Friday, July 31, 2015

ChalkFest Buffalo! 2015







WHAT:     ChalkFest Buffalo! 2015

WHERE:  500 Block Main Street Buffalo, NY - Located on Main Street in between Huron & Mohawk Streets  MAP HERE

WHEN:    Saturday & Sunday, August 1st & 2nd, Noon-6pm both days

WHY:      ChalkFest Buffalo! is a free annual event in the heart of Downtown Buffalo, hosted by the 500 Block of Main Street Association. With so many amazing things to do in Buffalo, the 500 Block Association felt their little niche needed to get on the summer calendars and what better way than through art, games, music, and food. 

An entire city block is transformed into a colorful playground for two days, with more sidewalk chalk than anyone could dream of. Kids of all ages will have the chance to participate and leave their mark, albeit temporarily, in the city creating whatever their imagination can come up with, while drawing, learning and watching over the shoulders of local and world renown artists!

In an effort to give back each year, ChalkFest Buffalo! chooses a local organization geared toward children and proceeds from all vendor fees and t-shirt sales are donated to that group.  This year’s beneficiary is Explore & More Childrens Museum, which provides an environment for creative play and learning through hands-on exhibits, activities and programs that spark creativity, curiosity and imagination in children.


Contact:
Erin Carmina, ChalkFest Coordinator
(716) 860-1760, ecarmina@gmail.com

Thursday, July 30, 2015

WNY VegFest 2015 – A Sustainable Awakening


First Published on StreetPoetz.Com by Carmel Cece Carson

ON WGRZ Ch. 2








 
When people think of Buffalo, NY, they often think of a tumultuous amount of snow, chicken wings, and the losing streak of the Buffalo Bills. What many don’t know is that the city is rich with different cultures and an immense diversity of amazing food! Each summer promises various food festivals as an opportunity to venture out and experience something new, and in 2014 one group decided to take this a step further.

WNY VegFest merges Vegetarian and Vegan with a clean, sustainable, and healthy lifestyle. The event brought over 5,000 people to Delaware Park last year and expects an even larger turnout this year.

StreetPoetz.Com founder, Cece Carson, had a moment to speak with Albert Brown, one of the co-founders of WNY Vegfest and he provided insight into the birth of this astounding event.

Can you tell us how WNY VegFest came to be?  

“I thought that a festival encouraging and celebrating all the wonderful benefits of a plant based lifestyle would be perfect for the WNY/Buffalo region and that was the spark that lit a fire that continues to burn.”

At the point this was just an idea; did you ever think it would be so successful in the first year?

“No, we had hoped for 1,500 folks to show up the first year but 5,000 decided they had a better idea than me, ha-ha.”

Who is the driving force team behind WNY VegFest?

“Sara Rogers, Melanie Pasinski, and myself.”

We love that you have also found a way to incorporate the arts into the event.  Can you tell us more about this?

“The arts are such an important part of the WNY VegFest!  We love featuring local musicians, dancers, and artists and artisans of all kinds.  We want our event to always be a creative expression of the talent and love that our region is known for and will always look for ways to showcase our talented pool of artist in the WNY area.”

What do you feel the key difference will be between 2014 and 2015? 

“Well, knock on wood, I think we are a little better prepared and we are expanding in every area.  Our theme this year is A Plant based Lifestyle and its benefits in an Age of Climate change!

How many businesses and vendors can we look forward to this year?

“As of right now we have over 70 and that number will grow right up to the event.”

Can you tell us what goals you have in mind for the future?

“I would love to see the WNY VegFest become a multiple day festival and expand on performances, speakers, music and of course all that delicious food!”
This year’s event will feature not only amazing food and earth conscious vendors, but also:
  • The annual Tofurkey Trot 5K Run/Walk
  • Live music, drumming, dancing, hula hoops, kids area, and other performances
  • Animals for adoption
  • Speakers and vendors
  • Fun! Fun! Fun!

Want to be a part of WNY VegFest?
Contact Albert via email or phone
  • albert [at] wnyvegfest.com
  • (716) 465.3927 

Check out the website for the complete schedule of events, how to volunteer, donate, sponsor and have a lot of fun at www.wnyvegfest.com

Stay tuned because it does not stop here.



 Graphics © WNY Vegfest

Thursday, July 23, 2015

ART, ALL GENRES: StreetPoetz.Com: Get Yourself, Your Business Listed For Free





WHAT:   StreetPoetz.Com is a space for writers, poets, vocalists, visual artists, photographers and musicians to express themselves, practice their skills, collaborate and be noticed. Our goal is to serve as the hub for artistic events. Any business that caters/supports/promotes all artistic genres is welcomed and needed. 

WHERE: Follow this link --> http://streetpoetz.com/business-directory-3/?action=submitlisting hit JOIN, fill out data you wish the public to see and start your artistic journey! 

WHEN:  Right now! Go ahead, do it. Why wait? I am listed there as a writer, spoken word poet, author, public relations, radio . . .  what do you do? 

WHY:    On Saturday, August 29th, there will be a massive event/mixer --> https://www.facebook.com/events/501390090017687/ at Shea's Smith Theatre in Buffalo's newly renovated Theatre District to feature, vend, perform, collaborate and meet. Virtual vendors are accepted!

For more information:
Carmel Cece Carson, CEO/Founder

Friday, July 17, 2015

Eastern Monarch Butterfly Farm Featuring Melissa Lussier



Here is a short video I made showcasing the Eastern Monarch Butterfly Farm and a portion of the work they do while standing inside a butterfly tent, which was fantastic, along with a sampling of the beautiful vocals of Melissa Lussier of Melissa Lussier Music - please visit all linked above and connect to the farm and to Melissa and her music. 





Sunday, July 12, 2015

Saturday, June 6, 2015

Friday, May 29, 2015

Canalside Buffalo



On Think Twice Radio HERE

Below is live audio from Ismail and Company [R&B, blues, rock, funk, acoustic] and Tom Callahan, Marcia and Monte Jones [Traditional American folk and Celtic rock.]


1. Ismail & Company - "Papa Was a Rollin' Stone" [with live tribal drumming] click here

2. Tom Callahan With Marcia & Monte Jones - "When I Paint My Masterpiece" click here

3. Tom Callahan With Marcia & Monte Jones - "Love Hurts" click here

4. Tom Callahan With Marcia & Monte Jones - "Linger" click here

5. Tom Callahan With Marcia & Monte Jones - "Crazy" click here

6. Tom Callahan With Marcia & Monte Jones - "The Weight" click here


Canalside Buffalo Memorial Day Weekend

photo © Canalside Buffalo 

 

Canalside is at the heart of Buffalo’s waterfront revitalization. It’s located in the city’s downtown corridor. 



photo © Susan Marie


Every other Saturday there is live music and artisans coordinated by Julie Leatherbarrow and Kathleen Allyn Ashwill as part of Buffalo Saturday Artisan Market.


photo © Susan Marie



  photo © Susan Marie



Live video: 



* * *


All Music © Ismail & Company, Tom Callahan, Marcia & Monte Jones. 

All Songwriting © 
Norman Whitfield & Barret Strong [The Temptations]
Bob Dylan
Boudleaux Bryant [Everly Bros, Nazareth]
Dolores O'Riordan & Noel Hogan [The Cranberries]
Willie Nelson [Patsy Cline]
Robbie Robertson [The Band] 

Thursday, May 28, 2015

How Writing Has Positively Influenced My Life




Image © Jasmina Gorjanski



Writing is breath to me, blood pumping to sustain life. It is the air I breathe, the food that provides my body with strength, the desire and passion that keeps my soul alive. Writing is letting go and rebirth. It is a release. Writing is healing.

Writing is a positive force and I am grateful I am able to write without fear or ridicule of what anyone else perceives about the subject matter of my writing. In order to truly write, you must bare your soul to the world, allowing the public inside your heart, soul, mind and the most sacred parts of your being. 


This is brave. 


Every writer knows that all of their secrets, desires, dreams, loves and letting go, can be found in writing.

Various articles, books and so called “experts and critiques” of the writing world suggest volumes and advice that does not apply to everyday life. It may be helpful if enrolled in English Composition, however, a true writer simply writes. Get it all down first, free form flowing thought, emotion, anger, sadness, happiness, every emotion you feel, every thought you think. 


Editing is for later. 


If you cease to document those very first moments the need to write strikes, you will lose what is instinctual and natural as a writer.

Writing has assisted me in times of need. When I am sad, angry or hurt, writing is a release. When I am happy and grateful, it is a force of positive awareness.

As a journalist, writing has allowed me to connect to the entire world educating people on different cultures, politics, faith and tradition. Journalistic writing has ripped wide open the world of politics and human rights abuses. 

Writing connects us, as does all art. Humanity understands emotion. 




As a poet and spoken word poet, writing has provided me with featured reading engagements and numerous publications alongside writers I honor immensely. I write every day, on napkins, matchbook covers, scraps of paper, anything I can grab at the moment and with anything deemed a writing instrument. In this age of technology, I grab my cell phone and start recording my thoughts to later write them down.

Without the gift of writing in my life, to be able to speak clearly through the written word, and to have no fear of doing so, I never would have traveled paths unreachable to me from my home.   

I have met beautiful people in our world, connected with organizations, learned languages, helped people with events and causes and most importantly, touched people simply by letting them know that yes, I too, feel this way.

Writing is breath to me, blood pumping to sustain life. It is the air I breathe, the food that gives my body strength, the desire and passion that keeps my soul alive.

Writing is letting go and rebirth. It is a release. Writing is healing. 

* * * 



“I am participating in the Writing Contest: How Writing Has Positively Influenced My Life. Hosted by Positive Writer.”







“I am participating in the Writing Contest: How Writing Has Positively Influenced My Life. Hosted by Positive Writer.” - See more at: http://positivewriter.com/writing-contest-how-writing-has-positively-influenced-my-life/#sthash.4M17uaK9.dpuf
“I am participating in the Writing Contest: How Writing Has Positively Influenced My Life. Hosted by Positive Writer.” - See more at: http://positivewriter.com/writing-contest-how-writing-has-positively-influenced-my-life/#sthash.4M17uaK9.dpuf
“I am participating in the Writing Contest: How Writing Has Positively Influenced My Life. Hosted by Positive Writer.” - See more at: http://positivewriter.com/writing-contest-how-writing-has-positively-influenced-my-life/#sthash.4M17uaK9.dpuf

Sunday, May 24, 2015

Blinding Six Senses


First published On Social Justice Poetry



This entire piece was written free-form online by five authors, Bhakti Williams Brown, Susan Marie, Dian Isis, Elissa Feit and Albert Brown in Buffalo, New York: 







Only this sun star heart realm

it's tears bless us over a glittering ageless age

like diamonds buried deep within the windows of the skull



Composite wealth shitting

on aspirations of blessed moonlight's rage

and the body of Nuit blanketing the night sky



Veils slipping over the crust of dusk

screeching in dire sweet death

let us burn paper

that suffocates the voices

of the tired and hungry



Dear SisterMoonChild,

we cannot fail your selfless sweet shelter

before the coming of day

the black sun of Khepera rising,

again




Let the deathly inhale toxins of past homes

but relieve in the bathing of moon,

while the privileged collect their sins and run,

shedding light on footpads

in silt and dirt

from the Potomac to the Euphrates



fearing beauty's judgements

fearing self,

the mirror, cracked and bleeding

self-loathing monuments

hope and tide from pull

and swing of moon, rise

slip and fade while cascading

over the empty temples gloom

the ebb and flow, in flux,

existence,

a conundrum to those still sleeping

a pun to this tired of breathing,

and bleeding



Eternity screams in the hearts of dusk to night

but love to dawn

in the peace of a new sun rising



The promise of a new beginning



- set us on fire -



free, thrushes’ birth

from my belly

into the velvet night



electrified



my ancestors cry with me,

my release,

embers of the campfire

calling me home



Money is a sharp knife

stuck deep in the heart

of the world's beautiful visions

innocence falls

rotting

in stinking chunks of violated flesh

from the bones of this dead philosophy

blinding six senses,



A most holy paradise exists,

here and now



Loving is a sharp knife

stuck deep in the heart

of the world's beautiful visions



parallel prying

into crates and carts

full of suffering tears

and heat fissions, fissures,

cutting like scissors into realities,

slither away

and let my mind enter and bleed

like yours to heed our stories,

thneed our minds,



peel our kindly vibes

that vibrations find

in prison and slums

hopping over life like bums,

in streets and alleys,

childish 'till 34,

crying bitch 'till many more



Every generation of promising youth

are offered in ritual sacrifice

to the cold fears

of their parent's impenetrable

prisons of complacency,

years of tears and moonlight

cut the slimy existence of the perfect leaders,



but we purr,

hoping for more

than stealers



Like Black Death, the Great Hunger,

every burning of innocent souls,

how many more tears shed in vain,

in life,

in death,

rebirth



The mighty Phoenix shall rise,

eternal

running away with our attention and meaning,

but feel her moonlight princess kneeling

over our crippled body

wingspan picking us off to heaven,

rapturously kinship with her

upwards



We can't run, 

so let us fly



She is love, precious Mother

she bats her eyelashes dim and spider-like

watching us as we slumber

off into the moonlight of dusk and sky



Slaves controlling one another in white efficiency

breeding ever new forms of domestication for lazy minds



Freedom is just another logo

sold in their suburban malls

but we all see,

we all pray to someway,

but you can't sway with parking lots or street tar

only the guitars in the solo

of perpetual undead



Let us fly as great blue herons,

upon the lofty wings of owls,

upon backs of eagles scrying thunder,

let us become one

with antiquated raiment



Kill the last green growing tree

and celebrate its commodity,

by eating plastic cake

in uniformity



Defillibrated laments,

don’t bend in our tents

of nighttime

blindness is in fashion,

dollar signs as eyes

minds only know passion

because deep thoughts now a lie

thinking thought is death

to the dead

to the living

to the spirit



Charon awaits,

skeletal teeth, rotted and grinning

blinking not fed up of led and shillings in soul pit,

baron stakes, mental feeds,

spotted and continuing



continuing to open the doors of nighttime rituals

barons orders to steal our princess,

leaking incest,

like sweat

in the sauna of a new day



Take away spots and acne of online needs

the feeds refreshing and beheading our human taint

a night illuminated by the glow of black fire blazing



The night is wise,

she embraces the secrets

of our psychotic midnight ramblings

the keeper of all truths

the great poet and poetess

the most holy heart



All of our vain egos gush with excited offerings

while the Earth dies and we adore ourselves



It would be

our vain egos,

but it’s ours,

which means

it

is

not

just



ego.





© Bhakti Williams Brown, Susan Marie, Dian Isis, Elissa Feit and Albert Brown 2015