[Press] Washington Post: Arts Space Starting to Bloom

Washington Post: Arts Space Starting to Bloom

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“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

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[Press] Voice of America & TheRoot.com

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

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[Press] Ten Miles Square

Thank you to everyone who came to BloomBars on October 24 for the inaugural Ten Miles Square photography exhibit, Move Along, featuring work by Tracy Clayton, Pat Padua, Katy Ray, and Matt Smith.

We’ve now uploaded the entire exhibit to the web site, so if you missed it or just need to see these lovely photographs again, click away on the left. Each image is available for sale framed or unframed, in various sizes, so please contact heather[at]tenmilessquare.com or use the Contact form for purchasing information.

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Move Along features the work of four emerging photographers who capture scenes that pass briefly before our eyes, perhaps preferring that we look away but only succeeding in making us gaze longer. Clayton is a street photographer with an eye for subtle movement and brief moments that end before we fully noticed they happened. Padua’s sense of humor gives us images that aren’t momentary so much as they are oddly uncomfortable. Ray’s time in New Orleans puts a nostalgic filter on her scenes, and the feeling we’ll soon miss the memory it gives us. By contrast, Smith’s highly constructed work explores the connections between the emotional loss experienced by the subjects in the text, and the ways in which these memories can develop direct associations to our physical surroundings. Each of their images focuses on the scenes that are fleeting, whether we want them to be or not, and asks what happens when you weigh it a little longer than you should.

BloomBars is located at 3222 11th St NW, in a converted garage next to Wonderland Ballroom. From their site: “BloomBars is Columbia Heights’ new decidedly underground, spontaneous and inspirational space for local and global art, music and film you haven’t seen or heard. It’s raw. It’s organic, and slowly rising from a seed-offering an opportunity for early guests to say, ‘I watched it grow when it looked like it might be a weed.’”

http://tenmilessquare.com/artists/bloombars-exhibit-october

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[Press] Julian Visits Bloombars Concert on Saturday Night

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

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[Press] Washington Post: Going Out Gurus

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

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[Press] The Bloom Effect

The Bloom Effect

“When I heard the promoter from D.C has a space called BloomBars and that’s where Kissey Asplund and Shantell Martin would be performing- I thought- how can we turn this down. Too many subtleties and plus- my boy Shane Evans from Kansas City turned me on to John Chambers- BloomBars.”

http://www.thebloomeffect.com/blog/2008/07/23/bloom-bars-its-all-in-a-name/

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[Press] Fusicology

Fusicology

“Thanks to John Chambers for curating this special show. First time to D.C and making a rare appearance together. All the way from Japan– VJ Shantell Martin doing ‘HIDDEN ORA’s’ and Sweden’s sensation Kissey Asplund. It’s all about the BLOOM here…Growth and Positive vibes and culture!”

http://www.fusicology.com/index/events/detail.cfm?rid=31&id=16644

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[Press] Prince of Petworth

Prince of Petworth

“Bloombars of course is the great new spot on 11th Street next to Wonderland that bills itself as an underground “spontaneous” scene for art and music. It is arguably the coolest new development in the entire city.”

http://www.princeofpetworth.com/?p=3298

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[Press] DCist: Kissey Asplund @ BloomBars

DCist: Kissey Asplund @ BloomBars

“A blaring fire alarm across the street, loss of power, and brief visit from MPD all preceded Kissey Asplund’s performance at the newly opened Columbia Heights art/community space…”

http://dcist.com/2008/07/21/kissey_asplund_bloombars.php

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[Press] Couch Sessions: Kissey at BloomBars

The Couch Sessions

I did not see this coming. Kissey Asplund is an up and coming Swedish soul electro artist (and blogger for my homeboy Tarik’s site) is coming to DC. THIS WEEKEND. Also, this is going to take place at this new arts/music spot in Columbia Heights called BloomBars, which has already gotten rave reviews and gets my seal of approval for being less than a 10 minute bike ride from my place (I kid!).

Check out our last post on Kissey. And yes, I’ll definitely be in the building.

Bloombars
3222 11th Street, NW
Washington, DC
Metro: Columbia Heights (Green Line)

http://www.thecouchsessions.com/2008/07/saturday-kissey-asplund-at-bloombars/

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