Classic Video: Faith No More

“Epic.” Enough said. Enjoy.

All Hail Records!

This video celebrates the superior sound quality of vinyl recordings and also includes an interview with the owner of DC’s Crooked Beat Records in Adams Morgan. Watch the video here.

Click on photo to see pics of Record Store Day! I didn’t know about this but I will certainly celebrate next year!

Youth Art and Writing Contest in Honor of MLK

Just came across this info about a contest for young artists and writers.

Entries should illustrate how the artist/writer has taken Dr. King’s message of non-violence, social justice and human rights, and done something for others.  All art and writing entries should be taken to the Manhattan Public Library, 629 Poyntz Ave., Manhattan, KS, between December 7, 2009 and January 10, 2010 during open library hours. A signed entry form must be attached. For more information, contact Janene Hill at  785-776-4741. For more info, go here.

In Living Colour

A couple weeks ago I went to the Afro Punk show at the Black Cat, featuring Saul Williams and Living Colour. I wasn’t familiar with Williams’ music (amazing) and didn’t think I was particularly excited to see Living Colour despite having been a big fan during their heyday in the ’90s.

When Living Colour came onstage–eventually after several sound adjustments that smacked of primadonnaism–I was stunned. Everyone was. They opened their set with a so-so rendition of their Top 40 hit, “Cult of Personality” as a sort throwaway. That was bold. Really bold. Knowing that’s all most of the audience wanted to hear from the early/late 40s… rockers, they gave it away like it was a dime for a beggar. No big deal. Then they launched into their set with all the passion, energy and frenetic rage as when they first came out almost 20 years ago.

That’s right. “We’re still here!” Yes. And better than ever.

Stimulus Funds Helping DC Art Groups in a Pinch

This Washington Post article looks at how the stimulus funding has helped local art organizations to save or partially-fund critical positions. This is a really tough time for art groups and any little bit helps! Having worked at a museum, I know that when the funding gets cut and positions can’t be filled, trying to do your job, put on shows, and promote them on a shoestring is not only stressful, it often feels fruitless. I hope to see our economy rebound and for the focus on arts’ funding to increase. The arts are integral to the survival of our society, and they shouldn’t be overlooked.

Read the full article here.

IndiVisible: African-Native American Lives in the Americas

IndiVisible: African-Native American Lives in the Americas

On view through May 31, 2010

National Museum of the American Indian

National Mall, Washington, DC

This NMAI show “focuses on the interactions between African American and Native American people, especially those of blended heritage. It also sheds light on the dynamics of race, community, culture, and creativity, and addresses the human desires of being and belonging.”

View part of the exhibition online here.

DC Mural Project

Check out video about DC mural project. The District has invested funds in creating several public art projects over the year.

Watch the video here.

Chinese Art Market Needs More Regulation

I thought the video “Regulation needed in auction market” from CCTV.com raised some really interesting questions about the complications in the current Chinese art market — issues of authenticity of art works as well as inflated prices– that markets around the world are also struggling with. It seems that authenticity is an issue that big auction houses have been wrestling with for years and in China tons of fakes are flooding the market. Also, savvy collectors are buying up inventory and inflating prices. Watch the video here.

Also read: “Chinese Hairdresser Makes Hair His Art”

Classic Video: David Bowie’s Let’s Dance

I love this song and strange, sweaty video.

Video: Peace on Earth

Here is a video I put together about my summer trip to Tenerife, Canary Islands (Spain).