Interview with John Chambers, Founder and Executive Gardener of BloomBars by 365 Things to Do in DC

BloomBars is a non-profit community arts space that redefines the concept of a bar, nurturing artists through live music, visual arts, dance, live performances, spoken word, youth programs, and more. BloomBars is open to all ages, and does not serve alcohol.

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Q: Please share with us your inspiration for founding BloomBars.

A: BloomBars was founded on a belief that art and artists have the power to transform communities and alter the way individuals think, feel, and experience the world.

The inspiration happened in the years leading up to the last presidential election. There was a sense that something radically different was needed to unite and inspire a diverse and demographically shifting Washington, D.C., my hometown for the last 18 years, as well as in communities across the globe.

Rather than trying to “sell” BloomBars, we did no marketing, and instead, let people discover our wide open doors. We invite our friends, neighbors, and fans to engage in the community and be pushed outside the comfortable boxes, cliques, and identities we too often get stuck in.

It’s a place for creative expression, honest conversation, personal health and wellness, and entertainment in a rich cultural environment. It’s been a slow growth, but our patience is paying off as we move closer to sustainability. Every day, we hear stories from people who have had some moving experiences as a result of being apart of our community.

And we’ve had a front row seat watching our Artist in Bloom Resident Fellows bloom beyond imagination.

Q: We’ve heard terrific things about Bloom Screen Indie Film Night, can you tell us more about it?

A: We’re very excited about Bloom Screen Indie Film Night. It represents the significant efforts of a team of curators led by Artist in Bloom film resident, Julie Espinosa.

Every Tuesday from 6:30pm to 8:30pm, we screen local, independent, foreign and documentary films. The screening is followed by a discussion with the filmmaker, subject matter expert, or a person connected with the film.

We’re also excited about a new collaboration with POV, the award-winning independent nonfiction film series on PBS.

Q: BloomBars is a non-profit and does not charge its patrons, how do you manage to continually deliver such great events?

A: Good question. It is certainly a challenge, but we believe that cultural shifts in behavior can happen over time if we effectively communicate our value, and help folks understand that a donation is an investment in their growth, and the community’s growth—like our tag,”You Bloom. We Bloom.”

You wouldn’t ask a bartender for a free drink. Of course, we’re not a bar that serves alcohol—but we still say “value what is served, or serve something you value.” That being said, we’re learning, evolving, and excited to develop new partnerships with organizations in the DC community to promote grassroots arts.

Q: What type of role will BloomBars play in this year’s, Columbia Heights Day on Aug. 28th?

A: We have a full day (and night) of programming in store for Columbia Heights Day from 9am until 6:30am the next morning!

We’ll have classes in belly dancing, yoga, samba, and capoeira; Storytime for BabyBloomers; The Garden: Open Mic; a Cuban Salsa Party; live music by Amber Dutton and Gregg Hammond; and Sunrise Cinema- movies from 2:30pm to 6:30am to give people a place to rest and relax rather than potentially drink and drive.

From 1pm to 5pm, the Columbia Heights Media Project will also be interviewing community members as part of its effort to both inspire interaction among residents and tell important stories that might otherwise be left untold.

View the full schedule of events and RSVP here!

Q: We’ve seen your videos on BloomTV and some of us get The WeeklyBloom,how can our readers get on your mailing list?

A: You can keep updated and follow our stories by visiting our Facebook page, where you can Like BloomBars and sign-up for The WeeklyBloom, our newsletter. You can watch BloomTV on YouTube and talk to us directly on Twitter

Q: If any of our readers are interested in volunteering for Bloombars who should they contact?

A: BloomBars is run by volunteers and wecould always use more help! Contact our volunteer coordinator, Nilanga Jayasinghe, at nilanga (at) bloombars (d0t) com.

Q: What is your favorite Thing to do in DC?

A:  My favorite thing to do in DC is witness and participate in the creation of art of all types: dance, music, visual art, film. And if we could put an addendum to that question, “secret favorite thing to do in DC,” that would be watching planes take-off and land while sitting on the old bridge next to the Key Bridge in Georgetown. By far the best sunset watching!

Special Thanks to 365 Things to Do in DC!

*Poetry in the Morning*. Bring whatever you’d like to read for this eye-opening event. As host Dejean says, “Whatever you have to say, before work and school, on a Monday, is poetry.” Beginning March 15, Mondays from 7:30 to 8:15 a.m. (Yes, that’s a.m.) Bloombars. 3222 11th St NW. 202-285-0448. http://www.bloombars.com. *Free.*

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/03/04/AR2010030402003.html

Article Source: http://www.ontaponline.com/view_article.php?article_id=11754

Article Source: http://www.ontaponline.com/view_article.php?article_id=11767

Article on AllHipHip.com : http://allhiphop.com/stories/breedingground/archive/2010/01/21/22103006.aspx

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For Immediate Release:                                                               Contact: John R. Chambers
January 12th, 2010                                                                                             917.828.5885

SOUTH AFRICAN HIP-HOP ICON MAKES FIRST VISIT TO U.S. TO RAISE AWARENESS

ABOUT HIV/AIDS AND SUPPORT FOR ARTS EDUCATION INITIATIVES

WASHINGTON, DC – On January 15^th, 2010, Hip Hop Pantsula (HHP), also known as Jabba, one of South Africa’s leading Hip Hop artists for the last decade, will arrive in Washington, D.C. for a two-week “Artist-In-Bloom” residency at BloomBars, a Washington-based non-profit organization that works to inspire and unite communities through the arts while nurturing artists committed to serving the community.

The goal of the residency is to build a bridge between Hip-Hop communities in South Africa and the United States and promote cross-cultural awareness about critical issues affecting those communities, namely HIV/AIDS prevention and awareness, diabetes, and arts education. In addition to performances and workshops at BloomBars and other venues in Washington, D.C. and New York, Jabba will spend much of his time speaking at high schools, juvenile detention facilities, and lecturing at colleges and universities. Many of events will feature youth presenting their programs to Jabba.

Throughout the residency, Jabba will be traveling and collaborating with Gabriel “Asheru” Benn, a widely acclaimed Hip-Hop artist, educator, youth activist, and recipient of a prestigious Peabody Award. As an Artist-in-Bloom Resident Fellow, Asheru will serve as Jabba’s guide and ambassador to the larger Hip-Hop and education communities.

Jabba is slated to meet and/or perform with a host of Hip Hop artists including, KRS-One, Black Sheep, Brand Nubian, Dead Prez, Pharaoh Monarch, and Jean Grae, among many others. Jabba’s will also attend the BET Honors awards ceremony hosted by Gabrielle Union, honoring Whitney Houston, Queen Latifah, Sean “Diddy” Combs, educator Ruth Simmons, and world-renowned neurosurgeon Keith Black. Jennifer Hudson, Mary J. Blige, India.Arie, Patti LaBelleand ELEW are slated to pay tribute.

January 15^th will also mark the release a of supplemental reading workbook featuring the lyrics of a collaboration between Jabba and Hip-Hop icon Nas, who appears on Jabba’s latest album, “Dumela”, released in October this year. The workbook is one of a series developed by Asheru that use Hip-Hop lyrics to help students of all ages improve reading and critical analysis and teachers improve literacy instruction. Since 2005, Asheru’s Hip-Hop Education Literacy Program (HELP) has partnered with dozens of recording artists, including Common, Jay-Z, Kanye West, KRS-1, Nas, and Rakim. In 2008, HELP received a letter of endorsement from then Senator Barack Obama. Today, HELP can be found in classrooms across the country. Asheru and Jabba will use the workbooks in their meetings with students.

“We invited Hip Hop Pantsula because of his tremendous accomplishments as a recording artist and his selfless commitment to serving his community,” said John R. Chambers, founder of BloomBars. “This is a rare opportunity for two communities on two continents to explore the roots of their music—each contributing to the evolution of the other—and its impact on society. The Artist-in-Bloom Residency Program is designed to identify and cultivate artists who will represent and advance the belief that art and artists have the power to transform people, communities, and the world. It also helps artists learn how to be entrepreneurs and leaders in their communities.

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“We’re on a mission to break down borders, break down barriers, and break down stereotypes,” said Jabba, who was hailed as the “Illest lyricist” by Wyclef Jean at the MTV Africa Music Awards (MAMA) where he won Best Video of The Year. “When I learned about BloomBars, and the work Asheru was doing with HELP, I knew we had to make this connection across the pond. We share so many of the same challenges, it’s about time we share solutions.”

“We grew up hearing about Steven Biko and Nelson Mandela,” said Asheru. “I’m excited to learn how that experience has shaped the evolution of Hip-Hop in South Africa. And I’m sure Jabba is excited to learn more about the roots of his chosen craft and meet some of its founders.”

All Artist-in-Bloom Resident Fellows will also perform and participate in activities with Jabba and Asheru, including Terrence Cunningham, Jabari Exum, Carolyn Malachi, and Gary Prince. The District of Columbia Commission on the Arts & Humanities has also lent it support to residency program.

A film crew will be following the duo as a part of a documentary film project.  In addition, BET International will produce a special segment on Jabba’s visit. Highlights the first week include:

• Sunday, January 17^th (8:00pm) – Jabba and Asheru’s first performance at BloomBars. In addition to Artist-in-Bloom Resident Fellow, special guests include Fly Gypsy and Ayanna Gregory.

• Monday, January 18^th – MLK Day, (11:00am-5:00pm) –Silver Spring youth activists with the Gandhi Brigade (GB) will discuss how they use multi-media to document the loss of public space in their communities (11:00am). Asheru and Jabba will lead the group in writing raps songs about Dr. King and his legacy (12:00pm).  GB will screen a documentary (1:00pm) and lead a mobile mural painting project (2:00pm).  Through her organization, Smart Chicks, Inc., Carolyn Malachi will lead local DC artists and community members in a clothing drive, writing workshop, letter wring campaign, and video shoot (3:00pm).

• Wednesday, January 20^th (7:00pm) – Jabba and Asheru will also be performing at a Hip Hop for Diabetes event in New York City that will feature KRS1, Black Sheep, and Brand Nubian, among other performers.

• Thursday, January 21^st (3:00-6:00pm) – Howard University hosts performances by Jabba and Asheru, as well as two panel discussions on the power of Hip Hop to impact social change (3:00pm), and another on HIV/AIDS prevention and awareness (5:00pm) that will explore myths and misperceptions about the virus. Howard University Hospital will also be onsite for HIV testing. Panel participants will include a range of prominent experts.

Jabba, whose real name is Jabulani Tsambo, performs Motswako style rap which means “mixture” in Setswana, one of South Africa’s ethnic languages. The mixture also includes English and Zulu. His music ranges from smooth jazzy vocal harmonies to indigenous rhythms to classic Hip-Hop beats. Drawing comparisons to some of the greatest emcees, Jabba’s music covers a broad spectrum in the family of Hip-Hop. From dance music (see “Music and Lights” and “Mpitse” on YouTube), to R&B blended vocal harmonies (See “Wayza”), to socially conscious (see “Darfur” and “Breadwinners”). Before the MAMA ceremony, Wyclef Jean said he planned to record with HHP who, he said, was among those “representing the new generation of African music” that he is planning to help take to the world.

During the two-week residency, Jabba will speak with students at several Washington, D.C. schools, including, Ballou Senior High School, Duke Ellington School of the Arts, and Washington Math Science and Technology Public Charter School. Jabba will also lecture at several colleges and universities, including Virginia State University and Howard University—an official partner. Through a partnership with MetroTeen AIDS, a local Washington, D.C. community health organization dedicated to supporting young people in the fight against HIV/AIDS through education, support, and advocacy, Jabba will work with students on an outreach project to promote HIV testing and condom use.

BloomBars’ holistic approach to supporting artist’s growth has also led to a partnership with celebrity chef Lauren Van Der Pool, a Le Cordon Bleu graduate and Wolfgang Puck apprentice (Visit: http://www.laurenvonderpool.com). Specializing in vegetarian and vegan cuisine, Lauren will serve as Jabba’s personal chef and health consultant throughout the two-week residency. Jabba’s enrichment activities will also include workshops and coaching session in financial literacy, copyright law, and life coaching.

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Artist Bios

Jabba – Recently nominated for an African Grammy and winner of the Best Video Award at the MTV Africa Awards, Jabba’s celebrity is evidenced by his chart toping songs, regular network and television appearances, and acclaim by music critics across the globe. He has shared the stage with the likes of Will Downing, Angelique Kidjo, Wyclef Jean, Jamie Cullum, Saul Williams, and Snoop Dogg. He’s received numerous awards and recognition for his efforts to combat AIDS, promote education and literacy, and other community conscious activities, including an invitation by Oprah to lecture to students at her Leadership Academy for Girls. Jabba has appeared on the third one-off TV special of quiz show “Test The Nation,” entitled National Parenting Test, as the Team Captain representing fathers. In 2007 he won the third season of the reality dance show “Strictly Come Dancing” along with his professional dance partner Hayley Bennett. In 2008 he starred as himself in 11 episodes of the e.tv musical soapie “Rhythm City.” He made his debut on the show on April 4^th, 2008. He was one of the featured celebrities on the first season of the South African version of the genealogy documentary series “Who Do You Think You Are?” based on the British series of the same name), which premiered on SABC2 in May 2009.

Asheru – Asheru is widely known for performing the opening and closing themes for the popular TV series “The Boondocks,” as well as his pioneering and innovative efforts to forward the Hip-Hop education movement. Asheru also collaborated with Boondocks creator Aaron McGruder to write and perform several songs for the hit TV series. In 2006, Asheru earned a prestigious Peabody Award for Journalism—the first rapper (emcee) to win the award—for his writing of the controversial “Return of the King” episode. Asheru has traveled extensively throughout Europe, Canada, the US and Japan, performing alongside artists and groups like Common, Mos Def, Jill Scott, Bilal, Ludacris, Edo G, J-Live, Wordsworth, and The Roots, while collaborating and being featured on projects with Hip Hop greats such as Pete Rock, Talib Kweli and Jazzy Jeff. Asheru is also the founder of Guerilla Arts, Inc., a community based organization specializing in innovative education, cultural arts programming, and professional development. Asheru’s recent collaboration with international funk and breaks band, Fort Knox Five played in NBA arenas the last two seasons (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4qjS9PuOCmM.) 

BloomBars is a non-profit arts organization that works to inspire and unite communities through the arts while nurturing artists committed to serving the community. Redefining the perception of a bar, BloomBars does not serve or allow alcohol and is open to all ages. To learn more, visit www.bloombars.com.

BloomBars was named one of the city’s “Best Open Mic” locations by the staff of Washington City Paper. Here’s what they had to say:

“Don’t let the name fool you-if you’re looking for beer, conventional “service,” or consistent hours of operation, then BloomBars is not the spot for you. But sign up for its mailing list and wander over to this barely established establishment on an evening when it’s holding a showcase, and you’ll discover one of D.C.’s best-kept secrets. Sure, the lineup may look similar every week-the choir singing for the benefit of the choir, if you will-but it’s always earnest. And when you stumble in from Wonderland during the wee hours to find two women singing the loveliest, most heartbreaking rendition of “A Change Is Gonna Come,” or whispering an African lullaby to a spellbound audience of six, you’ll realize that there’s no place in town quite on the same wavelength.”  VISIT SITE

http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/bestof/2009/artsandentertainment/staffpicks/best-open-mic

Free In DC

BloomBars “Seed the Sound” Sunday Performance Series is back this SUN, March 8th, 7:30 pm – 9:00pm
BloomBars is at it again! Last time I was there I was thoroughly impressed, always such a great vibe in that space! Located next to Wonderland on 11th St close to Kenyon, short walk from Columbia Heights metro. BloomBars’ “Seed the Sound Sunday” will showcase musicians from a diversity of genres and will benefit various organizations.

This Sunday, March 8th will feature legendary Delta bluesman Robert Lighthouse. Amadou Kouyate (kora) and Jabari (djembe) will also be back in the line-up – a performance you don’t want to miss. The show will start promptly at 7:30pm at end at 9:00pm. Please arrive early out of respect for the artists. This event is a fundraiser so please donate as you are able. www.robertlighthouse.com.

http://freeindc.blogspot.com/2009/03/upcoming-bloombars-seed-sound-sun.html

The Heights Life

BloomBars will be hosting one of their very well-received events on Sunday. For more information you can visit them online, or head over to 11th just north of Kenyon between 7:30 and 9:30PM.

Details:

Continuing in the BloomBars’ tradition to nurture the growth of artists who use their gift to inspire service, build community, and establish meaningful human connections, Seed the Sound Sundays with Sitali will showcase musicians from a diversity of genres. Our featured cause for the evening: KUSH (visit their website kushworld.org). Also, we’re proud to announce that National Sound has come on board as a sponsor! Watch out, we might soon be one of the best acoustic venues in town.

Seed the Sound Sundays is the first project for Artist-In-Bloom resident Sitali Siyolwe. The singer, songwriter, and guitarist spent his childhood crisscrossing the globe with stops in Egypt, Russia, and England. At the age of 13, Sitali had his first recording session with veteran producer Glynn Johns (of Led Zeppelin and Rolling Stones fame). After stints in New York and Seattle, Sitali settled in Washington DC, where he formed the band christened with his name in 2005. Their forthcoming release “Aluta Continua” will arrive in Spring 2009.

http://theheightslife.blogspot.com/2009/02/bloom-bars-blooming-on-sunday.html

Washington Post: Going Out Gurus – Nightlife: The Year That Was

In 2006 and 2007, the major nightlife stories centered on the growth of the Atlas District of H Street NE and the influx of upscale nightclubs and bottle-service lounges to the downtown K Street corridor. This year, though, the trends were more widespread, and we saw noteworthy nightspots opening from Falls Church to Largo. Here are the changes we reveled in:

Unusual Venues: …And then there’s BloomBars, the funky little Columbia Heights venue that, without serving food or alcohol, captured the progressive spirit of 2008 with concerts by socially progressive bands like the Makepeace Brothers, screenings of politically conscious movies and a dedication to changing the world — or at least minds — through visual and musical arts.

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/goingoutgurus/2008/12/nightlife_the_year_that_was.html