Soulophonic meets LA VS WAR: A unexpeceted match made in Open Mic Heaven...

Piel's Tiki and Jawnee performing a moving acoustic
version of thier underground hit "Speakers."

This weeks open mic session found itself immersed in what was left up from the previous weekends Multi-Media exhibit and event "LA VS WAR". This epic, 3 day Anti-War event brought in viewers and artists statewide and was all ages. There were over 100 participating artists, Live Art, Live Video Art. Round tables and workshops were held and more than 50 Dj's and Live Performances rocked the renovated warehouse space we call home to Soulophonic each Tuesday night. For more info on this important organization click here.

PEACE

Art [above] by my one of my favorite artist's : Chase.

MUSIC

Soulophonic resident music provider, DJ 5 min.
on his old school wheels of steel warming up the vibe.

The Soulophonic crew set up around hundreds of Anti-War & Peace driven art,
creating an experimental and intimate space which was definitely fueled by
the energy of the weekends happenings - as well as the art surrounding us itself.

Boyle Heights/Corazon del Pueblo poet Sammy
opened the night with just the right tone.

Local poet/singer Roger Nduku, has become a
welcome and regular fixture at Soulophonic.

A special treat to all present was this immeasurably talented
singer/songwriter and guitar player William Hawkins of Downtown LA.

Back for another round of poetry, Patrick Thomas shared
new poems written on the fly in days leading up to Tuesday.

The rediculously talented Actress/Writer and yes, Spoken Word Poet Chastity Dotson performed a personal piece which explored some serious issues we could all relate to: being an artist and creative person, trying to get ahead and make a living and succeed in the entertainment industry etc etc. Three E's to describe her performance. Engaging. Explosive. Epic.

Local LA Painter Eloy Torrez rocking the guitar, killing us with lyrics
and keepin' the heads boppin' with his melodic and sweet original tunes.

Performer Will Hawkins [above] taking it all in from the back of space perspective.

Folks. Art. Love. Music. Support. Poetry. What more do we need?

Myself and Beat Boxer Joshua Silverstein at it once again.

Mataji Booker and Joshua Silverstein performing a cult classic original "Molded".

For the first time in the short history of this event since its launch in March, Soulophonic, which has primarily been home to Poets and the Spoken Word, was out done in great numbers by musical/acoustic acts! It was a night filled with music, art and stripped down to the bone talent - each performer unique, from the heart and bringing a level of feeling to the already tense Full moon night. Many remarked after wards that this particular Soulophonic session was like "going to therapy."

Danny came with performer Patrick Thomas not sure if he wanted to perform since it had been all whole 3 years. He did, however bring his guitar, and once he got inspired to step up to the mic (they always do), he could not - get off! And he rocked it. It was a revisit and re-opening witnessed by all, and this is exactly the kind of platform that we strive to create each week.

Hype Hustle's Phil Irwin wrote not one, but TWO new songs since he first came to Soulophonic last week, and they were nothing short of simply beautiful. Such a gifted songwriter and musician, thanks Phil for allowing Will Hawkins, myself and others to use your sweet baby (guitar).

DJ 5 min aka D Thrice on the mic: reading"Some Movies"
- a poem that has become a favorite of mine - was super in synch
with the art exhibited around us. Very moving. Man of many gifts.

Singer/Songwriter Jawnee - bass player for the awesome, socially concious indie rock/punk band Piel made a surprise appearance with partner and Piel front woman Tiki. Jawnee rocked a sweet version of "Summer Time", complete with a built in trumpet and bass player! Then he took us home with a fierce and soothing original song about us all being Love and shit. Hot damn Jawnee!

Street Poet Jason aka 23 Skadu closed the night with his highly charged, entertaining, educational spoken word rants at their finest. The perfect way to end a perfect night in the hyper politically aware creative surroundings.

It was a howling Pisces full moon night and there was emotion after emotion brought to the stage yes including tears - healing energies brought to the space like never before at Soulophonic. As we continue to build and grow we can only hope to keep this kind of platform open as a safe space for every walk of life to come and exercise our creative "writes" and or exorcise our individual and collective plights. Thanks to everyone who came through and stayed the night and a special thank you to the LA Vs WAR crew for being willing to share space while they were breaking down their event.


Check out the global [PEACE PROJECT] which was started a few years back by photogapher/dj Azul. I got in on this engaging and powerful photography based movement the very last night of the event. It was a real honor to stand up for peace with long time aquaintance Azul, especially doing it in the space of our weekly open mic, The Vortex. Power to the Photoz of the People!