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RENAISSANCE — Women and Trans People of Color in Hip Hop & Slam Poetry (11/30)
Posted By QWOC+ Boston on November 28th, 2011
Spectra Events presents
RENAISSANCE, a monthly performance revue, is a night of elegance infused with stunning musical performances from seasoned women of color performing artists and musicians. Each month, the event kicks off with a networking event for women of color and allies, followed by a live concert that features a wide variety of musical genres: big band blues, vocalist trios, classical jazz quartets, soulful R&B, and more.
For the month of November, we are proud to feature women and gender non-conforming people of color artists in Hip Hop and Slam Poetry.
Wed November 30th |
Networking at 7:00pm, Show at start at 8:00PM
Church | 69 Kilmarnock Street, Boston MA
21+ (w/ valid ID, no exceptions)
Dress Code: Hip Hop Renaissance, Go Wild 
Tickets: hiphoprenaissance2011.eventbrite.com
Facebook: RSVP Here
Twitter: Tweet about this event @spectrasevents using the hashtag #hiphoprenaissance
Featuring the talents of the following artists (bios below):
- Micah (Queer MC, Conscious Hip Hop)
- Porsha O (Hip Hop Feminist, Slam Poetry)
- Janae Johnson (Lyrical Nerd, Slam Poetry)
- J Mase III (Nerdy Humor, Slam Poetry)
- GaBrilla Ballard (Lyrical Songstress, Renaissance HipHop)
- Villa Tali (Female MC, Sisterhood Hip Hop)
This show is for everyone ages 21+
Stay tuned for more Spectra Events at http://www.spectra-events.com/
Email info@spectra-events.com if this incredibly detailed event listing didn’t answer all of your questions
INTRODUCING THE ARTISTS OF RENAISSANCE
MICAH is a hip hop artist, and transman from Massachusetts. He has been writing and performing for the past 4 years around Boston, NY and LA.
He writes from his own experience in an attempt to show that regardless of all those differing identifiers, human beings have much in common, and much to learn from each other. He just released his first single, the queer anthem “Did it On Em”, and is in the process of recording his first mixtape through Base Trip Records.
Follow Micah on Tumbler and on Twitter, and of course, like his Facebook page!
PORSHA O Porsha Olayiwola is a self – proclaimed hip hop feminist.
Poetically, Porsha O. Intertwines the spirits of Audre Lorde, Fannie Lou Hamer, Ida. B. Wells Barnett and June Jordan with the bluntness of Hip Hop Feminism, creating poetry that speaks for itself. Porsha O. has opened for Mae Jemison, the first African American female astronaut, MC LYTE, pioneering female hip-hop artist, Dr. Cornell West and Dr. Angela Davis. A founding member of the Chicago – based political performance group, “The Unwritten Amendment,” she uses poetry to create a dynamic flow of infra-politics that rebels against the norms and rigidity of society.
To follow Porsha, send her a friend request on Facebook or follow her on Twitter.
J MASE III J Mase III is a Black, Trans, Queer, Rowdy-as-Hell Poet with a capital [P] based in Philly.
As a performer and teaching poet J Mase III has rocked venues from San Diego to NYC at colleges and radio stations to group homes and youth centers. An organ donor, J Mase is the author of “If I Should Die Under the Knife, Tell My Kidney I Was the Fiercest Poet Around” and creator of the multi-city performance event “Cupid Ain’t @#$%!: An Anti-Valentine’s Day Poetry Movement”.”
You can stalk him at Facebook, Gigmaven and YouTube.
JANA’E JOHNSON “Jana’e Johnson is a “not so average” writer-turned slam poet originally from Sacramento, California.
After spending a year honing her craft, she is emerging in the Boston Poetry scene as a queer poet focusing on storytelling and political satire. You can find Jana’e performing almost every Sunday at the Lizard Lounge in Cambridge, MA.
Send her a friend request on Facebook!
GABRILLA BALLARD GaBrilla Ballard is a New Orleans native, singer, songwriter, mama and creator of urbanmamasong.com, a blog about balancing motherhood, artistry, wellness and love.
GaBrilla describes her music as ” Soul Roots Music”. She goes on to say “I wanted to acknowledge all the musical influences that inspire and influence me–gospel, blues, jazz, world; without having to say, you may hear a little this or that. By saying Soul Roots Music , I am acknowledging all those musical genres, but all within the context of soul music.”
Villa Tali is a young, talented single mother — a Boston raised (born and bred) positive influence to the youth looking to break into the industry and change the rap industry’s view of this “good ole boys club” or “brotherhood”.
In her words: ”Too many sisters with powerful voices are waiting to be heard. It’s hard for a female to gain respect. But as long as we give it to each other they have no choice but to let us in!”
Check out her page on Facebook and MySpace.
IMPORTANT DETAILS
- Doors open at 7:00PM | Show begins at 8PM
- Tickets are $8-10 Advanced / $12 on the Guest List / $15 at the Door
- Group discounts available! Contact Spectra Events for more info
Press Inquiries
Limited number of PRESS PASSES available; please contact Spectra Events for more information and/or to be placed on the VIP Guest List.
Announcing Power Mingle 2.0: Networking Event for Awesome People
Posted By Yarimee Gutierrez on October 16th, 2011
You are invited to a social media infused social networking event (AKA Tweetup!) at MIDDLESEX LOUNGE, hosted by Spectra Events.
RSVP for FREE admission here:
http://powerminglefall2011
Otherwise, $5-10 donation suggested
WED Oct 19th 6-9pm
@ Middlesex Lounge
315 Massachusetts Ave
Cambridge, MA
Event Page | FB Page
Since Boston boasts a plethora of niche networking opportunities, this low-key for-the-fun-of-it fall mingle is for no other than generally awesome people, which means you! And, of course, in true Spectra Events fashion we’ll make sure this mingle is anything-but-traditional, non stuffy and most certainly “non-networky.” Show up right after work / the end of your day, grab some food, order a cocktail, meet, tweet, and greet!
Tweet all about it!
We encourage you to sign up for Twitter before registering. Follow us at @spectrasevents and/or tweet about this event using the hashtag #powermingle.
NEXT STEPS
Here’s what you should do now that you’re so excited about Power Mingle!
- Sign up for Twitter (www.twitter.com)
- RSVP w/ your Twitter Handle
(http://powerminglefall2011.eventbrite.com/ ) - Tweet about the event using the hashtag #powermingle
- Get connected online and offline
- Thank us later
Hope to see you at the event!
RENAISSANCE: Women of Color in Jazz, Soul, R&B, and Poetry (Wed 9/28)
Posted By Yarimee Gutierrez on September 19th, 2011
Spectra Events presents…
RENAISSANCE: A Night of Elegance with Women of Color in Jazz, Soul, R&B, and Poetry
Spectra Events hosts RENAISSANCE, a showcase of brown women musicians, featuring sounds from big band jazz to soulful ballads to spoken-word. This show is for the grown ‘n’ sexy, the street artist, the bohemian, and music lovers everywhere. RENAISSANCE is more than a live music show. It’s a slow dance, a passionate love affair, red silk sheets, pulsating hips, heartbreak, love, fire. It is sweat, soul, and movement. Renaissance is black feminist sex!
Wednesday Sep 28th | Doors at 7PM, Show at 8PM
18+ (no exceptions)
Church | 69 Kilmarnock Street, Boston MA
Tickets: http://spectrarenaissance2011.eventbrite.com/
Facebook: RSVP Here
Featuring the talents of the following artists:
- Amelia Sophia Ali
- Katt Webb
- Tavonna Miller
- Porsha O.
- Poetic Devotion
- MC-ed by Idalia
Dress Code: First Date at an upscale Jazz Bar, Keep it spiffy
This show is for everyone ages 18+
Stay tuned for more Spectra Events at http://www.spectra-events.com/
Email info@spectra-events.com if this incredibly detailed event listing didn’t answer all of your questions
INTRODUCING THE ARTISTS OF RENAISSANCE
Katt Webb Born and raised in Austin, TX, Kat Webb came into singing very early, listening to the music of her parents’ generation. Unlike most children, however, her parents’ music remained near and dear to her heart, along with contemporary artists who also borrow from vintage genres and styles.
Since moving to NYC, she’s become a strong presence in the music scene, performing at many venues including the legendary Lenox Lounge, the Nuyorican Poets Cafe, and Mile’s Jazz Cafe. Her debut album, “An Old Soul” consists of jazz standards and soul classics re-imagined for the modern listener, in keeping with her musical influences, and has received great reviews.
Her career as a vocalist is just beginning and it’s clear the best is yet to come.. You can follow her work by liking her page on Facebook or by visiting her website KatWebbMusic.com
Poetic Devotion is a Boston based poet who boldly weaves the truth of her experience and the many struggles she’s faced – with sexuality, spirituality, rejection, depression and “acceptance” – into her poetry.
She says, ”The best friend I ever had/have was and is my pen. For 9 years I have been dedicated to speaking what it is I write. “I am not here to Entertain I am here to Inform”. My mission is touch the heart of the unconcerned.”
Follow Poetic Devotion on Facebook or on Twitter
Tavonna Miller encountered her greatest learning experience studying the discipline of classical voice at Fullerton College (California) before furthering her pop/jazz vocal studies at Berklee College of Music.
Tavonna is known for her moving musical expression in the gospel genre and now branches out to sing not only gospel/christian, but also r&b, jazz, soul, and classical. Her education in music and art has completely enhanced her view of all forms of art. She graduated with a degree in Songwriting from Berklee College of Music and performs nightly at many local live music spots in Boston.
She is currently finishing up work on her first album. You can follow Tavonna on her Facebook Page.
Porsha O Porsha Olayiwola is a self – proclaimed hip hop feminist.
Poetically, Porsha O. Intertwines the spirits of Audre Lorde, Fannie Lou Hamer, Ida. B. Wells Barnett and June Jordan with the bluntness of Hip Hop Feminism, creating poetry that speaks for itself. Porsha O. has opened for Mae Jemison, the first African American female astronaut, MC LYTE, pioneering female hip-hop artist, Dr. Cornell West and Dr. Angela Davis. A founding member of the Chicago – based political performance group, “The Unwritten Amendment,” she uses poetry to create a dynamic flow of infra-politics that rebels against the norms and rigidity of society.
To follow Porsha send her a friend request on Facebook or follow her on Twitter.
Amelia Sophia Ali hails from the city of Boston and and is a talented songwriter currently studying Berklee College of Music. This young American songstress has ethnic roots in Trinidad, Syria & India and recently performed her original song “Blind Citizens” for Governor Deval Patrick’s Commonwealth Corps award ceremony at Fenway Park. \
In her own words, “weather we’re talking about Jay-Z, Oprah Winfrey, Makeebah Riddick, Emir Cerman, Annette Phillips, Neil Degrasse Tyson or me, there is a common denominator that connects all of us. It is the consistency of our actions and the strong self-belief to keep pushing upward. ”
Follow Amelia Sophia Ali on Facebook or preview her music on YouTube.
IMPORTANT DETAILS
•Doors open at 7:00PM | Show begins at 8PM
•Tickets are $8-10 Advanced / $15 at the Door
•Group discounts available! Contact Spectra Events for more info
Limited number of PRESS PASSES available; please contact Spectra Events for more information and/or to be placed on the VIP Guest List.
Stay tuned for more Spectra Events: http://www.spectra-events.com/
NERDY CABARET Features Queer People of Color w/ Burlesque, Erotica, and Spoken-Word
Posted By QWOC+ Boston on July 17th, 2011
The NERDY CABARET will feature a diverse line up of entertainment from secretaries, sluts, songstresses, and a sultriness of the intellectual sort. We’ve finally created a space where hipsters are encouraged to sport their fake wide-rimmed glasses and your came-after-work-didn’t-have-time-to-change ensemble could even pass as kinky. Nerdy science jokes, political sattire, hip-hop storytelling, and sexy role-play involving inanimate objects are all encouraged.
Wednesday July 27th
MIDDLE EAST UPSTAIRS
472 Massachusetts Avenue
Cambridge MA
Guest List and Ticketing
AUDIENCE: You are encouraged to dress up as SLUTS, SECRETARIES, and/or your favorite SONGSTRESSES (Madonna, Gaga, Nina, Tina, Beyonce… the possibilities are endless)!
ADMISSION: $10 at the Door, RSVP on RSVP HERE to get in for $8 that day.
TWITTER: Following @spectrasevents on Twitter and tweet all about the Nerdy Cabaret using the hashtag, #nerdycabaret
FACEBOOK: RSVP on Facebook and Share Share Share!
MEET YOUR NERDY HOSTS
SPECTRA is the intellectually artsy mastermind behind Spectra Events (and their new show, the Nerdy Cabaret).
This creative nerd, introverted socialite, and femme-lovin’ Naija boi digs video games as commentary for the human experience and multivariable calculus as a metaphor for relationships.
When s/he’s not making love to a piano (or other inanimate objects), s/he’s blogging about more serious stuff at www.spectraspeaks.com, espousing un-proofed formulas for optimizing polyamorous connections, and pondering the science of love at @iqwoc on Twitter.
Brand of NERD: CREATIVE
IDIALIA is a fierce Puertominican poet; a proud nerd, and a lover of safe words like pancakes, hickies, and sugarmelt.
She began writing for herself, until she looked around only to realize the scarcity of voices like hers — queer brown artsy and kinky — in the media, so now she writes for everyone else; for the kid in kindergarten who cried after someone made fun of his accent, for her little sister who asked her to pass the “people colored crayon” (peach), for the transgender girl who smiled after putting on lipstick for the first time, and to the people privileged enough to ignore the injustices that exist in the world.
Follow her on Tumblr and @idaliapoetry on Twitter, and maybe she’ll blow you a kiss.
Brand of Nerd: SEXY
INTRODUCING YOUR NERDY PERFORMERS!
Claire “DAME JANE” Byers was born into a creative family who grew up making music together. Surrounded by her father’s compositions, she has been gliding on song since her days in the womb. Song emerged with her first words. Even at five, she was preoccupied with songs about love.
This musical mistress is pleased to emerge out of her previous sultry darkness to bring you the darling “Dame Jane” with a brighter, child-like wonder about that thing called love. She is working on her Masters at Lesley University, learning how to heal with song.
Follow Dame Jane (and her alto ego) at Facebook!
Brand of Nerd: VINTAGE
GEEGEE LOUISE opts for creative bios, and thus brings you this rhyme:
“Shh! Turn down the lights;
Lean forward for a wonderful sight.
Close your eyes and enjoy the touch;
But will the shivers be way too much?
Reach! Embrace the temptation;
Pleasure waves become vibration.
Oh, yes! Did you hear that growl?
Something sexy is on the prowl.
He has arrived; Geegee is here!
Slowly clothes, he begins to tear.
Watch his body as he shakes,
Then struts all over the hearts he breaks.”
Nothing more to be said. Drool over GeeGee at his Website, or get a taste of him on Youtube!
Brand of Nerd: TEASE
JOJO POINDEXTER (Joel Marshall) is a self taught and published poet who has been writing since childhood. He is a passionate advocate for LGBTQ organizations in Boston working to raise awareness and engage the community.
Marshall is dedicated to educating audiences on important issues such as recognizing signs of child sexual abuse, supportive environments for those living with HIV/AIDS, and new beginnings for refugee women in the US. His support can been seen through his book sales and event raffle contributions to Enough Abuse Campaign and Boston Living Center, as well as fund raising efforts for Spheres of Exchange through the TransModa fashion show.
Joel currently lives and works in Boston and attends open mics as often as possible. To learn more about his work, visit this website www.thewrittenvoice.com.
Brand of Nerd: INSPIRING
MS. LOLITA LAVAMP is a proud Puerto Rican transgender female haling from New York City and it’s fabulous Ballroom Scene & The House of Ninja. Ms. LaVamp has also been involved in HIV Prevention & Education and Social Justice Activism/Organizing for the past 15 years, advocating for LGBT2SGNCQ individuals.
She has been dancing and performing since high school, and was featured twice in the PBS Lesbian and Gay television news magazine “”In The Life”". Lolita has also performed for Boiling Point Burlesque Fall 2009, Bent Wit Cabaret: Identity 2010, The Slutcracker: A Christmas Burlesque 2009 & 2010 and The Femme Show 2010.
To get bitten by LaVamp, “Like” her on Facebook or follow her on Twitter.
Brand of Nerd: FIERCE
MARY BOWEN is a writer, film historian and classically-trained actor/singer who has worked in theatre, television, independent film and voice over.
Most recently, she wowed Cambridge, MA audiences as part of the queer review The Nitty Gritty Show, starring in her self-scripted performance piece “He’s Fading to Black”. Nerdy Cabaret II marks Ms. Bowen’s Jazz Songstress debut.
Under the Avatar Calliope, Mary creates music & spoken word video on Youtube and the group blog she she founded at www.standingloud.com.
Brand of Nerd: RENAISSANCE
LA TICA proudly hails from Costa Rica, where she developed her love of music listening to her father play the bass and marimbas in professional bands around Latin America. She is a Latina Lesbian who has done “in your face” social and economic justice community organizing as well as more sedate human services work in the Boston area for the past 20+ years.
In her youth, La Tica performed in professional musical theater in CT and NYC. She is thrilled to be returning to the stage after a long absence and to be taking part in the Nerdy Cabaret II.
Her nerd credits include her intense love of; science, literature, writing and the arts. She combines these nerdy interests with a special Tica brand of sexy, hot, sultriness. Send her some love on Facebook.
Brand of Nerd: MUSICAL
OPTIONZ Pride Party for Trans & Queer People of Color THU June 9th
Posted By Yarimee Gutierrez on June 8th, 2011
**NEW LOCATION**
Due to racist policy at previous venue, OPTIONZ has been MOVED to :
Market Lounge
130 Water St (120 Water St entrance)
Downtown Boston, 02109
PLEASE HELP SPREAD THE WORD!
OPTIONZ: 5th Annual Multicultural Pride Party from Queer Women of Color and Friends
OPTIONZ is an annual diversity-conscious, trans-inclusive, bi-friendly, open-to-all Pride party brought to you by Queer Women of Color and Friends (QWOC+ Boston) in conjunction with the Boston Pride Committee and Black Pride 2011.
This year, OPTIONZ is being co-hosted by Spectra Events’ Power Lesbian Network, Gay Boston (Young Women of Color), Multicultural AIDS Coalition, MadFemmePride, and the LGBT Coalition of Western Massachusetts.
Thursday June 9th
Market Lounge
130 Water Street
Boston MA 02109
9PM-10PM Social-Networking and Speed-Friending with QWOC+ and MFP
10PM-2AM DJ Sun One spins the best of Reggae, R&B, Hip-Hop, Latin, and Top 40
*All proceeds will be used to put on QWOC Week (Jul 29th-Aug 7th, 2011)*
*This event is Open to ALL.*
ROOTS: Dance for LGBT Human Rights in Africa
Hosted by Spectra Events and Queer Women of Color and Friends
DID YOU KNOW?
In Africa, DANCE is an expression of PRIDE.
In Africa, DANCE invigorates and sustains the SPIRIT and LIVELIHOOD of many cultures.
In Africa, DANCE unites people in SOLIDARITY and summons forth RESISTANCE.
In Africa, DANCE is used as a CALL TO BRETHREN, neighboring villages, ALLIES, spirits who have passed, ancestors, and gods…
In Africa, DANCE EMPOWERS and UNITES ENTIRE COMMUNITIES in times of celebration…
… and of need.
THIS PRIDE SEASON, please join us for… A PRIDE EVENT **WITH AN INTERNATIONAL TWIST**
Saturday June 11th
MANTRA
52 Temple Place Boston MA
http://africanpride2011.eventbrite.com/
7-9PM Head over to MANTRA after the ESME Block party to join the movement (literally); there will be NO lines (if you get there early)
9PM onwards Get down to DJ Bruno and DJ Rizzla spinning west african rhythms, afrobeat, international house, soca, reggae, and hiphop.
Facebook Event | Ticketing | $5 Online, $10 at the Door
**A portion of the proceeds from this event will be donated to an organization dedicated to human rights advocacy on behalf of people who experience discrimination or abuse on the basis of their actual or perceived sexual orientation, gender identity or expression. TBD. Feel free to leave a comment with your nominations!**
PRIDE IS A PRIVILEGE. Let’s Use Ours to Support Global Equality.
A Night of Elegance at RENAISSANCE: Women of Color in Jazz, Soul, and R&B
Posted By QWOC+ Boston on May 25th, 2011
RENAISSANCE: A Night of Elegance with Women of Color in Jazz, Soul, and R&B
followed by a Throwback to the 90s Dance Party — Yesss!
Spectra Events hosts RENAISSANCE, a showcase of brown women musicians, featuring sounds from big band jazz to soulful ballads to spoken-word. This show is for the grown ‘n’ sexy, the street artist, the bohemian, and music lovers everywhere. RENAISSANCE is more than a live music show. It’s a slow dance, a passionate love affair, red silk sheets, pulsating hips, heartbreak, love, fire. It is sweat, soul, and movement. Renaissance is black feminist sex!
Wednesday May 25th | Doors at 7PM, Show at 8PM
18+ (no exceptions)
Church | 69 Kilmarnock Street, Boston MA
Tickets: http://renaissancemay2011.eventbrite.com/
Facebook: RSVP Here
Featuring the talents of the following artists:
- Sapphira Cristal
- Mercedes Diaz
- Monique Jarvis of Mofroism & The Feel
- Laquandra Seymore
- Tavonna Williams
- MC-ed by Idalia and Spectra
- Music from DJ Inkognito!
Dress Code: First Date at an upscale Jazz Bar, Keep it spiffy
This show is for everyone ages 18+
Stay tuned for more Spectra Events at http://www.spectra-events.com/
Email info@spectra-events.com if this incredibly detailed event listing didn’t answer all of your questions
THESE LADIES ARE PLANNING ON BRINGING THE STEAM!
Sapphira Cristal, 22, with her bubbly personality and killer smile, reigns from Houston, TX. Often called the “Gospel Diva,” she is a wild energetic entertainer who captures her audience with her “unflinching Focus”. She can be found locally at Jacques Cabaret and Machine Nightclub in Boston. This Fabulous Ebony Diva is a classically trained singer and actor and can also be seen in the Ryan Landry original, ” Peter Pansy,” in Provincetown, MA. You can follow her work by liking her page on Facebook.
M3rcedes Diaz is a smooth jazz/hip hop singer and songwriter. M3rcedes has written over 120 tunes to this date and is currently attending Berklee College of Music to major in Songwriting. M3rcedes has recently released 5 new titles of pop/rock-electro music that empowers and brings light on rape, social injustice and encourages people to follow their dreams no matter the obstacle. You can read more about Mercedes work on her website: http://www.m3rcedes.com/
Tavonna Miller encountered her greatest learning experience studying the discipline of classical voice at Fullerton College (California) before furthering her pop/jazz vocal studies at Berklee College of Music. Tavonna is known for her moving musical expression in the gospel genre and now branches out to sing not only gospel/christian, but also r&b, jazz, soul, and classical. Her education in music and art has completely enhanced her view of all forms of art. She graduated with a degree in Songwriting from Berklee College of Music and performs nightly at many local live music spots in Boston. She is currently finishing up work on her first album. You can follow Tavonna on her Facebook Page.
Monique Jarvis‘ is a transformative and compelling fusion of jazz, r&b, funk, and folk with a backdrop of spoken word that issues a soulfully urgent call for social change. Monique is now director of a national award-winning performance arts after school program in the South Bronx and founder of the uncompromising and compelling Spok’N Truth Trio, Mofroism and The Feel. At RENAISSANCE she will be performing with Kera Washington of Zili Musik and bassist extraordinaire Laurie Goldsmith. You can follow Mofroism & The Feel on Facebook.
IMPORTANT DETAILS
•Doors open at 7:00PM | Show begins at 8PM
•Featuring Tavonna Williams, Mercedes Diaz, Monique Jarvis, and others
•This show is for everyone ages 19+
•Tickets are $10-$15 Advanced / $20 at the Door
•Group discounts available! Contact Spectra Events for more info
Limited number of PRESS PASSES available; please contact Spectra Events for more information and/or to be placed on the VIP Guest List.
Stay tuned for more Spectra Events: http://www.spectra-events.com/
