BloomBars 4th Bloom Presents Loide

Washington DC-based jazz vocalist Loide has roots in Mozambique and Guineau Bissau though born in Ambilly, France and raised California. Serving up a mix of contemporary jazz and warm afro-lusophone rhythms, Loide’s music is reflective of her own eclectic roots. An immigration attorney by day, she has spent the last 7 years honing her musical craft in some of the East Coasts hippest speakeasies and jazz clubs by night. Loide cites Sarah Vaughn, Cesaria Evora and Miriam Makeba as some her greatest musical influences, but believes it is her African heritage that has provided her with a fresh musical perspective, a unique sound, and her native tongue, Portuguese.

BloomBars 4th Bloom Presents Wayna

Wayna graces the stage for BloomBars 4th Bloom.

BloomBars 4th Bloom Presents Jason Jasper & Ayanna Gregory

When Jason and Ayanna come together on stage, something magical happens.

Washington Post: Arts Space Starting to Bloom

“The scene: When was the last time you went to a concert and were asked — no, make that told — to not only introduce yourself to someone new, but wrap your arms around that stranger and give them hug?

“If you haven’t been to BloomBars before,” John Chambers, owner of the new alternative arts space in Columbia Heights announces, “we have this tradition. Turn to the stranger standing next to you or near you and introduce yourself.” I say hello to Molly and Andrew, the couple standing on my right, and we agree we like the vibe of the place. “Now go on and hug them,” Chambers shouts. “That’s right: Hug them!”

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/11/06/AR2008110601091.html

Voice of America & TheRoot.com

BloomBars’ November 1st “Night of Music, Art & Inspiration to GET OUT THE VOTE” event with the African Diaspora for Obama was recently featured on Voice of America and TheRoot.com. Click HERE to take a special look at Africans who supported Obama’s quest for the presidency.

Additionally, read “Red State, Black Ties” at The Root:

http://www.theroot.com/id/48735

The Return Peace Corps Volunteers of Washington are proud to present screening and Director’s Q & A of War Dance, by Sean and Andrea Nix Fine, benefiting the Patongo Scholarship Fund.

Nominated in 2007 for an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature, War Dance follows the lives of three students at a refugee camp in Central Uganda, who compete in the National Music Competition. Read more…