We must keep going !

This past Saturday, January 25th, the Museum of the African Diaspora (MoAD) in San Francisco hosted a captivating event in partnership with SFJAZZ, celebrating Black History Month with a unique blend of art and music.

The afternoon began with a guided tour of MoAD's exhibitions. MoAD's current exhibition is a vibrant exploration of Black identity, creativity, and the concept of "liberatory living." The show cleverly intertwines art and design, showcasing how everyday objects and spaces can become powerful expressions of self and community.

Zanele Muholi's striking photographic portrait, "Balindile I, the square, Cape Town 2017," likely served as a compelling anchor for the exhibition. Muholi's work often confronts issues of race, gender, and sexuality, and this piece probably provided a powerful lens through which to view the other works. Malene Djaneba Barnett's "Illusion of Softness" wallpaper added a tactile and visually rich dimension. Barnett's work explores themes of African heritage and ancestral connection, and the wallpaper likely created an immersive environment within the exhibition.

The overall theme of "Liberatory Living: Black Radical Joy" provided a framework for understanding the works on display. It suggests that by creating and inhabiting spaces that reflect their own values and aesthetics, Black individuals can experience a sense of freedom, joy, and empowerment. 

This exhibition seems to be a testament to MoAD's commitment to showcasing diverse voices and perspectives within the African diaspora. By blending art, design, and social commentary, it creates a thought-provoking and inspiring experience with a range of powerful and thought-provoking works exploring the African diaspora. Museum tours always offer a chance for personal reflection and shared perspectives, and this one was likely no different, sparking conversations and deepening understanding.

Following the tour, the focus shifted to music with a performance by the talented Martin Luther McCoy, known for his soulful blend of blues, R&B, and storytelling, McCoy treated the audience to an intimate concert in the museum's gallery. He was joined by bassist Elizabeth, adding depth and groove to his signature sound. This performance was particularly special as it offered a first listen to selections from McCoy's upcoming album "Welcome Back Love," giving attendees a sneak peek into his creative process.

Overall, the event seems to have been a resounding success, offering a rich and engaging experience that combined the visual power of art with the emotive force of music. It provided a fitting tribute to Black History Month, showcasing the creativity and resilience of Black artists and their contributions to our cultural landscape. And meeting curator Kee Jo Lee at the end of the visit was a great way to deepen my understanding of the exhibition. Curators play a crucial role in shaping the narrative of an exhibition, and Lee's insights likely added a valuable layer to our experience.

The personal touch at MoAD extended beyond the art itself. Elizabeth Gessel, the Director of Public Programs, sent a thoughtful email after I registered for the event, which made me feel welcomed and valued. Then, receiving a thank you note from her after attending added a special touch and deepened my connection to the museum. This level of personal attention and care elevated the entire experience, making it feel truly touching and thoughtful.

~Dawn

It's not the destination, it's the journey ...

Road-trips..who doesn't love it? I don't know about others but I love road-trips since my childhood.

"All you need is a wheel in your hand and four on the road." 😉 ~ (modified Jack Kerouac's quote)

It was after my high-school exams, that we got into our summer holidays as the results were not out yet.

Family decided to go to Mahabaleshwar, which is in Maharashtra State of India. The British colonial rulers developed this town into a Hill Station, served as the summer capital of Bombay Presidency during those days.

"Good company in a journey makes the way seem shorter." ~ Izaak Walton

This place is a treat for nature lovers as it has lush green forest, there is a fort that King Chatrapati Shivaji built it called as Pratapgad. It's beautiful and to go there you need to do some hiking. Since there is a holy river Krishna Nadi, at the bank of it there is a temple as well.

Besides visiting the scenic places, and eating the local cuisine of Maharashtra there are five temples with old Indian architecture. It's basically a holiday resort, honeymoon sport and pilgrimage site for people. So any age can enjoy the trip.

"Roads are a record of those who have gone before."~ Rebecca Solnit

We had booked a van and it was so much fun, I remember through the trip it was Samantha Fox who's cassette was playing in the van. So many beautiful vista points and pictures and the best part was to stop at certain places to eat because the food taste will vary as you make progress within the Maharashtra state.

I remember going for a boat ride at Venna lake and a horse ride, it was such a fun ride. There's also an Elephant point rock which reminds me of the Elephant rock at Valley of fire near Las Vegas.  

After all the fun, food and friendly time, on our return we were all dead asleep until my Dad suddenly started the 'funky town' on the cassette and everyone jumped off the seats..lol!

Road-trips are so much fun that it gives you, your own space and privacy when you are in your car or van. You will enjoy specially in this pandemic time as people were crowding at the airport for vacations.

We often do road-trips in US as there is so much to see here and you can drive along and go to as many States as you can based on your vacation duration. Music is one best company during such trips and one must be ready for anything and everything to face whether it's the food, stay or meet people along the way.

"The only impossible journey is the one you never begin." ~ Tony Robbins 

~ Dawn 

Note: Now you can listen to the audio version of my blogs in Hindi on the UshaDawn Hindi Podcast on Google, Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Check it out and new episodes uploaded every day 3 AM Pacific Standard Time

Live the life that your heart prompts to ;)

I was this evening at Bronco Billy's Pizza place..where kids were singing. It's a gig place where Ms Margo brings her kids to sing and it's a fun place with pizza, drinks and music - believe me, it's fun!
As some of kids are really killer when they sing and you just lose the moment to realize where you are... because I yelled out and screamed encouraging them ... and said, it was too good to them!

Yes, that's when you realize what you need in life is only music. The rhythm that keeps you going and life is good again!
I always go back to when I was alone in this journey for real! Yes, when I say real it means you have no guardians and no friends at all with you and yet,this music and lyrics helps you to swim through and believe me - you don't feel lonely at all. If anyone joins then its merrier but not less!

I had a such evening and why I am not sure but want that my space kind of feeling where, I want to go for a long drive, long trip where I want to be left alone with me, my music and my imagination and me!

I tell ya, live life because you want to live and not because someone is making you to ;)

Be the bird that you are born to fly
Live the life that your heart prompts to
And, if something doesn't fit then yes!
Time to move on, because you are not constant!
Life has to move on and so is you!
Live the life, sing when you want to and enjoy!
When you tend to think, listen to music and yes!
When you are happy, it need not be a rule and you know
You will sing and dance to the tune of love that you want!

Happy Poetry Month To All!


Cheers 
~ Dawn