Greetings (firstname,fallback=Bloomers),
I want to thank you all for supporting BloomBars and all of the resident artists being nurtured in its garden. The BloomBars’ Artist In Bloom residency has afforded me unprecedented opportunities to pursue artistic excellence on the world stage. It has brought to life the familiar adage, “Think globally. Act locally.”
Lions, Fires & Squares EP, which I am releasing on July 30th, is a colorful call-to-awareness for  women to recognize strength in beauty and beauty in strength. End to end, my music is the soundtrack to a Smart Chick’s busy day.
Smart Chicks is an organization I founded to bring visibility and leadership opportunities for women in the arts. I want my music to inspire other women and young girls to be creative, to demand and attain more from life, to understand the true meaning of love and compassion for self and community. The music is imaginative and potent. I’m excited for the world to fall in love with it.
I want to use my BloomBars residency to get young women curious about the creative process and to bring more SmartChicks into the BloomBars community to help cultivate that curiosity. I’ve said that I want to win a Grammy. I do. This is the motivation for that. For me, greater exposure to resources of the world means access to those resources for the aspiring artists in my community.
Be part of this electric moment! Support BloomBars.
Until soon, keep blooming,
Carolyn Malachi
Artist in Bloom Resident Fellow
Founder, Smart Chicks
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This Week at BloomBars:
Salsa — Samba — Improv — ‘A Honduran Coup’ Release Party — Handsome Pilgrims — Yoga & Pilates — Capoeira — Quotables — Poetry in the Morning & Poetry Writing — Oriental Dance — The Garden: Open Mic — Film: Black Gold
Blooming Soon
Harriett’s Girls Benefit Show — Massage by Mozart — Return of Mind Power — Upcoming Film Screenings at BloomBars
Bloom For Thought
Our weekly thought-provoking article or video about art, music, and creativity.
Bloom TV
One of the most recent videos from our artists or performers.
Bloom News
Terrence Cunningham Celebrates 1 Year Anniversary at BloomBars — Artist in Bloom HHP’s Walk — Call for Volunteers: Translators — Book Drive Continues On! — Don’t Forget Your BloomBucks
BloomBars Buzz Online
See what people are saying about BloomBars.
Discovering BloomBars
There are several ways to connect with BloomBars. See them all here.
About BloomBars
Learn what we’re all about.
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 Samba Class:
Thursdays at 7:00 pm
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 Learn Capoeira:
Saturdays at 11:00 pm
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 Oriental Dancing:
Mondays at 6:45 pm
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 The Garden Open Mic:
w/ Allantra Lewis
Monday at 8:30 pm
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Learn to Salsa!
Classes Every Wednesday!
Every Wednesday from 7:30 pm – 8:30 pm, come enjoy one of the most entertaining and social styles of dancing.
Rueda de Casino salsa was born in Cuba, transferred through Miami and is now growing everywhere. Unlike other dances, rueda is danced both as a group to universal calls and in couples allowing for various levels of interaction among the dancers.
Classes start at the basic level allowing everyone, including those without experience, the chance to learn and enjoy this art form. As the class progresses, intermediate, advanced, and master level moves will be introduced. Emphasis is placed on leading, following, learning calls and hand signals, and simply enjoying oneself.
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Celebrate comedy with Third Beat Improv, every Thursday!
Have A Laugh Every Thursday!
Third Beat Improv, Thursdays at 8:15 pm
Third Beat Improv is dedicated to celebrating the funny things that happen when people show humanity on stage.
At our performances, you might see Disney characters on break, our version of Nordstrom hell, or a father and son on a fishing trip.
Third Beat Improv’s commitment is to bring the sum total of our experiences to our presence on the stage. We want you to leave more inspired, to connect to more parts of yourself, and to an ever wider “audience” in your own life.
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A Honduran Coup: A Graphic History
Honduran Coup: A Graphic History Fundraiser
Friday, July 23rd from 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Join us for a fundraiser supporting the release of “A Honduran Coup: A Graphic History”.
On June 28th, 2009, the day Honduran President Manuel Zelaya had proposed to hold a non-binding public poll on a popular assembly, he was arrested by the armed forces and forcibly exiled to Costa Rica.
This comic follows Zelaya’s story from June 28th until his forced departure on Jan 27th, 2010, with a particular focus on the United States’ role in events. It also provides a graphic history of U.S. intervention in Central America over the past century, highlighting the link between U.S. military academies such as the School of the Americas and human rights abuses.
There will be graphic novels for purchase in both English and Spanish for $5.
- Date: Friday, July 23rd, 2010
- Time: 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
- Cost: $10 Donation
- RSVP on Facebook!
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Handsome Pilgrims
Friday, July 23rd from 10:00 pm – 12:00 am
Jim Osborn is an independent songwriter based out of Poughkeepsie, New York. Jim learned to perform, sing, and write while playing with rock trio, The Nuclear Suite, for several years, opening for such acts as Badfish and Joshua James, the latter of which would have a profound impact on future songwriting .
In the summer of 2008, with the Suite disbanded by necessity, Jim recorded his first full-length solo album, Always Toward the Sunlight. This predominantly acoustic recording (featuring three tracks with Elizabeth Knapp on piano and Justin Varuzzo on drums) introduced notable country and folk influences with a fresh balance between candid humor and cathartic poetry.
Though still performing solo, Jim can often now be seen with The Handsome Pilgrims, joined by Kristofer Giordano on percussion, Kevin Costigan on banjo/slide guitar/bass, and Shea Ratynski on accordion/melodica/bells/eccentricities. This group will be featured on most future recordings and tours, including all dates for Summer 2010.
- Date: Friday, July 23rd, 2010
- Time: 10:00 pm – 12:00 am
- Cost: $10 Suggested Donation
- RSVP On Facebook
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Yoga and Pilates with Kethia Clairvoyant
Saturdays and Sundays at 10:00 am
Looking for a way to start your morning off right and get in better shape?
BloomBars offers Yoga and Pilates classes every weekend. The best part? You don’t have to sign up for a gym membership and you still get small, personal classes with a certified expert!
Kethia Clairvoyant, BloomBars’ Certified Pilates and Yoga Instructor, is originally from Haiti and came to D.C. in 1996 to attend Georgetown University.
An ashtanga yoga practitioner since 2003, she developed an appreciation for mind-body-centered fitness. She then also became a regular Pilates student and enthusiast in 2004, thus leading her to becoming an instructor of both disciplines in 2006 through pHi Pilates and YogaFit.
She highly praises Pilates for its emphasis on functional movement and strengthening of the entire torso with intense concentration on the lower, intrinsic abdominal muscles.
By teaching and sharing yoga with others, Kethia sees and feels students, both novice and experienced, slowly begin to focus not only on the challenging postures but on initiating their movements with their breath. They begin to rediscover how to be centered and present, and reap some of yoga’s endless mental and physical therapeutic benefits.
- Yoga: Every Saturday at 10:00 am
- Pilates: Every Sunday at 10:00 am
- Suggested Donation: $10
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Quotables: A Live & Surreal Art Show
Saturday, July 24th at 6:00 pm
For the lovers of quotes and art, this is for you.
We’ll be taking some of the most amazing, random quotes on the planet – famous and obscure – and challenging really talented artists to do live, visual interpretations for an audience that hopefully includes you.
There’ll be local bands performing and a whole lot of colorful paint. Come out July 24th and experience “Quotables: A Live & Surreal Art Show” #2.
Quote Junkies & Art Monkeys Unite!
- Date: Saturday, July 24th, 2010
- Time: 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
- Cost: $7 Suggested Donation
- RSVP on Facebook
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Let your poems bloom, the fourth Monday of every month!
“Poet-Tree In Bloom” Writing Group
Monday, July 26th at 6:30 pm
Join us every fourth Monday of the month for Poet-Tree in Bloom, our new monthly poetry writing group.
We will plant the seeds for new poetry by free-writing using writing prompts, sharing our work, and getting some practice reading aloud.
BloomBars is a safe and encouraging space so don’t be shy, give it a try!
Please bring paper and pen!
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Join us to view and discuss “Black Gold”
BloomScreen Indie Film Night: “Black Gold”
Tuesday, July 27th at 6:30 pm
Black Gold tells the complex story behind an attempt to make globalization work for the producers of the second most valuable traded commodity for developing countries in the world: coffee.
Nowhere is the disparity of the coffee industry more evident than in Ethiopia, the birthplace of coffee. Tadesse Meskela manages the Oromia Coffee Farmers Cooperative Union, representing more than 74,000 coffee farmers. The union buys coffee from 101 individual cooperatives, spread across southern Ethiopia.
Black Gold follows Meskela on his mission to save struggling coffee farmers from bankruptcy. As his union’s farmers strive to harvest some of the highest quality coffee beans on the international market, Meskela travels the world to find buyers willing to pay a fair price — a better price than the one set by the international commodities exchange.
Please join us for a screening of “Black Gold” and a discussion afterwords with Sandra Taylor, CEO of Sustainable Business International.
A pioneer in the field of corporate social responsibility, Sandra Taylor has developed groundbreaking strategies and initiatives as a corporate executive for major global brands, including Starbucks. Taylor will be able to speak on her experience with Starbucks and its sustainability and fair trade record.
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See Allantra Lewis at The Garden on Monday Night!
The Garden: Open Mic featuring Allantra Lewis
Monday, July 26th at 9:00 pm
Join us on Monday to take the stage, show love from the audience, and hear our featured performer Allantra Lewis!
Allantra Lewis has graduated from Duke Ellington School of The Arts where she majored in Literary Media and Communications. She is attending the University of NC-Greensboro in the fall where she will major in English and minor in philosophy.
After winning the Horowitz Playerighting competition, her love of playwrighting was confirmed and she later wants to become a playwright.
Allantra has been featured at The Department of Justice’s Black History Month Poetry Event, Howard University’s ”DC Best Artists” event, National Aids Awarness “For the Love of You Event”, G.L.U Feature. Allantra dedicates everything that she has accomplished to her mother who taught her strength and independence as well as her father who is the smartest man she has ever known in her life.
- Date: Monday, July 26th, 2010
- Time: 8:30 pm – Signup list opens; 9:00 pm – Show Starts
- Cost: $5 Suggested Donation
- RSVP on Facebook
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Terrence Cunningham, Gary Prince, Zachery Cutler, and Dennis Akil Turner
If you were fortunate enough to be apart of the audience at BloomBars on last Sunday evening then you can attest to what experiencing an awesome display of musicianship is like. Local artist Terrence Cunningham celebrated his 1 year anniversary as a resident artist of BloomBars during his weekly hosted Seed the Sound Sunday concert series.
The celebration was packed to nearly standing room only and was full of musical prowess. The evening began with the recognition the following students as graduates of this session’s Guitars not Guns class: Milan Girsson, Ronald Harrod, Simon O’Sullivan, Heava (Eva) Sigo, Thomas Townsend, Danny and Rolf Fanord. These amazing kids demonstrated how a little and a lot of hard work can pay off in regards to making great music.
The stage was host to local musical greats such as Carolyn Malachi who delighted the audience with a sneak preview of her latest album, “Lions, Fires & Squares” which is amazing by the way.
Grammy nominated and DC native, Christylez Bacon also performed alongside David James of NDelible. James’ melodic rasp coupled with the vocalized instrumentation of Bacon’s larynx made for a delicious feast for the ears.
The highlight of the evening, though, was when the honoree took the stage. At first glance, one would think that this tiny framed young man would be good for maybe a couple nice croons and a ballad. That notion was quickly dispelled as soon as he and his band revved up their musical engines and took the audience for a fascinating ride.
Also note worthy is that unlike a typical spotlight hogging front man of a group, Cunningham introduced the members of his band as well as allotted them individual show and tell time to display why each of them is rightfully apart of this musical workshop of wonders.
Steve Johnson beat those drums arguably better than any soundboard could have electronically produced the beats, Zachery Cutler just might be Jimi Hendrix reincarnated. If Johnny Cash had declared a successor before his passing, certainly it would have been Gary Prince and the best physical interpretation of the lyrics to Roberta Flack’s “Killing Me Softly” is undoubtedly any chords that Dennis Akil Turner plucks on his bass.
Thunderous applause was well received by Cunningham after each song selection. It seems that the house favorite was his cover of Prince’s “How Come U Don’t Call Me Anymore.” That rendition would definitely have been well praised at the past BET Awards, which recently honored the legend with a Lifetime Achievement Award.
Anyone who wasn’t present on this historical night at Bloombars truly missed out on a treat. Don’t be too upset though because Cunningham regularly hosts Seed the Sound Sunday at Bloombars every Sunday evening from 8:30-10:00 pm.
It’s nice to know that in a world full of auto-tuned tyrants and lip-synched pop divas, there is still a remnant of real life musicians.
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Artist in Bloom Resident Fellow HHP will soon be walking across Africa.
The Hip Hop star is going on a 6-month walk – all the way from Mafikeng in the North West of South Africa up to Nairobi, in Kenya
By Louise McAuliffe, Times Live South Africa
Enthused by the concept of uniting Africa, Jabulani Tsambo aka HHP, is taking 6 months out of his schedule to take a thought- provoking journey through part of the continent.
“I refer to my journey as Daraja, which means ‘bridge’ in Swahili. I want to build a bridge and unite African countries as I travel through them,” said Tsambo.
Tsambo, who is planning to embark on this journey in March 2012, still has to map out his route and sort out the political logistics such as getting through border posts.
“I am giving myself 6 months to complete the journey as anything can happen on the way. I could get injured, get blisters on my feet, or I could fall ill and be bedridden for weeks or whatever. Even though these things could happen, I want more than anything for this be an adventure.”
WHY IS HHP TAKING THIS PATH?
“I am firstly inspired by my grandfather who walked from Mozambique to South Africa. It took him about a month to do this – and now all of my family, so many of us, are descendant from him and living here in SA. I am living proof of that and who knows what this walk could do for many other Africans.
“Another reason that I want to do this is to highlight the fact that most people in Africa speak and understand Swahili – it is kind of the ‘English’ of Africa. We really should be starting to learn our own languages.”
And in January this year, HHP, as part of a cultural exchange programme, committed to ‘paying it forward’ by performing at a BloomBars Benefit function in New York to raise funds to support up-and-coming artists plus create an awareness of different cultures in the music industry.
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Ayúdanos en traducir BloomBars a español.
¿Se habla español?
BloomBars Seeks Spanish-Speaking Volunteers
You probably have already experienced BloomBars in some way – taking a dance class, attending a performance, viewing an art opening.
We’d like to extend our reach in the community to include everyone, including our Spanish-speaking neighbors (literally and figuratively – we love our neighbors at El Rinconcito Deportivo!)
If you, or someone you know, has a few hours each week to spend translating our newsletter, website, and other materials, please email info@bloombars.com
Y por favor, manda esta email a todos tus amigos que pueden ayudar.
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BloomBars proudly donates the first book, “Olu’s Dream” to the book drive. Now it’s your turn!
Let Your Old Books Bloom Anew!
In partnership with Mahogany Books, BloomBars is calling for book donations from area residents to increase access to literature and foster a love of books among local youth.
Beginning July 24th, the largest distribution of books will be conducted at the family friendly Capital Hip Hop Soul Fest, where area youth are encouraged to come out and choose their very own book to take home with them. At the event, popular authors such as publishing powerhouse Jessica Tilles will also be onsite to autograph their books and meet the community.
Friends of BloomBars are urged to clean off their shelves and donate new and gently used children’s books at the BloomBars drop box in the second floor gallery before the drive ends!
Book categories include fiction, board books, educational workbooks, biography, science, math, and art.
For supporters unable to drop off books at the area sites, they can simply log on to Mahogany Books for more details about donate online donations.
BloomBars proudly donates the first book, “Olu’s Dream” to the book drive. Now it’s your turn!
Visit Mahogany Books for more info!
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Check the menu and get directions here.
Don’t Forget Your BloomBucks!
BloomBars is proud to announce a partnership with Columbia Heights’ newest restaurant, Social, at 14th & Meridian, NW.
Recognizing all that we’re doing to support the growth of artists and the arts in DC, Social is teaming up with BloomBars to support your bloom, our bloom, and their bloom:
Hand a BloomBucks card (available at BloomBars) to your server at Social, and 15% of your bill comes back to support programs at BloomBars. It’s that easy!
Learn more about Social’s involvement in the community arts scene, and their amazing food and drinks.
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Help Harriet’s Girls Travel to South Africa!
Artist Showcase to Send Harriet’s Girls to South Africa
Saturday July 31st from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Harriet’s Girls Inc. focuses on empowering girls across all economic levels. Harriet’s Girls Inc provides enrichment classes, scholarships, workshops, and missionary assignments to allow the girls to blossom, while assisting those who are less fortunate.
Middle School and High School Students from various backgrounds work together to learn that everyone has gifts to share with others. This gap-bridging measure forms natural bonds between girls from different backgrounds, allowing the youth to understand and appreciate diversity.
We are raising money for our 2010 South Africa Mission Trip!
This will be our fourth mission assignment, and with your support we can continue to make a difference. We have been successful in the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, and Trinidad, and know we will be a blessing to the people we serve in South Africa. Several artists from the BloomBars community will be showcasing the talents for a wonderful cause.
Help send Harriet’s Girls to South Africa!
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Massage by Mozart Kicks Off on Tuesday, August 3rd!
Live Classical Musicians + Licensed Massage Therapists = Bliss.
Our first “Massage by Mozart” session has been rescheduled for August.
Stop by BloomBars to release your built-up stress on the first Tuesday of every month. Relax as a licensed massage therapist works out those knots in brief seated massage sessions.
Let the soothing sounds of classical music, played by esteemed classical musicians from the Capital City Symphony, melt away your remaining troubles.
Kim Washington is leading the (seated) massage therapy team. When she’s not hosting “Soul Conversations” on WPFW-FM or “Joe’s Place” on WHUR-FM, she healing people through her gift of massage therapy. Kimberly Washington is a dynamic therapist who incorporates a balanced approach to bodywork, giving a massage that leaves her clients feeling relaxed, as well as renewed.
We’re looking for more therapists with seated massage tables, and talented classical musicians. If you, or someone you know, is interested, please contact us at: info@BloomBars.com
- Date: Tuesday, August 3rd, 2010
- Time: 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm
- Suggested Donation: Reasonable prices depending on length of massage
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BloomScreen Indie Film Night
Each week, join fellow film buffs for a screening followed by a discussion with talking points about the film.
We’re also working to bring in filmmakers, directors, and subject matter experts whenever possible to aid in discussions and answer your questions.
All films start at 6:30 pm. Here are the upcoming films:
Have a suggestion for a film? Know a local filmmaker who wants to screen their work? Want to lend a hand? Email info@bloombars.com
Mind Power Returns with Flex Matthews on September 7th!
The Return of ‘Mind Power!’
Back on September 7th with Flex Matthews
The first Tuesday of every month is Mind Power, two-hour freestyle obstacle course open to MCs, producers, poets and singers who wish to sharpen their ability to spontaneously create while helping to unify a gifted music and freestyle community looking for space to be embraced.
During this workshop, different exercises are given as challenges to the group by the new host, Flex Matthews.
As the exercises are introduced, every participant takes his/her turn at freestyling about the given topic or exercise.
BloomBars is the place. Open and appropriate for all ages.
- Date: Starting September 7th, then the First Tuesday of Every Month
- Time: 9:30 pm – 11:30 pm
- Cost: $10 Suggested Donation
- RSVP on Facebook
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“Images can be powerful in people’s understanding of themselves and each other.”
Thelma Golden: How art gives shape to cultural change
Thelma Golden, curator at the Studio Museum in Harlem, talks through three recent shows that explore how art examines and redefines culture.
The “post-black” artists she works with are using their art to provoke a new dialogue about race and culture — and about the meaning of art itself.
View Thelma Golden’s talk on art’s role in cultural change at TED.
About Thelma Golden
Opening minds and showcasing new voices — it’s all part of the job description for Studio Museum in Harlem executive director Thelma Golden.
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Bloom in Your Room
We know that you can’t spend all your life at BloomBars (although it seems like some of you try!). Tune into BloomTV and experience our growth and creativity
This Week on BloomTV:
Preview Carolyn Malachi’s “Lions, Fires & Squares EP”
Release Party & After-Party Fete – Friday, July 30th
Carolyn Malachi is celebrating the release of her Lions, Fires, & Squares EP Release on Friday, July 30, 2010 at U St Music Hall!
Join Carolyn to kick off her latest album with world grooves by The Pinstriped Rebel, appearances by DC’s Taratibu Youth Association, and DJ Heat.
The party starts at 7:00 pm! Tickets are available at the door & cost $10. A portion of the proceeds will support the Taratibu Youth Association and BloomBars, two arts non-profits based in Washington, DC.
Afterwards, relax at the Post-Party Fete at Social on 14th & Meridian in NW. Bring your BloomBucks!
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 Preview Carolyn’s Lions, Fires, & Squares EP!
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We Hear You!
Thank you to our supportive community for all your interaction, questions, and feedback!
Keep up the chatter, and let us know what you think of BloomBars on Twitter and Facebook.
 Facebook Comment of the Week:
Ashira Malka:
Had a really great time at the open mic last night! Thank you. 
 Twitter Comments of the Week:
@mialechique:
at @BloomBars! Good show by The Fall Catalogue!
@owise:
“Sounds like morning glory!  ) -> RT @BloomBars Poetry in the morning Monday at 7:30am! Better than a wheat grass shot. Better than coffee.”
@GoldenSpirited
Hmm…what poem should I perform tonight at @BloomBars?
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Image courtesy flickr user Pak Gwei
Show Us Your BloomBars!
Add your Photos to the BloomBars Flickr Pool!
We know that you’re capturing some of the magic that happens here… Share the love!
Add photos to our Flickr photo pool, and we will choose the best to hang on the walls of BloomBars. The top 25 photos each month will also be featured on our website.
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Stay up-to-date on all BloomBars events
There’s so much going on at BloomBars! We hope that you can find the time to stop in and say hello. Wanna schedule a visit? Here are some useful links for you to bookmark:
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BloomBars is a not for profit arts organization that seeks to unite and inspire communities through the arts while nurturing artists committed to serving the community. With events, classes and programming around music, visual arts, film, dance, theater, and more, our goal is personal and collective growth.
We strive to create a larger platform for grassroots artists to have their voices heard across the globe. BloomBars redefines the traditional perception of a bar: we don’t serve alcohol and encourage all ages to attend our events, to create more meaningful human connections.
Learn more about BloomBars’ mission and vision.
Got an idea for BloomBars? Want to get involved? Email us: info@bloombars.com.
BloomBars runs on support from friends like you!
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