Dear Friend of BloomBars,
This past year as a resident artist at BloomBars has been an invaluable experience. I have been privileged to entertain, meet, fellowship, and learn from so many different types of audiences. What I admire most about BloomBars is the family atmosphere. Whether there were 5 or 50 in the room, I’ve always felt at home and appreciated with warm applause and beautiful smiles.
As an artist, I feed off of the energy of the audience. Contrary to popular belief, it is we, the artists, who are apprehensive, self-conscious, unsure, and a little timid, though the audience may never realize it. The great thing about BloomBars is the audience’s eagerness and desire for great art which makes performing and sharing easy. Never have I felt so secure in my gifts than at BloomBars.
I recall when we had the blizzard which amassed nearly 4ft of snow, yet we still met at BloomBars, and there was an audience. What other artist space has such a positive stamp in the community?
While at BloomBars, I’ve been afforded the opportunity to work with many local, national, and international singers, poets, artists, actors, and musicians. There are far too many to name, so to avoid leaving anyone out, I won’t. Nevertheless, I was given the opportunity to tour in South Africa because of a meeting of the artistic minds with a fellow artist and I, who I met at BloomBars — an experience I will never forget.
BloomBars has made it possible for me to be a motivational speaker to our city’s youth, encouraging the young people to follow their heart’s truest desire, and to know that all is possible.
I always say, “If you can perform acoustic music well, you are a true artist.” During my year residency at BloomBars, every Sunday night, I performed with just a Fender Rhodes (electric piano.) It was just me, my instrument, a mic, and the audience. I am so very indebted to BloomBars and the BloomBars family for giving me the chance to mold, sharpen, build, and work toward perfecting my craft. It is easier to perform in front of thousands than it is to perform in front of a few. No lasers, no dancers, no flashing lights, just the audience and me.
There are too many things to say about this artistic sanctuary called BloomBars. To John Chambers, every volunteer, every artist, and every supporter, I say I love you and thank you for giving this artist the platform to share his heart’s desire, to share music that changes lives.
My dear friends, I pray great health, wealth, and wellness to you all.
Yours artistically,
Terrence Cunningham
Artist in Bloom Resident Fellow
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 Yoga:
Saturdays at 10:00 am
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 Tap Dancing:
Wednesdays at 6:30 pm
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 Pilates:
Sundays at 10:00 am
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 Poetry in the Morning:
Mondays at 7:30 am
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BloomScreening: “Harlem’s Mart 125″
Friday, July 9th at 7:00 pm
Harlem’s Mart 125: the American Dream is a documentary film about the history of Mart 125 and how it correlates to the “revitalization” of 125th street, Harlem’s main commercial sector.
This film takes its viewers on a historical journey which depicts the economic transition of 125th street from the late 1960′s to present day. Mart 125 is used as a metaphor which examines the plague of perplexities that surround this unique black community and its relationship with the plans of urban renewal from a commercial standpoint.
Harlem’s Mart 125: the American Dream portrays a microcosmic analysis of the displacement of Black American communities today. This is a story that takes an introspective look at the changing face of the most well-known African American neighborhood and a complexity of issues that surround this community in peril!
Preview the movie at Harlem’s Mart 125 documentary online.
- Date: Friday, July 9th, 2010
- Time: 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
- Suggested Donation: $5 to keep the lights on at BloomBars
- RSVP on Facebook
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Seed the Sound: Anniversary Celebration
Terrence Cunningham Completes 1 year at BloomBars
This Sunday, come to Seed the Sound to celebrate artist-in-bloom resident fellow Terrence Cunningham’s 1 year anniversary.
Terrence has been cranking it out every single week the past year, developing his unique alternative soul songs along the way. His progress has been amazing.
Join us next week to take it up a notch, celebrate the past year, and hear from some special guests, including Christylez Bacon.
- Date: Sunday, July 11th, 2010
- Time: 8:30 pm to 10:30 pm
- Suggested Donation: $5
- RSVP on Facebook
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Big Poppa E visits The Garden this Monday!
The Garden: Open Mic – Monday at 9:00 pm!
Featuring Big Poppa E and Shahid Buttar
BIG POPPA E is a three-time veteran of HBO’s award-winning “Def Poetry” showcase and a National Poetry Slam Champion from Austin, Texas.
His live performances combine performance-based poetry, stand-up comedy, and dramatic monologue into high-energy rants about relationships, pop culture, and hot-button issues of the day
BPE’s work often covers areas of gender, sexuality and masculinity with a playful irreverence, and this focus has led to a growing following amongst high school and college students, especially those active in speech competitions.
SHAHID BUTTAR is a civil rights lawyer, hip-hop & electronica MC, independent columnist, non-profit leader, grassroots community organizer, singer, dancer, and poet.
His debut CD, Get Outta Your Chair, was released in 2008 and features music from the funk, blues, hip-hop, house, drum ‘n bass, and South Asian fusion traditions, including Bumpin’ in My SUV and the Baghdad Blues.
- Date: Monday, July 12th, 2010
- Time: 8:30 pm to 11:00 pm
- Suggested Donation: $5
- RSVP on Facebook
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Learn to Salsa!
Classes Every Wednesday!
Every Wednesday from 7:30 pm – 8:30pm, 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.
- Date: Wednesdays, starting July 7th, 2010
- Time 7:30 pm – 8:30 pm
- Suggested Donation: $10 to support BloomBars and the instructor
- Learn More
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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.
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.
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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Columbia Heights Arts Survey
This past week, our BloomBars interns went out on the street to survey the people of Columbia Heights.
“What art programs would you like to see in Columbia Heights?”
While most people usually avoid street canvassers, when citizens heard our one question survey, many turned around and immediately answered our question. Most of the people we asked seemed concerned with the lack of artistic outlets in the city, especially for children.
While most people we questioned had more than one suggestion, the majority of people asked wanted more theatre: anything from comedy to drama.
Interviewees also wanted more activities that included the family, and allowed them to express their creativity together.
Learn more about our Survey and answer our online poll at the BloomBars website.
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 What arts programs would you like to see in Columbia Heights? See what people said!
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Shops like these in the UK are becoming community spaces for residents to connect over art and hobbies.
The “Empty Shops Network” seeks to fill vacant buildings, left due to economic hardship and increased competition from “big box” stores, with community art spaces.
In the US, desolate buildings stand alone, shells of the thriving local businesses that they once were. In some cases, developers never saw the problems coming, and brand-new strip malls and parking lots are standing vacant.
You can see this to some extent in the BloomBars neighborhood of Columbia Heights: How long have some stores in the DCUSA mall been “For Lease” with no signs of progress?
In the UK, one man is taking action to build a stronger community while making use of vacant space. From the GOOD article, “Colonizing England’s Vacant Shops:”
“For Dan Thompson, helping to get empty shops back into action has become a full-time job. The founder of the Empty Shops Network, Thompson says that the United Kingdom has seen a surge in pop-up shops, galleries, and community spaces that tap into a wider national mood: ‘There’s a DIY movement going on with more and more people setting up their own events … you get knitting groups setting up in pubs and cafes, [gardening] groups, people are really engaging with their local community. It’s a huge shift in the national culture.’
At the moment, such projects are usually temporary and are run for the love, not the money. But Thompson wants to go further than this: ‘We are aiming for a degree of financial sustainability. I’ve always believed in fair trade for artists,’ he says. ‘In the U.K. lots of people still want artists to do things for free, for exposure. You wouldn’t ask a plumber to work for free. You have to pay artists and creative people.’”
BloomBars was created from a vacant building, and although it can’t take credit for reinvigorating Columbia Heights, we like to think it helps make the community stronger through the arts – much like the Empty Shops Network does for towns in the UK.
Read more about the Empty Shops Network on GOOD.
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Next Session of Cipherstock is July 15th!
Sleeper Cell Productions and BloomBars present:
Cipherstock, a monthly fusion of the cipher and the jam session.
Every Third Thursday at 8:30 pm:
Next session is July 15th
Suggested donation: $7
For three hours, musicians can set up on BloomBar’s stage and jam. Backline (drum kit, percussion, amps) is provided so all you have to bring is your instrument of choice! A microphone is provided for emcees to freestyle. There’s no competition, no pressure, and no fee to participate– Just musicians of all kinds engaging in free-form creative expression. This event is open to the general public to watch and participate!
Because BloomBars is a community stage, the only strict rule we must follow is: No Swearing! This is an all ages event so please keep that in mind.
RSVP on Facebook!
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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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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:
You’ve heard us make the Karma Kitchen pitch if you’ve been to BloomBars. It’s a really amazing place that shares our values.
Our most memorable moment happened last September on Adams Morgan Day. There was a big event at BloomBars on Saturday night. We gathered performers and friends to introduce them to the love at Karma Kitchen.
We were so moved by the meal and the environment, Shane W. Evans, who was visiting from Kansas City, offered to play a song he recently wrote on top of a mountain in Botswana.
It was a song that would be the perfect serenade for our new family at Karma Kitchen, especially since the group was mostly musicians from all over the country. This was the first time they had all come together and performed. It was a moment that will be frozen in time forever.
See how BloomBars and Karma Kitchen are connecting, in the Community Profile presentation below!
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 BloomBars is teaming up with Karma Kitchen – click to view the interactive presentation!
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We hear you!
More & more positive support for BloomBars on the web. You guys are great! Keep up the chatter, and let us know what you think of BloomBars on Twitter and Facebook.
 Facebook Comment of the Week:
Saffron Holiday:
Thanks DC! And a big thank you to BloomBars. BloomBars is uniting communities through the arts and is inspiring communities to strive for progress. Please consider supporting the movement.
 Twitter Comments of the Week:
@leilaadu:
Hey hey-I’m at @BloomBars: in DC in the green room (well, it is more a kind of mustard colour) about to rock at 8.30pm & 10pm with @Muthawit
@Sim1OnThaRun:
“@BloomBars: for the first time (so embarrassed! Sorry, neighbor.) w/ @Carolyn_Malachi and @hollybassdc this space ROCKS. Building here soon!”
@Pagesofle
At The Garden Open Mic in @BloomBars 3222 11th st NW DC featuring wit DC Team.
@SheedEmilio
3222 11th st NW. @BloomBars is where I am! Come support the DC slam team!
@13ofNazareth
in The Garden @BloomBars for feature w/ DC Slam Team
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Image courtesy flickr user blinkofaneye
Show Us Your BloomBars!
We want your photos…
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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BloomBars proudly supports the following local organizations:
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past year, developing his unique alternative soul songs along the way.
Improv:
