It is hard to describe, and any word I think to give to BloomBars ( i.e. “venue,” “creative space,” etc.) seems to pigeon-hole it into something that does not do it justice. I can also say that BloomBars means something different to everyone who experiences it, and I can only speak of what it means for me.
As a DC Native, and Alumni of both the Duke Ellington School of the Arts and American University, the network of artists I’ve had the pleasure of hearing, seeing, and knowing has become a beautiful and intricate web of communal joy and creation. But nowhere else in the entire Washington, DC area have those worlds collided like they do within the walls of BloomBars. I am always amazed at how many people fit into the “garden” being built here and how the community grows each and every time I go.
I had always sang in school and community events and I found myself in a place where I was ready to not only share art, but to create it myself. I began writing music and playing guitar, but had been afraid to perform it publicly. BloomBars was the first venue where I ever played my original songs.
I was brought here by the MakePeace Brothers in the spring of 2009, when BloomBars held only one evening event per week. My music was recieved with smiling faces and encouraging words, and the stage at BloomBars became my home for creating and sharing my art. BloomBars gave me the confidence and guidance to write and produce my first solo album, and eventually, have the courage to move to Los Angeles, in pursuit of my dream.
I don’t believe I could ever begin to thank John Chambers and all of Bloombars for the gift it has given myself, my family, my friends and fellow artists, in a way that would do it justice. I returned to BloomBars in January to play the first Seed The Sound Sunday of 2011 & I am thrilled to return again, on Sunday March 6th at 8:30 pm.
After a successful fundraiser on IndieGoGo, I am coming as part of my Los Angeles duo “Me & Mr.Cassidy” for our East Coast premiere. We are stopping through Washington D.C. on our way to North Carolina to record our new full-length album. We have taken root in indie folk music with a bouncy pop feel, and have been performing weekly around the Hollywood and San Diego Music scene alongside artists Bushwalla, Jessie Payo, Avasa & Matty Love, Parker Ainsworth, The MakePeace Brothers and many more.
Our 12-track record tells a story, in chronological order, of two characters we’ve created who are deeply in love. The ups and downs of the music parallel the ups and downs in their life, from childhood until their hair turns grey. We decided to premiere the story for the first time ever here at BloomBars.
With great love & joy,
Hope Leigh Rollins
Singer, Songwriter, & BloomBars Ambassador
PS, To get a peek at what Me & Mr. Cassidy has to offer you can check us out at the following:
Me & Mr. Cassidy’s Website | MySpace | YouTube | Twitter
