Shameless Self Promotion...

Just Like A Girl is one of the most interesting anthologies I have had the pleasure of reading. Each piece (all written by women) is so unique in form and content that it's impossible to slip this book into a particular genre. No subject is off limits, from dating thugs to breast, to masturbation. These women are fearless in their creativity.

For more information or to purchase the book visit GirlChild Press

Interview w/ Dionne McDonald

Q: When did you start taking photos?

A:I started taking photos after I had my daughter in 05'. I was on leave, and had a lot of time to myself, it was then I discovered that I had a thing for photography.

Q: What are your inspirations?

A: I love real, raw life; that shit inspires me more than anything else. Human nature and how ugly we can be.On the flip, I enjoy a beautiful person as my subject moving past a "pose" and being their true self. I love working with a person and making them feel so comfortable, they shed the armor and show me their inner self.

Q:Any big projects coming up?

A:I am working on a coffee table book it'll just be images and poetry. It'll be available to the public late Spring ‘09

Q:What messages do you hope to convey with your work?

A:I like to inspire people to think outside of their comfort zones. I want people to find beauty in all aspects of life and to appreciate the struggle.

Q:How do feel when people say digital photography is not real photography?

A:I ignore it; what’s real anyway? With both film and digi you still prop and prep people, you still stage things, and the photos could still turn out to be a hot mess.
I think people who don't use digital cameras, think people that use digital cameras have it easier and in a way we do. Why wouldn’t you want to have it easy?
I could have a piece of shit camera and still catch something beautiful. I do feel its important to learn as much as you can about photography. I’ve actually been experimenting with film a lot lately.

Q:I notice you enjoy taking photos of the human form, why?

A:There is art to the human form. Body language is exciting! Lets someone know if you want them or hate them without saying a word. I think movement is sexy , gracefulness and strength .

Q:What’s your personal creative philosophy?

A:I have learned over the past few years, that I am more comfortable when I am myself wholeheartedly. If I’m feeling sexy and sexual I will more than likely create a photo that represents that vision. I infuse my work with whatever emotion I am feeling at the time.
Individuality drives me. Knowing that whatever I do, will never be the same as what someone else does. Creativity is not a competition, everyone has their own way of sharing their creative vision.. music, painting, writing, speaking, making love, being a parent, we each have our own gifts to share
I also believe in letting go and going with the flow of things!

Q: Where can we see your work?

A:I did all of the photos for SurockBeats.com and Bravenewbreed.com. I also did a spread for H.A.S. magazine


For more info on Dionne McDonald you can email her at Dionne.Marie@yahoo.com

You Broke? You buy.

Aniekan is having a huge art sale. He is getting rid of all his older works to make way for more new and exciting pieces!

For more info email ChocolateMilkDC@gmail.com
or
Visit Aniekan at www.myspace.com/aniekan

Another event brought to you by the Pink Line Project (Phillipa Hughes). Should be interesting there will be a fashion show, live t-shirt stenciling and of course...a panel discussion.


Friday, December 12
6 - 11 pm
@ Arlington Arts Center
3550 Wilson Boulevard
(Metro: Virginia Square)

Mos Def is hands down one of the best hip hop artist of our time. His first release with Talib Kweli under the group name Black Star was packed with soulful jazzy beats and poetic lyrics it quickly became an instant classic. Years later, Mos Def dropped his first solo album, Black on Both Sides which was just s good if not better than the Black Star album. Mos Def is known for touching on spiritual and political issues with deep sympathy and humor. In addition to being a hip hop genius he has bona fide acting and vocal skills. The boy got talent! So, when I heard about him performing at the Kennedy Center with a full orchestra my emotions went from shock to pure delight. It's about time Mos Def got recognized for what he is; an amazing artist.

Catch Mos Def at The Kennedy Center September 21, 2008 at 7PM.
I know this show is months away, but trust me you want to get your tickets as soon as possible!
Tickets range from $20-$50.
For more info and to buy tickets visit www.kennedy-center.org

Jack Davey and Brook D'leau are J*davey, an electro soul force duo with sexy lyrics and colorful visuals. There music is reminiscent of Prince, reminds you of some neo soul shit, but sounds like nothing you've heard before. To quote Quest Love "J*Davey is the swift kick in the ass I've been praying for Black music to produce"...and that they are!

Go check them tommorrow (6/5/08) at Bohemian Caverns (11th and U Streets).
Tickets will run you $15 if you get them in advance (ie, right now)
Show starts at 7PM and ends at 1:30pm
DJ 2 Tone Jones will also be spinning.

For more ticket info check here:
http://jdaveybc.eventbrite.com/?discount=fusi

The Green Apple Festival for Earth Day is throwing one of the best concerts of the Spring. The Roots, Thievery Corporation, Talib Kweli and so many more will be performing on the National Mall. There will also be guest speakers including Chevy Chase (yep, dude from Caddy Shack) and green tech exhibits. The best part about this celebration is that it's from 12 noon until 7pm, so you it will be the perfect time to pack a blanket, a salad and head down to the Mall. Oh yeah, and it’s FREE!

For more information visit: The Green Apple Festival

It's been a long time, I shouldn't have left you.

I have been neglecting Chocolate Milk for a while, but blame it on my head and not my heart. I am starting a new (creative) gig on Monday, and I have been traveling the globe, well the DC area, searching for cool events to tell you about.

Here is a line up from Friday to Monday.

Friday: The Hirshhorn's Art Night. The tickets are selling out fast though, so if you wanna go, get your tickets right now here.

Saturday: Dissident Display is having a crazy all night Loft party that ends at 5AM! (DJ) Adrian Loving just got back from the Winter Music Conference in Miami and he and a host other hot DJ's are going to show off their skills! For more information or to RSVP email Dissident Display.

If that is too much for you, check out the Money Earnin' Mount Vernon event at the Scion House in BMore. DJ Two Tone Jones will be spinning and there will be complimentary (free) beer and wine.
I just saw some of the installations, and all I have to say is that them AM Radio cats got talent!

Sunday: Lay around and watch reruns of What's Happening.

Monday: Saul Williams is performing at the 930 Club!

There ya' have it. Three events to keep you busy until Tuesday! I will be at the Hirshhorn on Friday, and the Scion house on Saturday, so if you're a reader introduce yourself; I wanna meet you!

I am more than likely going to be covering this event for Richmond Worldwide Underground, so after Sunday I'll write a detailed post on how it was. If ya' don't know about Harriet's Alter Ego's Check out her site.

AM Radio has parterned with Scion to create LOCATION, an interactive art installation in a four story Baltimore townhome. The residence has been completley revamped with original paintings and sculptures by area artist. LOCATION will host a weeks worth of events with a revolving door of DJ's and performers.

For more info visit Inspire Location

Below is the schedule of events and the gallery/LOCATION hours.

Money Earnin' Mount Vernon (Public)
April 5th 6-10pm

Closing Event (Public)
April 12th 7-11pm

Exhibit Closes its Doors
April 19th
Gallery Hours of Operation:Tuesday/Wednesday/Friday Noon-7pmSaturday11am-5pm