Das Bloggy-Wog Des Herr Doktor

Living on the street

dr-yo — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 19:44:16 GMT

For the past three years I have lived in a live/work space that has really been nothing but a drain on my energy, time and resources. We had a few high points, such as Momo's series of performance salons, but basically it's been a wash-out. The level of noise and activity has made me even more insane than before I moved in. As I write this, someone upstairs is using power tools to grind away at something or other. I don't know what's going on up there, but I assume it's another of the endless construction projects that are always in progress. It seems that each month, someone new moves into a space somewhere in the building, requiring walls to be knocked down and new ones built up. There's also a growing metropolis of telecommunications equipment right outside my window. T-Mobile has built a mobile phone tower on the roof, and every couple of weeks a new crew of workmen camp outside my window to install more gear. At least twice each day, I'm jolted out of sleep or relaxation by a horrifying noise that Shaz calls the "lion shredder." We don't know what it is, but we think it might be a rolling metal door or some kind of industrial bulkhead that gets opened and closed every day. A kids' playground has moved into the space next door. Luckily I don't hear the kids shrieking that much, but I do hear the telephone in the office next door. It wakes me up every morning. Every morning and every night I have to listen to one of my housemates slamming doors, yakking and cackling up a storm. It's making me go absolutely mental. Plus, every time I want to use the toilet, shower, or kitchen, I have to check in advance to see if there's someone already there. If I want to make sure I'm not late for work, I have to reserve the shower the night before by leaving a note on the door. I come from a small family and am not at all accustomed to queueing up in my own damn home. As if that weren't enough, some of the aforementioned housemates are complete and utter slobs. You should see the interiors of their rooms; they look like those photos on the Internet that document obsessive hoarding behaviors. The common areas are a constant problem. Despite the fact that I've hired a cleaning service, Shaz and I still have to clean up after other people on a daily basis. When I walk out my door, I'm confronted with 18-wheel semi trucks lined up down the street, all idling their engines and spewing out diesel exhaust. They're here to pick up shipments of beer from the brewery next door. The neighborhood itself is just way, way too busy for me. There's a steady stream of traffic, both cars and trucks, all day. The infrastructure is under constant flux. The department of water has been jackhammering the street outside my window, as well. A home is supposed to be a refuge from the insanity of the city, but this place is very far from a refuge. Really, over the past three years I feel like I've been living on the street. The hustle and bustle never stops, the noise and hassle goes on all day. I mean seriously, it starts at around 7:30 am and goes until about 11:30 pm, every day and every night. It's actually WORSE on weekends when every housemate (and their guests) is competing for the same limited domestic resources. So, the bottom line is, I hate it here and am going to move. Shaz and I are looking for an apartment together. If you know anyone who has a two-bedroom apartment available in San Francisco's Mission, Noe Valley, or Bernal Heights, perhaps you could hook us up?

Xmas party Dec 7

dr-yo — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 19:19:45 GMT

Ho, ho, ho! It's time for a Xmas party! Here's the invite from Shaz.... ---------------------- It's that time of the year again! ......Time for Xmas cheer in the form of Brandy, Beer, and most importantly, for all forms of Booze-aholics to unite! So, join us at Encounter Studio for a Xmas party to celebrate the festive season. Date: Friday December 7th Time: 7-11pm Bring: Your favorite Xmas liquid cheer and food for a pot-luck dinner. Location: Encounter Studio, Potrero Hill. (Email me if you don't know the address) We will meet up with old friends, watch classic Xmas animation, and enjoy background Xmas songs guaranteed to make you drink even more. Come see the fairyland-lit up space, decked out with Xmas tree, flying reindeer, strategically placed mistletoe, and assorted sparkly festive crap. $5 donation suggested to help pay for the new Xmas stove - 'Stella'. Stella's cooked wares of Xmas scones and Xmas pudding will be worth the donation alone! See you next Friday night... 'Twas 18 days before Christmas, when all through the house, Not a creature was stirring, 'cos the 3 Encounter Studio cats ate the mouse. Go Ginger! Go Vermina! Go Sasha Bella!

Movie night and BBQ Sept 1: "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band"

dr-yo — Tue, 28 Aug 2007 20:30:51 GMT

Movie Night: "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" and Third Annual "Not Necessarily An Anti-Burning Man Party" You are invited to enjoy a bad movie and good food this Saturday. If you are in the city over Labor Day weekend, join us for fun and film! Saturday, September 1, 2007 6pm – 11pm Movie starts at 8pm Location: Encounter Studio, Potrero Hill, San Francisco. (Send a message to Dr. Yo for location details) BYO whatever... we start the grill at 6:30 Please note: the Bay Bridge will be closed all weekend, but we would be happy to give you a ride from BART if you make arrangements with us in advance! Yes, it's that time of the year again. The cafes are empty. Parking is plentiful. Most of the "cool people" are at Burning Man. So what shall we do to pass the time? Eat yummy barbeque, drink booze, and watch a hilariously bad movie on the big screen! "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" 1978, 113 minutes Director: Michael Schultz Writer: Henry Edwards Musical Director: George Martin Starring: Peter Frampton and The Bee Gees Dr. Yo says: This is one of the funniest movies I have ever seen. It was meant to be campy fun, but unfortunately for those involved in the film, it turned out even more preposterous than intended. Watch and listen in rapt, amazed horror and delight as Peter Frampton and the Brothers Gibb butcher the best and worst of the Beatles' back catalog. George Martin must certainly have earned his place in hell for participating in this atrocity. His loss is our gain, as we now have the opportunity to laugh our heads off at schlocky disco interpretations of such songs as "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds" and "I Want You (She's So Heavy)." The mind reels when contemplating the implications of "Strawberry Fields Forever" twisted into a 70's easy listening version, complete with sappy girly vocals courtesy of the utterly talentless Sandy Farina. But wait, there's more! Not a single member of the cast is given the opportunity to leverage their talents to best advantage. George Burns and Steve Martin try to sing. Alice Cooper appears as a psychedelic cult leader. The members of Aerosmith don boy scout apparel and do their best to look menacing. And let's not forget the "story" -- clearly it's a half-assed attempt to force the lyrics of unrelated Beatles songs into a narrative framework. I won't spoil it for you, but imagine "Carry That Weight" re-envisioned as a funeral march. All told, this movie stands out as one of the worst films ever made. A recent home screening kept me entertained for two solid hours, laughing with glee. Feel free to heckle the film, that's how it's best enjoyed.

movie night July 13: "Atanarjuat"

dr-yo — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 08:54:11 GMT

Hello everyone, It's time for another little private movie night at Encounter Studio, our artist live/work space. If you'd like to join us for "Atanarjuat" this Friday, please send me a message. Hope to see you then! --Aaron -------------- Friday, July 13, 2007 Doors open at 7:00, movie starts at 7:30 pm Bring your own whatever. Kid-friendly environment, but this film isn't for kids, and it's subtitled. Please don't bring pets. "Atanarjuat: The Fast Runner" 2001, Canada, color, 172 minutes Director: Zacharias Kunuk Screenplay: Paul Apak Angilirq et. al. Inuktitut language with English subtitles Dr. Yo says: Don't be scared off by the nearly three-hour "running" time... or the subtitles. "Atanarjuat" is not to be missed under any circumstances. It's a one-of-a-kind film, made by native people living above the Arctic circle in Canada. Based on an Inuit legend, it has everything: black magic, intrigue, jealousy, adultery, murder, igloos, and, of course, a naked guy running across the tundra. It doesn't get any more mind-blowing than this, my friends. The realistic depictions of life in an insane climate, and the delightful performances by non-actors, remind me of "Himalaya." "Atanarjuat" is every bit as beautiful, and its storyline more compelling, so it's no surprise that it won the Golden Camera at Cannes as well as numerous awards at international festivals.

4th of July BBQ at Encounter Studio

dr-yo — Mon, 02 Jul 2007 02:35:05 GMT

Happy Independence Day! Dr. Yo and Shaz are hosting a Fourth of July barbeque at Encounter Studio. We hope you will come by to celebrate the birth of a nation, or at least watch stuff blow up. We have a grill, a big space to hang out, and we'll have a few small pyrotechnics to play with. Walk about a block up the hill at 9:30 for a view of the fireworks displays on the bay. But above all, have a beer and a good time. We'll start up the grill about 7:00. Hope to see you then! Aaron

incredible Humboldt experience

dr-yo — Mon, 02 Jul 2007 02:34:13 GMT

Shaz and I just got back from a week in Humboldt and Mendocino counties, and we loved it! The redwoods and the coast were amazing. We took lots of photos and video, so look forward to a new vacation video soon! We've got footage from Monterey, Hawaii, and Humboldt now, so it should make another fine half hour piece. Sorry, no Parisian soccer fans going mad this time.

I love this girl.

dr-yo — Thu, 14 Jun 2007 00:28:44 GMT

The best part of my day is when she comes home to me.

movie night June 15: "The Piano Tuner of Earthquakes"

dr-yo — Mon, 11 Jun 2007 02:41:09 GMT

Hello everyone, One of the advantages of living in an artist live/work is that we can watch movies on a big screen with a digital projector. So I'm going to have a little private get-together this Friday in the Encounter Studio space, and we're watching the movie "The Piano Tuner of Earthquakes." If you'd like to join us, just drop me a line. Hope to see you then! --Aaron -------------- Friday June 15, 2007 Doors open at 8:00, movie starts at 8:30 pm Bring your own whatever. Kid-friendly environment, but this film isn't really for kids. Please don't bring pets. "The Piano Tuner of Earthquakes" 2005, color, 99 minutes Direction and animation: Stephen Quay, Timothy Quay Screenplay: Stephen Quay, Timothy Quay, Alan Passes Executive Producer: Terry Gilliam Dr. Yo says: The Brothers Quay are internationally recognized artists who have made astonishing forays into the unconscious with their short surrealist stop-motion films. Like their artistic predecessor, Jan Švankmajer, the Quays have extended their work into the full length feature format. However, unlike Švankmajer, the Quays' features have fully retained the surreal qualities of their shorter works. Their blending of live action and animation is hypnotic and seamless, unquestionably the product of artists who have demonstrated mastery of the media. "The Piano Tuner of Earthquakes" cloaks a convoluted experimental narrative in a shroud of decayed satin and lace, all the more beautiful for its tattered decomposition. The film is an enigma without a solution, a poetic opera open to interpretation rather than a conventional cinematic narrative. To paraphrase one of the characters in the film, it's like being inside someone else's imagination. Because the story does not have a neat and tidy resolution, but allows the viewer to engage in the creation of meaning, American audiences tend to be confused. This resulted in a mixed critical reception when the film was released. Viewers who wish merely to be spoon-fed their daily dose of escapist entertainment will be frustrated by this film. It needs to be taken on its own terms, free from the narrow expectations imposed by a lifetime of conditioning to passive consumption. On the other hand, those who delight in explorations of the mind and the senses will find the film to be a work of genius worthy of repeated viewings. As with many great works of art, this film is essentially ahead of its time. Perhaps in the future, "The Piano Tuner of Earthquakes" will be recognized for the masterpiece that it is, just as "Metropolis" and "Citizen Kane" were belatedly celebrated long after their initial releases. Official website (kinda broken): http://www.thepianotunerofearthquakes.com/ Trailer: http://www.zeitgeistfilms.com/displaytrailer.php?directoryname=pianotunerofearthquakes&size=high&extension=mov

barbeque this sunday

dr-yo — Tue, 22 May 2007 01:25:52 GMT

Hello Friends, Since it's a three-day weekend, Shaz and I are hosting a barbeque at Encounter Studio! We'll be preparing some food on the grill, but please bring more. The same goes for drinks. We'll celebrate the good weather, hang out on the deck, and later we may heckle some movies on the big screen. We hope you can join us for an evening of fun and relaxation. Tell your friends, but please don't repost to public lists. Sunday, May 27 6 pm to 10 pm? Encounter Studio De Haro and 18th Street, SF Cheers Aaron

tribe is a waste of time

dr-yo — Wed, 25 Apr 2007 18:46:35 GMT

Someone give me one reason why I should stay on this site. Over the past four years I've met a lot of people on tribe.net. The vast majority of those have been casual acquaintances that did not enhance my life, but merely distracted me from more important things, like true intimacy, career development, and artistic achievement. This is not a criticism of anyone here, but merely an observation that I'm not really a "people person" after all. So don't get your knickers in a twist; it's my problem, not yours. To its credit, tribe.net has allowed me to meet a handful of people I can really connect with. At the top of that list is, of course, the lovely Shaz, who has been more supportive and loving toward me than all other people I've ever known COMBINED. Over the past year I've seen the performance of tribe.net plummet into the toilet. It's so bad now that I go to Slashdot and read the entire front page while tribe.net's home page is still loading. When I finally do get logged on to tribe, I am confronted with absurd personality conflicts, accusations, and insults. Oh, and invitations to join tribes like "Sexiest Smile." Thanks, but no thanks. If that's not a waste of time, I don't know what is. So unless anyone has a truly compelling reason why I should stay, I think I'm going to pull the plug.

movie night April 5: "Himalaya"

dr-yo — Mon, 02 Apr 2007 03:08:27 GMT

Happy Steak and a Blowjob Day!

dr-yo — Wed, 14 Mar 2007 18:43:06 GMT

http://www.steakandbjday.com/

UPDATE re: Mongolian Ping Pong movie night

dr-yo — Thu, 01 Mar 2007 07:37:14 GMT

Hey there, Good news, the movie is still on for tonight. There was a bit of a scare when I got an email from the distributor in New York, who asked about performance royalties in the amount of $200. I explained to him that we are just a bunch of artists showing a movie in our living room, not a public space, and he was very cool about it. So the movie night is back on. In the future I will word my announcements more carefully, emphasizing the private screening aspect. So please come to the wonderful movie! Aaron --------- Movie night: "Mongolian Ping Pong" Thursday March 1, 2007 Doors open at 7:30, screening begins promptly at 8:00 pm Encounter Studio presents classic and cult films on an amazingly bright, sharp digital projector in a comfortable artist live/work space. Conveniently located in a Potrero Hill collective for film, music, art, dance, and theater. Message me for the address in San Francisco. Free admission, donations strongly encouraged. We are continually upgrading the space, and need any financial help you can offer. Bring your own whatever. Kid-friendly environment, but this movie is subtitled. Please don't bring pets. ----------------------------------------- "Mongolian Ping Pong" 2005, color, 102 minutes Mongolian language with English subtitles Written and directed by Hao Ning Dr. Yo says: One of the most delightful films in recent memory, "Mongolian Ping Pong" depicts the nomadic life of the people of Inner Mongolia, within the Chinese border. The arrival of technology is a marvelous thing to these people. In the story, a group of children are spellbound by the discovery of a mysterious egg-like object: a ping pong ball! In the vivid imagination of a child, the ball becomes symbolic of a river spirit, and then of the national identity of China. The children embark on a journey across the Gobi desert in order to return the ball to Beijing, the nation's capital. Beautifully filmed and acted with heartwarming naivete, "Mongolian Ping Pong" is a rare pearl.

tonight's the night

dr-yo — Fri, 02 Feb 2007 20:37:21 GMT

Shaz and I will be performing LA MUSICA tonight at 9pm sharp. We're kicking off the first Encounter Salon with a bang! I hope you can make it.

Australia Day party

dr-yo — Mon, 22 Jan 2007 22:46:27 GMT

From the lovely Shaz: ----------------- Calling all dags, drongos, and assorted yobbos, Strewth! It's that time of the year again to celebrate the discovery of the Land of creepy crawlies, beer, and Dame Edna. Yes, this Friday January 26th, is Australia Day and it's a great reason to party and share a tinnie (beer) with a mate or two. It will be better than a brown-eyed mullet, for sure. Aussie Day is usually marked with 'stone the crows' drinking binges, playing footy in the backyard, and a thong throwing contest or two on the beach. But this year it takes a turn for the worse - Come chuck a wobbly at Encounter Studio. Date: Friday, January 26th Time: 7:30pm - 11pm. Grub: Pies, pasties, sausage rolls, Pavlovas (no promise that they will even be edible) and beer. And don't be a wuss - try the Vegemite sandwiches. BYO whatever else you want to eat or drink. Location: Encounter Studio, Potrero Hill. (message me for the address) Fair suck of the sav! Come join us for fun and frivolities. Don't be bludgers..get your butt over here for a rip snorter of a night. Cheers, Shaz

Encounter Salon Friday Feb 2

dr-yo — Mon, 22 Jan 2007 22:33:00 GMT

Encounter Studio presents: "Encounter Salon" Friday, February 2, 2007 Groundhog Day! 9:00 pm *sharp* to 11:00 pm Potrero Hill, San Francisco Message me for the address. FREE ADMISSION $5-$10 donation requested for maintenance and development of performance space Bring your own whatever, drive safely Kid-friendly environment No pets, please --------------------------- Please join us for our premiere Encounter Salon! We are continuing the tradition of Momo Cheesy's wonderful variety events, which she brought to the space throughout 2006. The February show is curated by Encounter Studio resident Rebecca Firestone, and she performs twice in the show. Hallie, our founding member, presents her Xlounge improv troupe. Shaz and I sing erotic goth songs for you. We also hear Turkish classical music by Paul and Daniel, and watch beautiful 16mm experimental films by Anna Geyer. This is a solid lineup and it moves quickly. Satisfaction guaranteed or your money back! Hallie and X-Lounge Improv theater Shazza et Azza (aka Dr. Yo) Songs Rebecca and Iris Dance Diana and Rebecca Pushing Air vocal looping with dance Gilberto Melendez Dance Paul and Daniel Turkish classical music Anna Geyer 16mm films: "ARAPADAPTOR" and "DOZER"

movie night Jan 18: "Fantastic Planet"

dr-yo — Tue, 16 Jan 2007 00:01:17 GMT

Movie night: "Fantastic Planet" Thursday January 18, 2007 Doors open at 7:30, screening begins promptly at 8:00 pm Encounter Studio presents classic and cult films on an amazingly bright, sharp digital projector in a comfortable artist live/work space. Conveniently located in a Potrero Hill collective for film, music, art, dance, and theater. Message me for the address in San Francisco. Free admission, donations strongly encouraged. We are continually upgrading the space, and need any financial help you can offer. Bring your own whatever. Kid-friendly environment, but this movie is bizarre and might give little ones bad dreams. Please don't bring pets. ----------------------------------------- "La Planète Sauvage" English Title: "Fantastic Planet" 1973, animation, color, 72 minutes Dubbed in English Directed by René Laloux Dr. Yo says: The cult favorite "Fantastic Planet" is widely known as one of the most surreal, hallucinatory films ever made. This joint Czech-French production features some of the most imaginative, far-out images ever created, taking full advantage of the unique capabilities of hand-drawn animation. See! 40-foot blue aliens with glowing red eyes capture humans and use them as pets. Watch in !amazement! as the aliens astrally project in huge floating bubbles in the sky, or melt together on a couch after presumably enjoying some really primo stuff. Since its 1973 release, this film has been a staple of drug fiends and sci-fi nerds, but it has been largely forgotten by the mainstream. A live action remake is in the works, but it will probably tarnish the original work with glitz, as all such remakes do. (Cf. "The Time Machine.") Enjoy the classic Eurofreak animated version before your brain is tainted by the remake. YouTube link (French, no subtitles): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=662NnO0Zrro Because this is a short feature (72 minutes), we will begin with an insane TV show from Japan, known as "Monkey Magic." "Saiyûki" English Title: "Monkey" or "Monkey Magic" Episode 4: "Monkey Swallows the Universe" 1978, live action, color, 45 minutes Dubbed in English It's Buddhism 101 for Japanese kids. Nearly all of the characters are gods such as Tathagata Buddha and Kuan Yin. The immortal king Monkey kicks ass across China, escorting a monk to get some scriptures or something. Half of the actors are in drag for some unknown reason. The costumes are cheesy and the acting is over the top. It's simply insane and must be seen to be believed. YouTube link, opening sequence: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PGs4LDp78zg

70's Disco Xmas Party

dr-yo — Wed, 15 Nov 2006 19:03:50 GMT

We're having a holiday party at Encounter Studio... please come and revel in the 70's disco badness. Here's the description from the lovely Shaz: ---------------- Join us on Saturday, December 9th for a 70s Disco-theme Xmas Party. Yes, the 70s! The bleak period in Earth’s history when falsetto voices, garish polyester garb and bad hair appeared to take control. A time when the masses were writhing hideously and all sense of good taste was lost. Date: Saturday, December 9th Time: 9pm – 2am Location : Encounter Studio, Potrero Hill. (message me for the address) DJ, Dr. "Le Freak" Yo will be spinning the worst of the 70s funky music, assisted by Shazzalicious and her compilation of "way cool" sounds from the much loved Gary Glitter, ABBA, and K.C. and the Sunshine Band. A new subwoofer with meaty bass will blast out the 70s favorites to make your feet tap and your head scream “Far out!" But wait, there’s more! A newly installed groovy disco ball and blinky lights will get you up and dancing the funk... or something. Clips from "Saturday Night Fever" and the ever popular "Xanadu" (featuring Oblivious Neutron Bomb) will be screened, because you can never get enough bad 70s movies. Some alcohol will be supplied, but please bring reinforcements to quench your thirst from all those funky moves you will have to do on the dance floor. Come in 70s costume: afros, platform shoes, bell bottoms, and "psycho"delic shirts welcome. So, what are you waiting for? Start rummaging through your pre-loved rags and come hustle around the xmas tree with us on Dec. 9th! -- Shaz

Good Onya

dr-yo — Tue, 05 Sep 2006 00:05:17 GMT

Shaz and Aaron's Aussie BBQ was a rip-snorting success... thanks to everyone who stopped by for aboriginal music and good food. The video of our Paris trip was very well received. If you missed it, don't worry, we will be showing it again, and there is more in store. The multitalented Shaz put her amazing paintings up in our gallery space; those will be up for a month or so. She put some examples of her art in her profile, so go have a look! There were no Anti-Burning Man demonstrations at this year's Encounter Studio Labor Day party, but we did play a little drum and digeridoo music with Simran, my genius housemate. Did you all know he is going to Tibet for three weeks? Holy Lamas, Batman, am I jealous! This photo is me working on building the soundproofing in our new studio. I'm going to finish the construction before Shaz and I leave for Hawaii on the 23rd.

Aussie BBQ Sunday Sept 3

dr-yo — Mon, 28 Aug 2006 23:22:40 GMT

Shaz and Aaron's Aussie BBQ (Second Annual Not Necessarily an Anti-Burning Man Party) G’day mates, You are all invited to an Aussie Barbie this Sunday, September 3rd. If you are staying in the city over the Labor Day weekend, join us for some good Aussie food, fun and film. Date: Sunday, September 3rd, 2006 Time: 6pm – 11pm Location: Encounter Studio, Potrero Hill, San Francisco. (Send a message to Dr. Yo or Shaz for details) FOOD: BYO meat - Salads will be supplied. Drinks - Bring a six pack or a bottle. Don’t miss trying a piece of the yummy Pavlova. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pavlova_%28food%29 BBQ Etiquette: Dress casual – thongs and stubbies (Crocodile Hunter look-alikes welcome) Remember to compliment the cook (Azza) on the ‘bloody good tucker’ or the ‘grouse grub’. ‘Chin wagging’ is allowed and encouraged to catch up on all the ‘goss’. Around 8pm, Aaron will be giving you a 'squiz' at: ‘The Grande Adventures of Shazza and Azza in Paris’ as well as Aussie 'true blue' favorites – ‘Walkabout, Monty Python ‘Bruces’, and ‘The Castle’. We are also hoping to have a playing of the ‘dinky-di’ Didgeridoo sometime during the evening. Please drop by anytime during the evening and join us for some Aussie fun. P.S. The Bay Bridge will be closed all weekend, but we would be happy to give you a ride from BART if you make arrangements with us in advance!

Movie night Wed August 30: "Genghis Blues"

dr-yo — Mon, 21 Aug 2006 20:09:33 GMT

Movie night: "Genghis Blues" Wednesday, August 30, 2006 Doors open at 7:30, screening begins promptly at 8:00 pm Encounter Studio presents classic and cult films on an amazingly bright, sharp digital projector in a comfortable artist live/work space. Conveniently located in a Potrero Hill collective for film, music, art, dance, and theater. Message me for the address in San Francisco. Free admission, donations strongly encouraged. We are continually upgrading the space, and need any financial help you can offer. Bring your own whatever. Kid-friendly environment. "Genghis Blues" 1999, color, 88 minutes Directed by Roki Belic Starring Paul Pena and Kongar-ol Ondar Dr Yo says: One of the most amazing and delightful documentaries ever, "Genghis Blues" is a unique gem of recombinant culture. It follows the journey of the late Paul Pena, a blind blues singer who travels to the distant land of Tuva to participate in a musical festival. Merely by listening to the radio in his San Francisco apartment, Pena teaches himself the art of Tuvan throat-singing, in which the voice produces unusual harmonics and other-worldly sounds. After meeting Kongar-ol Ondar, the master of throat-singing, Pena embarks on his journey to the center of Asia. He is assisted by the Friends of Tuva, an association co-founded by the brilliant physicist Richard Feynman. The beauty of nature, rich cultural traditions, good-natured people, and amazing music are all prominently featured in this award-winning, one-of-a-kind film. http://www.genghisblues.com/ http://fotuva.org/

Incredible drumming!

dr-yo — Sun, 20 Aug 2006 00:26:52 GMT

Last night at Momo's Performance Salon here at Encounter Studio, we were graced with the presence of some amazing musicians. Mr. Abbos Kosimov from Uzbekistan was the star of the evening, but all of the artists who participated in the percussion improv jam were incredibly talented. We also saw "movietelling," in which popular film and television is reinterpreted via poetic monologue. And this all happened in my living room! Those of you who have not been coming to the Salons: you're missing some absolutely incredible stuff.

Performance Salon Aug 18

dr-yo — Tue, 15 Aug 2006 09:12:46 GMT

Another great show produced by Momo Cheesy and hosted by yours truly at Encounter Studio... message me for the SF address if you don't already have it. Friday, August 18 Doors at 7:45 p.m. until about 11:30 p.m. Local Creative Fyre - A night of local music, dance, film and movietelling... Performances by: DJ Traffic and Amar Rachel Rossos - Folk Rock Storyteller - provides the melody. Born inNew Jersey and schooled in New York City, the 22-year-old folk rockstoryteller grew within the Manhattan club scene, weaving together guitar, voice, and bittersweet poetry in such venues as the Knitting Factory, CBGBs Gallery, and Postcrypt Coffeehouse. Her debut CD, Rated R, is available on iTunes, TowerRecords.com,CDBaby.com www.cdbaby.com/rachelrossos and via special order through D-Stop at local independent record stores nationally. www.rachelrossos.com Johnny - Tabla Movietellers: M.Mara-Ann, Jennifer Nellis, and Dennis Somera Inspired by the movietellers of Korea, Taiwan, and Japan during the silent film era of the early 20th century, our brand of movietelling combines poetry,storytelling, performance, and film to delight and inspire you! Therese - Eastern Migration of Balkan and belly dance with SooozhyQ (Triple Power) people.tribe.net/sooozhyq Media Piece: _Boderline Alien_ by Melissa Lonzano investigates borders between differing societies and leads us to question who is alien. Laurie Buenafe Krsmanovic: "Steropes", a work-in-progress combining butoh and bellydance Belly Von Douche and SooozhyQ (Triple Power) people.tribe.net/sooozhyq And a possible suuuuuuurprise performance or two.......

beautiful california coast

dr-yo — Tue, 08 Aug 2006 01:58:23 GMT

Shaz and I just got back from a romantic weekend getaway in Pacific Grove, Carmel, and Big Sur. She had never been south of Monterey before, and I got to show her all of my old stomping grounds, the houses I used to live in, etc. The weather was incredibly perfect throughout. The Highway 1 coast is one of the incredible natural treasures of the world! This photo is from Point Lobos. We drove out to Nepenthe at Big Sur and had a breathtaking dinner. Shaz described the experience as being "on top of the world."

What a night!

dr-yo — Mon, 31 Jul 2006 01:19:32 GMT

HOT DAMN, Momo and Seth sure know how to bring the party! Last night at Encounter Studio we were delighted to host Juke Joint, the fifth in a series of Performance Salon events produced by Momo. This time around Seth Augustus co-presented the event and the music was absolutely PHENOMENAL! People were dancing like crazy as you can see from the photos in the Encounter Studio tribe! Our guests ate soul food, drank and smoked, and danced to Delta Blues until 2am. People were having sex in a van in the parking lot! It was a small but extremely fun party!!!! Those of you who missed it should really try to come to the next one! Momo has many surprises in store for you.