Word To Ezra Jack Keats

I’ve touched on this before, but I’mma say it again — the work of Ezra Jack Keats makes me smile with all of my heart. And I so need of a smile right about now. Aren’t you?

Keats reminds me of all the things that were good about my childhood — the schools “media center” being at the top of the list. Yup, the media-center/library was my grade school jump-off. At one time I could even fit my little body into a “cubby-hole” (refer to item #1). Sometimes I wish I still could…post up in the cubby and just read all day without any adult responsibility. *sigh*

If you’re an admirer of Keats delightful collage style illustrations, you’ll find posters for purchase over here. So, so, fresh they are.

“For Colored Girls” is too Necessary to Have Thrown Back in Our Faces

I’m bummed out, yo.

I’m just now learning that the revival of Ntozake Shange’s ‘For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow Is Enuf’, which was to have starred the Grammy-winning singer, India Arie has been postponed. Apparently financiers were “spooked” by the “edgy” title of the 1970’s choreopoem.

For real? Wow, in this day and age? [insert sarcasm here] Hmmm…
How did they not read the title of, or research the content of the play prior to agreeing to back the show financially. It makes no sense.

Side Note: In high school I played the role of “Lady In Green” (Somebody almost walked off with allll of my stuff). In college, my mother played the role of “Lady In Green” as well. She has a custom framed autographed poster that I have been begging for years, for her to pass on to me. I can’t find a poster like that anywhere online or otherwise.

We’ve also had the privilege of hearing Ntozake read. Our family loves us some colored girls. Period. It’s a classic. 30 years later Ntozakes words still ring true to many of my personal experiences of being a “Colored Girl” in the new millennium.

More talk on “For Colored Girls” over here and here.

GHOSTFACE x DOWNSIDEUP NYC = Crushed Out Heavenly

Ghostface Killahs newest project, the long awaited “Starks” piece is now available to all of you label whores of the world. Only 125 pieces are being signed and released. Step ya thread game up!

If you’re not a true GFK fan, the gold eagle and blue wallabies are not for you to understand. But if you know deal, aw man, it’s a wrap…maybe. Raise your hand if have $155.00 to spend on a t-shirt. If your hand is in the air, call me now. I need a baller like you in my life. If your hand is not in the air, it’s all good. We can still be friends. Non-Autographed versions retail at $50.00 a pop.

Get the full scoop (video included) at www.downsideupnyc.com

Picture This: The Take Back Labor Festival

Aside from the tomfoolery that took place in downtown St.Paul yesterday, over yonder, the family friendly, peace loving “Take Back Labor Day Festival” rocked Harriet Island Park. My girl C.Rimstad aka C-Rocka put her ‘credentials’ to use and captured the moment. I didn’t make it to the festivities, but from the looks of the photos and what I’ve heard, the festival was pretty darn cool. Actually, it was described as being “Off the chain!”

From top to bottom: A purple SEIU Welcome, Slug and Ant of ATMOSPHERE, Fatlip (Pharcyde) and Muja Messiah, Mos Def

To view the rest of the photos (there are plenty more), check out the gallery HERE…

Peace and love, people.
Peace and loooove.

A Recap with ‘Snaps’- The MIA Bollywood Bash

Hello Lovelies,

I hope your Labor Day was, well, labor less. I know mine was. I chillaxed for 3 days straight. The RNC weekend turned out to be somewhat of a dud if you ask me. The city wasn’t nearly as crackin’ as I imagine Denver was. Hurricane Gustov done put a smack down on the GOP. Sooo sad, toooo bad. I did however make it over the ever so luxe, W Hotel Minneapolis (it is definitely a standout piece of real estate - ultra sexy. I need to have “relations” in that hotel IMMEDIATELY. *lol*) — but that’s different recap for another time.

Anyhoo,

I was going to write a little ditty on how fab the MIA Bollywood Bash was, but Minneapolis St.Paul Magazine wrote a nice blurb which pretty much summed up my thoughts. No need in repeating what has already been well written, right?

Bollywood Bash at the MIA

Who: Members and friends of The Circle—the TC’s sexiest art aficionados.
What: The Minneapolis Institute of Arts “Bollywood Bash“.
When: Saturday, August 23
Where: MIA Courtyard
Why: Because MIA understands art—and the art of the party.

“In these troubled economic times, what better way to drown your sorrows than by snatching up a coveted $75 ticket to the MIA’s annual summer Circle bash, where the music and inhabitations flow as freely as the booze at the open bar. No disrespect to the sexy silver foxes of the world, but you have to love a party that sets an age limit—and that runs out of the party’s signature mango martini an hour into the night. The Minneapolis Institute of Arts “Circle” events (for those 21–44 with very few exceptions, sorry darlings 45 and over) have a rep for bringing in a crowd so pretty it puts the museum’s Picassos to shame, and this year’s Bollywood–themed bash was no exception. The question on the tip of everyone’s tongue—Where did you get that—as a parade of ladies sporting stunning, belly-baring, often authentic saris put the sans-Sari crowd to shame (not that the mix of stylish linen suits and perfect summer cocktail dresses weren’t easy on the eyes as well). Endless bar, endless eye candy, amazing night.” (source)

Now, let’s have a ‘look-see’ at some photos from the wonderful evening I’se had.

Wub ya,

Saucy Dame Dizzle -