The Saartjie Project on FOX 5

This morning, the Saartjie Project was featured on FOX 5 with Holly Morris. The Saartjie Project just finished three shows as part of the Capital Fringe Fest. Seven members of the Saartjie Project are members of the Liberated Muse network-- Farah Lawal, Binahkaye Joy, Nia McClean, Clarissa McKithen, Jade Andwele, Jessica Solomon, and Khadijah Ali-Coleman, co-founder of Liberated Muse Productions. Check out the vid above to catch the segment.

The Capital Fringe Fest & Hip Hop Theater Festival Begin this Week!

"We are here to show you that DC is more than a municipality filled with institutions that import artists to exhibit or bring down last year’s broadway hit. We are here to show you that we are a city filled with innovators."

The quote above can be found on the Capital Fringe Fest's welcome page as you are greeted with the notion that this year's fest is going to innovative, filled with talent from the nation's capital, and, always, filled with productions that are by no means mainstream. Hence, the term "fringe". The Capital Fringe Festival is about performance art that is eclectic, artistic and accessible. You can find out more by visitin the website http://www.capfringe.org/.

Some of the acts in this year's Fringe Fest we hope you check out are below:

Deconstructing the Myth of the Booty

Of course Liberated Muse is biased towards the Saartjie Project. Five of the members of the Saartjie Project are members of the Liberated Muse online network @ http://www.liberatedmuse.com/, including Liberated Muse co-founder, Khadijah Ali-Coleman. But aside from the bias, the Washington Post has also identified the Saartjie Project's "Deconstructing the Myth of the Booty" as a must-see show out of the 100+ performances showcased in this year's festival. Click HERE to get details about the Saartjie Project show. Click HERE to read the Washington Post article.

Headscarf & the Angry Bitch

Zed Headscarf performs a tongue-in-cheek romp through faith and growing up Muslim in America. Featuring hits like 'The Only Thing I'll Do Five Times a Day is You' and 'I Lost My Virginity During Ramadan.' With the US' growing international wars with people in other nations who are often of the Islam faith, this performance is guaranteed to be a boundary-stretching adventure as we confront our ethnocentric views and prejudices often perpetuated through the media. Get ticket info HERE.

So Do You Love Me Yet?

Liberated Muse member, Farah Lawal, who is also featured in our book Liberated Muse Volume I: How I Freed My Soul examines relationships and love in her one-woman show "So Do You Love Me Yet?" This 70-minute show weaves storytelling and spoken word into an enthralling show by Lawal who has appeared in a multitude of stage shows, most recently the play "Native Son". "Farah Lawal brings unexpected tenderness and devotion to Bigger's lover, Clara," said one Washington Post review of her performance in Native Son. Read the review HERE.

Watch Farah in the video below and visit HERE to purchase tickets to her show:

Hip-Hop Theater Festival

Founded in 2000, The Hip-Hop Theater Festival continues to invigorate the fields of theater and Hip-Hop by: nurturing the creation of innovative work within the Hip-Hop aesthetic; presenting and touring American and international artists whose work addresses the issues relevant to the Hip-Hop generation; and serving young, urban communities through outreach and education that celebrates contemporary language and culture.

In each of its Festival cities, New York City, Washington D.C., Chicago and San Francisco, The Hip-Hop Theater Festival presents live events created by artists who stretch, invent and combine a variety of theatrical forms, including theater, dance, spoken word and live music sampling. Through open submissions and aggressive curating both nationally and internationally, the Hip-Hop Theater Festival is fully dedicated to finding, developing and introducing to the public new artistic creations from a diversity of cultures and points of view.

The DC Commission on the Arts & Humanities and Hip-Hop Theater Festival is proud to present all events free of charge this year as the festival hits Washington DC. Online reservations are required, however, for many of the events are already filled to capacity already. Last night's Howard Zinn show at the Kennedy Center was filled to capacity in a very short time, leaving many guests who arrived later to search for something else to do for the night because they couldn't get in.

Here are some FAMILY-FRIENDLY choices we want to check-out this week:

THURSDAY, JULY 9
7 PM :: Zomo the Rabbit: A Hip-Hop Creation MythWritten and Directed by Psalmayene 24Originally Commissioned by Imagination StagePremiere performance January 24, 2009

Zomo the Rabbit in search of wisdom

Set in our Nation's Capital, Zomo is a contemporary, high-energy take on an African tale. Zomo the Rabbit calls the Sky God (on his cell phone) requesting the ultimate prize of wisdom. The Sky God gives him three tasks and Zomo succeeds in trickster fashion, but it's only by sharing the prize that he invents Hip-Hop, leading all the characters to celebrate their culture together. Enjoyed by Ages 4+. THEARC Theater :: 1901 Mississippi Avenue, SENOTE: For Thursday, July 9 performance, HHTF Shuttle Van running from Southern Avenue, Green Line Stop from 6 PM – 7 PM

SATURDAY, JULY 11
12 PM :: Step Into a World
Open House :: ALL AGES WELCOME

Each year this event welcomes families, community leaders, local artists, and young people out east of the river to enjoy some of the art and music created by the students of the DC Urban Arts Academy. This year, Words Beats & Life is inviting several local organizations, community groups, and programs to come showcase their programs. Throughout the day there will be interactive workshops in arts & crafts, Hip-Hop history, chess, a b-boy/b-girl exhibition, an interactive student art exhibition and performances, all for ages 6 and up. For more information email Ayana Patrick or call 202-667-1192. Benning Park Recreation Center :: 5100 53rd Street, SE (@ Fitch Street

Visit the Website HERE

Mothers Change the World-- And You Can, Too!

This is a letter from CODEPINK organizers Jody, Gael and Medea
--------------------------

Dear friend,

This Mother's Day weekend, you're invited to join The Saartjie Project, CODEPINK Women for Peace, and friends for a 24-hour vigil in front of the White House, where we will celebrate all mothers and women, honoring the original Mother's Day Proclamation of 1870 - a call for an end to war. Bring your mom, bring your kids & celebrate peace! You are also especially invited to a happy hour fundraiser to benefit the children of Gaza, and a panel discussion with women from war zones this Friday evening, May 8, at Andy Shallal's new restaurant, Eatonville, across the street from Bus Boys & Poets at 14th and V. Will you join us to celebrate Mother's Day, hear powerful stories and beautiful music, and take part in making history with the largest quilting bee ever outside the White House? Let us know that you'll join us for this inspiring weekend!Friday Night, May 8: Voices of Peace Fundraiser and Women's Panel6pm - 7pm Happy Hour Fundraiser for the children of GazaAn intimate private gathering with our Women's Voices panelists.

Light refreshments will be served.

$25 donation. Reserve your space today!

7-8:30pm Women's Voices PanelPanel discussion with women from war zones & countries under occupation. FREE event!Details at: www.codepinkalert.org/mothersdaypanel

Here is your invitation to this wonderful night, which will open our Mother's Day weekend:

Be the first to see Andy Shallal's newest restaurant, Eatonville! Andy has opened a fabulous new restaurant just across from his famous Busboys & Poets restaurant at 14th & V. Help us christen the new Zora Neale Hurston-inspired Eatonville with our Mother's Day kickoff event.Mother's Day Weekend, May 9-10, 1pm to 1pm at Lafayette Park, across from the White HouseHighlights to include: radical acts of knitting, film screenings, Saturday night Women's Voices Concert, activities for kids, pajama party, free Ben & Jerry's ice cream, a peace picnic and more! + We will be joined by many talented special guests for 24 hours of fun, peaceful, Mother's Day festivities!

For more info (including our line up and 24 hour vigil schedule), visit our site: http://www.mothersdayforpeace.com/

Let's make this Mother's Day a special one! You'll be in the best of company as we co-create a positive, powerful, compassionate (and pink!) community. And maybe the 3 generations of powerful women in the White House will come out and join us!!Here is your invitation to Mother's Day weekend:

We hope to see you this Friday night and at our 24-hour vigil outside the White House this weekend! Check out the full schedule of activities, buy dinner in the park in advance, and let us know you're coming at www.codepinkalert.org/mothersday. Bring your family and be prepared to have a joyful and inspiring time! Mother's Day can be seen at The Real News starting Saturday at 1pm. Visit http://www.therealnews.com/ to take part in the vigil virtually.And even if you can't join us in DC, you can send a rose to honor a mother whose life has been profoundly affected by war. For just $3, you can let a mother who has suffered know that you are standing with her in opposing the madness of war. On Mother's Day, we will present the roses to the mothers and tie others to the fence outside the White House as a memorial to the dead and a moving call for peace. Click here to buy a rose in honor of the mamas.
As President Obama said, "And so sometimes I think that if you just put the mothers in charge for a while, that things would get resolved."

In peace,

Jodie Evans, Gael Murphy, and Medea Benjamin
CODEPINK Co-founders

Mother's Day Weekend is cosponsored by: Action Center for Justice, American Muslim Voice, American Palestinian Women's Association (APWA), Beatitudes Society, Brave New Films, Breast Not Bombs, Congo Global Action, CREDO, Equality Now, Feminist Peace Network, Gabriela Network-Mariposa Alliance, GirleGirlArmy, Global Exchange, Granny Peace Brigade, Institute for Policy Studies, Just Foreign Policy, Little Friends for Peace, Lower East Side Girls Club, MADRE, Mamapalooza, Mothers Acting Up, Mujeres, Inc., Philippines, National Association of Muslim American Women (NAMAW), National Organization for Women (NOW), Office of the Americas, Peace Action, Peace is Loud, PeaceRoots Alliance, People for Equality and Relief in Lanka (PEARL), The Real News, The Saartje Project, SeeJaneDo, September Eleventh Families for a Peaceful Tomorrow, United for Peace and Justice, Veterans for Peace, DC, Voices for Creative Non-Violence, Washington Peace Center, Women's Action for New Directions (WAND), Women's Alliance for Theology, Ethics and Ritual (WATER), Women for Women International Women's International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF), Women of Color Resource Center, World's Earth Alliance

On another Note...

Check out Liberated Muse members noon:30's press in online articles from the Washingtonian and the City Paper

Congrats ladies! We can't wait for you to rock out at the Capital Hip Hop Soul Fest on July 25, 2009!

Check Out Some of Liberated Muse's Hottest Stars This Weekend

I met Dee Stone last year when she participated in last year's Capital Hip Hop Soul Fest. She is a warm and quirky lady and has vocals that are to die for. She and the following women will be performing this Saturday, May 2 @ the Capital Hill Arts Workshop in Washington DC for a benefit celebrating the HOMECOMING of Saartjie Baartman, the black woman known as the Hottentot Venus.

Visit http://www.thesaartjieproject.org/ for details on the event. It's a pay as you can pay scale which is great for those trying to scale back in the face of this trying economy.

MAHOGANEE


Mahoganee is a talented singer who is head of the Diva Militia and works actively in the community to mentor young girls. She writes original pieces which address various issues in our community. One of her most memorable songs is an ode to the survivors of Katrina.

Chaquis Maliq

Chaquis Maliq performed in the Capital Hip Hop Soul Fest in 2008 and I can't wait to see her on stage again. Her beautiful voice is reminiscent of Chaka Kahn meets Stephanie Mills.

Jade Foster

Jade Foster is the poet featured in the above Jesse Boykins song. Founder of the Black Church Maraca, Jade is a prominent area poet who has been published in several books and performs regularly throughout DC and beyond.

Liberated Muse Member Events Coming Soon

(In photo: Binahkaye Joy. Photo by Elen Awalom)

Binahkaye Joy shares an evening of interactive dance journeys, featuring The Mother Project, New Orleans!, Lifelines on 57, and Bootyism.

Live music by Manatho "Shumba" Masani on Mbira and Eric Maring on Tabla.

Advance tickets online @ http://www.osadance.blogspot.com/

Friday May 1, 2009 @ 8pm

Capitol Hill Arts Workshop

545 7th Street, SEWashington, DC 20003@ Eastern Market Metro

Visit Binahkaye on Liberated Muse by clicking HERE

On Friday, May 1, 2009, Liberated Muse Member Diallo Sumbry of the Adinkra Group

is bringing Hip Hop to U Street!

Almaz Restaurant @ 1212 U Street will come alive with a live concert

featuring a live performance by SKILLZ http://www.skillzmusic.com/

+hosted by Asheru & Maimouna Youssef

Other performances by:

+DJs RBI & MarcNfinit on the Main Level

+DJ Mel B EZ on the Second Level+additional performances by:

++M!das (www.myspace.com/that808)

++Shaka (www.myspace.com/shakabks)

++RAtheMC (www.myspace.com/simplyra)

++The Package (www.myspace.com/itsthepackage)

Doors @ 9 pm

Ladies Free b4 11 pm

Fellas $10 b4 11 pm

Visit Diallo Sumbry on Liberated Muse.

The Saartjie Project PRESENTS

Homecoming:

A Juried Artist Showcase & Benefit Commemorating the final return home of our heroine and namesake, Saartjie 'Sara' Baartman

In May 2002, Saartjie (Sara) Baartman's remains were flown back to her homeland, South Africa and laid to rest almost 200 years after she was taken in 1810.

"Her story was forgotten for centuries... but slowly she has been rediscovered, by women in South Africa, in England, in the United States...they have written plays and poems, made films and speeches telling her story in the hopes of reclaiming her torturous past..." - unknown

Join The Saartjie Project for an evening of great music, poetry and performances by dynamic women and girls using "art as a catalyst for self- expression, re-definition & healing".

Suggested Donation: $20

Your donation help ensures that The Saartjie Project is able to "infortain" the international artist & social justice community at the 2009 Pedagogy & Theatre of the Oppressed (PTO) International Conference in Minneapolis.

Date:Saturday, May 2, 2009
Time:8:00pm - 11:00pm
Location:Capitol Hill Arts Workshop
Street:545 7th St. SE (Eastern Market Metro)
City/Town:Washington, DC

Get your tickets @ http://homecoming.eventbrite.com/

Learn about PTO @ http://www.pto.web/.

Visit the Saartjie Project on www.LiberatedMuse.com by clicking HERE.

Binahkaye Joy & Friends @ the Potter's House this Month

Dancer, writer, actress and humanitarian Binahkaye Joy is a spirit who you get a chance to meet every once in a while. Her persona is as endearing as her name and stage characters she presents whether she is dancing, acting, performing spoken word or facilitating workshops. A member of our Liberated Muse network, Binahkaye blogs about her work as an OSA dancer and her work with different populations as she uses dancing as a healing agent. According to Binahkaye, OSA "Open Space Activation" Dance is a transformative, organic-art experience that evolves as movement in public spaces. "Activation" is a dance process that transforms idle, static spaces into active, creative laboratories and initiates awakenings inside everyone in the space. Visit her wonderful blog HERE.

Binahkaye will be performing this month at the Potter's House in Washington DC doing a performance she titles "Joyism". The performance is hosted by Sounds of Music and will be a fusion of dance, words, sounds, and fun, inviting everyone to participate in the dance that, she says, "belongs to all of us". She will be accompanied by the cosmic melodies of Manatho "Moonhead" Masani on mbira, (the thumb piano). Sounds of Hope is a benefit concert series that happens EVERY FRIDAY NIGHT from 7pm to 10:30pm at The Potter’s House, 1658 Columbia Road NW in Washington DC.

Binahkaye is a member of the artist collective The Saartjie Project who she has invited to do excerpts from the show during her performance set. Doors open @ 7:30pm and the suggested donation is $15 All tickets sold at the door! The Facebook invite is HERE.

Host: Sounds of Hope @ The Potter's House
Date: Friday, March 20, 2009
Time: 8:00pm - 11:00pm
Location: The Potter's House
Street: 1658 Columbia Rd NW
City/Town: Washington, DC

The Potter's House is a restaurant, a bookstore, a gift shop, a concert venue, a theatre, and an art gallery. The Potter's House is maintained by the Potter's House church of Washington DC. For more information, call (202) 232-5483

Liberated Muse Productions is a Proud Partner of The Saartjie Project

Liberated Muse Productions is proud to be a partner of the Saartjie Project which debuted their onstage performance in August 2008. After a successful two-day run in August and a recap during the Can a Sista Rock a Mic Festival in Washington DC in October, the Saartjie Project has plans to return in 2009 with new vignettes but the same intensity and passion showcased in the debut productions. Visit http://www.thesaartjieproject.org for details on this artist collective.