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 THE SOUL CYPHER
The Soul Cypher is quarterly music series that fuses together spoken word, art, live instrumentation and soul into a melodic gumbo for the senses. Introducing both underground and mainstream talent, this event boasts some of the freshest and most professional artists to ever step foot on Bay Area soil. Originally established in 2006, Hot Water Cornbread is again bringing you the nourishment your Spirit so desperately needs!!
August 12, 2010 Lineup
Featuring
HBO DEF POETS:
AMIR SULAIMAN & SUNNI PATTERSON
BAY AREA POETS OF THE YEAR:
RYAN NICOLE PETERS & PRENTICE POWELL
MUSIC BY:
YAHZARAH aka PURPLE ST. JAMES (THE FOREIGN EXCHANGE)
CHOKLATE
&
DANTE MCCLINTON & THE REAL
PLUS SPECIAL GUEST HOST: MARTIN LUTHER
&
RIDICULOUSLY HOT AFTER-PARTY HOSTED BY TOP TEN SOCIAL W/ DJ HECTOR
Please visit www.TheSoulCypher.com for additional information.
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.jpg) DIS'ONANCE - RYAN NICOLE
Please don't sleep on her...
“Dis’onance: Vol. 1” audibly and metaphorically explores the concept of discord through a pop-culture lens [dissonance (n.) - lack of concord or harmony between persons or things], and bears witness to the eerie attraction we all have to disharmony. “Dis’onance: Vol. 1” is the first release in a series of releases for 2010 from RyanNicole.
DOWNLOAD THE ALBUM HERE:
http://ryannicole.bandcamp.com |
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 NIGHT LYFE
Recently appointed Commissioner of Arts and Cultural Affairs in his hometown of Oakland, CA, Ise Lyfe is one of the nation’s premier Spoken Word Artist and Emcee’s. His 2006 debut album, ”spreadtheWord” allowed him to mettle with a national audience, and the release of his second LP, “Prince Cometh” received rave reviews from critics and fans alike. Unaffected by the sophomore jinx theory, it’s safe to say the response across the board was nearly 100% positive…
Ise first gained national recognition competing in national poetry slam competitions in his late teens. In 2001 he won the National Poetry Slam Competition, skyrocketing his popularity amongst the ever growing Spoken Word/Hip-Hop Theatre audience. He has been featured on Russell Simmons' Def Poetry Jam on HBO. He has also shared the stage with Gil Scott-Heron, Dave Chappelle, Lauryn Hill, Talib Kweli, Dead Prez, E-40, Harry Belafonte, Mos Def, Malcolm Jamaal Werner, KRS-One, Martin Luther, Saul Williams, Ben Harper, Erykah Badu, Zion I, and The Coup to name a few.
However, Ise Lyfe is simply different than anyone else in his genre or league of peers. Period.
Just in his twenties with nearly ten years of national and international stage performing and recording experience, he transcends the common narrative on and off stage. An award winning poet, emcee, performer, and educator, this young man is sure to be the impact we all speak of wanting, but rarely see realized....
http://www.yoshis.com/sanfrancisco/jazzclub/artist/show/1315 |
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 DWELE MEET & GREET
Hot Water Cornbread is proud to present the official Yoshi's-Oakland After Party & DJ Set at Era Art Bar & Lounge featuring Grammy nominee Dwele!!
Born Andwele (translated from Swahili, it means "God has brought me") Gardner, he's a legacy of the hip-hop generation, one who pays homage to and can recite the musical traditions of years past. A self-professed devotee of jazz & R&B, he's also been known to keep his ears pressed against speakers blaring the sounds of Miles, Marvin, Donny, Stevie, and on the next beat, he acknowledges the efforts of his contemporaries -- think Faith, Tweet, Carl Thomas, and even Mike Jones' hip-hop rumblings from deep down in the Dirty South. Dwele clearly understands that in music, as in life, change remains an inevitable force. "I like the fact that music constantly evolves," he notes, "because that's what keeps the game exciting."
Come out and groove with the amazing DJ Hector and DJ Dwele in celebration of his 3-night run at Yoshi's-Oakland and his new album, W.ants W.orld W.omen!!
This is guaranteed to be a Hot Night!!
http://www.fusicology.com/event/dj-dwele |
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 Poem of the Week
When You Already Know The Answer
By Dominiques Jones
friendships have seasons
i keep running from our winter
our demise
i despise
the way you still look at him as some sort of mentor
don't call him by his true name
let him wear his mask
still look up to this muthafucka
and its breaking my heart
how his existence is hastening our winter
can we survive him?
too many haven't
i wish you would just realize what the majority of us have realized
but you don't
so he coasts
on the brim of your adoration
i keep running from our winter
his mouth blowing snow and smoke simultaneously
you probably think i want you to have a mirroring opinion
no
just open your eyes man
he is still wicked, a villain, a splinter
and i will still race away from winter
Copyright Dominique Jones 2010 |
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 Poem of the Week
Let Me Explain
By John Survivor Blake
My mother set alarms when I was sick, rose
in the black of night to put pills on my tongue.
For thirteen rotations, fifty-two seasons in family,
I never imagined being alone.
Suddenly, I had a forty-five-minute walk
from my High School to the County Jail. I ran
to compensate red lights that kept us apart,
got buzzed through a main gate. Once inside,
the state's fingers molested me, moved over
to a book with names like prison tatts across
its chest. The red pen weighed a ton,
took both hands to hold still.
Last Name First Name, Middle Initial
Blake, John S.
Prisoner's Name
Loretta Mc Koy
Relation to Prisoner
her son.
took a seat in front of a phone and a wall of glass,
a see-through divide between "civil" and savage.
I noticed hand a mural of hand prints, salt lines made
of sweat and tears, stains of family that had this
seat before me, stories stuck here; some small as pacifiers,
smeared as if dragged away, others big as rage where knuckles
crashed and want someone back.
(40 Minutes)
They unleashed her, and we rushed to raise flattened palms
against the cold of almost-touching, nearly togetherness.
The phone's receiver reeked cigarettes and bleach, its cord
coiled like razor wire. By the time we smiled, twenty minutes died.
I couldn't tell her heroin took her place at home.
She couldn't tell me she tore an inmate's eye out
to keep from losing her lunch tray, so we just sat there
while time burrowed out our backs.
A sixty-minute visit was actually twenty-five minutes
between a gutted garden and her limp stem of a son.
Mom, when are you coming home
She said,
I don't know, Baby Five minutes
But what did the lawyer say
She said,
I haven't spoken to him today, Honey. Four Minutes
I love you, John, You know that, right?
Time
She put an apologetic hand to the glass. I matched
my forgiving hand to hers, her lifeline just like mine, as if
this could soothe the gavel in my throat. Our hearts thumped
the word Guilty, guilty, guilty,
ignored the chains snaking her waist, wrists, ankles, and the mob
of lying steel. My mother wasn't an animal.
She was the veins of love and needed blood
in her commissary before the world drained her dry.
And this, this is why I hate to see
finger prints on drinking glasses,
why, when you're at work,
I don't walk by the storefront window and wave,
why I keep the sliding patio door cracked open,
car windows down, always down,
why I stay clear of cold, hard surfaces,
and don't tell you how much
I love you when ending conversations.
I am afraid
that someone is coming
to dress you in chains.
Copyright John S. Blake 2010 |
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 DEAD PREZ - Meet & Greet
Orange Amber Productions in association with Hot Water Cornbread Presents:
Dead Prez Meet and Greet
With members stic.man and M1
Celebration and conversation about the 10th Anniversary of the release of Dead Prez’s first album, “Let’s Get Free.”
Where have we come from, as a community, and do we go from here?
Sunday, May 23, 2010 3-4 PM
Joyce Gordon Art Gallery
406 14th Street, Oakland, 94612
Free Event. Space limited.
Come early for a “history in the making,” community conversation…
For more information:
call 510-594-4340 or email Jeannine@hotwatercornbread.org
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 PISTOLS & PRAYERS
Written and directed by nationally renowned Spoken Word Hip-Hop Theater Artist Ise Lyfe, "Pistols and Prayers" is a powerful poetic collage of sociopolitical commentary, blended with a glimpse into his coming of age as a man, artist, and advocate for social change. A stage piece based on the newly published self-titled book by one of the nation's greatest young writers, "Pistols and Prayers" is an impressive production accompanied musically by the African-American folk spirituals of internationally renowned artist Melanie Demore, young Master Cellist, Michael Fecskes and radio personality/deejay DC Coleman from KMEL's 106.1FM.
Rising from the streets of Oakland, California, Ise’s writing and delivery is charged by the same set of circumstances that most art spawned from the inner-city: Struggle, Resilience, Survival and Vision…
However, Ise Lyfe is simply different than anyone else in his genre or league of peers. Period.
Just in his twenties with nearly ten years of national and international stage performing and recording experience, he transcends the common narrative on and off stage. An award winning poet, emcee, performer, and educator, this young man is sure to be the impact we all speak of wanting, but rarely see realized…
"Our communities are full of beautiful people who can’t see their own beauty. People look outside of themselves for anything to make them feel good about themselves, or just good period. Before all of this is over, I'd like to play a role in influencing people to see the answer within." -Ise Lyfe
“…He might someday take over Mos Def’s mantle as Hip-Hop’s activist poet laureate…”- Seattle Weekly
“Four Stars!”, “If revolution had a movie, Ise Lyfe just might be theme music.” - AllHipHop.com
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 ISE LYFE @ MOUTH OFF - FREE ENTRANCE
Free entrance to Mouth Off Wednesday with the purchase of Pistols & Prayers tickets. Get on the will call list at Mouth Off this week or purchase online at www.brownpapertickets.com. Special sneak-peek performance by Ise on Wednesday as well!! |
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.jpg) N'Dambi Live
Every so often, a musical soul emerges from the underground with the inescapable talent; artistry and charisma that marks the arrival a gathering storm. Pink Elephant is the Stax Records debut from N'dambi, a songwriter with emotional purpose and rare honesty. The striking vocalist, pianist and composer from Dallas, Texas, known for her signature afro and fiery style, possesses the intuitive perception and powerful creativity that ensures an essential contribution to modern R&B and soul.
N'dambi's storytelling skills are in peak form on Pink Elephant with tunes like the Rod Temperton influenced, '80s hip-hop flavoured "Nobody Jones," the story of a girl with big dreams who won't let her humble beginnings stop her, and the delicious saga "L.I.E.," a tale of a man living a double life along New York's Long Island Expressway. Delusions of love spring up in the old school love-gone-wrong melodic funk of "Daisy Chain"; "Ooo Baby" is the smooth-grooving tale of reconnection with a former lover; while the blues-inflected "Imitator" finds a young woman suffering over the collapse of her lover's promises. "You're not the man I used to know, you're an imitator," she sings on this mid-tempo urban gem. The hope of true love cries out in "The One," a disarming, jazz-tinged ballad kissed with a touch of classic Stax. The album's lead single, "Can't Hardly Wait," is a biting chunk of scorching sarcasm delivered in the commanding singer's rich tone. Her opening complaint, "I don't know why I keep f***in' wit you," perfectly expresses the inability to turn a listless love loose.
Pink Elephant was recorded in Santa Monica, California, with producer Leon Sylvers III, whose credits include Shalamar, Gladys Night, The Whispers, Blackstreet, Lakeside and many more. N'dambi
insisted the record have a modern sheen yet adhere to the sturdy influence of classic R&B and soul artists like Slave, Heatwave, Michael Jackson, Betty Davis, Isaac Hayes, Smokey Robinson, and The Sylvers. That led her to The Sylvers' famous producer, big brother, Leon.
Blessed with a deep contralto, she became especially enamoured with male singers from the '70s and '80s. The funky soul of the Bar-Kays' Larry Dodson, the sophisticated syncopation of Earth, Wind & Fire's Maurice White and the notorious abandon of the Ohio Players' Sugafoot influenced her heavily. Later, the mysterious, uninhibited imagination of Nina Simone and Mahalia Jackson also became musical and cultural touchstones. N'dambi sang back-up and collaborated with fellow soul seeker Erykah Badu, all the while honing her artistry and slowly building a fiercely loyal fan base that resonates with the organic, authentic approach to her life and music.
On Pink Elephant, N'dambi ingeniously distils soul-deep inspiration into a sensual style of elegance and power, making her a fundamental new addition to the Stax legacy.
Get Tickets:
http://sfyoshis2.inticketing.com/events/97473/N-DAMBI--8PM
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 Poem of The Week
i don't miss you ex girlfriend 6/30
by T.Miller
You called me after the first time you met my new girlfriend
You wanted to know
If I purchased my smile from a con man
If I was only holding her hand that tight because you were around
So I had to make her feel secure
Or if I secretly wished she was meeting you
There is no foul play in wishing I still made love to you
Your open wound does not offend me
Everyone’s lease on love is different
You do not have to be over us
But I would appreciate you not disrespecting my butterflies
Or trying to call a bluff on my sincerity
Remember
You were once my new girlfriend
And there was a woman somewhere hoping I was borrowing the glow in my eyes
Waiting for me to call you her name
Praying, you were a loose basketball after a missed shot
No
She is not your bootleg
My heart plays a song that belongs to her
I have ears that smile when she speaks
And skin like lit candles when she touches me
This wick is new
No flame before this one has kissed it
No
She doesn’t compare to you
Because I don’t compare her to you
I love her like a clean slate
And I hope one day; your chest becomes empty enough to understand that.
Copyright Tasha Miller 2010 |
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 PISTOLS & PRAYERS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Self -Reflection Exposed: Ise Lyfe’s “Pistols and Prayers” at The Legendary Fox Theatre, Oakland, CA, May 21 – May 23, 2010
“We're always talking about how we feel about the world, we never talk about ourselves,”- Ise Lyfe
Lyfe Productives (LP) and Hot Water Cornbread (HWC), in association with Youth Movement Records (YMR), have channeled their artistic resources to present “Pistols and Prayers,” a profound performance piece interweaving Spoken Word, African-American Folk Spirituals, Classical Music and Hip-Hop onto one stage at the legendary Fox Theatre in celebration of the African Diaspora!
Written and directed by nationally renowned Spoken Word Hip-Hop Theater Artist Ise Lyfe, "Pistols and Prayers" is a powerful poetic collage of sociopolitical commentary, blended with a glimpse into his coming of age as a man, artist, and advocate for social change. A stage piece based on the newly published self-titled book by one of the nation's greatest young writers, “Pistols and Prayers” is an impressive production accompanied musically by the African-American folk spirituals of internationally renowned artist Melanie Demore, young Master Cellist, Michael Fecskes and radio personality/deejay DC Coleman from KMEL’s 106.1FM.
Partnering with Hot Water Cornbread, a spoken word entertainment and management label focused on literary arts, educational programs, community initiatives and development, “Pistols and Prayers” sheds light on Oakland-based Youth Movement Records, a brilliant youth development performance and media arts organization, which inspires under-served urban youth, ages 13-19, to engage in experiential learning, leadership opportunities and positive community involvement.
Providing hands-on experience to YMR students who will be assisting with the production of the show, “Pistols and Prayers” will offer proceeds to a program that involves youth through music, mentoring and entrepreneurship in order to reduce violence, develop skills and create community change.
As Commissioner of Arts and Cultural Affairs for the very city that handed him his childhood, Ise remains firmly rooted, in spite of his international travels, granting him a keen ability to relate to people and places that exist within this common experience. He continues to push boundaries and take the message of change to the next level making “Pistols and Prayers not only a necessary brick in the rebuilding of Oakland, but in the mending of self!
Fox Black Box Theater
May 21-23, 2010
530 19th Street
Oakland, CA 94612
For tickets and daily schedule please visit: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/110360
For press information and group ticket sales contact: Brandy K. Daley (Scorpio Blues) / 510.754.8830 / Brandy@HotWaterCornbread.org
For additional information on Ise Lyfe & Lyfe Productives please visit: www.iselyfe.com
Or Contact MACManagement@gmail.com
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 The Tamika Festival
On May 4, 2008 Tamika “Georgia Me” Harper, mother, poet, orator, actress, lecturer, mentor, and social pundit, was awarded the prestigious KUUMBA Award, an honor given to an artist who has contributed to his or her community and society at large. The wonderful sisters of Delta Sigma Theta chose Georgia Me, in turn, the cities of East Point, College Park, Atlanta, and the county of Fulton in the state of Georgia, declared May 4th, Tamika “Georgia Me” Harper day, a dream come true.
“To whom much is given, much is expected”. After receiving the honor, Ms. Harper wanted to share with and bless others with her accolade. Like everything else in GA’s life, the Tamika Fest derived from conversation with her best friends. In an effort to celebrate the day, a premier live concert, festival, scholarship, cancer research fund and think tank was born.
The goal of Tamika Fest is to not only provide the greater Atlanta metropolitan area with amazing 5 star performances, in the forms of song, spoken word, dance, comedy, and rap. Most importantly, it is a catalyst for change, immediately and residually. This event is life altering. Those who didn’t believe- Believe! Those who didn’t see- See! Tamika Fest is about community, creativity, and contribution.
What contributions do you make to the world? A question not pondered by Tamika “Georgia ME” Harper because her life is dedicated to motivating, inspiring, and uplifting ALL people. She is a mentor to 6 women ages 18-33. She is constantly speaking and volunteering at schools, alternative institutions, shelters, and churches.
May 4-8, 2010
THE CITY OF ATLANTA HONORS GEORGIA ME BY DECLARING MAY 4, TAMIKA HARPER DAY
GEORGIA ME PRESENTS...THE TAMIKA FESTIVAL
FEATURING:
Cola Rum, Killa Mike, Rodney Perry, Farnsworth Bentley, Algebra, Jon Goode, Sunni Patterson, M'Reld Green, PHILLIPPIA, Rahbi, ABYSS, Tommy Bottoms, Gritz and Jelly Butter, Dana Gilmore, Queen Sheba, Hank Stewart, Ms. Dia, Sphinxx, Will Da Real One, Tasha Jones, Malachi AKA Big MINK, Misty Sharp, Da Branches,Trav Wright, Gang of Roses, King Amin, Melodic, Hiya Reality, Ken J. Martin, Adriftabelle, Nicole LOVE, Tha S.O.N.G.B.I.R.D., Binkey, Malik Saalam, 13 of Nazereth, RODZILLA, Glenwood, Master Allah, Archie The Messenger & Lyrical the Lyricist, Maximas Parthas, Tribal Raine, Lightning, Theresa Davis, Anarkist Khryst, Pootie, Red Summer, Sarafina, Eva Katurah, UGLY, Bridgette Levi, Ingrid B., NORIQ, Southside Steppers, Buff, Nikki Wade, Lady Flawless, Joe Martinez,Yo Sista, and many more....
http://tamikafestival.eventbrite.com/ |
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 Youth Movement Records - Digital Media & Literature
Youth Movement Records (YMR) is in the process of building a new digital media and literature library for our youth. Making these materials available to YMR members, who otherwise would not have access, is an important part of their development into successful artists and adults. In addition, the creation of YMR's new library will help extend and promote artistic learning from beyond our workshops and headquarters here at the Fox. Our current donors include Focal Press, Alfred Music Publishing and various individuals with donations ranging from instructional materials to documentary DVDs.
You can help and join the movement to build our library, too! YMR has created an Amazon Wish List which includes items that we would love to carry in our library. Just go to YMR's Amazon Wish List and select which item(s) you would like to purchase and Amazon will send them directly to YMR. Your generosity is greatly appreciated as YMR wouldn't be possible without supporters like you.
www.youthmovementrecords.org |
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 A New Era!!
Era Art Bar and Lounge is a study in the interplay of tradition and innovation. The 5,000 square-foot space offers two comfortable lounges, each offering aesthetics of a different age. Downstairs, patrons are treated to vaulted, hand- plastered ceilings, two off-set seating areas, and a thirty-five foot steel and concrete bar; the upstairs features vintage leather seating, antique and modern furniture, reclaimed 1920's hardwood flooring, a handblown glass chandelier and a private, more intimate bar. Overall, Era combines diverse music, curated collections of contemporary art with boutique cocktails and an elegant environment - to bring the Bay Area an impressive new haven for fine arts and culture.
Era Art Bar Lounge
19 Grand Ave
Oakland, CA 94612
(510) 832-4400
www.OaklandEra.com
Wed - Sat 5:00-1:30
Happy Hour
Wed - Sat 5:00 - 7:30
Events: events@oaklandera.com
Reservations: concierge@oaklandera.com
Art: art@oaklandera.com
Follow on Twitter @ oaklandera |
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 Hot Water Cornbread LIVE!!
Welcome to the new Hot Water Cornbread!!
Hot Water Cornbread, a spoken word entertainment and management label focused on literary arts, educational programs, community initiatives and development was established in 2005. After several years of successful events and projects that have positively impacted the direction of the Oakland spoken word music scene, we are at it again with a new wave of partnerships, events and groundbreaking moves that will again shake things up in a tasteful way!
Follow us @ OfficialHWC and join the mailing list for upcoming events, free passes and exclusive meet-n-greets!!
Hot Water Cornbread!! Come Hungry...Leave Full!! |
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 Poem of The Week
Poem 19 of 30
April 19, 2010
"Death at a Funeral"
by Danee Black
Writing 30 poems in 30 days is like finding 30 ways to die
Every poem is an eye witness to my murder
The death of my spirit
The departure of my innocence
You are an innocent bystander at my assassination
I bleed from paper cuts
Leaking Ink to paper
Thoughts to poetry
Paper trails of my head on collisions
And near death experiences
Folded into origami
The remains can be found buried in my backyard
Mangled corpse enveloped in love letters
My parents addiction wrapped around the bones
Expelled from my closet
Radiocarbon dating timelines to my first heartbreak
Hurt feelings travel like parasites eating away at self confidence
Use Forensic science to find evidence of the truth
It has been bound, gagged and held for ransom
You become CSI
Use black light to scan my pages
You will find blood splatters in between each line
Murder weapon hidden in plain sight
No gloves
Fingerprints dot I’s
Serial poet
Harbouring haikus
Spoken word may be interpreted as death threats
Laptop and notebook considered weapons of mass destruction
I am a suicide bomber
Never afraid to meet my demise
Every line is me ready to die and take you with me
I believe I can fly
Fearless
Your judgement is not my concern
This is my binge and purge
Bulimic poet
I am not hungry but I hope it feeds you
No dietary restrictions
Not topic is off limits
Every poem is resurrection Sunday
Ephemeral
I am only a sacrificial lamb
Posing as a poet
Copyright Danee Black 2010
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 National Poetry Month
National Poetry Month is a celebration of poetry first introduced in 1996 by the Academy of American Poets as a way to increase awareness and appreciation of poetry in the United States. It is celebrated every April in the United States and (since 1999) in Canada as well. Since 2000 Great Britain has celebrated a National Poetry Month each October. It was inspired by the success of Black History Month, held each February, and Women's History Month, held in March. In 1995, The Academy of American Poets convened a group of publishers, booksellers, librarians, literary organizations, poets, and teachers to discuss the need and usefulness of a similar month long holiday to celebrate poetry. The first National Poetry Month was held in 1996.
We will honor a poet every day of this month beginning with Alice Walker. Alice Malsenior Walker (born February 9, 1944) is an American author and poet. She has written at length on issues of race and gender, and is most famous for the critically acclaimed novel The Color Purple for which she won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction. She was born and raised in Georgia.
We Alone by Alice Walker
We alone can devalue gold
by not caring
if it falls or rises
in the marketplace.
Wherever there is gold
there is a chain, you know,
and if your chain
is gold
so much the worse
for you.
Feathers, shells
and sea-shaped stones
are all as rare.
This could be our revolution:
to love what is plentiful
as much as
what's scarce.
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