrounding the violence in Juarez and the rest of Mexico, please take a moment to search Google. There is a good amount of information out there.
Here’s a link to the images surrounding “Semillas De La Paz” contributed by Bianca Cerventes, Joseph Lozano & Rob Leal:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/lafamigliamagazine/sets/72157624721593113/
LEGENDARY REGGAE BAND THE WAILERS ANNOUNCE NEW SONG ~ ALL PROCEEDS BENEFIT UNITED NATIONS’ WORLD FOOD PROGRAMME
Legendary reggae group The Wailers, are pleased to announce the inclusion of an exclusive new track, “A Step for Mankind,” recorded in Jamaica specifically for Oniric Records’ Solution for Dreamers: Season 3, and is set for release on July 1, 2010. The Wailers have been supporting the United Nations’ World Food Programme (WFP) efforts to eradicate hunger throughout the world, and they specifically focus on Ethiopia.
“A Step for Mankind,” written by singer-songwriter Duane Stephenson, is a call for world unity and strength to support the ongoing struggle against world hunger. Stephenson, a songwriter renowned for his portrayal of love, culture and spirituality, is recognized for many incredible reggae songs, most notably for his work on Jah Cure’s reggae anthem “True Reflections.” The band is joined on the track by new lead singer Koolant, a fresh talent from the heart of St. Thomas known for blazing a positive future for reggae music with his work, which has already spawned hits such as “Rat Race.” Graced by the Wailers’ singular groove, “A Step for Mankind” is a small taste of more music forthcoming from the Wailers, who recently entered the studio in Jamaica to begin work on an album of all-new material. Duane will also be going out on the road performing on select dates with the band as well as helping spread the word about hunger in the world.
All proceeds will benefit the World Food Programme, the world’s largest humanitarian organization fighting hunger worldwide. A United Nations institution, the WFP is committed to getting food where it is needed, saving the lives of victims of war, civil conflict and natural disasters. Each year, on average, WFP feeds more than 90 million people in 70 countries.
In honor of the WFP’s noble cause, Oniric Records created Solutions for Dreamers: Season 3. The label, founded in 2005, is an independent company dedicated to the promotion of artists who advocate social and environmental change through their music. The “Solutions for Dreamers” series was created to raise awareness and funds for non-profit partners of Oniric Records, such as environmental group Heal the Ocean.
Formed in Jamaica in the late 1960s, The Wailers have gone on to become the most successful reggae band of all time, selling 250 million albums, and playing live to an estimated 24 million people worldwide. The Wailers’ leader and musical director Aston “Familyman” Barrett, helped forge the template for reggae with his booming, thunderous bass patterns. But more than just a bass player, Family Man was also the right-hand man of former band leader Bob Marley. He also played a large part in arranging Marley’s songs and co-produced a number of the late icon’s albums.
The band continues their relentless touring schedule bringing their message of peace and “one love” to their audiences worldwide.
This year Familyman celebrates 40 years as a Wailer clearly embodying what Marley once said, “My music will go on forever. Maybe it’s a fool say that, but when me know facts me can say facts. My music will go on forever.” Get your reggae groove on and catch one of these dates and help support the Wailers in their efforts to eradicate world hunger.
Wailers US Tour Dates:
Friday, June 18 - Greensboro, NC – N Club
Saturday, June 19 - Atlanta, GA – 2010 Midsummer Music Fest
Sunday, June 20 – Memphis, TN –Newbys
Tuesday, June 22 – Covington, KT – Radiodown
Wednesday, June 23 – Grand Rapids, MI –The Intersection
Thursday, June 24 – Milwaukee, WI – Summerfest
Friday, June 25 – Apple Valley, MN – Weesner Amphitheater
Saturday, June 26 – Chicago, IL – Green Music Fest
Sunday, June 27 – Bloomington, IN – Bluebird
Wednesday, June 30 – Council Bluffs, IA – Whiskey Road House, Horseshoe Casino
Thursday, July 1 – Des Moines, IA – Simon Estes Amphitheater
Friday, July 2 – San Rafael, CA – Marin County Fair
Saturday, July 3 – Denver, CO – Red Rocks Amphitheater
Tuesday, July 6 – Seattle, WA – Neumo’s
Wednesday, July 7 – Portland, OR– Crystal Ballroom
Thursday, July 8 – Reno, NV – Grand Sierra Resort & Casino
Friday, July 9- Inglewood, CA – Hollywood Park
Saturday, July 10 – Las Vegas, NV– Mandalay Bay Beach
Sunday, July 11 – San Diego, CA – Soundwave
Thursday, July 15 - Madrid, Spain – Veranos De La Villa
Friday, July 16 – Barcelona, Spain – Cruilla De Cultures @ Parc Del Forum
Sunday, July 18 – Alicante, Spain – Nave 8
Monday, July 19 Valencia Spain – Jardines de Viveros
Thursday, July 22 – Firenze, Italy – Fortezza de Basso
Friday, July 23 – Genova, Italy – Villa Serra Breakout Festival w/ The Skatalites
Saturday, July 24 – Simaxis, Italy – Campo Sportivo Comunale
Thursday, August 5 – Hyeres, France – Festival de Toulon
Friday, August 6 – Beauly, Scotland – Belladrum Estate
Saturday, August 7 - Aveiro, France – Barro Beach
Sunday, August 8 – Odemira, Portugal – Festival TMN Sudoeste w/ David Guetta, Steel Pulse & more
Tuesday, August 10 – Budapest, Hungary – Sziget Festival w/ The Aggrolites, The Skatalites, & more
Wednesday, August 11- Gijon, Spain – Gijon Festivities
Friday, August 13 – Chichester, UK – Vintage @ Goodwood
Saturday, August 14 – Pontevedra, Spain – San Sebastian Festivities
Sunday, August 15 - Aschaffenburg, Germany – Afrika Karibik Festival
Monday, August 16 – San Sebastian, Spain – San Sebastian Festivities
Friday, August 20 – Ottery Saint Mary, England – Beautiful Days Festival
Saturday, August 21 – Bedford, UK – Rhythm Festival w/ Donovan, & more
Saturday, August 28 - Aspatria, England – Solfest
Sunday, August 29 – Ubersee, Germany – Chiemsee Reggae Summer festival
Thursday, September 9 - Bucharest, Romania – Sala Palatului
Links:
Twitter: @wailers
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