Prince of Petworth

“Overall, my first experience at Bloombars was really a positive one. Chambers has put together a place that is not only fun but inspirational, an oasis of color to rejuvenate those who have become weary of every day living. I would definitely go back again for the next event, anxious to reload on good vibes, and, dare I say it, good energy….”

http://www.princeofpetworth.com/?p=3467

Washington Post: Going Out Gurus

We all can get a little negative, cynical and snarky sometimes. (Only sometimes.) And it’s good to know that not everyone is as hardened as us. Take the Makepeace Brothers, a winsome family duo/trio/quartet that proves it’s possible to be upbeat and positive without turning into some freaking Radio Disne– whoops. There we go again. Sorry. Hailing from Ithaca, N.Y., the Makepeace boys play a clean, stripped down mix of folk, Americana and acoustic ’60s-inflected rock and blue-eyed soul, pulling in elements of Simon and Garfunkel and Van Morrison, all the way up to Jack Johnson and Jason Mraz. (The Makepeaces just got off a nationwide tour with the latter.) Tight, gorgeous harmonies, nod-along guitar shuffles, even whistling — the Makepeace Brothers do it all with smiles on their faces, while dropping advice on how to “Treat Her Right.” (Hint: It’s about playing and talking and listening, not just flowers and chocolates.) Yeah, okay, it’s all very hippie for the aughties, but it comes across as completely sincere, which is something we could all use a lot more of. The Makepeace brothers take the stage at BloomBars, a new performance space in Columbia Heights, at 9 p.m. tonight. A $5 donation is requested to help the musicians keep the gas tank full and to help the venue pay its electric bill.

http://blog.washingtonpost.com/goingoutgurus/2008/07/nightlife_agenda_19.html#sat

BloomBars 3rd Bloom Presents The Makepeace Brothers, Sarah Fridrich, Zimm, Regan Carver & Ramia Badris

Watch a performance from the 3rd Bloom featuring The Makepeace Brothers, Sarah Fridrich, Zimm and saxophonist Regan Carver, as well as the art of Ramia Badris, all from the 3rd Bloom on 8/2/08.

Hello Friends and Neighbors,

I want to thank those of you who were able to come to the Third Bloom of BloomBars. Every bloom has been special since we opened our doors on June 25th, but Saturday night stood out for its magic, energy, and a band that made you dance and touch your heart and consciousness at the same time.

Ramia Badris brought her cheerful smile, and through her vivid and powerful art (that will remain for sale for the next two weeks until she goes back to school), connected us to the beauty and harsh realities of her native Iraq.

Guitars in hand, Sarah Friedrich and Zimm were an amazing duo on the sidewalk and individual forces on the microphone–with background images eerily mirroring their words to music video effect (That was not planned!).

And did I mention the Makepeace Brothers? If you missed it, that’s their real last name. With their “Vote With Your Dollar” campaign, this peace loving band for the 21st Century is sure have a positive impact on the world and inspire us to be mindful of our own impact on the environment. Makepeace Bothers’ self-titled album is a must buy and available on their website www.makepeacebrothers.com . We definitely have these guys back soon. Oh, and can’t forget Makepeace childhood friend Regan Carver who played with the band for the first time and lit it up on the sax!

Again, thank you for joining us, for hugging a stranger on request, for dancing, and for taking the time to sign our email list; If you are not on the list, please do so on our website bloombars.com. Soon we will begin to  provide you with regular updates on our expanding programming and a little advance notice of the next bloom. If at any time you want off the list please let us know, no worries, you can still be a part our growing neighborhood family.

And we are growing…with you, the artists, activists, and change agents we celebrate at 3222 11th Street. You can’t miss it….it’s marked with our mantra…You Bloom. We Bloom.

BB

btw, we’ve got a great recap video of the evening on the website and we plan to post additional interviews and performances periodically, so keep checking back.