A space for local artists of all disciplines, to co create community and current culture one event at the time.
2013 is off to an amazing start, beyond our wildest dreams, and we are trying to capture some of the highlights in this post for you.
TURF VERSUS ALL STYLES STREET DANCE BATTLEHost and creator Johnny5 Turfienz Lopez
Article by
Molly WallsThere’s something aggressively personal about watching an experienced dancer move—the dance is an intimate poem proclaimed to the audience, a tribute to who they are and where they came from.
Turfing, a style of street dance originating in Oakland, incorporates popping, krumping, and flexing, to create a freeform, improvised piece with the grace of ballet and the irresistible rhythms of rap.
This Saturday Johnny 5, the CEO of Turf Inc. and a member of the acclaimed dance crew Turf Fienz, held a dance battle at the Firehouse South Berkeley location.
The room itself seemed to be moving, with waves of energy and verve rippling through the crowd, friends conversing through a universal language of rhythm and dance. The crowd’s lively and engaged vibe fueled the dancers to push each performance further, dropping themselves to the floor, manipulating body and motion with an exhilarating fervor.
The term “dance battle” doesn’t seem to completely convey the collaborative nature experience—the dancers weren’t fighting against each other, but rather using the energy and enthusiasm of their surroundings to create a multi-functional piece, an eye catching array of flawless motion and cadence.
Turfing, and the myriad of other street dancing styles on display at the event, utilizes the oppressed frustration and intensity of each performer to create a beautiful and deeply personal manifesto, a collage and a conversation urging audience participation and attention. I left Firehouse that night with stunned adoration and eagerness that only such immense energy and commitment provokes.
MIXED MEDIA MIXERHost and creator
Dorian CohenCommunicate with your community!
If you are interested in art, music, photography or video, do not miss this event!
Videographers: Dorian Cohen,
Mauricio Ageno,
Taylor Baldschun,
James Jackson, Nick Ambe, Daniella Flores, Zac Goldstein, Mikey Garcia
COTTAGE FOOD NIGHT MARKET CELEBRATIONHost and creator: Alex StoneArticle by Alex Stone
Thanks to the Cottage Food Act, foodies who make delicious jams, breads, baked goods and more out of their kitchen can now get licensed to sell them! Join us for a night of food and festivities to celebrate this amazing victory for the local food movement.
 |
| Salted Caramel Cupcake by Teveh, Sweet Life |
You can come out and meet the Bay Area homemade bakers, cooks, jamborees, nut butter churners and more and get your hands on these never before sold goods. In addition to these amazing local vendors, we'll have hella music and light refreshments available.
To make everything better, Christina Oatfield from the Sustainable Economies Law Center (SELC) will be speaking and be available for questions you may have about the Cottage Food Law and what it means for any home foodie business you may be thinking about kicking up!
We'll have have the live musical stylings of Tommy P as the evening continues! Check him out on Facebook here:
www.facebook.com/tommypimusicSliding scale donation $0-5 at the door and no one turned away for lack of funds! Your donation will toward the space and ensuring that this market can continue to happen in the future!
HARMON STREET STUDIOS ART & MUSIC SHOWHost and creator Jacob JamesArticle by
Melody WebsterOn a crisp night in February, many gathered from around the area to listen to local bands and view four local artists work at the Firehouse Adeline Art Hangar, in a show put on by Harmon Street resident Jacob James. “I wanted to put on the show basically to unite all of the local artists and musicians that live/work at the Firehouse Collective and to promote our work to residents in the area.”
With a turn out of more than 50 people, the atmosphere was bright and collaborative throughout the night. Local painters Alexis Mosqueda, Lili Ishida, and Marlena Mendoza hung their work along with photographer Melody Webster.
 |
| Photo by Melody Webster |
 |
| Photo by Melody Webster |
The painting themes ranged from surreal to portraits, and Marlena Mendoza showcased her textile craft in a mini installation where her paintings were hung.
Three bands provided exceptional music for the evening. Teenage Sweater, originally from Santa Rosa, is compiled of two young men with a drum set and sampling machine. Their music is a mix of heavy percussion and chillwave/pop beats that is entirely organic and unique. Following them, Frozen Family played. Frozen Family is a band originally started by Harmon St. resident Harry Selik and a friend of his. Currently, the band is now compiled of four members who play a smooth blend of alternative and folk genres. To cap off the night, We Are the Men performed a great set, unfortunately cut short due to noise complaints.
Jell-O shots, beer, and sangria were offered with a suggested donation and kept the energy of the night alive. Ultimately, this show weaved together several aspects of the Collective’s talent and values while showcasing the local artists and musicians to the rest of the community.
If you want to see more of those featured visit these links:
Melody Webster: http://melodyrosephotography.tumblr.com/
Marlena Mendoza:
http://l-e-m-o-n-m-i-l-k.tumblr.com/Frozen Family:
https://www.facebook.com/thefrozenfamilyWe Are the Men:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/We-Are-The-Men/Teenage Sweater:
https://soundcloud.com/teenagesweater
Posted by julia lazar, let us know what you think, your comment counts.
