Batucada, Afro-beat, Jazz, Soul, Funk, Disco, Deep House, Broken Beat, Samba, Hip Hop, Dub, Afro-Cuban, Salsa, Bhangra . . .
And artists you often hear include:
John Beltran, Osunlade, Masters At Work, Afrodisiac Sound System, Manu Dibango, Babatunde Olatunji, Joe Cuba, Roy Ayers, Grupo Batuque, Fela Kuti, Wumni, Luisito Quintero, Sergio Mendes, Mark De Clive-Lowe, Arakatuba, Mr. V, Dmitri From Paris, and of course many more...
Summary of loom as an event concept: SOCIAL PROGRESS - CONNECTION THROUGH MUSIC & ART - DANCEFLOOR AS SANCTUARY
"loom" is a social ideology conceptualized by Brent Crampton and Jay Kline in Omaha, Nebraska, with the idea of creating various social and artistic platforms to promote social integration.
Since March of 2006, loom has manifested as a monthly dance event at España Tapas Restaurant in downtown Benson. Blacks, Whites, Latinos, Asians, young, old, gay and straight have gathered in a peaceful assembly to connect and dance with groups of people they'd normally never encounter in a city that is notorious for its problem of racism.
On the community outreach level, loom's partnered with LA-based nonprofit, NextAid.org which finds sustainable and green ways to help children in Africa who are orphaned by AIDS, helping them to raise funds and awareness of the cause. loom has hosted a series of events outside of the walls of España including loom Weaves Heartland of America Park, loom Weaves Fashion, loom Weaves Bemis Creativity Festival, a race relations dialogue with a UN dignitary and supported various forms of art, film, fashion and community activism.
As an artist and DJ, Brent Crampton has thrice received the "Best DJ" category in the Omaha Entertainment Awards and has been promoting and organizing events for over half a decade.
Intention of the monthly dance event:
This is not just about dancing, music and drinks. Rather, we are creating a communal experience - people coming together, using music as a mode of fellowship and release. With an environment and music incorporating Latin, African and American culture, this monthly event brings in an eclectic crowd with all ethnicities, religious, cultural and social backgrounds. As David Mancuso says, if you mix the classes, then you have social progress.
The Venue, Espana:
Big clubs are a focal point for the masses, but often at the sacrifice of homogenizing the personal connection with people. Instead, we are going for a small, intimate and hospitable venue. Instead of attempting to acquire 500+ participants during a night, we want 150+ people that are serious and light-hearted about creating a positive, uplifting landscape that will facilitate an escape through music.
Crowd Participation:
In order to accentuate the rhythm in the music, a hand-drum percussionist will be on site and we'll be providing various instruments for the crowd to pick up and join in on the musical creative process. Community instruments such as tambourines, morracas and hand-drums will be available to the crowd.
NextAid is a Los Angeles based humanitarian organization dedicated to creating sustainable solutions for African children orphaned by AIDS. By partnering with socially-responsible businesses and organizations in the production of music benefits and other awareness-raising activities, NextAid provides immediate and long-term aid to African children in need. NextAid is committed to represent the international dance community in its effective and practical response to the AIDS pandemic.
A community building project facilitated by Neighbors for Neighbors involving wearing a name tag in public. The Name Tag Project's mission is to foster introductions and conversations between people who would ordinarily sit, stand, or walk by silently to build community.
in the days 2 come i will b attempting 2 wrap my brain around the events of Sept 28th in Heartland of America Park as i go through the thousands of images, video, audio, & messages that will b generated.
i hoping 2 b able 2 filter as much of the still resonating emotion and energy 2 b able 2 post my own without getting caught up in the reliving.
2 say that Cher, Sabine & I as well as the other members of our Soul Assembly famiy are extremely grateful & overwhelmed by the joy, love & hospitaltiy we received from the good people of Omaha would barely b scratching the surface of our appreciation.
as much as this is history in the making on a political level... this is history on the most personal level 4 all of us.
thank u 4 opening your hearts & minds 2 us... & allowing your spirits 2 sore with ours.
Afro-blu...our family flourishes with u it was our absolute pleasure 2 usher in the new season with all of u.
in the days 2 come i will b attempting 2 wrap my brain around the events of Sept 28th in Heartland of America Park as i go through the thousands of images, video, audio, & messages that will b generated.
i hoping 2 b able 2 filter as much of the still resonating emotion and energy 2 b able 2 post my own without getting caught up in the reliving.
2 say that Cher, Sabine & I as well as the other members of our Soul Assembly famiy are extremely grateful & overwhelmed by the joy, love & hospitaltiy we received from the good people of Omaha would barely b scratching the surface of our appreciation.
as much as this is history in the making on a political level... this is history on the most personal level 4 all of us.
thank u 4 opening your hearts & minds 2 us... & allowing your spirits 2 sore with ours.
Afro-blu...our family flourishes with u it was our absolute pleasure 2 usher in the new season with all of u.
Anybody who finds a missing wallet and phone from 4-24-08 Espana I will give a cash reward and maybe lap dance if your lucky! Lol! jk. no in all seriousness please contact me at 402-660-9512 jen
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