ayanacontreras
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Dear Michael….
What bothers me are bandwagon tributes. An Icon, they say. A Genius. The same cackling media outlets that refused to play Michael Jackson’s music for years, and affixed an implicit punchline to his name. Whatever. Artists are not perfect people. We can choose to accept the art without embracing the artist. In the case of Michael Jackson,…
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Adjust Your Color….and Believe in Radio
Check this clip from the PBS Documentary called “Adjust Your Color” chronicling the life and times of Petey Greene, a seventies DC-area shock-jock/activist (who was played by Don Cheadle in the film “Talk to Me”). Makes me believe in radio (again). And for good measure, below darkjive proudly presents: Life imitating art, Mr. Greene in the flesh. Wild…
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Sweet Flypaper of Life: 1950s Harlem in Black & White
Picture it. It’s the mid 1990s, I’m in high school, late for the morning bus, desperate for something to read during my lengthy commute. On my Grandmother’s disheveled porch, I find a slightly sunfaded paperback. The book is Sweet Flypaper of Life, with text by Langston Hughes and photography by Roy DeCarava (originally published in…
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The Art of Development: Marguerite Horberg’s Portoluz
In the news: a whole new vision of performance, development, art, and change! Originally published in CHICAGO WEEKLY…. By: Veronica Gonzales Envision this: a creative haven for artists both local and global to come together and encourage the economic growth of a community. A neighborhood place where artists, intellectuals, community activists, students, and visitors can…
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Jaema Joy Berry: You Can’t Dance out the Side of Your Mouth
From performing arts space Links Hall…. Quirky, funny, and sincere, with accompaniment ranging from jazz piano to the sound of tap dancing, Chicago choreographer Jaema Joy Berry explores the simplicity of movement in the context of human and musical interaction. Running: Friday – Saturday June 19-20, 8pm Sunday, June 21, 7pm 3435 N Sheffield Ave…
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Tonight. Tango on Chicago Avenue with the A.R.O.M.A. crew…
This month A.R.O.M.A. presents “Passions of Argentina” featuring the music, dance and culture of Argentina. Djs Shannon Harris and Joe Bryl along with Argentinean natives, DJs David and Abel Pardo will play Tango and South American influenced rhythms. Live Tango performances by Tango Eclectique’s Maria Alferov and Humberto Decima. Live VJ show by Galina Shevchenko,…
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Bobby McClure’s Peak Of Love 1966
Dress super-clean and meet me at the basement party tonight. Chicago Soul at its finest from one time Soul Stirrer Bobby McClure. more about “Bobby McClure Peak Of Love 1966“, posted with vodpod
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Black Slang at the Shrine… and it’s all good
Chicago’s own young, vivrant, soulful, jazz ensemble Black Slang (featuring Corey Wilkes on trumpet and Yaw on vocals) performed this past weekend at new South Loop Venue The Shrine. The group draws as much influence from Herbie Hancock as Mos Def, and pushes the boundaries of musical genres til barely a shred remain. Black Slang…
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Wattstax (1973) Cult Movie of the Week
Movie trailer for the 1973 black documentary, Wattstax. Perhaps the closet thing to “BLACKstock” we’ll ever see. Great performances from Memphis’ Stax Recording artists of the time and an indelible message of unity, self-determination, and respect (and fly fashion). I can’t be 100% certain, but I’m pretty sure that the chemical pink ensemble (complete with white,…
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