AFROLOGICS NEWSLETTER: do the hustle

Hello Love!

I just posted a link on my Face Book page asking my friends over there to vote on the new Afrologica video intros, making a joke about the Afro having to beam up to the Mothership for a while for some intergalactic travel and multidimensional phase shifting. Then I came across this video, described as a steel drum meets a ufo. Check it out:

Indeed! That was some other other, just like these last few weeks on the geopolitcal landscape. How much further can art and politics cross?! The Wise Latina is now on the bench, there is a new NEA chief whose previous job combined with his name really makes me think of wiseguy one-liners and the new senior deputy director comes from the Rockerfeller Foundation. Boy do I have major gossip! But isn't that always the problems with blogs? Suffice it to say, the Rockerfeller Foundation underwent some major restructuring during during Shigekawa's reign, I mean term, so you can expect similar activity at the NEA. Will this mean more money flowing out to working artists? Not likely. We are more likely to see an attempt to bolster the profitability of the arts and insure a high ROI for all grant programs and cycles, those that can't churn out the stats in the right way will be cut. What did I just say? Well, likely, the NEA will start behaving a lot like a private medical insurer, pretending to offer coverage, then withdrawing it at the first sign of a person actually needing it. If you truly need some money to get your art thang off the ground, don't ask the NEA, you will need a proven track record, largely based on your financial records, but with a nod to your "artistic excellence of the highest caliber." And how about this healthcare thing?! OMG! I need to watch that hang drum video all over again just to calm myself down. "I want my America Back" whaat?! Truly, it is time to get my space-travelin behind back on the ship and head for the stars of my birth! National Healthcare will happen, but not with us each sittin on our butts. We need to talk to each other, and continually convince each other that not only is it the right thing to do, but it is the economically sensible thing to do. There is no reason for us to continue on like this. Art dollars are tied up in insurance overhead and high co-pays. Thankfully the new field of energetic medicine is taking off as we in the West finally realize that if we use electricity to monitor the heart, maybe wattage plays an important role in the entire system. I'll have a little goody for you on this at the end. So hold on, your Mothership is in orbit and ready to beam you up when you need it. Just don't forget: ain't no stoppin a fallin star until it hits the ground. Some crashes are necessary for the next round of flight.



Afrolicious. Afrologia. Afrodelic. Afropoesia. Afrologica. How big is your 'fro? Fractal, improvisational, polemical, but always moving with spirit and in service to lifting us all up! That's the Logic of the Afro--sign up, read up, be up, act up--you can move mountains, now make it beautiful.



BLOWING BACK THE 'FRO this week are dance classes and workshop and one very timely dance event about medicine (yes, there was a reason why I tied them two together).

ELECTRIC LODGE
1416 Electric Ave., Venice, CA 90291
Crossing the Bridge, presented by Leonix Movement Theater Ensemble
Friday, August 14th, 8 PM; $15 at the door but advance purchase recommended
The first recipient of the @sk Alternative Transmissions Soup Kitchen plays their last gig in LA before heading out on tour. LA Weekly recommends this show, and so do attendees of the first soup kitchen. Inspired by Studs Terkel's investigation of death, Crossing the Bridge engages how we do and don't die so wonderfully in our current medical system. Come hang out with me in Venice this Friday while we check them out. Tickets are going fast. Just got mine!

THE HIGHLANDS: HOLLYWOOD
6801 Hollywood BLVD, Hollywood, CA 90028
Salsalegre!
Wednesday, August 19th 8 PM - 2 AM; 21 and over, $15 in advance/$20 @ door; dress code enforced
I am listing this because, well, it is a SPECTACULAR way to raise funds for the hungry, the sick, and the undereducated, which is the mission of this annual dance extravaganza. All you have to do is show up dressed for success on the salsa dance floor, pay your way in, and party party party to : 2 live bands and a few DJs spinning live, floor show at 10 PM. It all goes to their work in Mexico through Su Misercordia. Now, there is likely a big dose of Jésus in their work (I'm not hatin, just not my road), but if that's cool with you and you can't make it, pop some money into their donation bucket on their page. I am just too impressed. Had to let you know about this, cause this is what lifting us all up looks like! I am rocked and you will be too when you read the ticket page. Please. Just read the info in the blue box. Amazing.



FESTIVALS
TOPANGA CANYON
Yoga Desa, 120 N Topanga Canyon Blvd, Topanga, CA 90290, map
Froggy’s Restaurant, 1105 N. Topanga Cyn. Blvd., Topanga, 90290, map
Topanga World Music & Dance Festival
Thursday, August 13 - Sunday August 16th; all classes $15, all shows suggested donation of $15
You can never get enough of dance community love, so warm up for Salsalegre by going to the 1st Annual (set that intention y'all) Topanga World Music and Dance Festival starting TONIGHT. If you even think about this event, you will get a lovely long distance energetic hug. I'm not kidding. I have this listed up here to talk about the nightly shows, but there are some amazing classes lined up as well. Since I know most of the teachers, I can actually tell you that this will be wonderful, loving dance experience that you don't want to miss. once you get there, don't forget to get a schedule. Carpooling is highly recommended. Give yourself plenty of time to get up the hill!
8:30-10:00 Friday Night Concert @ Yoga Desa with Momo Loudiyi with percussionist Patrick Richey -Moroccan Tribal http://www.loudoasis.com.
Armenian Oud Master Richard Lapachian accompanied by Jamie Papish will open.
7:30-9:30 Saturday Night Concert @ Froggy's with Suzanne Teng & Mystic Journey featuring Gilbert Levy and guests. Opening drum & dance invocation with Cari Ann, Henrik Jakobsson and others (I am one of the others...hee!)
http://www.suzanneteng.com
7:30-9:30 Sunday Night Concert @ Froggy's with iST/West Ensemble (Turkish meets Flamenco) and Guest Russian Clarinet Virtuoso Leo Chelyapov
http://www.Myspace.com/istwest


GRAND PERFORMANCES
Lawdy, if it gets any hotter down there the asphalt will melt! The Watercourt Fountains will host yet another fabulous weekend of live, free music this weekend...
ZAP MAMA is on deck, Saturday, August 15th. Go and get you some! I will be there late, cause I am planning on seeing her gig in Paris, at some point int he near future. Setting intentions!



ONGOING CLASSES & WORKSHOPS
Alrighty, DanceBANK summer workshop is in full swing. Tomorrow you can take class with Mira Kingsley at the Metabolic Studio / Farmlab, 1745 North Spring Street, #4, LA, CA 90012. Coming up:
Sabela Grimes brings FUNKamentals August 22 & 23
Anna B Scott drops FUNdamentals of West African Dance August 28 & 29 (i had to keep the vibe going)
Please check us out! These classes directly support the teacher with a very small service fee going to SHOWBox. What better way to support your local artists?

Topanga International Drum & Dance Festival has lots of classes lined up for you in two lovely locations. Be advised that Yoga Desi has shared restroom facilities with the entire Pine Circle business residents: best to come dressed to dance or carrying a lapa to get it done in the parking lot. All classes are $15. Cool t-shirts for sale, too!
Saturday Aug 15:
Classes @ Froggy’s
9:30-10:45 Beg. Middle Eastern Drumming with Jamie Papish
10:00-11:00 Beg. Belly Dance with Melanie Kareem
11:00-12:00 Int. Belly Dance to live drums with Melanie Kareem and Jamie Papish
11:00-12:30 Beg. West African Drumming with Henrik Jakobsson
1:00-2:15 Beg. Riq (Arabic Tambourine) with Jamie Papish
1:00-2:15 Int. West Africa Drumming with Henrik Jakobsson
2:30-4:00 Afro-Brazilian Dance to live drums with Linda Yudin
2:30-4:00 Int. Middle Eastern Drumming with Jamie Papish

@ Private Residence 274 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd.
4:45-6:00 Int. Riq (Arabic Tambourine)

Classes @ Yoga Desa
1:00-2:00 Family Drum Circle with Suzanne Teng
2:00-3:30 Adv. Belly Dance Part 2 with Napali Sunshine Cohen
4:00-5:30 Haitian Dance to live drums with Kingsley Irons

Sunday Aug 16:
Classes @ Froggy’s
9:30-10:45 Beg. Middle Eastern Drumming with Jamie Papish
10:00-11:00 Beg. Belly Dance with Melanie Kareem
11:00-12:00 Int. Belly Dance to live drums with Melanie Kareem & Jamie Papish
11:00-12:30 Beg. West African Drumming with Henrik Jakobsson
1:00-2:15 Int. West Africa Drumming with Henrik Jakobsson
1:00-2:30 Flamenco Dance Basics with Assieh “La Mora”
2:30-4:00 Int. Middle Eastern Drumming with Jamie Papish

Classes @ Yoga Desa
1:00-2:15 Beg Riq (Arabic Tambourine) with Jamie Papish
2:30-4:00 West African Dance Dundun Ba with Anna B. Scott, Giavanni Washington & Henrik Jakobsson
4:00-5:30 Showcase
This is so full of love, you just have to come! Stop what you'r doing, and head up to Topanga! I especially hope to see all of my former students in full effect on Sunday! It is going to be HOT! Gia will send you to places unknown and Henrik will give some love by actually playing a break for you to get ont he good foot. As for me, I'm gonna throw down...

And as if that were not enough...Pat Payne is teaching an amazing stage craft workshop at Highways this september! Registration is open now. Go and learn how to make your objects actors. She is no joke. I have seen her do some amazing work with a plank, some chalk and some nails. Take these classes. The first one actually starts next week: IF I HAD A GREEN HAMMER: LOW-COST, LOW-TECH, LOW CARBON FOOTPRINT PROPS FOR PERFORMERS, August 23, 30, September 6, 13* (Sundays) 1:00pm-4pm $175. Follow this link to download the complete series. Pre-registration absolutely required.

I will have a list of upcoming African Dance camps for Washington, DC, Chicago, and I think Atlanta has something, too. And OMG, Oakland is throwing down with a Brazilian Fest for the ENTIRE month of September, more detials to follow...

GRANTS
LA County Arts Commission grant for the the NEA regrant closes on August 24. You must have received a grant from them recently in order to apply for this money. Check here to see if you qualify.

Ford Amphitheatre Partnership summer season 2010 applications are due September 9th. Most of it is done online, and there is a lot to it, so hopefully, you have already started!


Lovely!
So, I have been flummoxed by this phoney healthcare debate we are having as a "nation." I know that lots of working artists are without healthcare or struggle to pay their co-pays of their exorbitant "plans." They also are struggling financially and the added expense of healthcare...well let's just say that there are lots of camels hobbled in the arts world. A great deal of money, personal time and energy gets sucked into managed care plans, co-pays, policy analysis, etc. It actually makes you so stresed out thinking about tending to your health in that system that you get sicker! A while back I found that acupuncture really really solves a lot things for me, like seeing and walking both of which I have learned to do again... The goodie I mentioned earlier is called Emotional Free Therapy, a technique based on acupuncture, you'll also see it called Meirdian Tapping. I just got rid of most of my allergies. Here is the link for the founders site, where you can download a free guide. You can DO IT YOURSELF. Energy medicine is ancient and also the wave of our futre here in the US. Check out this video from a provider in England. I think, I hope you will find it useful. It is free and on YouTube! Why do this? To clear the blocks in our political system, we have to first realize how we are blocked ourselves. Our own energetics affects our interactions. It's so simple, it's actually scary. Yeah. Scary that it could be so easy to be clear, and open to change and ready to make the world that you really want to live in rather than gripe about a world that feels like it has been imposed on you. So, here you go!

in love,
-Anna

NEWSLETTER: core of geography

Greetings everyone!

Really. I want to say hello to all my "passive readers," meaning those of you who come across the blog through some odd turn of the trackpad. I have yet to turn GoogleAnalytics on this site (I guess it brings me so much joy and pleasure just to do this that AI don't care yet to know numbers), so I can't tell you exactly how many are reading and where they are located, I am just grateful whenever I come across anyone who has checked this out. So I have some news for you all: stimulus money is starting to become available for the arts in alternative ways to the NEA. Read on to find out more. Next, as much as I love Twitter, I just have to say that it can truly be like shooting a gun in an steel drum: ricochet, echo, and certain death. This fantastic tool can easily become part of the problem we now face with fading news industries. Ironic, ain't it? Twitter can solve a lot of issues as far as news is concerned, especially for us artists types, but it is being hijacked by people desperate to create a "Steady passive income in 12 easy steps on Twitter!" or "Get 40K followers on Twitter in just 4 weeks!" Formulas abound, and the real way it's done is that people send you money to buy your video feed or collection of platitudes. This standardization worked well for realtors, education administrators, public safety officials, and of course, marketers. But it did not work so well for homeowners, renters and the Homeless. Nor did it work out for students, inmates, public protesters or folks just lookin to throw a block party. And it definitely has not worked out well for the consumer. Now Twitter has had to place limits on number of friends. Standardization, I have decided, is the BANE of our existence. Though it is effective for cost-cutting, budgeting and planning, it literally HURTS the human bodymind: we are not the same person. We do not all live in the same place. We do not have even access to the processes nor the makers of The Law: how did Richard Pryor put it? "When they Justice they mean 'just us.'"And now, the Americans for the Arts are headed down this same road, offering services that appear to be for artists, but on closer inspection they are for arts organizations, specifically, for administration. Yes, getting forms and grant questions standardized seems like a wonderful idea to streamline "the process" for the artist (from grant apps to tax and insurance compliance), but all it really has done is create a new industry: the for-hire-art administrator. I should know, I am likely about to become one of them. I am dismayed, however, at the similarities between grant applications from vastly different funders, the funneling of Federal Stimulus money for the arts through layers and layers of bureaucracy and the fact beneath all of this: that artists, esp. performing artists, are expected to not make money. It's maddening. Can we get a lean, start-up like entity going that gets the most dollars into the hands of affiliated artists as it possibly can? Can the amount of funding and the categories sought actually reflect the targeted community as it is, not as some policy wonk somewhere thinks it should be? Am I being crude? Yeah. I am. I am inspired by the green movement in this, the slow food movement, the community banking movement, the local currency movement, the rebirth of DIY movements. While these ideas are percolating everywhere, and folks do get together (mostly online) to talk about how they did it, there is not an overarching sense that somehow everyone should do it exactly the same. These movements are localized, and derive their power and momentum from being in harmony with their biospheres. Can we continue to try and sustain a practice of managing art/dance that ignores the place-ness of each performer, each new whacked out genre? Nope. And I am in love with all the contrarians and freaky people who are not waiting for their bailout, but making a way--just don't muck up the road by following in false foot steps. You got wings. Now fly into greatness.

Afrolicious. Afrologia. Afrodelic. Afropoesia. Afrologica. How big is your 'fro? Fractal, improvisational, polemical, but always moving with spirit and in service to lifting us all up! That's the Logic of the Afro--sign up, read up, be up--you can move mountains, now make it beautiful


BLOWIN' BACK DA 'FRO this weeks are cheese sandwiches, books, and 21st Century pedestrian dance taking the stage.

BPS at the BREWERY, map
618B Moulton, Los Angeles, CA 90031
Los Angeles Contemporary Dance Company presents Value System
Thursday April 23 - Friday 24th @ 8 PM, Saturday April 26 @ 5 PM; $20/$25
Okay, so just off the title of the piece, I am so THERE. Plus, PLUS, have you checked them out?! It is likely you have seen a number of these work-horse dancers laboring in the pieces of choreographers all over town. If anybody was gonna make a piece about the economy, this would be the crew; they know it intimately. When they come together, they tend to go for it. So Imma finally get my butt to one of their shows. You should, too, if you have not. MUST GO.


UNKNOWN THEATRE, map & parking
1110 Seward Street, Los Angeles
Mongrels by Samantha Giron Dance Project
Thursday April 16th, 2009 - Sunday April 26th, 2009; Th - Sat @ 8 PM & Sundays @ 6 PM; $18 advance on-line sale, $25 at the door
A stripped-down and tripped out investigation of LA's electronica club scene, Mongrels seeks to get the rabid beasts off the street and onto the stage, but don't be surprised if they have filled all the seats in this small house. Lucky for you, it's a two-weekend run. This weekend, Sabela Grimes joins the line up!!


114 W. 5th Street (b/w Spring & Main), map
IT’S (A)LIVE: BRAVE LIVE ARTS FROM LOS ANGELES
Friday April 24 7pm – 10pm; no tix info but i do believe that donations are welcomed at the door, plan for $15
Stakes a very big claim in their press release: "is an amalgamation of artists who claim, write and redefine the real, constructed and imagined territories of Los Angeles. The body, gender, race, sex(ualities), history and play are examined and celebrated through dance, movement, literature, storytelling and music." Curated by Dino Dico, what I most like about the promise of this group show is that it is situated in the history of Downtown LA performance scene. So this is uber alternative, kiddies. Go check out part of the luminous darkside. Artists include: RICARDO A. BRACHO : BUTCHLALIS DE PANOCHTITLAN : HEATHER CASSILS : SIR HEFFINGTON & THE FINGERED DANCERS : ICY LYTES : BIANCA OBLIVION : DORIAN WOOD


BEATROCK STORE & GALLERY, map
4158 Norse Way, Long Beach, CA
Because Your Mama Said So: Group ArtShow dedicated to Mr. T
Sat Apr 25 2pm – 11pm, Opening reception
Alfie Numeric can throwdown y'all and this will be quite the jam. Yes, "Mr. T, dammit!" If you are in your 30's, okay, maybe 40s, you know you were lovin you some Mr. T on the A-Team. Come on now, don't try and front! I had to drop it 80s style just then, sorry. Ahem. Mr. T., crazy lookin character that he was, would always tell us kids "Don't be a fool, stay in school!" And so, I did. Cause if that's what lookin foolish was like, I was definitely staying in me some school! Alfie Numeric and massive crew celebrate this giant icon with a day long series of events, and of course, a commemorative t-shirt. For more information, please contact Dave Araquel at dave@beatrock.com or Alfie Ebojo at alfie@alfienumeric.com


REDCAT
Marc Bamuthi Joseph/The Living Word Project: the break/s: a mixtape for stage
Wednesday, April 22 - Saturday April 25 @ 8:30 PM, Sunday April 26 @ 3 PM; W - F $25/12; Sat & Sun $30/16.
Now last week I lost my mind about this, and I will once again: THIS IS THE BIG BLOWOUT COMB. Taking HIP Hop theatre to a whole 'nother plane, Bamuthi imagines the stage as a needle on a record. MUST GO.


PERFORMANCE LAB, UC RIVERSIDE, map
Cake in My Face: New Dances about Betty Crocker and Misbehavior by Melissa Hudson, MFA candidate in Dance
Thursday, April 23 - Saturday April 25; $6 BUY TICKETS NOW! (951) 827-4331 or www.ticketmaster.com, walk-ups available 1 hour before show, but space is limited, no late seating; parking $5
I laughed so hard, I nearly fell off my chair and down the stairs, which is easy to do in this venue because the seating retracts and is plastic, so, do the math. Melissa Hudson's exploration of the absurdity of a fictional character giving advice to people on how to live "perfect" and therefore, fictitious lives is startling and about as fun as plucking a chicken or scaling a fish. Ew & Ouch. Did we really write in those letters asking those questions of a marketing device? Yet is WAS hilarious, great integration of text with movement with props with clowning with choreography. Yes, there was a lot going on, and it all mattered. Fantastic. Please, please please, go out to Riverside and see this show. I am working to get a little bit of it to LA, but don't count on that. Tis likely that it will also make its way up to the Bay Area, where Hudson is from. The zany, zippy, and surprising cast includes Hudson, Hannah Schwadron, Melissa Templeton, Szu-Ching Chang and Ann Mazzocca. Schwadron stands out as the fictitiously real Betty who has escaped General Mills, while Templeton, Chang and Mazzocca function as a madcap, ever-changing cast of characters...animals...and cakes. MUST GO!


Los Angeles State Historic Park, map
1245 N. Spring St, Los Angeles, CA‎
1st 7th Annual Grilled Cheese Invitatonal
Saturday, April 25 12- 6 PM, competition begins @ 1 PM; $5 gate entry, $10 competition entry
Let the Cheesening begin! I heard about this last night from a friend whose friend is competing. The CAARS sent it out as their pick. And the website is so fabulous that even though I am lactose intolerant and very close to being a celiac, I am recommending that you go to this event if you are looking for some laughs drenched in nostalgia and wonderment. Kraft Singles, anyone? Organizers recommend that you take the Gold Line into China Town and walk on over. Don't forget your camera, sunblock, and seltzer water.


UCLA, bus lines, map
Los Angeles Times Festival of Books
Saturday & Sunday, April 25 & 26
Truly a festival, there is something for everyone, but do wear your walking shoes because parking is far far far away! Take the bus even! I only made to an eensy weensy bit last year and we managed to have a great time. Tickets sometime required for some of the events. Check the listing. Here are some performances/readings I think you should see if you are planning to do the festival all day Saturday:
On the Target Children's Stage 2:40 p.m. Eric Carle, Author and Illustrator, “Hungry Caterpillar 40th Anniversary” and “Very Hungry Caterpillar Pop-Up Book” 5:10 p.m. Justin Roberts & the Not Ready for Naptime Players, Pop Fly
On the Los Angeles Times Stage 12 p.m. Danica McKellar, Author, “Kiss My Math: Showing Pre-Algebra Who’s Boss”
On Poetry Stage it all looks good?
On Hoy Cultural Stage 12 p.m. Mariachi & Folklorico Cielo Nuevo, Mariachi Musical Performance 1 p.m. Sajama, Musical Performance

All day on Sunday:
On the Target Children's Stage 12:15 p.m. Judy Schachner, Author, “SkippyJon Jones and the Big Bones” MUST SEE! 1 p.m. Justin Roberts & the Not Ready for Naptime Players, Pop Fly 1:35 p.m. Jon Sciezska, Author, “Knucklehead” 1:55 p.m. Kim Wayans and Kevin Knotts, Coauthors, "Amy Hodgepodge: Digging Up Trouble"
On Etc. Stage 1 p.m. 826LA, Teeny Tiny Vaudeville Not a lot of dance like last year. Look down to see the likely culprit.



WORKSHOPS & ONGOING CLASSES
Dance Week Special! I JUST got the email a few hours ago from Lula Washington that:
"The Lula Washington Dance Theatre celebrates National Dance Week April 24th, 25th, and 26th with three days of free dance performances; master classes; a panel discussion on the future of dance; and multi-cultural guest artists from around the world and down the street! "Inside View" performances are sponsored by the Los Angeles City Department of Cultural Affairs. On Saturday, April 25th at 8am, people can sign-in for classes. Space is limited. You can RSVP starting today! For information, contact: luladance@aol.com. At 9am*, dance enthusiasts will gather for a round table panel discussion to share ways that dance is continuing to survive during the economic crisis."
Yup. FREE! Better than $2. But the problem is finding an actual schedule schedule. Viver Brasil will be int he house at some point. And, their website is down right now! You can reach them @ 323-393-5852. I do have a call out to LA Dept. of Cultural Affairs to find out if anyone else has a similar deal in another part of the city, but no one called back.

Ester Baker-Tarpanga is at DANCEBank this weekend. Saturdays 11am-1pm, $12
April 25, May 2, May 9 - Esther Baker-Tarpaga
Metabolic Studio / Farmlab, 1745 North Spring Street, #4, LA, CA 90012
Pay her in $2 bills marked with something like this (it's an afro with a D in it)

Stop laughin! I tried to get my son to make a true logo like thing, but he was dumfounded that I thought I had something for him to do. Okay, laugh.

Next on the list to pummel with $2 bills at the door is the fabulous Juan Carlos Blanco Riera. His mixed-level Cuban class @ Studio #1- West LA, 2037 Granville Ave, West Los Angeles is on Sunday Apr 26 2:30 PM – 4 PM. If you keep saying, "I gotta go," you really do because he will give only two more classes this season, then he's out for some research...

Studios to check out and spread the $2 love can be found on this map. Remember, no special deals, just pay with two dollar bills. This one is curated by me. If you want a map that just has everything on it in LA, check out the Dance Resource Center. If you are elsewhere and feeling this, let me know how it goes!

And finally for Dance Week, is International Dance Day April 29th Metered Dance Action. Look to the blog for a live map that you can add your location with time.


GRANTS
http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/E9-8650.htm
This one is a wee complicated, but if you qualify, it is worth going after. Goodwill is making a comeback! Well, at least as defined throughthe Fulbright/Hayes doctrine. From deep inside the RFP

Emerging Cultural Leaders

Program Contact: Jill Staggs, tel: 202-203-7500, e-mail:
StaggsJJ@state.gov.
The `Rooted in the Arts' program provides opportunities for U.S.
performing artists (ages 25-35), teachers and students to build long-
term sustainable linkages with their counterparts in selected
countries. The project should connect economically and socially diverse
populations of high school social studies, music and/or art students
and their teachers in the U.S. with comparable populations in the
selected countries. The project must include two-way physical exchanges
of artists and teachers (but not students), each two to four weeks in
duration. It must also include virtual or distance projects that will
provide the high school students an opportunity to communicate with
their counterparts abroad. Projects must present an opportunity for
participants to explore and learn about their own and another country's
history and culture through the performing arts. Activities should
include artistic performances, workshops, lecture demonstrations,
contextual learning, and on-going virtual (internet) dialogues and
other virtual exchanges.
The overarching goals are:
1. To articulate identity through artistic expression, gain respect
for the identity and artistic expression of another culture;
2. To learn about their own and another country's history through
the performing arts;
3. To incorporate cultural awareness and build mutual understanding
and respect for other countries;
4. To foster continuing personal and institutional ties between
participants and partner countries.

(lot more then i jumped to here)

Eligible Countries

East Asia: China, Hong Kong, Taiwan
Western Hemisphere: Mexico, Venezuela

Alright, so it is SPECIFIC, but OH SO L.A.!!!! Get to writing.


LOVELY!
Oh my dears, this has been a very productive afternoon, but now I must away to the freeway to land in a seat somewhere to watch something fabulous. It can certianly feel like you are escaping heading off to shows when 29 banks have failed this year alone and a new strain of flu is killing peple in Mexico City. I do try, however, to bring you events and shows that build the grey matter just a bit, or at least get you cleared with laughter so you are ready to focus on giving your neighbor a hand. If you want to support Afrologics, follow me on Twitter and tipjoy.com @doctoradancer; you can drop this endeavor some spare change. On the list of items to take us to the next level: a flip video camera and a Lomo 35 mm fisheye camera. And yes, I am pining for an iPod Touch so that I can tweet with greater ease while out and about. I'm saving up for a new laptop...or live/work space, LOL! A big thank you to new members of Afrologica! If you are seriously interested in building something sustainable, wonderful, productive, collaborative and of service that is people-centered through the arts, please contact me directly through afrologic at gmail.

in love,
-Anna

NEWSLETTER: ride on a fantastic voyage

YES WE DID!
Greetings from Riverside, CA. I am out here at work for the UC Institute for Research in the Arts annual conference, State of the Arts. This year's theme is Demonstration. Last night Buck World 1 opened the proceedings. It was a moving and visceral reminder that now is the time to get to work on those depressing statistics that seem to swarm around poor Black men, or any one poor for that matter. While they got buck to a remix of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I have a Dream Speech," I kept hearing Obama's acceptance speech about getting to work swirling with the radio news reports about the spontaneous protest by gay rights activists in LA yesterday that I listened to for over an hour as I made my way out here. Demonstrations on this fantastic voyage. But we want to go for synergy and not collisions of consciousness. Time to talk this one out, get the church separated from the state once and for all, get the citizenry educated about EVERY ONE's civil rights, not just their own. Last night in the Sweeney Art Gallery my son stood puzzling over a sledge hammer in a glass box. "Mom, what's up with this hammer?" "'Art is a hammer,' Baker," I replied, "That's an old phrase meant to show how it smashes things up." I know it is time to get out the hammers: demolish, demonstrate, drive it on home.


Afrolicious. Afrologia. Afrodelic. Afropoesia. Afrologica. How big is your 'fro?
Fractal, improvisational, polemical, but always moving with spirit and in service to lifting us all up!
That's the Logic of the Afro--sign up, read up, be up--you can move mountains, now make it beautiful


BLOWIN BACK DA 'FRO this week is the realization that "Now is the Time!" No more excuses, time to get focused, learn some new communication skills and get to work making the country a safe place again. I can't think of anything more adept at doing "D, all of the above," than fantastic art. "People get ready, there's a train a'comin. You don't need no ticket, just get on board." Well, actually, you better get your tickets now for a lot of these shows!


TODAY
LIFE ARTS CENTER
University & Lime Avenues, Riverside, CA
Demonstration: UCIRA STATE OF THE ARTS ANNUAL CONFERENCE
There are several performances and papers lined up for today to get us started out here on the edge of the desert. Tonight there are several multimedia events happening, but tomorrow, Pat Payne takes to the streets in an art action at noon. Right after her, on campus, I become a digital deity, taking confessions from Bucknell while I dance in Pittsburgh. Great opportunity to network and find your new favorite hammer-wielder. If you can get out here and get a room, come check us out.

REDCAT, directions
Friday & Saturday, November 7 & 8; 8:30 PM; ticket prices vary per day
Jordi Cortés and Damián Muñoz: Ölelés
Co-presented with FITLA (Int'l Latino Theatre Festival of LA), Ölelés is a dance adaptation of a 1942 novel, Embers, that tries to figure out how two men fall out and try to put their friendship back together again 40 years later. The dancing should be riveting.




HERRICK INTERFAITH CHAPEL
Occidental College,1600 Campus Road,Los Angeles, CA 90041
N'Ap Kenbe/We're Holding on: Hope in the Eye of the Hurricane
Saturday, November 8, 8 PM $10
Marshall Dance Company and the Occidental College Department of Critical Theory and Social Justice present an evening of performances to benefit Haitians affected by hurricanes Fay, Gustav, Hanna and Ike with Special Guests, Troupe Jaka, straight from Haiti. Here is a great opportunity to get "glocalized": take action locally to bring change globally.


JAMES ARMSTRONG THEATRE, directions
3330 Civic Center Drive, Torrance, CA
SOLA 2008
Saturday, November 2008, 8 PM; $18/$16
Regina Kleinjoski has put together an inspiring evening of dance for this annual festival. This festival pairs young dancers with established choreographers. This year, there is a distinct emphasis on technology and meaning. Regina Kleinjoski set "Captured" on dancers from CSLB; Lorin Johnson & So. Cal Ballet Lab present "Study for Common Ground;" Chad Michael Hall presents "Doublespeak" on dancers from Loyola Marymount; Caryn heilman, Karen Safrit & Chris Liu set works on highly accomplished high school performers. Sounds like a good way to fish for dancers...


THE OPEN SPACE
209 S. Garey Street, 2nd floor, LA, CA 90012
Anatomy Riot #28, guest curator: d. Sabela Grimes
Monday, November 10th, 8pm; $10 suggested donation at the door, no reservations.
This installment of Anatomy Riot will be likely riotuous. With d. Sabela at the helm and the recent Obama win, participants in this night of the cipher will rock the bells, drop science, raise da roof, take it all the way out, and free your mind so your ass will follow. Low tech as always but high spirit, Anatomy Riot has hosted over 200 artists since its inception, helping to incubate new projects and audiences through the simple vision of the dance ninja, Meg Wolfe. Come and get you some this Monday.


(right now i am hearing an inspirational report about a free, degreeless program of study that centers art research and economic practices together. this woman is talking about informal exchanges,bartering or even a black market for studio art making, peddling consecration, can we become "hawkers of pedagogy" in our art practice? i'll take this up through viscera. alternative economies are becoming crucial as "disposable cash" becomes the oxymoron that it is.)

"Now, where was that other thingamabob I wanted to see last week?" Check the Archives, search by location or artist, or just re-live the bright moments by reading older entries!



LOST SOULS GALLERY
124 W. 4th Street, Los Angeles (cross street is Main)
Styles Upon Styles, opening night fundraiser
Thursday, November 13, 2008; 6:00pm - 10:00pm
The proceeds from this slamma jamma will benefit Break The Cycle, a non-profit that helps people suffering with domestic violence. Alfie Numeric is a Face Book buddy of mine and she is just wild-ass crazee fresh (that was old school for "scintillating"). Come on out and share your change to bring that mystic change into formal reality. Get your party on, too!
New art work by: Alfie "Numeric" Ebojo, Gina Doran,Tawni Marie Lucero, Mia C. Villanueva
music maestra: DJ Lady Sha


THE VELASLAVASAY PANORAMA
1122 West 24th Street (at Hoover), Los Angeles, CA 90007
Vaudeville Night
Friday, Nov. 14th, 8 PM FREE!
reservations: events@panoramaonview.org
A night of performances and videos by a selection of California Community Foundation fellowship recipients, in conjunction with the "20 Years Ago Today" exhibition (currently on view at the Japanese American National Museum). Curated by Rita Gonzalez and Kris Kuramitsu, this event will take place at the Velaslavasay Panorama, a charming historic theater. Performances, video works, etc by John Fleck, Stanya Kahn, Michael Sakamoto and more. MUST GO.
http://www.janm.org/django/exhibits/20years/programs/
www.panoramaonview.org


UNIVERSITY THEATRE
UC Riverside, Riverside CA 92521
The Scales of Memory/Les écailles de la mémoire, Urban Bushwomen + Jant Bi
Friday, November 14, 8:00 PM: $34 gen/$32 fac & staff/$17 students
Iconic mono-gendered companies team up to create a night of explosive dance that travels through memories of Senegal and the Deep South in the US. if you like your dancing fierce, you MUST go to this, but tickets are likely just about gone. Call, don't book on-line at this point. I tried people, I really did, to bring you a master class, but because they are on a tight touring schedule, I was unable to get them to teach. They head down to San Diego same night, so if you miss this one, look for their dates down there, 15th & 16th.


HIGHWAYS
1651 18th St, Santa Monica, CA
Farid Mercury
Friday & Saturday November 14 & 15, 8:30 - 10:30; $20
And mentioning glocalizing forces...Robert Farid Karimi's one-man show shall take you through a world-win tour of what we call in academia "the extremities of power." At once a tribute to gay rock god Freddy Mercury, a face down of the shame of the Iranian Hostage Crisis, Patriot Act and Iran-Iraq War, and a search for a wrestling champion, Farid Mercury promises to provide a gut busting experience of the New Global South. Take notes. Cause it will be on the post-Market economy final exam. This is a must go. Hit it on Saturday so you can make it to the Free Vaudville night on Friday. I will be performing in Roanoke, VA, alas...


UNKNOWN THEATRE
1110 Seward Street, Los Angeles, CA
2009 Dance Series Benefit Party and Performance
Wednesday, November 19, 2008, 8:00pm - 11:00 PM; $15 gen/$12 in advance; $20 CASH at the door
One of my fav places to hang out with the dance scene is having a party to launch its upcoming Dance Season! Go and mingle and support this years recipients of their seed grant: Heidi Duckler of Collage Dance Theatre; Kitty McNamee and Ryan Heffington of Hysterica Dance Company, Samantha Giron Dance Project, and Kingsley Irons. DJ, mini-performances, dancing, community.


coming up: sheetal ghandi & krenly guzman at ucla and the california touring project at diavolo...




ONGOING CLASSES AND WORKSHOPS
hmmmmmm. I must away back to the conference! Not to mention that I need to run my show for tomorrow afternoon. So remember that DANCEbox courses with Neil Greenberg are half done and meet on Saturdays @ Farm Lab Under Spring. The Haitian Show at Occidental is preceded by an afternoon of workshops. F I E L D with Rae Shaolin Blum is wrapping up and Oguri is launching, also at the Farm Lab, Nov. 7th & 8th. Dance mapping....



LOVELY!
Before I came back to the room to send this off, I heard another talk about the impact of the "creative market" on the environment and Global South. We've got to close our production cycles! The statistics were staggering, but they got me thinking about the fact that very very soon, we will all need to think much more creatively about how we "get the word out" not just about performances, but even fundraisers, or newsletters. "Reduce reuse recycle" is not an option but your new mantra. Just as "Civil rights for all" is your other one. Prop 8 was/is a mistake with the possibility to become an infestation. Rather than sit back and watch the battle drain the state of much needed resources, get active with micro-investment: have a conversation with someone you know voted for it. Try to understand their position while making your own. And when it feels like it is going no where, remind them of the great joy we have in this country because we keep church and state separate. Let them marinate on that. Make this effort with 10 people. Let us know how it goes. We cannot Be the Change, love the O, and let hate get written into our state constitution. I want to enjoy my Obamaforia to the fullest, which means I have to work very hard to repeal Prop 8. Love is boundless and does not discriminate; true creativity makes no trash; true change leaves no one behind.

in love,
-Anna

NEWSLETTER: rise and fall

Hello there,

Up and down, around the mulberry bush and down the talking point check list we go! I don't know about you, but I have been distracted by the Sant'Ana winds and the smell of burning wood. Yet, the fire season takes on an added urgency when I think about the 3 billion dollar hole in the California budget that was just passed, and the 7 billion the Governator is hoping to get from...where I don't know (as a loan of all things). If we can't pay for elder care programs in this state, then how do we fight fires with the "new world water" (as Mos Def prophetically called our precious dwindling resource a few years back)? So I wind up thinking about the markets again, which reminds me of the bailout "plan" (use the term loosely), which reminds me of regulations meant to embezzle legally, which takes me to the presidential talking point debates, which makes me wonder if they haven't noticed that our collective house is not only on the auction block, but it is on fire. But one of them knows that we are angry. The other is ready already to get to work and tired of talking about it, but is expecting us all to sacrifice. As makers and consumers of art, are we willing to be sacrificed? Have we given much thought to how we can shift the discourse around change and sacrifice so that we find opportunity and invention? We kinda need to get ahead of that curve. As Sartre said, "You don't talk philosophy to a starving man." But you can cause us to think and act with a well-placed performance piece.

Afrologic. Afrological. Afrologica. How big is you 'fro?
Multiple, fractal, improvisational, polemical, but always moving with spirit and in the service of lifting it/us all up.
That's the Logic of the Afro--sign up, get your community on.

BLOWIN BACK DA 'FRO THIS WEEK are dances about the times, opportunities to step across a portal to another dimension, and up close studies of the "who" in "who dat?".

OPENING TONIGHT
CARPENTER PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
Martha B. Knoebel Dance Theater, 6200 Atherton Street, Long Beach, CA
October 16 -17, 8 PM; $25/20
Not About Iraq, choreography by Vic Marks
How timely is this? After the debate last night, clearly, it's all becoming about Iraq, our national money trap monument. Vic Marks dives into the subject, looking for a way to understand what is honor and where is it found in a place and idea like "Iraq?"

DIAVOLO DANCE SPACE
616 Moulton St., L.A., CA 90031
October 17th -26th, Fridays & Saturdays at 8 PM; Sundays at 5 pm; $25 reserved/$20/$15
Peep hole| People, LA Contemporary Dance
Opens to the public today. Are we really that paranoid? Have we all begun to think of ourselves as characters in a film? Some of the unsettling questions handled by this evening of work. Leave your ego at the door but plan to have a good time laughing at that other person, not yourself. (right)!


REDCAT
631 W. 2nd St., Los Angeles, CA directions
Sunday October 19 & Monday October 20 @ 8:30 PM; $15 gen, $12 alum, & $8 studs
Studio
It's studio time! The line up is pretty interesting this time around. PLUS, Laclau was hanging out around the bar this afternoon, sounding all smart and what not. LACLAU! That was the geek in me. He's on stage right now bending minds for $10. But the Studio line up for this weekend:
The Fall 2008 edition of Studio was curated by Leilani Chan and Leslie Tamaribuchi, and includes the following six original works:
KAREN ANZOATEGUI: SER; MARSIAN & COMPANY: GROWING UP LINDA -- FUDGIE'S DEATH; DYS-: TAPE MUSIC; KELLY & DAVID with BETTINA HUBBY: UNTITLED FEATHER CHORALE #1; SHEETAL GANDHI: BAHU-BETI-BIWI (DAUGHTER-IN-LAW, DAUGHTER, WIFE);CHRISTINE MARIE: GROUND TO CLOUD
I am going to see Sheetal. I've seen an earlier version of her piece and it was masterful. I do have to say, that the other pieces sound very edgy and inventive in their genre explorations of objects, but rather heady. Kinda my style, but not a light night out.

THE RED MERMADE
2814 Abbot Kinney Blvd @ Washington, Venice, CA 90291
Saturday October 18th, 8 PM - Midnight
Asphalt Sea
Wow. I'm about to explode with excitement, anticipation and a big case of the nerves--the boats just got moved around!! We are all repositioning ourselves accordingly. Come out to see Pat Payne, Meg Wolfe, Gregory Barnett, d. Sabela Grimes, Michael Sakamoto, Anna B Scott, Cari Ann Shim Sham*, and Maia negotiate the newly dry-docked boats, an alley and some stairs. Bring your flotation device for seating. The Techno Hillbillies advise that you should also come prepared to splash around on the asphalt like one funky amphibian during their set to close the night with VJ Tiffy G. This will be a great night. I promise. I rarely do that.


Looking for something mentioned last week? Check the archives.



THE LUCKMAN FINE ARTS
Paseo Rancho Castila, but follow their directions
Saturday October 18th, 8 PM; $45/40
The Limón Dance Company presents: Anna Sokolow's "Rooms" (Major Revival Premiere) and Clay Taliaferro's "Into My Heart's House" (World Premiere)
One of the founding sensibilities of what has evolved into "Dança Afro" in Bahia, Limón technique has profoundly influenced local dance practices around the world with its ability to allow for social as well as personal idiosynscracies. The company is celebrating José Limón's 100 birthday with a world tour, starting here at home. If you can't afford or make this event because you are, er, occupied, you can see...

THE NEW LOS ANGELES THEATRE CENTER
514 S Spring Street, Los Angeles, CA 90013
Saturday October 25th & 26th, 3 & 8 PM on both days; $35, though discounted tickets may be had
The Limón Dance Company presents: Lament for Ignacio Santos Meijas and The Moors Pavane
Truly, this tour is a dance history course unto itself.


Things to look for soon:
Urban Bushwomen & Compagnie Jant Bi present The Scales of Memory at UCR November 14th. Get tickets NOW!

Caseboldt & Smith present California Touring Project @ Diavolo Dance Space, November 21-23, tickets are on sale.

N'Ap Kenbe/We're Holding on: Hope in the Eye of the Hurricane, Performance and Workshops to benefit Haitians affected by hurricanes Fay, Gustav, Hanna and Ike" With Special Guests: Troupe Jaka, straight from Haiti! Saturday, November 8, 8pm Herrick Interfaith Chapel, Occidental College, 1600 Campus Road, Los Angeles, CA 90041


UPCOMING WORKSHOPS AND ONGOING CLASSES
The Caribbean is coming!!! First, Cuba.
Sunday, October 26 JUAN CARLOS BLANCO, former soloist with CUBA's esteemed folkloric company, RAÍCES PROFUNDAS, returns to L.A. to teach two classes:
*1:30-3 PM: BEMBE, & CONGO TRADITIONS ;
*3-4:30 PM: RUMBA: GUAGUANCÓ.
LIVE DRUMMING @ 'DANCE STUDIO NO. 1' (in Studio A) 2037 Granville, WLA 90025--between Barrington & Bundy, 1 blk. no.of Olympic Blvd., brick building). $20 per class; or $35 for both. BLANCO presently directs the AFRO CUBAN folkloric company OMO ACHÉ, based in San Diego. Women, bring full or circle skirts.

And now, Haiti:
Marshall Dance Company and the Occidental College Department of Critical Theory and Social Justice Present: N'Ap Kenbe/We're Holding on: Hope in the Eye of the Hurricane Performance and Workshops to benefit Haitians affected by hurricanes Fay, Gustav, Hanna and Ike With Special Guests: Troupe Jaka, straight from Haiti!
(all workshops in the Occidental College Alumni Gym Dance Studio) Nov, 8
9:00-10:30 am -- Music and Song
10:30-12:00 -- Dance
2:00-3:30--Dance and music
3:30-5:00-- Dance and music
All workshops $10

Are your classes still going on? Have you had to move? Hit me up so that the dance map is current. I have added my Th - Sat morning offering, Olojo Oni, to the dance map. This weekend is special due to the show, but check in, I may be out there getting my head screwed on properly.


ACTION
If you are out Pomona way, or feel moved to get up and get out there, right now there is a gathering of LGBT folks in a local bar, The Press Restaurant, where a professor from the Claremont Colleges was verbally accosted by a drunken patron. Apparently, this is type of behavior is par for the course, so the lovely Shakina Nayfeck has organized this night of Guerilla Gayness, "because there is more than one thing you can do with a fist!" 129 Harvard Ave, Claremont 8 PM until 1:30 AM get your best queer chant out and support the right to be who you are, wherever you are.




LOVELY!
There was a lot to think about in the debate last night. Sorry, but I can't wrap this one up quickly. I've had the sense that I live in a bubble, that all of the "calamity" is taking place somewhere else. The language of those invested with our trust to lead tells a different story. I'm not quite buying it. If we got out of Iraq and Afghanistan and reduced the Pentagon's budget, we would be back in the black with a quickness (not to mention the NEA and NEH and even that awful No child Left behind could be fully funded)! And what about that money pit called "Dept. of Homeland Security?" Hatchet and scalpel! Yet, "we will need to make sacrifices"...Are we willing to take care of our elder performers, many of whom had marginal healthcare to begin with, but most of whom probably lost retirement funds in the money markets? Are we willing to hold rent parties, share our homes, help fix roofs, car pool, split dinner duties and expenses? Though these will all lead to a better social network, stronger sense of community, I kinda feel like I do when I'm in the grocery store and its 68 degrees, all the freezer sections are open and lights are on and the state has announced a power emergency. The up note here? We the people can bring about the change we want as long as we make sure we still have the laws we depend on to allow us to express ourselves. So rather than try to soothe you, I urge you to learn something you did not know about either the tax code, laws of public assembly, or immigration. When you find out something you don't like, write to your representative immediately. Make a piece about it if you are an artist. Tell your neighbor and co-worker. Change will come no matter what. Whether or not you help guide it to benefit you and your community without doing harm to others is another story.

in deep love and gratitude,
-Anna