Top 10 Liberated Muse Highlights of 2009

This year for Liberated Muse Productions was one of many highs which I would like to take the time to share today on New Year's Eve. If you participated in any of the highlights mentioned, would love to read your feedback and comments. Thanks for being part of the LiberatedMuse.com community!

Cheers,

Moon of LiberatedMuse.com

(In Photos: The first live reading from the book Liberated Muse Volume I: How I Freed My Soul, at the Potter's House in Washington DC, featuring various artists from the LiberatedMuse.com community, including Margaux Delotte-Bennett, Stone/Wright, James Terrell, Quineice Clarkson, Gary Young and Anonamas)

Highlights of 2009- LiberatedMuse.com

10. Liberated Muse Joins the World of Facebook and Twitter!

In 2009, the LiberatedMuse.com expanded its realm of communication when Liberated Muse started a fan page and profile page on Facebook and began an online Twitter feed. The world of Facebook and Twitter has enabled members to interact more readily and determine more easily the level of connection they wish to have their community. Facebook has allowed more real time updates to reach members and is a great platform for members to tag photos of themselves and add photos from Liberated Muse events from their own Facebook photo albums. The Facebook fan page has already exceeded 800 members and continues to exceed the number of active members on the LiberatedMuse.com Ning network.

9. Liberated Muse members Dee Stone and Head-Roc are nominated for Washington Area Music Association (WAMMIE) Awards

We always love to broadcast good news about our members and this news was well-deserved. We wrote about it HERE in an earlier blog.

8. Liberated Muse Continues to Be Home to Some of the DC Area's Hottest Artist All-Stars

The caliber of talented folk on LiberatedMuse.com continue to be impressive. Award-winning doll artist Sherry Burton of Sankofa Doll Artistry, the talented LOVEthepoet, songstress Teisha Marie and hip-hop dynamo Substantial are just a glimpse into how rich the flavor of the membership is on LiberatedMuse.com. Contributing to forums, interacting with each other off and online, the Liberated Muse community continues to thrive and is one of the highlights we are most grateful for this year.

7. Liberated Muse (LM) Partners with the 2009 International Soul Music Summit (ISMS)

While in 2008 Liberated Muse co-founder Khadijah "Moon" Ali-Coleman was a panelist in the International Soul Music Summit in Atlanta, GA, nothing could be more pleasing than seeing a partnership form between LM and the ISMS which entailed members receiving a discount to participate in the summit and members from the network actually performing at the event. Big ups to those Liberated Muse members who performed and participated, including Chaquis Maliq, Al Chestnut, and Colie Williams. Co-founder of LM, Maceo Thomas got to see first-hand some of the members doing their thang in Atlanta, an arts mecca for performers of color.

6. Liberated Muse's 2nd Annual Capital Hip Hop Soul Fest a Summer Hit Again

Featuring phenomenal performances by numerous acts from the nation's capital and beyond, the CHHSF was a hit, despite park renovations at the festival site and a scorching heat index. The event headliners included Bomani Armah, Head-Roc & GODISHEUS, Teisha Marie, Marcell & the Truth and other faves that were captured in photos you can check out on www.CapitalHipHopSoulFest.com. The fest led to our next highlight which was...

5. Liberated Muse's Capital Hip Hop Soul Fest featured in the Press

Appearing on FOX 5 with Gwen Tolbart to promote the Capital Hip Hop Soul Fest was definitely one of the livest press moments of the festival in 2009. Coverage was much appreciated this year, helping to garner the sponsorship by some of the 2009 sponsors of the fest including the US Census Bureau and State Farm Insurance. Festival director Maceo Thomas made rounds sharing the news of the fest, being featured in several print and online publications including National Geographic.com, The Afro, and Examiner.com. We can't begin to thank our media partners enough for their support, with special thanks to Capital Community News for their continued media sponsorship. Click HERE to read LM press coverage for 2009.

4. Liberated Muse Volume I: How I Freed My Soul Makes a 2009 Debut

Liberated Muse members new and old contributed to this book anthology which features prose, poetry, visual art and essays that interpret the concept of the soul and this thing we call freedom. The book became the featured book in the Capital Hip Hop Soul Fest and sold over 100 copies in the first month and a half in print. The release of the first literary anthology produced and edited by Liberated Muse's Khadijah "Moon" Ali-Coleman was a 2009 highlight that led to the following top three highlights...

3. A Musical Book Tour to Promote Liberated Muse Volume I: How I Freed My Soul

Putting a spin on the tradition book tour which features readings and author Q and A, the Liberated Muse book tour featured writers from the book and musical performances from performing artists who are members of the Liberated Muse network. The kick-off started at the Potter's House and included stops at the Artomatic and the art store ArtSpring in Silver Spring, MD. Special thanks to all those who were featured during the shows: Quineice Clarkson, Gary Young, Farah Lawal, Stone/Wright, James Terrell, Anonamas, Margaux Delotte-Bennett, Alan King, Ananda Leeke, Jade Andwele, Maureen Mulima, Ozara Ode, Colie Williams and to all of those who attended. All of our book tour shows at the Potter's House allowed us to raise money and have our next highlight...

2. Raising Money for Area Groups Serving Our Community

Our first book tour stop in June at the Potter's House allowed us to raise over $400 to assist students in the DC College Success Foundation's Acheivers Program. While the program assists students in paying for college tuition upon successful completion of high school requirements, the program did not assist with fees associated with room and board application fees, student activities fees, etc. The money raised helped four low-income students pay for these fees and begin school this past Fall 2009. Our show on September 11, 2009 raised funds for the arts collective The Saartjie Project and our last show on November 20, 2009 at the Potter's House raised funds for arts programming at Southeast Ministry, a nonprofit that helps adults earn their GED and fine-tune employment skills.

1. Transforming Places Into Art Spaces: Our First Art Exhibit

The Potter's House became the official brick and mortar home of Liberated Muse in 2009 when the wonderful bookstore, performance venue, restaurant, etc. became the art gallery home of our first art exhibit-- Celebration of Freedom, curated by Liberated Muse member Sharon Burton. The exhibit, inspired by the book Liberated Muse Volume I: How I Freed My Soul featured artists from the book and other artists from the Liberated Muse network, including Prudence Bonds, Stephan Cox, Keisha Cox, and other artists. Read our past blogs about this wonderful exhibit which ran from Sept. 11 to Dec. 1.

Capital Rhythm & Soul this Friday

We are continuing our efforts to take part in the wonderful programming that takes place in the DC metro area throughout the year as a supplement to our annual festival, the Capital Hip Hop Soul Fest. What better way to do that than through an intimate concert venue and in a way that benefits an area nonprofit?

This Friday, join us for Capital Rhythm & Soul at the Potter's House in Adams Morgan in DC. Featured performers include acoustic soul singer C. Love, hip-hop soul singer Anonamas, R & B diva Mahoganee and Liberated Muse's co-founder Khadijah "Moon" Ali-Coleman, accompanied by Gary Young on guitar. The fantastic Dehejia Maat will host. Check her out below.

The event is $10 and will benefit Southeast Ministry, a local nonprofit in southeast DC that helps adults earn their GED and provides programming to young people throughout the year in the literary arts.

RSVP for the event on Facebook by clicking HERE.

Thanks for attending Liberated Muse events

Thanks for coming out to our events and being part of the community. Click HERE to view photos from yesterday's artist reception opening.

(In photo: Artists featured in the Liberated Muse exhibit "Celebration of Freedom" at the Potter's House at the Meet the Artists event on Nov. 14. Above are Liberated Muse artists/members, Prudence Bonds, Sherry Burton-Ways, James Terrell, and Sharon Burton, who also curated the exhibit.)

DC's Head-Roc Tells It Like It Is

If you haven’t heard of DC hip-hop lyricist Head-Roc before, chances are that that won’t be for long. Head-Roc, a DC native and long-time performer in DC and in the tri-state area, recently began touring with his new afro funk band, GODISHEUS and has been headlining such noted events as the recent FUNK FENTY protest held outside of the administration building last month to performances throughout the DC area promoting his “Tip the Band” performance series. Head-Roc is unabashedly honest with his outlook on everything from music to the political scene in DC and here you will read a Q & A that will be sure to answer you want to know about this irreplaceable DC icon.

Liberated Muse: Head-Roc, you are known for both your high-energy shows, classic music and love of DC, most notably your political stance in many of your songs. How do you view the connection between music and politics in general, and specifically when it relates to Chocolate City?

Head-Roc: "For me, music is synonymous with life expression. It’s the nature of the spirit to produce sounds and to me all sounds are musical.

Now politics, in my view and very broadly, is whatever the set of factors are that determine how one behaves and decides to interact with other persons. the politics of a person or group of people can beneficially or adversely affect the life and livelihood of another person or group of people. They in turn have set of politics that will determine who they respond when acted upon. Our politics are born and shaped out of our life experiences which of course can be expressed musically.

So, it is quite a natural thing in my opinion that the expression of my political views come out in my music - as is the case when Robert Nestor Marly, Paul Robeson, Nina Simone, and all the other great soul expressionists made their wonderful rhythmic compositions. Unfortunately, there are groups of people on the planet who have disconnected from certain aspects of their music expression and they have organized themselves to promote a culture that actually devalues the importance and relevance of people doing so freely and uninhibited.

Particularly where playing percussion instruments are involved they have organized, apparently being so unnerved by the awesome and humbling effects of rhythmic human expression, to legislate when and where it is appropriate to express one’s self in such manner. So, we have to get permission from the institutions created by these groups of people to ‘redress our grievances’ as to their political decisions – which overwhelming disenfranchise our needs and favor their cultural desires.

The heartbreaking part is how this all relates to Chocolate City where the residents are majority descendants of enslaved Africans and this continent’s native peoples. The governing body, some members, share many of the same descendant characteristics with the majority of Chocolate City’s residents, but are, seemingly in full force, disciples of Western politics, ideals, and philosophies – which has been nothing but a triumvirate of oppression for us. So, now we are in a very dangerous situation where we are being oppressed by those who look like us, and because they do they are given a ‘pass’ for continuing disenfranchisement political practices. Our so called consciousness as a people erroneously have expectations and assume that our brothers and sister in political office actually will advocate on our behalf towards attaining long overdue fairness in this political process for us very special Americans, of which I am one. So, I try to write songs of empowerment in an effort to counter these complacencies. "

Liberated Muse: What is your opinion on the current state of music in DC and how can it change for the better?

Head-Roc: "I think there are many different aspects of DC music. I’ll answer this as a big fan of those who choose to trail blaze and stand firm in the creation and presentation of original works. that said, DC music is phenomenal! The diversity and level of proficiency in song writing, recording, and performing is second to none in the country I think. The Package, Krayola, Kokayi, Poemcees, Noon:30, Trophy Wife, Cornel West Theory, N’digo Rose, Elikeh, Chopteeth, See-I, Sitali, Asheru, W. Ellington Felton, Nea Posey, Ellisha “Teapot” McKinney, Deborah Bond, Mustafa Akbar, are a few notables who come to mind immediately. There are so many more… young bucks Lyraciss and ProVerb are my favorites from the next generation right now too.

how things can change for the better is simply that people need to play their parts and support one another. For instance, the best event planners/promoters need to connect with the best local stars for their events. at least for some of their shows, maybe instead of spending money to bring indie cats from outta town of comparable name recognition (and draw) to get people at their shows, they can put that money into popularizing the reasons why our local music lovers need to support the professional local indie acts - just like they do for out of town acts. Or, go ahead and bring those acts here to chocolate city but also include the best local talent as part of the event. Most of the local established artists have networks set up themselves, so a coordinated approach to promoting the event is mandatory.

Or, there can be more instances like when my man Nas Jota, who won the DMV EMA Best Video award, shot and produced for the “Warning” video featuring Enoch the 7th Prophet, The Package, Kokayi and produced by Suroc. I believe they all worked together in a wonderful agreement to create a product representing DC Hip-Hop to the fullest with high quality product. Not sure, but I don’t think any money was exchanged and everyone came to the table with their parts ready to be woven into one. The result is one of the hottest singles and video to ever come out the DC music scene. I am so very proud of them for making that happen. It was incredible to be in the video and part of that moment where a good many of the DC Hip-Hop movers and shakers were present for the shoot.

Liberated Muse: You are known as being a hip-hop icon in the DC area, however, your new sound with your band GODISHEUS is very rock-oriented. What are the influences behind this new sound?

Head-Roc:Funk, Funk, funk is the influence behind the new sound. Though I’ve been continuously active as an artist, I haven’t dropped and album since 2005 and part of the reason is that I’ve been searching for the right production. I like to be challenged musically and eventually I was able to convince Dwayne “Super Bad III” Lee, who I know is one of the baddest musicians in Chocolate City, to undertake being music director for what is now known as the GODISHEUS International Funk Train aka The GIFT, or simply GODISHEUS (gotta-see-us) – a 21st Century Funk, Rock, and Soul, Hip-Hop “People of Culture” empowerment band. It is the best thing musically I’ve been blessed to be a part of hand’s down! Keith “Blizzard the Bass Lizard” Snowden and Kenny “Kwick” Gross round out the group so well that as just a four piece unit of Drums, Bass, Guitar, and Lead Vocals, GODISHEUS is turning heads all over the city, and in every genre of music appreciated. We do hope to become your favorite band, DC!

Also a big part of influencing the new sound im rocking with is while out touring and running our Green Party President Campaign in California with my man Dr. Jared Ball (aka The Funkinest Journalist of FreeMix Radio/Voxunion.com and host of WPFW 89.3FM Monday’s “Jazz and Justice” radio show), he turned me on to a book called “Funk” by Ricky Vincent, and reading it has changed my life forever. It’s now my bible as it really gives insight to why I feel the way I do about music expression as a descendant of enslaved Africans living in the Nation’s Capitol, and all the challenges of doing so as a means to earn a living. It showed me that the Funk was the music expression of our people as descendants of enslaved Africans evolved from centuries of survival, and created by Soul Brother Number One: James Brown. It showed me that the substance of Funk is spiritual and otherworldly even allowing one to transcend the confines of this world’s imposed “Law and Order”. It helped me see that Rock is from Funk and only the Funk can hold Rock in place to fulfill a mission of creating music fellowship that brings people of varying interests together achieving the realization that we can do things differently on this planet, than what has been done."

Liberated Muse: You are a headliner in the upcoming Capital Hip Hop Soul Fest in Marvin Gaye Park. What led you to an event east of the river?

Head-Roc: "I am very much interested in doing events east of the river and even more so into being part of a movement that creates sustainable enterprises for hosting and nurturing dc music culture. The CHHSF is a wonderful investment and contribution and I am very honored to be a part of it, and psyched to be rocking it with GODISHEUS! I am actually currently looking to identify just what existing establishments can support live music concerts. As soon as possible I’d like to produce an event east of the river for the very good folks on that side of town. They deserve quality, responsible, and energetic entertainment just like the folks west of the river get on the regular, you know?

Liberated Muse: What advice would you give to a struggling performing artist in DC who wants to have his music heard?

Head-Roc: Plain simple, get organized. You have to organize your support base into a moving force that will follow you around to the different venues you rock. Keep creating, practicing and performing fresh material so as to give your supporters a reason to come and check you out each and every time you rock. Record and release in conjunction with organizing your fan base and your sustainability factor as in independent artist will increase.

The 2009 Capital Hip Hop Soul Fest Roster of Acts HOT LIKE FIRE!!

The roster of acts for the 2009 Capital Hip Hop Soul Fest are off the chain this year! Two of those acts, Teisha Marie (in the video above) and the 5th L are bonafide stars in their parts of the DMV, lacing music with spoken word and appealing to the nature of fans who like to be intellectually and artistically stimulated.

The 5th L
The 5th L is a Baltimore-based but nationally traveled spoken-word poetry meets hip-hop soul group which is made up of David Ross/Native Son and Femi Lawal/The Dri Fish. They are an action packed poetry experience that delivers spoken word with the skilled theatrics of a Broadway show and the high energy a rap artist exerts on stage and yet able to maintain the poetic integrity of Langston Hughes to entertain and enlighten audiences.

As a duo and band, they have shared stages with international recording artists such as Musiq Soulchild, Saul Williams, Ursula Rucker, Raheem DeVaughn, Bill Cosby, The Last Poets, Fertile Ground, Jaguar Wright, and KRS-One. And in response to The 5th L’s continuous work in the Baltimore city community, Reginald F. Lewis Museum has featured them and their works, written and audio for reading and listen as a permanent exhibit in the museum.

We are so excited to have them as part of this year's Capital Hip Hop Soul Fest. Check them out at http://www.myspace.com/the5thl
Teisha Marie

I caught this soul diva last year for the first time in the Can a Sista Rock a Mic festival in 2008 in downtown Silver Spring and she reminded a bit then of a young Afi Soul, the popular DC vocalist who was part of the 2008 Capital Hip Hop Soul Fest. However, seeing her later on stage and catching her video above (which is a new favorite of mine), it is clear that this singing diva has a style that is her own, with an appeal that is sure to transcend taste barriers. Make sure to peep the video above and catch her on MySpace here: http://www.myspace.com/teisha360

Stay tuned for profiles on more of the performers of the 2009 Capital Hip Hop Soul Fest. The festival website will be updated in April with hot news for you to check out! You can email us at CapitalHipHopSoulFest@gmail.com to learn how to become a vendor or partner at this event.

Vendors, Authors and Artists-- Sell Your Items in This Year's Capital Hip Hop Soul Fest

Last year's Capital Hip Hop Soul Fest was a musical celebration while vendors sold their products to eager to buyers. Book authors, including Felicia Pride-- writer of The Message and activist author Devin Walker were among some of the top authors who sold their books.

The 2009 Capital Hip Hop Soul Fest will be held this year on Sat., July 25 in Marvin Gaye Park in Washington DC. While the musical acts are still being selected, vendors are able to reserve their tables now to receive our Early Bird Discount.

For more info, email us at CapitalHipHopSoulFest@gmail.com

Christylez in Concert

Ok, I love this guy. He is very gifted musically, but his public persona on and off the stage is very endearing-- just a gorgeously spirited man. Check him out this coming Monday at the Kennedy Center. He has been making major moves since his appearance at our 2008 Capital Hip Hop Soul Fest. An artist-in-residence at the Strathmore (I believe the youngest they've ever had), he has performed at really great venues and will be appearing this summer (actually the same day as this year's Capital Hip Hop Soul Fest) at the Wolf Trap.

Christylez will lead a hour-long concert at the Kennedy Center's Millennium Stage in Washington DC on Monday, February 9, 2009.

The concert is commissioned by the Smithsonian Institute’s National Museum of African American History & Culture and the Kennedy Center. The concert features a 12-piece orchestra including String Quartet, Piano, Upright Bass, Tuba, Didgeridoo, Human-Beatbox.

On top of all of that, the event is Free. We likes that:-)

Details:

Monday, February 9, 2009 @ 6:00PM - FREE ADMISSION - All Ages

Kennedy Center (Millennium Stage) 2700 F St NW, Washington, DC

http://www.christylez.com/

WAMMIES This Month

On another note but kind of the same...make sure to get your tickets to the upcoming WAMMIES-- DC's version of the Grammys. Christylez is nominated for four WAMMIES as are several members of our wonderful Liberated Muse network and past performers in our 1st Capital Hip Hop Soul Fest last year. Read more HERE and HERE

Call for Acts for the 2009 Capital Hip Hop Soul Fest in Washington DC

The 2008 Capital Hip Hop Soul Fest kicked off its first year in Washington DC's Marvin Gaye Park. Featured by a think MTV blogger and featured in local media, the event introduced the wider public to the talent hailing from the DMV area. Below are some of the soul music acts featured.

We are currently calling DC, MD and VA acts to submit press kits to us at liberatedmuseproductions@gmail.com to be considered to participate in the 2009 Capital Hip Hop Soul Fest which will take place on Saturday, July 25. This year, acts chosen to perform on July 25 will be chosen by the fans. Send us your press kit for more details.

CrY

Edith Sodolo

Tia Dae