Blah Blah BloG

TRIBAL fest After PARTY - Cheb i Sabbah, Amar, Queen Harish

amar — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 22:16:07 GMT

It's ON. the Tribal Fest After-part. I finally get to announce the lineup. All the way from the Rajashani desert in Jaisalmer, India ... QUEEN HARISH and SF's Favorite World Music DJ CHEB i SABBAH I'll be playing a set too with some special guest dancers. I'd highly recommend getting tix early. They Just went on sale. http://tribalbrew.eventbrite.com Electric Vardo & Gathering For Good present: Cosmik Casbah : TRIBAL BREW : Love Potion #9 Tribal Fest After-party at the Hopmonk Tavern in Sebastopol Electric Vardo's DJ Amar and the groove Garden's DJ Dragonfly bring you a special night after Tribal fest with the HOTTEST LINEUP EVER featuring CHEB i SABBAH & DJ AMAR with QUEEN HARISH DJ DRAGONFLY & SURPRISE GUEST DANCERS

Briana Waters and the US legal system

amar — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 21:44:38 GMT

Just a note about how screwed up the legal system is. Our dear friend Briana Waters is being wrongfully accused of what the government since 911 has labeled "eco-terrorism" and is on the verge of being separated from her daughter and going to prison for something she did not do. I was part of a benefit for her in August of 2006 to help her with her legal fees, and I just read up on the updates and am Mad. I sit here praying that after all of her struggle there will be some light and she will be found innocent and not be subjected to the twisted bogus 'Patriot act' that turns a 5 year sentence into 30 calling what she DIDN'T even do an act of terrorism. About Briana (extracted from www.supportbriana.org ) Briana Waters is a devoted and loving mother of her three-year-old daughter. She is a professional musician and violin teacher based in Oakland, California. On March 15, 2006, she was falsely accused of participating in a politically motivated arson which took place at the University of Washington in May 2001. Briana steadfastly maintains her innocence. She is a peaceful woman who believes in non-violence. In 2001, she directed a documentary, entitled Watch, which tells the moving true story of a peaceful campaign that built a coalition between environmentalists, loggers, and the residents of Randle, Washington to save the old-growth forest on Watch Mountain. Briana's family, friends, and supporters were heartbroken and left in disbelief when a federal jury found her guilty of two counts of arson on March 6, 2008. She is currently detained while awaiting sentencing. She faces a mandatory five-year minimum prison term, potentially subject to an enhancement of up to twenty years. The stress of this situation has been enormous on both Briana and her family, especially her daughter. Briana is grateful for all of the love and support that has been flooding in since the beginning. Your kind notes and support (in all its forms) are still very much needed and appreciated. Financial donations are currently being used for Briana's commissary account (the money she uses while detained to make phone calls and write emails, etc), as well as financial support for Briana's partner and their daughter. This has been a devastating loss for Briana, but the struggle is not over yet. Briana's lawyers are hard at work on an appeal, and her friends and family are generously helping her partner John as he cares for their daughter while she is detained. Your continued support helps carry her and her family through these incredibly challenging circumstances. Please contact us if you would like to help organize a fundraising event in your city. Also, please consider writing a brief statement about Briana and sending it to testimonials@supportbriana.org. Thank you again for your generous support in our mission help Briana and her family! A news article Is Briana Waters a terrorist? In an alarming case, U.S. attorneys exploited post-9/11 counterterrorism policies to pursue and prosecute an environmental activist. By Tracy Tullis (salon.com) March 27, 2008 | In the early morning hours of May 21, 2001, a group of five men and women dressed in dark clothing and carrying backpacks crept close to the Center of Urban Horticulture on the University of Washington campus in Seattle. One of the intruders cut open a window of a ground-floor office; another climbed through it and placed a digital alarm clock wired to a 9-volt battery and a model-rocket igniter in the drawer of a filing cabinet. Next to the cabinet, he filled plastic tubs with gasoline. He set the timer and climbed back out the window. Not long after, at about 3 a.m., a university security officer driving on his rounds saw "billowing smoke and flames" rising from the building. The building's cedar latticework had acted as kindling and the fire raced to the roof. From a city park a few miles away, the arsonists listened to the firefighters on an emergency scanner. It took firefighters two hours to put out the flames. By that time the office where the fire had started had burned down to the studs, and the central hall and several botany labs were damaged. Damages were estimated at $2.5 million. The morning after the fire, agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms sifted through the ash but found no fingerprints. Any hairs that might have yielded a DNA signature had been incinerated. Ten days later, the Earth Liberation Front, a loose group of underground activists who had burned a horse-slaughtering plant, logging company headquarters, SUV dealerships and a luxurious Vail ski lodge built on mountain lynx habitat, claimed responsibility for the fire. The group explained that it had targeted the office of Toby Bradshaw, a plant geneticist who they believed was genetically engineering trees for the benefit of the timber industry. They said his research would "unleash mutant genes into the environment" and "cause irreversible harm to forest ecosystems." Federal and local authorities launched an exhaustive investigation, code-named Operation Backfire. For nearly two years, the FBI had no real leads in the Washington case or 16 other ELF arsons. The Earth Liberation Front is a secretive, amorphous group, with no structure or leaders or formal membership. It is more of a movement than an organization; anyone with a rage against ecological destruction and a match can act in the name of the ELF. The FBI didn't know where to go looking for them. In spring 2003, FBI agents finally got their first break. They closed in on Jacob Ferguson, a heroin-addicted drifter who played in a metal band called Eat Shit Fuckface, and who had insinuated himself into the radical environmental movement -- no doubt finding a convenient outlet for the pyromaniacal tendencies he'd exhibited since the age of 8. Ferguson quickly turned informant. He admitted to setting the first fire attributed to the ELF in the United States, in 1996, and to 12 additional arsons, mostly in Oregon. Although many ELF "elves" knew only two or three others, Ferguson knew pretty much everyone. Prosecutors dispatched him across the country -- from Arizona to New York -- to meet with his former compatriots and record their conversations with a hidden wire. Soon the FBI was knocking on doors across the country. Most of the suspected arsonists, if convicted, would face at least 30 years in prison. Lured with promises of reduced sentences, friends turned in friends, boyfriends offered up the names of girlfriends. Recriminations flew. Those who named names "have dishonored themselves ... by becoming vicious traitors and tools of the state," wrote two non-cooperators in the Earth First! journal. In 2006, the trail of accusations led the FBI to the door of a quiet 32-year-old violin teacher in Berkeley, Calif., named Briana Waters. Earlier this month, on March 6, a federal jury in Tacoma, Wash., found Waters guilty of two counts of arson for serving as a lookout at the University of Washington fire. According to two women who testified against her in return for dramatically reduced sentences, Waters hid in a shrub near the Center for Urban Horticulture with a walkie-talkie, ready to alert the others if the campus police strolled by. Waters testified she wasn't even in Seattle that night. Although Waters was on trial for only the University of Washington arson, Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Friedman charged that she was part of a conspiracy -- a member of a "prolific cell" of the Earth Liberation Front, responsible for 17 fires set in four states over five years. Ten conspirators have pleaded guilty and been sentenced; four have fled the country; three are awaiting sentencing. Waters, the only one of the accused to have pleaded innocent and therefore the only one to have stood trial, now faces 20 years in prison. The group's alleged ringleader, William Rodgers, avoided a trial in his own way. From his jail cell in Flagstaff, Ariz., two weeks after his arrest in December 2005, he wrote, "I chose to fight on the side of the bears, mountain lions, skunks, bats, saguaros, cliff roses and all things wild. But tonight ... I am returning home, to the Earth, the place of my origins." He placed a plastic bag over his head and suffocated himself. According to medical records, Rodgers was found with his right arm raised, his hand held tight in a fist -- the Earth First! symbol of resistance. Prosecutors celebrated the guilty verdict against Waters as a signal victory in the campaign against "eco-terror," a mission that the U.S. Department of Justice has made the centerpiece of its domestic counterterrorism program. "This cell of eco-terrorists thought they had a 'right' to sit in judgment and destroy the hard work of dedicated researchers at the UW and elsewhere," U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Sullivan declared in announcing Waters' conviction. "Today's verdict shows that no one is above the law." Civil libertarians draw a different moral from the verdict. For them it is evidence of how the Justice Department has exaggerated the threat of eco-sabotage; they see Waters' story as a disturbing example of the misuse of federal authority and the excessive reach of the American counterterrorism program in the wake of 9/11. As Lauren Regan, director of the Civil Liberties Defense Center in Eugene, Ore., remarks: "There's a question of whether burning property is really the equivalent of flying a plane into a building and killing humans." Briana Waters wouldn't seem to fit the profile of a dangerous terrorist. The daughter of an engineer and a stay-at-home mother, Waters was raised in suburban Philadelphia and migrated west to attend Evergreen State College in Olympia, Wash., a magnet for left political activists. She has long, straw-colored hair and blue-gray eyes, and always seems to hold her shoulders forward, like a girl who is shy about being tallest in her sixth-grade class. At Evergreen, she became head of the campus animal rights organization and led nature hikes through the nearby woods, teaching people how to identify native plants. In her senior year, she participated in a prolonged campaign to prevent logging in the old-growth forest on Watch Mountain, part of the Cascade Mountain range. Her senior project was a documentary film about the protest, an elegy to the cooperation between Earth First! members and the residents of a small town, who together climbed into the canopy and refused to come down for five months, until Congress promised the public lands would not be handed over to the timber company. The protest saved 28,000 acres of wilderness. Kim Marks, an Evergreen graduate who joined the tree-sit, remembers Waters playing her violin as she perched in the treetops. "It was the most amazing thing to be 120 feet up in the canopy and hear this beautiful fiddle music floating through the forest," Marks says. Waters certainly brushed up against the radical environmentalist milieu, even if she was not one of the "elves." Her boyfriend at the time, fellow Evergreen student Justin Solondz, has been indicted for building the device that sparked the Center for Urban Horticulture fire, and she was friendly with others in the ELF underground. But Waters has insisted she had nothing to do with underground activities. She testified at her trial that in May 2001, the month of the arson, she was busy promoting her film, showing it to college audiences on the West Coast. She has no specific recollection of where she was on the 21st; most likely, she said, she was sleeping at home in Olympia. She told the jury that the Watch Mountain protest, especially her experience building bridges between students and locals, and even logging families, impressed her as a model of sound activism, and confirmed her belief that more extreme measures, like arson, were "alienating" and counterproductive. As it turned out, the University of Washington Horticulture building was a poor target for arson. Among the items destroyed were hundreds of photographs documenting plant regeneration on Mount St. Helens after the volcanic eruption, research on wetlands and prairie restoration, and a collection of rare showy stickseed plants that were being raised to replenish dwindling wild stocks in the Cascade Mountains. Bradshaw, the targeted professor, has said that although he had considered doing genetic engineering, he was not at the time of the fire. Rather he was conducting basic research on hybrid poplars, a fast-growing species that could reduce the pressure for logging in natural forests. About a year after the fire, in 2002, Waters left her college town and moved to Berkeley, where she made her living teaching children violin and playing in Balkan and Irish folk music groups. She met her partner, John Landgraf, a carpenter, at a summer music retreat, and had a baby girl, Kalliope. She had little contact with the radicals she'd met in Olympia, and was only marginally involved in environmental causes. But while Waters had moved away from the old radical environmental circles, the hunt for "eco-terrorists" was intensifying. During the 1990s, the FBI's domestic terrorism division focused on militias, white supremacists and cults like the Branch Davidians. But after 9/11, the agency began shifting its priorities. Then-Attorney General John Ashcroft and FBI director Robert Mueller decided "they were going to restructure the FBI as a terrorism prevention organization rather than just a crime-fighting organization," explains Ben Rosenfeld, a civil rights attorney in San Francisco. The FBI vastly expanded its domestic and international terrorism capabilities, adding whole new categories of crime to its terrorism portfolio. Acts once considered property crimes -- like the arson at the University of Washington -- were now assigned not to the bureau's criminal division but to the terrorism division. In testimony before a Senate committee in February 2002, James Jarboe, the FBI's domestic terrorism chief, alerted the public to this new mission, warning that the ELF and its sister organization, the Animal Liberation Front, had become a "serious terrorist threat." By May 2005, agents in 35 FBI offices would be investigating 104 separate incidents of "animal rights/eco-terrorist activities," including the fires set by the ELF in the Pacific Northwest. In the wake of 9/11, federal prosecutors had some new legal tools at their disposal. Historically, the crime of terrorism has required civilian deaths. In fact, the State Department defined terrorism as "premeditated politically motivated violence perpetrated against non-combatants." But the USA Patriot Act created a new category of domestic terrorism, which is defined as an offense "calculated to influence or affect the conduct of government" or "to intimidate or coerce a civilian population." Under this broad definition, eco-saboteurs become terrorists if their crime seeks to change government policy or action. Several Republican members of Congress didn't want to stop there. In a letter sent to eight mainstream environmental groups such as the Sierra Club, Colorado Rep. Scott McInnis and six other congressmen demanded that respectable environmental organizations "publicly disavow the actions of eco-terrorist organizations." In 2006, Congress passed the Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act, which imposes severe punishments on anyone who "intentionally damages or causes the loss of any real or personal property used by an animal enterprise." Updates are posted at www.supportbriana.org Link to the article: http://www.salon.com/news/feature/2008/03/27/briana_waters/index.html You can donate by going to www.supportbriana.org the latest: Page updated May 31, 2008 UPDATE - May 31: Sentencing Postponed Due to New Evidence Briana's sentencing has been postponed from it's most recently scheduled date of June 2, 2008, due to new evidence in Briana's favor. A new date has yet to be determined. The following document is the motion filed with the court which explains the nature of the new evidenced: http://www.supportbriana.org/Motion_to_continue_sentencing_05-30-08.pdf

Upcoming things I want to tell you about: March to Tibet, Surya Dub, Fire in the Belly II, Tribal Caravan, G.S. Sachdev, Electric Vardo in Sebastopol

amar — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 08:19:18 GMT

Surya Dub March 22. I'm playing a late set downstairs, which means i'll be throwin down some heavy dirty dubstep and other thumpy beats. Fellow insomniac friends, hope to see you. www.suryadub.com On March 26th in Washington, DC - Fire in the Belly II, Fundraiser for Kaihea. Performances by Sera, Eugenia, Samira, Alexis, Belladonna, Mavi, Bronwen, Na'la, Hilary, Asharah, Cari, Loup de Loup, Malibu, Ignytor, Silver Raven, Alazka, and Kaihea herself! http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/29644 On April 6th, i've been invited to spin at a great event with Cheb i Sabbah, Karsh Kale and Freq Nasty at 1015 Folsom. March to Tibet is a benefit for TibetanUprising.org. Details below. On April 26th, Electric Vardo goes to Southern California. Tribal Caravan 2008 is just around the corner. Last year I went to DJ at their pre-party and this year i've partnered with the crew and am co-producing the festival. How'd that happen? Well i'm really excited about it. We'll have workshops on the 25th, 26th and 27th, a pre-party in Topanga Canyon on Friday the 25th and an ELECTRIC VARDO After-Party on Saturday the 26th. In addition to Sharon Kihara, Ariellah and Frederique, Freyja and Vicki Virk will be coming down to teach at the festival and perform at the after-party. Lots more too. www.tribalcaravan.com May 3rd, my father will be performing for the first time in the bay area in 3 years. Bansuri master G.S. Sachdev in concert with Swapan Chaudhuri at St. John's in Berkeley. www.gssachdev.com May 16th and 17th will be the UNofficial after-parties of a rather famous belly dance festival in Sebastopol. This year we'll have FREDERIQUE !!! and lots more great stuff dance and music-wise. The weekend will include a MADURO CD Release Party, BEATS ANTIQUE, NONSTOP BHANGRA and more on the music tip. In addition to Frederique, we'll have a kick-ass lineup of dancers. Check out www.electricvardo.com for details. Info on Tibet show: . : March to Tibet : . In Suport of the Tibetan People's Uprising Movement Sunday, April 6th @ 1015 Folsom . 9pm - 4am - $15 in advance/$20 at the door . All Proceeds to benefit TibetanUprising.org featuring: FreQ Nasty (giveback.net/SKINT - UK) .. Karsh Kale (Six Degrees Records - NYC) .... Cheb i Sabbah (1002 Nights, SF) ...... DJ Amar (Electric Vardo) ........ An-ten-nae (Get Freeky) ...... KnowSleep (Cyphertown Street Ritual) .... Mimosa (Cyphertown Street Ritual) .. Heyoka (Cyphertown Street Ritual) and More TBA... Since 10th March 2008, there has been a heavy crackdown on Tibetans by the Chinese Authorities. Over the recent uprising of rioters, Beijing has just now expelled all outside journalists from Tibet, while death rates of innocent Tibetan victims continue to pile up and western media is banned from any form of documentation. This is the first time Tibetans are rising up with such force against the sixty-years of illegitimate occupation by China. 2008 is the biggest year for Tibetans as the world turns and puts its spotlight on Beijing preceding the months ahead of the lead up to the Olympic Games in August 2008. On April 9th 2008, this very Olympic Torch will pass through San Francisco, it's ONLY stop in North America! Join Cyphertown and Giveback.net to stand in solidarity with the Tibetan People's Historic Uprising Movement and this global momentum to assist Tibetans in gaining their right to self-determination. This event will include DJ's, Live Music, Activist Speakers, and Visuals of the Tibetan Struggle. Join the online community at www.giveback.net to exchange informatio non the issues you are passionate about. Giveback turns inspiration into action by automatically connecting you with organizations that are creating positive change. Exclusive FreQ Nasty vs Bassnectar mp3 download in support of the Tibetan people - available soon at www.giveback.net www.TIBETANUPRISING.org www.CYPHERTOWN.org www.GIVEBACK.net

Happy Birthday Surya Dub

amar — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 23:02:35 GMT

Hey folks, i'm really excited about tonight. It is the one year anniversary of a monthly party that is truly community, truly fun, truly deep musically and totally rocks. in late 2006, our friend Maneesh the Twister called a bunch of us together to start up a new party at Club Six, fusing multiple layers of sounds combining his passion for dubwise sounds and his background of global drum & bass as well as all sub-genres of world music. SURYA DUB was born in January 2007. Maneesh's focus was not on big fame and massive big names as an effort to bring in masses of people in a commercial way, although we have brought in the best of the best and continue to do so - but in the best of ways, with a level of quality and uniqueness unmatched. We have managed to withold a true underground integrity where people come together and experience a raw vibe with a massively great collective of artists giving you the sounds and vibes that are true to our souls. I feel amazingly fortunate to be a part of this collective that has grown from the ground up. Not only are we - the collective - all one tight family, the audience are our friends and not only share in, but build the energy. It is the combination of us the performers and you the supporters who really have made this year seriously incredible. Also, Club Six has been so supportive of us and created an environment perfectly fit for us. Maneesh gets a big thank you for making us a part of this show in a way we really feel like a collective. It's not about him, it's not even about us, it's become about everybody involved including the club and all of you on the dancefloor. I feel like we've all become inter-connected. Even the folks on the dancefloor are interactive. It's a priceless bond that has been created all around where people we haven't even met before share their love with us and come back month after month and introduce their friends to the family. I hope you local folks will come and celebrate our birthday with us tonight. I have put together a treat for you all, which is also a treat for us - A live collaboration piece, "Electric Vardo Live" with a couple of my closest creative partners: Sooozhyq on doumbec, tribal Fusion Belly Dance with Freyja, me mixing the music and Surya Dub co-resident MC Daddy Frank on the mic. We're on at 1am upstairs. Now here's the rundown: Surya Dub 1 Year Anniversary Bay Area Dubwize Soundclash Uniting All Dubwize Sounds Global Dubwize Vibes & Dread Bass Culture Saturday January 26th, 2008 After a phenomenal 2007 with Best Club Night and Best Club DJ Honors, the Surya Dub crew gets back to business to celebrate our 1 Year Anniversary with an exclusive Bay Area Dubwize Soundclash. As part of our mission to unite all dubwize sounds we have invited members of Bay Area dubstep crews, reggae sounds and worldbeat posse’s to show everyone what they got and battle it out on the subwoofers at Club Six. Needing no introduction is OM records Bay Area bad boy J Boogie who will be throwing down Inna Yard as our special guest. The clash continues in the Sub Hz Den with the Antiserum dropping fresh dubs, Sam Supa! making ya flinch just by looking at you, Nick Argon coming with UK plates, Ivry dropping the dubwize DnB, and Emcee Child hollering at you to get grimey. Also we have a special Electric Vardo Live performance featuring DJ Amar, SoozhyQ on dumbek and tribal bellydancer Freyja. Surya Dub continues to branch out wide and take the underground dance community on a bass-laden joyride of lowend dubwize goodness. It’s just the beginning. Get in Free before 10:30pm by signing up at Going.com Special Guests include members of the Bay's top Dubwize crews featuring: J Boogie (OM Hip Hop, Beatsauce, Dub Mission) The Antiserum + surprise guest MC (Full Melt, BreaksFM) Sam Supa! (Grime City, Brapdem, Surefire) plus guest Emcee Child (Narco.Hz, Grime City) Nick Argon (Argon Records) Ivry (Compression) Sub Hz Den Dubstep, Dread Bass Breaks & D'n'B, Ragga Residents: Maneesh the Twister (Surya Dub, Dhamaal, Dub Mission) & Ripley (havoc sound, Surya Dub), Kid Kameleon (xlr8r, Surya Dub), Kush Arora (live Dubwize set - KAP, Surya Dub) Visuals by Ohashi (Soma Soundsystem, Surya Dub) MC Daddy Frank pon da mic Inna Yard Reggae, Dancehall, Bhangra, Global Beats special Elecric Vardo Live performance featuring DJ Amar, SooozhyQ (Dumbek), & Freyja (Tribal Belly Dance) plus residents Ross Hogg & DJ Neta (Ital Selection Hi-Fi, Surya Dub), and Jimmy Love (Non Stop Bhangra, Surya Dub), Club Six Saturday, January 26th, 2008 60 6th St b/w Mission & Market Free b4 10:30 sign up at www.going.com/suryaDubJan26 / $10 door 9:30pm-3:00am | 21 + | 415.863.1221 www.myspace.com/suryadub http://tribes.tribe.net/suryadub

Poor Tatiana

amar — Wed, 26 Dec 2007 07:40:53 GMT

I felt sad when I saw the news about the tiger attack at the ZF zoo today. I was most sad when I saw the footage of the dead tiger laying there. I hate zoos. It is human irresponsibility that causes this shit. It's not that i'm not sad for the people who got hurt and killed, but to me they are no less or more important than the life of an equally innocent animal who is imprisoned for our own entertainment. I know, there is educational value to the zoo, but no more value than can be obtained without confining animals as such in the zoo. There is the argument of preservation of species but that is what wildlife preserved are for, the ones with open range for animals to live in their own habitats. Not that wildlife preserves don't have their own issues, but why must the world be taken over by humans so bad that we think we are the only ones that matter. We are driving other species to extinction and eventually driving ourselves to extinction and the earth to an inhabitable mess. What do we get out of it in the end?

Follow the yellow brick road.

amar — Mon, 24 Dec 2007 02:43:20 GMT

Toto, I have a feeling we're not in kansas anymore ... What am I doing while taking a sick day? Watching the Wizard of Oz. I haven't seen that movie since I was a kid. Although I bet she wouln't admit it - I think it was one of my mom's favorite movies. I made myself stay in and take the day off work yesterday since I had a gig last night and am working tonight late. Decided to turn on the TV and flipping the channels I catch the beginning of the wizard of OZ, so i'm watching it and then off to work. Sometimes being sick and staying in is fun. Yesterday I hung out with my friend's cat all day, got caught up on some admin work and updated my websites. Today it's pretty much day off with no work. Haven't had one of those in a long time. Of course I got home at 5am after a gig and then taking my friend to the airport at 4, so slept in till after noon. Spent less than an hour on my computer (including this time) and only answered my phone twice. Ok, back to the movie.

Happy Solstice

amar — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 07:04:26 GMT

Love and blessings and wishes for life to take you where you desire - for you to take life where you will it, for your ideas to become creations to be shared and appreciated.

HALLOWEEKEND - Hip'n'Bass, Blood Moon ZOO, Surya Dub, ShadowDance

amar — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 21:11:01 GMT

I'm a little extra excited this weekend - and also a little torn and bummed because i'm missing one awesome show to be at another aweome show, but it's all very very good. I get to go to Unmata's Blood Moon Regale this weekend. This year, we're goin to the ZOO. www.unmata.com Thursday is HIP'n'BASS - www.hipnbass.com which i'm really stoked about. We have a seriously packed lineup this month with BEATS ANTIQUE - Live with David Satori and Sidecar Tommy. They'll be on at 10pm sharp. Doors open at 9. Cover is only $5 (and we're offering 2-for-1 cover before 10). Underground SF is making Rose Martinis as the Hip'n'Bass drink special too, so come early, have a drink, listen to AMAR (yeah -me :)with SOOZHYQ for an opening set from 9-ish to 10, followed by Beats Antique, then Belly Dance performances, late night beats with Triple Power Bass Maestro GIAMMA and LATRAMA from Madrid Spain. Dance performances by AUBERON, FREYJA, GIBSON PEARL, ERICA CIPRIANI I'll be missing SURYA DUB but there in spirit with my peeps who are the Surya Dub Collective. Folks in SF, go check it out. WE WON BEST CLUB NIGHT by SF WEEKLY at their 2007 MUSIC AWARDS last week. That totally rocks. Thanks to all of you who supported and voted. I WILL be back for the next show which will be on DECEMBER 8, and the 1 year Anniversary show on the 4th Saturday of January. www.suryadub.com And then ... there's SHADOWDANCE in 2 weeks, with workshops this year on Sunday. I'll have to write a separate blog about Shadowdance, but just puttin in a reminder here to get your tix and register for your workshops with Amy, Ariellah and Freyja. Shadowdance is on Nov 10 at the Oakland Metro. www.darkerstill.com And now ... some words about blood moon: 3 years ago, I was driving my friend Sam (I call her Boom Boom Scallywag Sam now - yes, Samantha Riggs) up to Sacramento for her performance at this thing she kept telling me about, the Blood Moon Regal, put on by the dancers in Sacramento - UNMATA, or someting like that. I also coincidentally, through a recommendation of another good friend - DJ Dragonfly, and another connection that I can't even remember (one of those 'meant to be' situations where I was getting pulled their from 3 angles') - I think it was just some tribe communication with Luna, I was invited to DJ at the afterparty. Well little did I know that UNMATA and the Blood Moon Regale would be my new annual addiction from there forth. That year, way back in 2005, I got to experience my first show with an alice in wonderland theme - DARK WONDERLAND. It was Such an amazing show combined with a beautiful warmth of loving energy from these girls who are Unmata, as well as with everyone there - the love is infectious. Sweet lil April put me and Sam up at her place that night after a fun-as-hell after-party. I remember us getting shut down because we over-packed the venue and were causing a "fire" hazard or something like that. Well the n whaddayaknow - minutes later the fire hit the streets - literally. I remember looking aout and I think it was Meliza spinning in the intersection by the cafe. Then the crew Bunny Brunch, if all that had happened already wasn't a highlight - this definately was. Getting to hang out with and really meet the wonderful people who had converged from all over the place to come together for this amazing production and weekend. It was the beginning of many new friendships and creative collaborations - lots of people who are now close to my heart - Shawna, Ayse and Elizabeth, Lorraine, Dahlia ...I think it was there that I met Cera too- and many others - and of course meeting Luna and Amy and Raven and all the Hot Pot girls and boys. So the next year (which would be last year) I recruited my pal Sooozhyq to join me and play doumbec with me at the after-party. We went up together, blended into the beautiful afternoon chaos of rehearsals, had a jim-boy taco with Jeffe (of which I think a little is still in me and I plan to look to see if the grease stains which dripped off the hood of my car are still in the parking lot of the colonial theater), got ready and came to the show. Last year's theme was Batman "Viscious Mischief". My favorite moment was when the sruprise was released and I guessed right who batman was. I couldn't imagine anyone else but SABRINA playing the role of Batman - and it was her indeed, and what an awesome experience that was. It was another one of those moments when you think it can't get any better, and it does. I got to shoot some video with Jeffe for that show. That was awesome. I was worried i'd miss the show by shooting, but instead I was able to experience it in a new way which was more interactive. I was really paying attention to the movements and nuances of the performers (and I hope that came out on video). It was really my first video-shoot - and I must say I was impressed with myself :). Jeffe and I both each had a camera and got different angles. He then spliced it all together and edited a DVD (which, by the way, will be available at the show this year). Then the after-party - tons of fun. I got to play with my favorite drummer-monkey Sooozhyq and hang out with the people I love, make more new friends and just be in a wonderful heartful atmosphere. Sunday mornin back at the capoeira studio for crew brunch, wind-down. I playes some music, susie got on the drum, we jammed a bit, ate alot, and headed home and Susie was talkin basically the same as I was the year before about how wonderful an experience it was and how lucky we are to connect with some amazingly beauiful people. Yeah, it feels good. This year, Sooozhyq and I have 2 new 'victims of love' - Freyja and Mitara. We're bringin them up to experience the divine inebriation with us. They know not what they're in for. They have a clue but - like I did from all Sam told me, and like Susie did when I told her - the experience is to be had and there's no way to truly describe it. Right now, i'm packing my sound system for the after-party and pre-show (Friday Night Fire Show), burnin some mix CDs (tag team lix DJ AMAR+DJ LAYLA+LADY RA) for those of you who don't have em yet and writing this blog. See y'all's lovely freaks this weekend.

Upcoming shows

amar — Fri, 12 Oct 2007 07:21:56 GMT

Got lotsa stuff coming up in the next few weeks that i'm excited about. First off, i'm spinning at Triple Power this month and get to do a set with my favorite drummer Sooozhyq - my fellow triple power junkie and now resident. Next weekend is Nonstop Bhangra's 3 year anniversary. I'll be spinning an early set and tag-teaming visuals with Freyja and NSB's original VJ Christo. I had a blast doing visuals with Freyja last month. It was her first time on VJ duty and she Rocked it. After NSB, Freyja heads for a performance with SooozhyQ and then joins me at Broadway Studios for Ecstatic Muse. Hip'n'Bass around the corner for a midweek smashup. See below for the lineup. It's pretty kick ass if I must say myself. Surya Dub just got nominated for Best Club Night by SF Weekly. The awards are on the 18th. I'll probably be going to check it out to represent with my peeps. I'll be missing Surya Dub this month, bummed about that but excited to be heaing to Sacramento for my3rd Blood Moon Regal. I went 2 years ago to drive Sam up for her performance and from then on it has been my duty to convert my favorite people to be Blood Moon addicts. Last year Susie was my victim, this year susie and I are kidnapping Freyja and bringing her up for an Electrc Vardo Live set at the afer-party. Next month is Shadowdance with the best ever partnership I can imagine to produce a show together with. Ariellah, Sooozhyq and Freyja. How did I get so lucky to be teaming up with them. It's like a dream. On November 11th i'll be helping my friend Ranjan who owns New Delhi Restaurant for a fdundraiser for the Ghandi Ashram in India, along with Freyja, Jimmy, Vicki and Dhol Rhythms. Later in November Susie and I will be partying together for our birthdays. Thanks Freyja for coordinating what I know is going to be the best ever party. See below on Nov 29 for the Hip'n'Bass benefit birthday bash. Here's the sched. Come out to the shows if you can. October 12: TRIPLE POWER at Il Pirata - AMAR spins with SOOOQHYQ on Doumbec SHISSLA, GIAMMA, SOOOZHYQ, AMAR, COCONUTS CREME - Live burlesque show October 20 NONSTOP BHANGRA at Rickshaw Stop - AMAR & FREYJA + CHRISTO on visuals SIGNIA, RASCUE, DJ RAV-E + resident crew: JIMMY LOVE, DHOL RHYTHMS, AMAR, MARCUS MURRAY *** NSB Celebrates 3 years * Dhol Rhytms celebrates 4 years *** October 20 ECSTATIC MUSE at Broadway Studios and Club 443 - APHRODESIA, GIAMMA, AMAR & FREYJA, JANAKA, CAROLUNA, VJ LUNA + more October 25 HIP'n'BASS at UNDERGROUND SF with GIAMMA, AUBERON, FREYJA GIBSON PEARL, ERICA CIPRIANI, DJ AMAR + a special BEATS ANTIQUE DJ Set by David Satori and DJ JEFFE from Eugene, OR + LATRAMA of Chandra Sound System in Madrid, Spain October 27 in Sacramento: UNMATA's BLOOD MOON REGALE "ZOO" in Sacramento ELECTRIC VARDO LIVE feat AMAR + FREYJA + SOOOZHYQ at the After-Party October 27 in SF: SURYA DUB at Club Six - HALLOWEEN MASHDOWN JASON MUNDO, DJ TOMAS, MC ZULU, VJ ZEBBLER + Resident crew *** nominated BEST CLUB NIGHT by SF Weekly 2007 music awards *** November 10 SHADOWDANCE 2007at Oakland Metro UNMATA . SASHI . ROMKA . LAPSUS . ARIELLAH . FREYJA . SOOOZHYQ . AMAR . SERPENTINE . JENNIFER FAUST . MITARA . ANAAR . EREBUS . DJ DECAY . AIXELA . DAN CANTREL Electric Vardo Live with CERA, AUBERON, HAVEN + Surprise Guests. Tix on sale at www.darkerstill.com Nov 11 SHADOWDANCE WORKSHOPS at East Bay Dance Center AMY SIGIL - Unmata 110% . ARIELLAH - Yoga Infused Belly Dance . FREYJA - Pops & Locks November 29 HIP'n'BASS at UNDERGROUND SF - SOOOZHYQ & AMAR's Benefit Birthday Bash for moveon.org with ALL-STAR SURPRIZE LINEUP - graciously hosted by FREYJA Take belly dance classes from FREYJA Monday nights at Danspace in Oakland www.freyjafusion.com Freyja will be teaching workshops in California on November 11 in Oakland at ShadowDance and in Southern California in April at Tribal Caravan.

Sub Swara @ Surya Dub

amar — Sun, 26 Aug 2007 23:59:54 GMT

Yeah, that was the frikkin bomb. Last night was one of the best nights ever at a club night. I had a fun set upstairs after Kid Kameleon rocked it opening the upstairs. We had a nice vibe and crowd in there early. I was scared to go on after Kid Kameleon tossing some wicked mixes out to the dancefloor, but once I got on the decks I was havin a great time for an hour of gypsified dub and random other twists that I threw in. Jah Yzer took over the decks upstairs and I had to head down to see my boys from NYC, and ROCK IT DID THEY? THEY DID! Yeah, Haj has a way of moving me emotionally with his playing, and of course Sunder scratches like a fucking maniac, so tight, so smooth , so kick-ass, Dhruva crackin out the tals on tabla and there you have it- the super trio. I know for Dhruva the basement of Club Six is a home for him, so it's only natural that he'd bring it home centered between his partners, Haj to his left dropping sweet heavy pulsating beats, Sunder to his right flciking his hand so fast like the wings of a humming-bird. It was just a truly amazing experience of music and vibe. The room was packed, Dhamaal regulars from way back mixed with the growing Surya Dub crew and new faces all bouncin and adding to the vibe. I went home with a satisfied smile on my face, seeing and feeling the vibe of Surya Dub's growing community. I feel proud to be a part of such an awesome ongoing event. I wish I could have stayed longer but I was worn out tired and had to go home. Can't wait to see the Sub Swara crew at it again. I'll be catching them in October in New York. I'm already looking forward to that. In the few months that Surya Dub has launched from the ground up, we hit some major obstacles which were related to issues that the club was dealing with, but Club Six has stood by us, stood by Dhamaal and Electric Vardo, and we're standing behind club six. I want to send out a personal thank you to all the wonderful folks who have continued to come out and support Electric Vardo, Surya Dub and the other shows. Club Six was hit by some nasty lawsuit action due to noise complaints by neighbors, and they have been working it through, and while we had to bear a few months of excruciatingly thin sound levels, we are glad to see the club prevail and boost up the sound again. The upstairs vibe is back. We can turn the volume up again, and we can rock it out. Still some work, but things are good, and we're doing our shows full-scale. The love and energy is there, and will continue to grow. I highly recommend coming out to Surya Dub sometime if you haven't yet. It's on the 4th Saturday of each month. Also, wanna send a shout out for a new night at Underground SF that Freyja and I are putting together, bringing out the crews to collaborate with us. Hip'n'Bass, on the last thursday of the month. Next one is this coming thursday August 30th with Frederique, Jimmy Love, Jennifer Faust, Freyja, Sooozhyq, Mitara and Me. September we'll have Maneesh and Dhol Rhythms, Kamille of Rockabelly, Gina Grandi and Sharon Phillips. Check out www.hipnbass.com or http://tribes.tribe.net/hipnbass for the schedule. Check out www.suryadub.com for Surya Dub's lineups.

Happy Solstice, How to Live, Licky & more

amar — Thu, 21 Jun 2007 08:05:39 GMT

Happy Solstice to all. I'm tonight at 3am at Solstice Grove in West Marin. Aphrodesia's going to be performing live to. I've been to Solstice Grove the past 2 years and am excited to be playing this year. It is an amazing night, amazing vibe - an all-night community gathering. Here's a peek at my upcoming events (details below) - Solstice Grove 6/21, Berkeley Dance Jam 6/22, Surya Dub 6/23, visuals at Nonstop Bhangra on 6/30 - Please support our friend Liza Matlock in her medical treatment and enjoy 12 hours of music in Oakland on June 23 - Electric Vardo will be joining Clandestine and friends for a special Benefit for Licky at Il Pirata on July 7 - Look out this summer for details unfolding for SHADOWDANCE in November. www.darkerstill.com Upcoming show details: SOLSTICE GROVE annual Solstice celebration in West Marin with Aphrodesia, DJ Amar and much more Thursday June 21 - from dusk to dawn. Location: http://solsticegrove.org/directions/fromSanRafael.html BERKELEY DANCE JAM . June 22 at Studio 12 in Berkeley www.dancejam.org DJ Amar spins a downtempo set in the Warm Room. Kenny & Malarkey in the Hot Room HOW TO LIVE! II - Summer Solstice Benefit Concert for Liza Matlack Saturday, June 23rd 2007 - Noon to Midnight Tim Witter's "Compound" - 1561 8th Street, West Oakland (near the West Oakland Bart) $20-100 Suggested Donation . No One Turned Away for Lack Of Funds - 415.939.0145 for info. (Detailed info and performer lineup at bottom of this e-mail) SURYA DUB . June, 23 at CLUB SIX . 60 Sixth St. SF w/ resident crew + Ripple (Full Melt) + Djunya (Narco Hz) + Arson (Blend) SURYA DUB Global Dubwize Vibes & Dread Bass Culture. This month Surya Dub welcomes a roster of local heavyweights! Breaks and Dubstep selectors Ripple and Djunya come to drop dubplates along side the one like Arson dropping a rare roots reggae set! Surya Dub is the next level in Global Dubwize Vibes and Dread Bass Culture, uniting all Dubwize sounds from Roots Reggae to Dubstep and Ragga to Dread Bass Breakbeat and Drum'n'Bass to Bhangra, South Asian Electronica and Global Bass Beat Bizness. Check out the crew and more info at www.suryadub.com. - in the Sub Hz Den: Dubstep, Dread Bass Breaks & D'n'B, Ragga special guests and DJ Ripple (Full Melt/Subscience) & DJUNYA (Narco Hz, Mode) Plus Residents: Maneesh the Twister (Dhamaal, Dub Mission), & Ripley (havoc sound) Kid Kameleon (xlr8r), and Kush Arora (live dubwize set) Video DJ Ohashi. - Inna Yard: Special Guest DJ Arson (Blend) plus Residents DJ Amar (Electric Vardo), Jimmy Love (Non Stop Bhangra) Ross Hogg & DJ Neta (Ital Selection Hi-Fi) Flyer Design by Subtek. 21 + : $7 before 11pm/ $10 after: 10:00pm-3:00am www.suryadub.com NONSTOP BHANGRA 25 June 30 at the RICKSHAW STOP . 155 Fell Street SF Doors: 9 - 2am $10 Advance - $15 Door http://virtuous.com/events/v/449226232/2007-06-30.html The Non Stop Bhangra crew returns from Vancouver, riding a wave of wicked energy. Recently selected to play SF's legendary Stern Grove Festival (See them at Stern Grove with Karsh Kale and Anoushka Shankar on July 22), you must see why the energy from this night is winning everyone over. Extra Banging beats laid down this month by DJ Jimmy Love playing an extended set, he is joined by the local Bhangra queen Dj Marcella. Come early for the Bhangra lesson that kicks off the night, and later see the beautiful women of Dholrhythms light up the stage with special dance performances. With live painting by Marcus Murray and visuals by DJ Amar, this is an explosive night you can't miss. www.nonstopbhangra.com Electric Vardo Presents: LICKY Saturday, July 7 at iL PIRATA . 2007 16th at Portrero, SF Doors 9:30 . $10-20 sliding scale www.electricvardo.com Superstar Dance Lineup: Azure . Clandestine . Dhol Rhythms . Evil Eye Belly Dance Frederique . Freyja . Red Lotus . Plus a hula show! DJs: Amar of Electric Vardo . Jimmy Love of Nonstop Bhangra A benefit to help a dear friend of ours, Andra (of Azure Tribal Belly Dance). Her sweet cat Licorice was very ill. He went through two hospital stays (in ICU), 2 different vets, was poked and prodded, had acupuncture and MRIs and exploratory surgery, and now he's finally back home and feeling much better (phew!). He acquired quite a bill however, and since he doesn't have insurance (like most pets) Andra is stuck a vet bill of about $10K (on a preschool teacher's salary!). If you know Andra and Licky, you know they are the sweetest, gentlest, kindest folks in the world, who would do anything for you. Even if you don't know Andra (and you SHOULD! ;-), we hope you'll come out and enjoy the fine array of entertainment we have lined up for you. Andra and Licky thank you from the bottom of their hearts! Sunday July 8: ANSUYA Comprehensive series Finale perfomance night at MIGHTY This special night will include performances by students of Ansuya, special guests and Ansuya herself. Also DJ Amar and a live music ensemble. More details soon at http://ansuya.tribe.net/ HOW TO LIVE Benefit info: How To Live! II is quickly turning into what will surely be an amazing day of music, dance and celebration. The line-up of performers is absolutely incredible! Liza and I are again blown away by everyone's generosity and compassion. Tim, Amy, Dara, and Jyoti (the organizing team behind this event) still need help to make this event a success. Please read below for ways to volunteer. Most importantly, please come and invite your friends to join you. This 12-hour long Benefit Concert and Summer Solstice Celebration features world fusion rhythm and dance from an eclectic blend of artists from the Bay Area and beyond. Expect performances of dance and music all day long, face painting, auction at 8 PM, a bake sale, and food. The event is a benefit for Liza Matlack(a longtime bay area dancer and educator) who was diagnosed with acute leukemia in August, 2006. Liza is still battling this disease at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, accompanied by her partner, Tabla Rasa co-founder Jim Santi Owen. The $20 minimum donation at the door goes toward the Liza Matlack "How to Live!" fund to help cover medical, travel, caregiver, and other related costs for her ongoing treatment. Please join Liza's vibrant community of friends in this second critical fundraising effort to help this powerful young artist survive and thrive beyond cancer. Performance Schedule* 12:00 Members of Gamelan Sekar Jaya (Balinese Gamelan) 12:45 Aleph Null (Persian Jazz) 1:30 Gamelan X (Kecak - Balinese "Monkey Chant") 2:00 Bateria Lucha (Brazilian Drumming) 3:00 Javier Navarrette (Afro-Cuban Percussion) 4:00 Taiko Ren (Japanese Taiko) 4:30 Daniel Berkman (Kora -West African Harp) 5:00 Stephen Kent and John Loose (Didjeridu and Percussion) 5:30 Duniya Dance Company (Punjabi Folk Dance) 6:00 Stitch Craft (Contemporary Folk) 7:00 Rhythm Village (West African Drumming & Dance) 8:00 Live Auction 9:00 Eric Fraser and Sameer Gupta (North Indian Bansuri Flute and Tabla) 9:45 Tabla Recital (Classical North Indian Drumming) 10:30 Bruce Hamm and Tim Witter (Sarode and Tabla - North Indian Classical Music) * subject to change My calendar is posted at www.solunamar.com and http://www.myspace.com/bansuri

Save Club Six - Hearing at City Hall tuesday June 5 at 4pm

amar — Tue, 05 Jun 2007 01:03:37 GMT

On behalf of Electric Vardo and family collectives Dhamaal, Surya Dub and Worldly - I extend an invitation to join us in support of Club Six. Club Six has been the home of the bay area's most culturally rich and diverse club scene over the past few years, hosting events such as Dhamaal, Electric Vardo and more. Recently, the venue has been faced with unreasonable complaints from neighbors, causing volume levels to be so low in the upstairs rooms that our audiences have not been able to enjoy the dancefloor experience they are used to there. Those of you that have been there for the past few shows have noticed a drastic decrease in volume, to the point you can hear street noise and sound bleed from the other rooms. Please read the note below by Club Six's owner, Angel Cruz. Angel has created a space for our world music scene and supported our events from the beginning. Now we need to support him and help keep club six running. It is our home, a good home, and a place we want to stay. So join us on Tuesday June 5 at 4pm in room 406 of SF City Hall to show your support. Thanks so much - Amar ------------------------------------------------------- letter from Angel Cruz - owner of Club Six ------------------------------------------------------- I would like to thank all the patrons, promoters, DJs, artists, and employees of Club Six for an amazing six and a half years. We have owned and operated Club Six trouble free for all these years: there have been no ODs, no stabbings, no shootings, and no underage drinking. Now we have summoned by the Entertainment Commission of San Francisco for a hearing to suspend our Place of Entertainment Permit and our After Hours Permit. This would mean no DJs, no performers, and no dancing for one month. This would put us out of business. The complaint states that Club Six violated the noise ordinance anywhere from three to nine decibels above our limitations. Over the last few years we have invested over $200,000 in soundproofing. We continue to do more sound work to improve our situation. Regardless of the outcome of the hearing, I am committed to meeting the guidelines the city has set forth. I have 20 years left on my lease at Club Six and intend to continue to bring quality entertainment to the community and to the City of San Francisco. My goal when I bought Club Six was to unite all types of people, music, and cultures together in a place where everyone from all walks of life would be treated equally. It was to create one of the city’s top venues in what was and considered to be one of the city’s most blighted and destroyed neighborhoods: Sixth Street. Do you remember Sixth Street six and half years ago? Friends and business associates told me it couldn’t be done. Now, Club Six is the largest minority-owned business and employer on Sixth Street. People from all over the Bay, the country, and the world stop off there. Club Six is the anchor of Sixth Street and in many ways the glue that keeps it together. It has been instrumental in helping to bring more businesses to the neighborhood, and I am very proud to say that I can see my vision of successful co-existence between all types of people being fulfilled every day. Club Six is Sixth Street! Our hearing is scheduled to be held in Room 406 of City Hall on June 5th and will begin between 4:00 and 5:00 pm. Please show your support for us by showing up and saying a word in our behalf. For now, we will continue to do business as usual. Please come down, listen to some incredible music, dance, and enjoy Club Six. We are open! Please forward this to a friend, send us an email of support at clubsix@comcast.net , and cc the community leaders below. Thank you again for allowing me this wonderful opportunity to own and operate Club Six. Angel Cruz Owner, Club Six Club Six: clubsix@comcast.net Chris Daly: chris.daly@sfgov.org Bob Davis: bob.davis@sfgov.org Mayor Gavin Newsom: gavin.newsom@sfgov.org SOMPAC: mban@sompac.com SPUR: info@spur.org Urban Solutions: info@urbansolutionssf.org

The parties are about to start

amar — Thu, 17 May 2007 08:42:06 GMT

Lady Ra is in Eugene at Layla's. Layla's in New York. Dragonfly and I are going bonkers getting things prepared for the weekend, my mom's knee deep in marinara sauce, dad's grindin chai spices, Susie's packin her rugs and pillows for th bedouin beat lounge, Mitara's locked up in her room sewing, Freyja's hosting Sarah from NY and getting ready for her performance with Susie, Sam's flying in from Tempe tomorrow mornin, Mavi's hangin in Sebastopol with the DC crew, Sequoia's on er way in from Bali, Obsidia's flying in from Texas ... Friday we'll all be up in Sebastopol, gettin ready for the big weekend - watching the performances at tribal fest, vending, and partying late night at the after parties. Well if some of you don't hear from me over the next couple of weeks, don't worry. I'm diving into a crazy fun time with my friends and creative partners, starting with Tribal fest and continuing through June 2. It's our mini tour. Got my upcoming gigs up on my site: www.solunamar.com It's tribal fest this weekend, harbin on Tuesday the 22nd, Electric Vardo on Friday the 25th, Surya Dub Saturday the 26th, my friend Santi's wedding on Sunday the 27th, show in Ashland on Tuesday the 29th, Eugene on Wednesday the 30th, East Meets West on Friday June 1 in Portland, then back on Saturday June 2 for Groove Garden. Breather for 5 days and then Harmony Festival. A little overwhelmed but excited about it all. Lady Ra just reminded me that we have 9 gigs together in 2 weeks. That's kinda cool. How did that happen? I'm also excited that my first mix CD is a collaboration mix with DJ Layla and Lady Ra. We just made a mix CD together. We'll have it ready for tribal fest. Ok, back to work. Got a bunch of admin stuff to do and then some schlepping of equipment tomorrow. I'll bee seeing a bunch of you this weekend. Looking forward to meeting some of you two who i've connected with on tribe but have yet to meet in person. Let the party begin.

Pops, Locks & Breaks - let the party begin ...

amar — Tue, 27 Mar 2007 08:59:28 GMT

Ok, there's something i'm Really excited about, Yes - another great Electric Vardo show that came together out of nowhere. One of those things where I just decided to set a date and see who is available. We'll we've Packed the night with some of my favorite performers who also happen to be my best friends. It's going to be one of those house parties with a few hundred people hanging out with us while we do what we love. So here it is, Friday night, Electric Vardo: Pops Locks & Breaks ... Just added to the already kick ass lineup: ... ZOE JAKES. Also, MC DADDY FRANK (aka Frankie) for a special collaboration with Amar, Freyja & Sooozhyq. Join Dhol Rhythms & DJ Jimmy Love, Giamma & Shanti, Ariellah & Frederique, Freyja, SooozhyQ, Jennifer Faust & DJ Amar, as well as Zoe and Frankie, together on this special night marking 2 years of Electric Vardo's mystical journey into far out global gypsy culture and vibe. Friday March 30 - 9pm-3am in the Dark Room at Club Six $10 advance / $15 door / 21+ Advance tix at: http://www.virtuous.com/event/3799124689/ Some notes about what makes this Friday night so special to me in regard to the dynamite crew: So i've been missing the TRIPLE POWER nights since they took a much deserved winter break. Ok, enough already - I have to have my Triple Power fix, so Electric Vardo is hosting the resident crew GIAMMA, SHANTI & SOOOZHYQ. Sooozhyq and I together determined about a year back that we can be officially considered Triple Power Junkie's. She's since joined Giamma and Shanti as a resident, and I have one more reason not to miss a Triple Power show. They'll be back in action at a new venue soon. In the meantime, catch them here with us. www.triplepower.org DHOL RHYTHMS and DJ JIMMY LOVE have been a part of the Electric Vardo family since the beginning, performing and DJing at our very first show on March 11, 2005. I've since become a part of the NONSTOP BHANGRA (NSB) family, but have felt the need to have them back at Electric Vardo - and Here they are. I realized recently that in the past 3 years, I have missed 2 NSB shows. I'm now doing visuals at NSB every month and rotating in with DJ sets. Now it's time to return the LOVE and have JIMMY in the Vardo, spinnin and scratchin, with Dhol Rhythms style Bhangrafication. www.nonstopbhangra.com FREDERIQUE performed at the first Electric Vardo and qucikly became family, performing at almost every show. After a few months, she joined Amar & DJ Sep as a promoting partner, co-producing the 2005 Diwali show with Boom Boom Bollywood. Currently focusing on performing and teaching her unique form of Tribal Remixed/Avante Garde belly dance, Frederique continues to share her performing brilliance with us on the Electric Vardo stage. www.bellygroove.com I met ARIELLAH at East Meets West in Portland and was blown away by her performance and her spirit. I have since connected with her and we together created, with Sooozhyq and Tempest, one of the most succesful and creatively brilliant projects I have ever been a part of: SHADOWDANCE. We have been collaborating on performance pieces, one of which we showcased at the SAHARA New Year's Even 04/07 benefit, and will be working closely to bring Shadowdance 2007 to you. Well it was just obvious to me that Ariellah needed to perform at Electric Vardo. Ariellah is just one of the most amazing dancers you'll ever see, and has brought Gothic Belly Dance to the forefront of Tribal Fusion. www.ariellah.com Speaking of the most amazing dancers ever, ZOE JAKES will be joining us. Can I repeat myself ... ZOE will be performing at Electric Vardo. We've been trying to coordinate getting her to Electric Vardo for about a year and a half now, and it's finally here. Between her massive touring and our show scheduling, we haven't been able to hit the timing right - but persitence reaps big rewards, and our reward this time around comes with a performance piece by a dancer who is a musical whiz too. We'll be previewing Zoe's new soon-to-be-released album BEATS ANTIQUE, and you'll see her performing to tracks from this brilliant piece of music. Zoe is touring with the Belly Dance Superstars and the Yard Dogs Road Show, performing with THE INDIGO and jumps on stage at Electric Vardo in her free time :). www.bellydancezoe.com JENNIFER FAUST speaks fierce energy through her dance. She's pretty damn captivating - and simply put, just Awesome. I'm extra excited that Jennifer will be joining us for a special solo piece that will rock our socks off. Jennifer and Freyja are working on an amazing collaboration piece that they'll be performing together at Ansuya's show in April and at Tribal Caravan in LA, as well as a duet piece at Tribal Fest with live percussion by Sooozhyq. This Electric Vardo would not be complete without our Jennifer Faust. http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=33378143&MyToken=ba8cb1e3-e565-4a0e-879d-e8d92086fe50 I've been hearing MC DADDY FRANK (aka FRANKIE) since the days of Dhamaal and have been highly impressed by his style, wicked energy and subtle vibration he brings out with the music. He is a beatuful complement to the styles of music we play, and he adds an element that brings the energy to a higher ground. I've been wanting to collaborate with him for awhile now, and Maneesh the Twister gave me the perfect opportunity by giving me an instrumental remix of his track Echo Twist, which Frankie MCs on. We had a sweet collaboration at the March 24th Surya Dub, with me mixing, SooozhyQ on Dumbek, Freya dancing and Frankie on the mic. Well Freyja, Sooozhyq and I felt the need to have him on board at Electric Vardo to do a performance together. Since our Frankie is moving to the East Coast, this was the last Surya Dub he will be at (until we fly him back her for occasional shows when we can), and you'll have one more opportunity to catch him live on da mic with us at Electric Vardo. www.suryadub.com Meet Electric Vardo's newest partner FREYJA. I met Freyja - oh I can't remember when ... Summer 05? - at a show I was doing with Frederique and Kush Arora in Oakland, Hip'n'Bass. I first saw her dance in December 2005 at the Electric Vardo Kashmir Benefit with Sila and the Afrofunk Experience. She moved here from LA. I remember when Frederique told me about this amazing gal she had met and couldn't wait for me to meet her and see her dance. She wasn't kidding. Freyja soon joined Frederique's Belly Groove, has been performing and teaching and more recently touring, teaching workshops and performing at festivals and various dance and club events in the US and Canada and - soon - Europe. Like a dummy, it took me awhile to catch on to the natural ability and passion that this woman puts forward in both performance and in promoting events. Since September, we have been a performing team, travelling and collaborating together with Sooozhyq and DJ Layla. It only felt right that she joined the Electric Vardo collective, since she put her love, energy and support into it all along and just naturally became a part of it. So I proudly introduce your co-host Freyja. www.freyjafusion.com Speaking of naturally becoming a part of it, SOOOZHYQ performed at the first Electric Vardo with Lumin. A few months later we started collaborating together as a duo and performing with tribal belly dancers. Things just clicked and she soon became a most significant part of Electric Vardo and other performances, events and projects with 'dj Amar', simply by the dedication she put forth into each show. She was truly there full on managing, overseeing and helping out wherever she saw was needed with all aspects of production, and giving the most incredibly whole hearted performances. Over the past year, Sooozhyq has made my life as a promoter 100 imes easier and is largely responsible for the smooth running of many Electric Vardo shows. Her passion as a performer and her inherent skill, positive vibe and intention was recognized by the Triple Power crew, who brought her on board as a resident last year. We started ShadowDance together with Ariellah and Tempest, and she simply became a part of the Electric Vardo by the sense of dedication she gave to it. She's also been adopted by the NSB crew as family since our performance together (yes - Sooozhyq drumming with bhangra beats) at the NSB Anniversary party. Sooozhyq is one of my favorite percussionists Ever, and I feel blessed to have connected and have the opportunity to perform with her in some very unique collaborations together with some Amazing dancers (Frederique, Haven, Ariellah, Freyja, Miss Kelly, Elizabeth Strong). The stage has an empty spot when Sooozhyq's not there. It's not the same DJing alone anymore. Many of you have seen her perform and know exactly what i'm talking about when I am stumped for words to describe how phenomenol she is. Yeay for Sooozhyq. www.sooozhyq.com This is a family afair, representing a span of music and dance styles starting from the roots of Electric Vardo and bringing new flavor in the spirit of collaboration and pushing the limits beyond boundaries, crossing cultural borders and mashing up genres to create new sounds and fresh stage vibes. Thank you to all who have supported Electric Vardo and related events. You know each time we bring you somehing unique and extraordinary, and this friday is no exception. We have an incredible spread of talent with an eclectic mix. We look forward to seeing you on the dancefloor. a Wild Union Of Wicked Dancefloor Madness with: ... Ariellah ... Zoe Jakes ... Frederique ... Dhol Rhythms ... Giamma + Shanti ... Jennifer Faust ... MC Daddy Frank ... Jimmy Love ... Sooozhyq ... Freyja ... Amar A convergence of some of the most sMackTacular crews in SF under one roof ... Triple Power - (*FunkyBreaksBootyHouseElectro*) www.triplepower.org Electric Vardo - (*aMysticalJourneyIntoFarOutEasternGypsyCulture*) www.electricvardo.com Nonstop Bhangra - (*BhanginRemixedMashupLiveDanceDholDjFlava*) www.nonstopbhangra.com ShadowDance - (*aDarklyIntenseJourneyIntoTheSillhouetteOfNight*) www.darkerstill.com Belly Groove - (*TribalRemixed/AvanteGardeBellyDance*) www.bellygroove.com Join us for a Special night celebrating 2 years in the journeys of Electric Vardo - A mystical journey into far out global gypsy culture and vibe. Info at www.electricvardo.com

serious multitasking day -random rant of the day (happens occasionally)

amar — Fri, 23 Feb 2007 05:49:08 GMT

So I spent most of llte last night tweaking out the electric vardo flyer and working on Worldly promo. Rolled sideways in bet at 11:45 after going to sleep at 5 and checked my dozen voicemails (ok, i'm exaggerationg a littl - it was 8- or maybe 9), turned on my laptop to check e-mails and ended up spending all day sitting in bed with my laptop IMing, e-mailing, texting, phoning and posting. Been having e-mail issues with both my regular account and new yahoo account, and with updating my website. Been spending most of the day on Worldly, Electric Vardo & Surya Dub, and with tech support, back & forth on both the e-mail issues and website issues, just found our (thanks Giamma) that the Worldly Website header image says Saturday and the show is Friday (note if you're reading this and planning on going). It's been a crazy day working on getting the Electric Vardo flyer out after trying to send proofs for approval through e-mail that has been delaying sending for hours to days. thn\ings are happening in the nick of time though. Finally got the flyer out to print by 5 so it'll be ready tomorrow night (thanks to Freyja for her awesomeness and promptness with turning around things quciker than lightning). Got the Worldly website up late last night (Thanks to Atef and his Rock Solid follow-through and taking the time to help us build a new site in a day and a half with like 15 hour notice). things have been whizzing by, the month is short and the days eem even shorter, although long in a way. I want tomorrow to come soon but I want it to wait because I've got shit to do. Need to take a little break though, so i'm here after having dinner. Actually night-time breakfast. First time out and away from the computer today was at 5pm for coffee. Got a coffee headach, or is it a 'staring at the LCD for hours' headache, or a not-eating headache. or a combination. (Janaka's going to be mad at me if he reads this - he's another awesome one to work with, works his ass off and bitches at me for not takin care of myself). Maybe some soothing tea now. A rest away from the computer and then i'll be more productive again in an hour or so. Probably will be up till atleast 4 again. I've been consumed with Worldly this wek and will be for the next week, because it is just over a week away. I'm so excited to be working on this project. I am fortunate to be connecting with Great creative people who work as hard as I do and share a dedication to going above and beyond. That's why great things are happening. Things like Shadowdance, Sahara, Worldly - events I can collaborate on and put my full potential into - call it my own and be part of a team where we all really feel ownership of, along with a strong sense of community and partnership. I've had some great connections with some great local and distand creative crews and the cross-collaboration is expanding. I'm looking forward to Saturday night at Surya Dub - a new night with a total family-like feel and kick as group of artists. I'm so happy to be a part of that. Events like Nonstop Bhangra where i'm just a piece of the furniture are just a highlight to my life and what I am doing with it. I feel like i'm missing my own night when I miss nonstop bhangra. I make every effort to be there. I've only missed 2 out of 21 shows so far. I'm creating the dance lineup and chill space vibe for the groove garden 7 year anniversary on March 3rd. That's another really special night to me. It's where I got my inspiration and sparked my butt into DJing. Been loving working the door at Dub Mission on Sundays and doing shows with DJ Sep. Another inspiring force and my electric vardo founding partner. She's off in new directions now that she is raising and training little DJ Jonah. I guess she doesn't think he's ready to spin at 6 months old. Speaking of spinning, My brain has been spinning with so many new creative ideas I can't keep up with myself. I have shows and themes planned for months ahead, maybe even years -all at the same time planning and collaborating on shows. The next exciting electric vardo adventure just kicked my ass (in a good way) with spending 3 days putting together a smack-solid eclectic lineup that is just going to rock and is beyond my dreams. It's going to be a fun collaboration with a bunch of good friends. It's gonna feel like another big house party. Gettin to do a show with the triple power folks who I love and have been wanting to team together with again. It comes in good timing where I want to have the Nonstop Bhangra crew back at Electric Vardo. They were at the first Electric Vardo and - like me at Nonstop Bhangra, they are family here. Nuther EV partner of mine - Frederique, will be joining us - and Shadowdance partner Ariellah will be with us too. And of course my multi-event partner by default because she is always there to help, manage and just be there for support and inspiration - SooozhyQ, who's been part of just about every event from Worldly to Nonstop Bhangra, and is part of the Triple Power crew And Shadowdance crew. She's never been officially initiated to the EV crew, she's just been a part of it - one that I can count on no matter what. Same goes for Freyja. Her and Susie and I have been performing together for less than 6 months now but it feels like years. Now she's promoting shows with me. Yeay. Been collaborating with Lady Ra & the Beats without borders crew from vancouver, and Layla in Eugene. We're makin that west coast connection stronger. Just did a show together in Eugene and they'll both be down here for tribal Fest and an extra special Flamenco fusion show in May. Hot Damn- we'll have Sabrina and Auberon up for that one too, Freyja too. Ok, about that break. Gonna take it now. And then back to promotion and a Worldly Whirlwind of dreams.

Surya Dub Rocked last night

amar — Sun, 28 Jan 2007 23:55:37 GMT

Oh was it an amazing party. It was our first night and it worked. It More than worked, it Rocked solid. I had such a fun time. A Great opening set and being able to just hang out with the crew and people, dance my ass silly, and listen to phenomenol music. I knew from the beginning that we had a great family vibe goin with the crew. Heck, it was a crew of close friends plus some peeps I got to meet for the first time, and we'll be part of the growth of this little monster that we all created together. Thanks Maneesh for creating it and including us all in this and including us in a way that we really feel like it is Our event together. It really feels like a sweet collaboration and all of us have been excited, and were stoked when the place started filling up and there was a line down the block at Club Six. It was great how we had a crowded night, a lineup of DJs and MCs up the wazoo, and still held that down home vibe. Can't wait for Next month with the crew back again and the dub champion herself, DJ Sep in da house. That's just going to be Wicked. Wicked I tell you, Wicked. Last night was wicked - and an awesome way to launch SURYA DUB. Kush said it: "it's all Love here". Yup!

When the Road Bends - Has anybody seen it?

amar — Thu, 18 Jan 2007 01:45:42 GMT

There's a new film by Johnny Depp that I found aout about from someone who posted about it on the Indigo tribe and i'm so curious about it. It was awesome to see that Esma Redzepova is in it, and it all sounds pretty intriguing from the trailer. I hope it comes here soon.I didn't see any SF dates for screenings. Looks like it's on the festival circuit and i'm sure some of my tribe friends in other parts of the world have seen it. Anyway, I guess I just have to be patient and wait till it comes here. http://www.whentheroadbends.com/ Check out the trailer: http://www.whentheroadbends.com/qt/wtrb_trailer.mov

insomnia and earthquakes

amar — Fri, 12 Jan 2007 11:45:14 GMT

Yeah I should be sleeping now but I haven't been able to get to sleep for the past 3 days before the sun comes up. It kinda sucks because I end up sleeping half the day. I just felt an earthquake a few minutes ago and got curious so checked online, and within 2 minutes I was able to find out where it was and in another minute the magnitude. Some neat info from the USGS (US Geological Survey) website. http://quake.wr.usgs.gov/recenteqs/Quakes/nc51177644.htm Found out it wa a 3.8 epicentered in glen ellen at 3:27. I wonder how much later it was that I felt it here. It wasn't much. Just a little shake and a door creaking. Gonna go back and look up some more info, since i'll probably be up for a couple more hours wether I want to or not.

Ansuya show tonight

amar — Mon, 11 Dec 2006 00:05:22 GMT

Tonight I'll be DJing tonight at Ansuya's performance. It's going to be a great show. Come if you can. I'm excited tha Sarah White will be joining us tonight. I Always Love what she brings to stage. Also, Scott Sterling will be adding live music to Summer's set. Can't wait to check out the performances. Opel is proud to present a special show by the lovely International Bellydance Superstar Ansuya *****Sunday, December 10th************ ANSUYA PERFORMANCE W/ Special Guests Join this fun filled evening where you can expect to have your eyes, ears, and hearts filled with beautiful music and wonderful belly dance with DJ Amar and Richie Rich! We will also have venders so bring your $ for the wonderful exotic goods available by Masala Imports and much more. This amazing show will feature an improvised Cabaret performance by international superstar, Ansuya with Special Bay Area Guest Artist. At the all new Workspace on 2150 Folsom Street (between 17th & 18th) in San Francisco. Doors open at 7pm and the show is at 8:00 pm sharp. Presales $10 per person or $15 at the door. Call or text me by 6pm and i'll get your name at the door for presale price. Opening the show will be a very special tantric opening ritual awakening the shakti energy within all of us by the goddessess Bast and Talulla Sulis sultry goddesses www.tantrictemple.org Sarah White of Ultra Gypsy, doing her special Kalbeliya dance www.ultragypsy.com Sandra, one of the most lovely cabaret dancers in the Bay Area www.raks-sharki.com/ Summer firebellydance.com/ with Scott Sterling on Drums with DJ Amar and DJ Richie Rich To see the pictures of the last Show, see: mvgals.net/gallery/gina_ansuya_sf111206 Also be sure to stay tuned for the 2007 Comprehensive! Ansuya is teaching a format where you get a certificate and learn everything she knows about bellydance. Going to rock! Check www.ansuya.com for all the details. --------------------------------------------------- Next weekend, looking forward to seeing some of you at Tribal Fusion Faire. I'll be spinning at the pre-party Sat. night. --------------------------------------------------- Now, click here to check out our NYE show. www.sfsahara.com SAHARA: NYE Extravaganza Featuring Sila and the Aftofunk Experience LADY RA from Vancouver, BC (Beats without Borders) ARIELLAH Electric vardo crew with special guest DJs, Dancers and Musicians. I'll be doing two Rad collaborations that night, one with Sooozhyq and Ariellah, and also with Sooozhyq and Freyja. I'm so happy to be able to do another show with Sila and the Afrofunk Experience, and with some of my most amazing friends. It's going to be a fun night, and for a good cause. Check the website for full details, advance tix and lineup.

I guess i'm doing a new year's eve show

amar — Tue, 21 Nov 2006 10:13:23 GMT

ok, let me rephrase that: HOT DAMN, I'm doin a new years eve show with some of my favorite peeps. So I thought i'd take some chill out time from promoting after the last electric vardo production, ShadowDance. The time, effort and energy that went into the production of the show coming out of 3 great electric vardo shows in a row through spring summer and fall, had brought me to a point of feeling the need for a breather and some time off. But the success of ShadowDance just overtook my brain with drooling ideas. I'm already planning the lineups for Springtime and summer Electric Vardo shows. I fugured i'd take a break from now until March from promoting and do the next Electric Vardo in march, and take what may come along as joint productions with friends, as I had been doing more recently, and just going to shows and spinning without he production hat on. Well I guess i'm getting called on to do more shows. It's one of those things I didn't ask for, just like DJing. It just kinda came to me and I embrace it with all my heart. Apparently my friends know my heart and call upon it. I thank you. A little before Shadowdance came upon us, I got a call from one of my favorite gals in the tribal bellydance community with the idea of doing a show together. And of course I jumped on it. Without thinking my first response was a FUCK YEAH!, and i'm so excited about co-promoting a show to celebrate the 10 year anniversary of a couple of the raddest babes in town. I just had a planning meeting with them tonight and things are rolling, so expect a great Electric Vardo production in mid to late January. Details will be rolling out very soon. After my meeting, I had another meeting with an amazing human being who's music just rocks me, who's soul and spirit are just super human, and who's mind is filled creaative inspiration and seriously positive non-self-driven vibration. So somehow between last saturday running sound for his band and now, we've decided to collaborate on what may be the best new year's eve i'll have ever had. In the midst of winding down from Shadowdance, one of the most amazing shows I have aver been a part of producing, it looks like i've got another tasty treat on the way. So far in about 2 hours I have gotten together what might be our entire lineup for the show. Amazing. Just have to go through some details and I think we'll be rockin i out soon. So once enough details are in place, i'll announce it officially. It seems things are coming together very fast, so you'll be hearing about it very soon. For now I can tell you to expect an ultra spicy mix of heavy afrofunk vibes with Electric vardo style Global Gypsy Beats and dance performances. Needless to say, i'm a little excited.

Photos from Hip at Van Kleef last night

amar — Sun, 05 Nov 2006 20:33:35 GMT

I got there a bit late and it was so packed so I couldn't get close enough so only got performance shots of the Nekyia, but some fune shots of the girls after http://flickr.com/photos/52677823@N00/ What a fun night with those crazy girls Frederique, Mira Betz, Elizabeth Strong, Kristina Canizares +

Ok, so I want to tell you all about Shadowdance

amar — Mon, 30 Oct 2006 22:54:07 GMT

and why it's so special to me (in as much as I can describe in words) Yes, i'm plugging the show ... and at the same time sharing my excitement about the creation of what I am feeling will be an ultra-unique masterpiece of a night. I just posted this in the Gothic Bellydance tribe, and figured i'd add it to my blogs - as it is rather personal. How did the idea of Shadowdance blossom? It all started a few months back when I met this amazing dancer and soul from Washington DC at Tribal Fest, then finding out she's coming to the bay area in November. That's when I started scratching my monkey head plotting ideas. Tempest and I both posted replies on Mavi's blog about her trip here asking if anything's going on in the area, and I thought i'd see if Tempest wants to put together a "little" show with me somewhere while Mavi is here. Then I contacted Ariellah, checked in with SooozhyQ because I wanted to make sure she was in for the show, and decided to call a few of the dancers i've loved working with and have been wanting to work with. I figured with everybody's crazy scheduled i'd get like maybe 30% of the dancers I called saying yes (remember, this was going to be a small little show). Instead, an amazing thing happened. Each and every dancer and performer I called either said yes right away or eventually after checking their schedules were in. I had to stop. I had more dancers in mind (and be sure, i'll be calling you up for the next show) that I wanted to include but we would have had to pull an all-nighter for that. Hmmmm.... (thinking, plotting again). Tempest, Ariellah, SooozhyQ and I came together to create the production team for the event, brainstormed ideas after a rather large tummy-stuffing dinner, came up with a plan, a title and started arranging all te details for the show. We were going through names for the event, in the meantime Ariellah's Darker Still Productions was created - and the website www.darkerstill.com - which is currently the show website, and Tempest came up with a title that stuck in my head as a "Yeah", checked in with Ariellah & Sooozhy, and went with it. Soon after, Tempest created the flyer - the first major sign of this show really coming together (at this point i'm like "pinch me, is this real?"). I'm looking at the lineup and thinking "How did that happen?". I am a lucky guy to be working together with this kind of a group of amazing performers, all who are the sweetest souls in the world. My partners in darkness are: Ariellah, SooozhyQ and Tempest. the Inspiration for this show's creation is the Blue Haired beauty from DC, MAVI. I've been trying to get ZOE to an Electric Vardo for over a year now, and after several "almosts" with scheduling between her BDSS and Yard Dogs tours and other stuff, She's HERE. Since I met and saw ARIELLAH in Portland last summer, i've wanted to do a show with her, now she's producing it with me. I've been wanting to get SOOOZHYQ more integrated with Electric Vardo, especially since the last show in September where she came out of nowhere and took ownership of running the night with me. I've always been in love with her doumbek playing, and have had the amazing opportunity to collaborate with her musically. I was just thinking last night trying to reember when the first show we performed together was. I met this amazing woman at Beneath the Veil, which was My first big bellydance show. Here I want to give a BIG Shout-out and thank you to MELIZA and STEPHANIE and KERRY + the rest of the (formerly) Lotus girls for introducing me to the bellydance community. Yeah, it was them. By the way, holding a major high place on my list of "what to do next" is doing a show together with Bastet. I've been wanting to get UNMATA out to our neck of the woods, and was soulfully pleased when I heard from Amy that they will join us for the show. FUCK YEAH! I just got back from the Blood Moon Regal, my second year there, and am even more excited that they are coming down. I met them at last year's Dark Wonderland show, and they became instant family. The first dancer to do a solo improv peice to my mixing was the Amazing SHAWNA RAI at the second Beneath the Veil. Then at last year's Blood Moon Regal, she just rocked it solid. I've been lucky to have been able to do a couple of shows with her since then, and Had to have her in the lineup for this show. Another local girl i had been amazed with seeing her dance with Ultra Gypsy is TANJA ODZAK. I've been wanting to invite her to a show to do a solo piece, and Here she is. Yeay! I saw TEMPEST at Tribal Fusion Faire last December and was amazed by her gothic piece - her movement, her costuming, her music. Just simply amazing. Glad she's part of the production crew and will be gracing us all with her dark brilliance at the show. One of my ELECTRIC VARDO partners in crime, FREDERIQUE, had to be in the show. We've been working together for a couple of years now. She performed at the first Electric Vardo, and soon became a partner. We've been doing all sorts of stuff together, including the first drum-dance-DJ trio piece with me and SooozhyQ. I saw KUSH ARORA playing a live set at the very first Nonstop Bhangra. His piece was amazing although too dark for the nonstop bhangra crowd. Since then he partnered with me at the HIP & BASS shows we were doing at Oasis in Oakland and the BEATS NOT BOMBS benefit at Mighty, among several other shows. He's an amazing producer and soul-brother and will bring out the darkest grimiest BHANG-RAGGA beats you have ever seen. He was the first who came to mind for adding a dark musical element to this show. I Wish I could have brought MADURO out, as well as ASHARAH and BELLADONNA from DC, but at the pace things are going, we'll get them out here eventually. I met the wonderful girls of CLANDESTINE awhile back through Frederique, and am amazed at their performances and their beautiful nature. I usually see a high energy "uppity" set by them but after seeing their sword piece at the Parkway's Thrillville with Sinbad, I thought of them for the show. They are so diverse and up for challenging and strethcing their limits. Did I say limits? They don't have any limits. They're just fuckin rad. I love em. DJ LAYLA is a soul-sister musically and personally. I met her here on tribe a couple of years ago, she invited me to spin at the Shasta Gathering without ever having heard me play before. It was a definate soul connetion and leap of faith. Well I did the same and invited her to spin at the Electric Vardo Diwali show last year with Boom Boom Bollywood. Since then she has blossomed into being a favorite DJ in the wesc oast bellydance community. We just did a show together up in Vancouvr with the Beats without Borders crew. I also wanted to bring down LADY RA from Vancouver, BC, but she'sll be back down soon. The one thing Layla and I have to do is make sure we are in the room when the other is spinning so we don't both play practically the same set. What we're going to do on this night is a bit of a tag team set. After Midnight we'll be moving chairs off to the side so all's you freaks can dance to our freaky beats. A couple of months ago I was at a show put on by our beautiful sweet friend MOMO - aka Therese. and M. MARA ANN was doing a very unique movie-telling piece with DJ TRAFFIC mixing live on the decks. After seeing their performance, I asked them what they are doing on November 10th. Told them to keep it free because I want them in our show. You'll be amazed at this great little piece they are putting together. I didn't quite know what to expect and, well, as a result of seeing it I invited them to our show to add a dark multi-media element. So now a little bit of marketing: BUY YOUR TIX: We will have both general admission seating and very limited reserved seating. General admission is $10 advance (+ a $1 fee) and $15 at the door. Reseved seating, which is just over half sold out, is $25 ($23 + $2 fee). I especially recommend you get your tix asap if you want reserved seating. And you'll save $4 by buying your general admin tix in advance. Advance sales end at noon on the day of the show. Now here's the link to the event posting with the lineup and show details. Please visit the website. I spent alot of time on it and would love for you to see it. The performers page has photos and bios of the performers. Oh, and it's at the Oakland Metro. and it's all ages. and it starts at 8. and yes, there will be open danceing after midnight. Performances till midnight. and here's the website: www.darkerstill.com

About to spin at Beats without Borders in BC with Lady Ra, Layla +

amar — Fri, 20 Oct 2006 03:35:43 GMT

I'm just chillin out after setting up and decrating for the Beats without Borders Diwali show here in Vancouver. I'm over at Nils' house takin a break, and off to the venue in a few minutes. Gonna be spinning with Lady Ra & Layla, Tarun & Nils. We're going to have so much fun. We're already havin fun. Miss Bliss is going to meet up with us - yeay! Rahul's coming up from SF, i'll get to meet some great DJs i've been wanting to meet like Jacob (third eye tribe) and Timothy Wisdom. We need Jacques here. Hopefully he's surprise us. Wish I could teleport Susie here to drum with me and hang with us. I'll be back on Saturday to do Nonstop Bhangra with Susie and the rest of the family, Jimmy, Vicki, Suman and all - for Diwali in SF. Ok, off to change my clothes and get ready for the show.

Chitty chitty Bhang Bhang Beats without Borders Diwali weekend in Vancouver and SF

amar — Wed, 18 Oct 2006 07:40:26 GMT

I'm heading out to vancouver, bc tomorrow. Well, today. 5am i'm getting up (why am I still up?) and heading to the airport. catching a flight to Portland, hoping to meet a couple of friends for brunch, meet up with Layla & Jeffe and drive with them to Van-city, Bee See! I'll be spinning thursday night at the Beats Without Borders Diwali show at the Waldorf. It's going to be a wicked night, I know it. Layla's spinning too. Can't wait to see the BC crew. Spinning with Lady Ra, tarun & Nils. YeaHaa! I just had a great rehearsal with my favorite drummer Ms. SooozhyQ for our set at Nonstop Bhangra on Saturday. Yeah, so i'll be heading back down to Seattle to check out Yvette's show, Breaks & freaks and heading back home Saturday afternoon in time to get to the rickshaw stop to play at Nonstop Bhangra's Triple Bhang party. It is Dhol Rhythms' 3 year anniversary, Nonstop Bhangra's 2 year, and it's the night of Diwali. It is going to be a truly special night and I wouldn't have missed it for anything. I get to spent the next few days with my family here and up north. What can be better than that? Yeay!

the flipside of bad customer service - Great Service - a recommendation from me

amar — Tue, 17 Oct 2006 01:50:30 GMT

So my website host made a change to its servers, e-mailed me with enough advance notice awhile back, and I forgot, until I was notified by a friend (thanks Jimmy) that my e-commerce site was down. So today I finally got around to e-mailing tech support and got the problem fixed in minutes. The owner of the company replied personally in 16 minutes, and told me how to fix it - which I did in another 2 1/2 minutes. Now that's customer service. I want to recommend Sustainable Websites: www.sustainablewebsites.com Tell Ivan I sent you. First of all, they run on windpower. 2nd, they are a small local comany. C: their prices are cheap for hosting. 4: they are reliable. and - they are nice. When I signed up the owner called me to welcome me and to see if I needed any help transitioning. Turns out the office is right down the street from me. I know how easy it is to complain when you don't get a response, can't get through or just get either dumb or no help. I try to make an effort to show appreciation for when they are on top of their shit, helpful, personal, and really do care. Here's my e-mail exchange this afternoon to tech support. I usually get a response from the owner of the company (Ivan, below). So here's his last response followed by our e-mail exchange. Mon, October 16, 2006 5:27 pm Yes! We live for feedback like that. Thanks for making my day, Amar. Ivan Storck www.SustainableWebsites.com On Oct 16, 2006, at 5:13 PM, amar wrote: Holy moly, that was easy. Thanks. All fixed (and I was able to do it myself - that part amazes me even more :). Again, I appreciate the amazing level of service from you. I am going to continue to recommend you to people. I'm so happy about being able to support a local little company who is in turn supporting great environmental causes - and not sacrificing on personal service and being on top of replying to clients with lightning speed. Thank you so much - Amar. Mon, October 16, 2006 4:54 pm Hello Amar, Please copy the file located here: http://.../phpini.txt to any directory where you are having a problem. please remember to rename the file php.ini. Thank you, Ivan Storck www.SustainableWebsites.com On Oct 16, 2006, at 4:38 PM, amar wrote: Hi, since you changed the php globals thing, my shopping cart/e-commerce website is down. How can this be fixed? This is the error I get when trying to connect to the OSCommerce site: Server Requirement Error: register_globals is disabled in your PHP configuration. This can be enabled in your php.ini configuration file or in the .htaccess file in your catalog directory.