I’ve decided to try something new.  Over on the right side of the blog, you’ll see a button that says subscribe.  Consider clicking on it.  Here’s why:

Ive been running this site since 2007.  Yes, I’ve done it for the love of what gets covered here, because I believe that black alt music and culture deserves a space.  And, yes, much has changed in the six years since we began.  “Black rock” has moved closer to the mainstream, thanks to the success of Afropunk and many of the artists that have been covered here.  Think Janelle Monae, Santigold, TVOTR, and tons others.  And we’ve expanded our coverage beyond music to cover visual art, film, theater and, most recently, books.  The goal is to bring you a well rounded look at what’s new and next in global black culture.

It’s long been time to think of Bold As Love Magazine as a business, and ways to make it so.  But this now comes at a time when the internet has decimated the publishng business, and there’s little to be had in the way of sustainable advertising revenue for smaller sites like this one.  Therefore, I’m going to try something a little different.  It starts with a question:

Would you, as a regular reader, pay $2 per month to support this site?

No, I’m not throwing up a paywall.  The content will still be free.  But, for those of you who find this site valuable–and I run into many of you all the time–would you consider chipping in?   If enough of you do, it will provide resources that can support the growth of this site.  For example, I can start paying writers, be more aggressive in the marketing of the site and kick this thing up to a whole ‘nother level.  Maybe I’d also be able to put some of that money towards the next iteration of the NBI Festival which, as you know, is a direct offshoot of this site.

The reality is, this site is maintained in between and around a lot of other things: day job, being a husband and a father.  which means that when those things demand attention, the magazine has to be put on the back burner.  Paying writers, for example, allows me to step away (at least a bit) and know that fresh content is being developed and gets out to you guys.

Think about it. Folks are more than willing to pay for apps, music and books online.  Why not a monthly commitment support one of your favorite sites?

You can either click the button to the right on here.  Either way, you’ve got your choice of $2/month or $20/year.

Thanks, fam!

Credit: Tyler Gourley

From his ground breaking collaboration with Anna Lappé, Grub, to his two more recent books, Vegan Soul Kitchen and Inspired Vegan, Terry has not only continued advancing his argument that soul food is also healthy food, but more importantly, it is a fundamental human right that everyone have access to real food.  A highly sought after speaker at colleges and universities, Terry can more often than not be found plying his trade alongside a host of community based organizations with which he works to help eradicate this nation’s vast array of food deserts.  We recently caught up to get Terry’s take on his latest ventures, and of course, music.

You were recently featured prominently in Byron Hurt’s Soul Food Junkies. Can you say a little about how this collaboration came about?

You know it’s funny, I think I was one of the first funders of the film. A wealthy friend of mine gave me a chunk of money a few years ago to give away to organizations and individuals working around health and food issues. Byron and I are Facebook friends, and he posted that he was working on a new documentary about soul food. I immediately had a check cut to support his film. I don’t know if he remembers that I hooked it up, though, since the check came from my friend’s family foundation. Simply put, I bought my way onto the film (joke).

You’re referred to as everything from a food activist, a vegan, a writer, etc. They’re all parts of what you do, but how much do you think these various tags define who you are?

I’m inspired by multitalented Black men like Paul Robeson, Romare Bearden, andGordon Parks, but one of my major inspirations is the late Edna Lewis. In addition tobeing an accomplished chef and author of four cookbooks, she was a radical politicalactivist, a seamstress well-known for her African-inspired dresses, and a mentor toyounger chefs. I want to be like those elders–exploding with creativity and working tobetter humanity in the process. None of those titles fully capture the complexity of whoI am striving to be in this world. I saw early on that there are so many expectations thatI perform being a “food activist,” a “vegan soul chef” a “cookbook author,” and I feelmore freedom just calling myself a creative person. Yet, I understand that those titlescan be useful in framing what I do.

As you near the completion of your fourth book, can you give us a snapshot of what that book’s about, and how it relates to your previous work, and your evolution as a chef and author?

I’m really excited about my forthcoming book, Afro-Vegan, which will be published next
spring. I feel like all my previous books were preparing me to write this one. I have a
new publisher (Ten Speed/Random House), and this will be my first full-color,
hardback book. It is primarily inspired by visual artist Romare Bearden and approaches
cooking as collage–cutting, pasting, and remixing staples, flavor profiles, and classic
dishes of the African Diaspora.

It’s not everyday that a vegan soul chef ends up featured in a national ad
campaign for a car? What led you to deciding to work with Scion?

Someone sent me a casting call for the campaign. They wanted to feature real individuals who turned their passion into their life’s work, and I had to compete against hundreds of people for 1 of 3 spots. I’m happy with the campaign. It gave me the opportunity to highlight my work in addition to the work of many of my friends and colleagues, and I loved showing off the beauty of Oakland. In the end, everybody wins: they promoted their car, I got paid, and my book sales have spiked over the past few weeks. And no I did not get to keep the car.

Ok, this one is a two-part question, you’re a chef who loves LOVES!!! music have you ever considered a collaboration with Raekwon the Chef, or another musical gourmand? And you know we gotta ask, but what are you
listening to now?

It would be a dream come true to collaborate with MF DOOM. He is probably my
favorite MC of all time, and his MM.. FOOD lp (filled with food-related lyrics and
samples) is sick. I would love to make a meal on two portable burners set up as if they
were turntables while he is performing that album live at the Brooklyn Museum of Art.

The past few weeks while writing and testing recipes I have been playing Portishead and
Benga in the background. I have been bumping Kendrick Lamar’s good kid, m.A.A.d
city a lot when my daughter is not around, and I just discovered this kid Joey Bada$$
from Brooklyn. I’m excited about this generation of MCs.

In the car, we listen to my daughter’s favorite lp, Back to School: The Remix by Alphabet
Rockers. It’s good.

You can keep up with Bryant via:
@bryantterry
www.bryant-terry.com

Credit: Clarence Franklin

Nestled behind an antique shop in Bowie Maryland’s historic district is the divine candy shop Mama Cocoa’s Delights. With its funky decor and a soundtrack consistently featuring the likes of Alice Smith, Prince and Bilal, it would be easy to think that you’ve left the suburbs of Washington DC and have been transported to a hip new spot in Bed-Stuy–DC’s Adams Morgan for that matter. And when you’re greeted by the gale of curls, energy and smiles known as Mama Cocoa, the journey seems complete. However, as she’s quick to remind her customers, Mama Cocoa’s Delights are made in Bowie, a motto that is about to take on greater significance as she makes her debut in front of a national television audience as a contestant on Food Network’s Sweet Genius.

I recently caught up with Mama Cocoa to get her perspective on this journey on which she is about to embark.

Given how much we focus on music at Bold As Love Magazine, you know I have to ask, does the name Mama Cocoa come from the Gino Vannelli song?

Actually it does come from the song “Mama Coco” by Gino Vannelli. When I first started thinking about having a candy business, my aunt’s sister says to me “If this were the 70’s or 80’s, we’d call you Mama Cocoa!” She told me all about the song, I downloaded it and loved it!! One of his first lines says “Feed me woman, food”. It’s a funky little love song, I couldn’t resist it.

How long have you been making candy?

I’ve been making candy personally for ten years now, professionally for 3 years. I started experimenting with truffle recipes and realized that I really loved candy making. So I taught myself as much as I could and then I went to culinary school to learn more. After school I pursued a career as a Pastry Chef, because I wanted to have as much food knowledge as I could before I opened my shop.

You’ve lived a number of places and could have opened this store anywhere, so why did you choose Bowie, MD of all places?

I live in Bowie and I’ve lived here for about seven years now. I love the people and the community and the proximally to several different cities. I have also spent the better part of my working life commuting. And I decided that one of the perks of owning your own business was the ability to control your commute. My house is minutes away from my shop–talk about winning!

How did you land on Sweet Genius?

My mother and I would always watch Sweet Genius together. And of course I would say “if I were on that show, I would have done it this way instead.” I was all talk but I never tried to get on the show. Then a friend and fellow Pastry Chef here in Bowie, recommended that I send in my information to try and get an audition. I ignored her completely, but she wouldn’t let up. So finally I sent in my information just to say I did and get her off my back. I never expected them to actually call.

What else can we expect from Mama Cocoa’s Delights in 2013.

This business has taken me to several unexpected places. It has given me countless unexpected experiences. What I can tell you is that I plan to keep working very hard, and doing my best. I will keep growing and expanding and getting the word out to let people know that I exist.. And I promise you I will continue to enjoy this wonderful ride!

@funkrockster

Yes, you’re reading that right: The incredible Nona Hendryx is planning a summer tour!  And to make sure it happens, she’s crowdsourcing the funding.  Her manager Vicki Wickham, gave me the heads up on this whole effort, but it’s worth shouting out Toshi Reagon for giving me the big picture.  Here’s the deal:

Nona is partnering with Ani DiFranco’s Righteous Babe Records to release her newest album, the funky and political Mutatis Mutandis (check out “Temple of Heaven” here). Righteous Babe will drop the album in a few weeks, i.e., July.  As many of you know, while it’s great to listen to a Nona Hendryx album, it’s even better to see her live!  So she’s doing her best to bring her show to a city near you.  Folk also know that gas prices and the overall cost of touring a band is nothing short of a bee-yotch, so Nona’s coming to all of us for some support.

26 DAYS LEFT: PLEDGE NOW

She’s put together some great incentives, everything from digital downloads, t-shirts, handwritten lyric sheets and special USB drives filled with music on the lower end; to VIP tour packages, rehearsal visits, executive producer credits on her next album, and even private Audio Tutu performances if you’ve got the wherewithal to really pony up.

Best of all, ten (10%) percent of all money raised after she hits her pledge target will go to Little Black Pearl, a school in Chicago for alternative learning via the arts for youth 12-17 years old.  I know it’s an organization Nona’s been supporting a long time, so it’s great to see that she’s looped them into this fundraising effort.

Already there are four (4) East Coast tour dates for the project:

• July 14: BB Kings, NYC
• July 17: U Street Music Hall, Washington, DC
• July 20: Cafe Nine, New Haven, CT
• August 11: Damrosch Park Bandshell, NYC

And did I mention there are 26 days left?

Ready to kick in a few bucks? As Depeche Mode said–and Amanda Palmer will verify–everything counts in large amounts, so whatever you can give will be much appreciated.  CLICK HERE TO PLEDGE!

Additional links:

• Nona Hendryx on Pledge Music
• Nona Hendryx official
  

@livingcolour @brcnewyork @Jhazel247

Mark your calendars: The Black Rock Coalition is presenting the Million Man Mosh: A Benefit For Donovan Drayton. The show features Grammy winners Living Colour and funk-metal-soul pioneers 24-7 Spyz along with hip-hop founding father Afrika Bambaataa, who will do a DJ set.  There will be a late jam with special guests including legendary guitarist Ronny Drayton. Proceeds for the event will go to the legal defense of Donovan Drayton, son of Ronny, who has been incarcerated at Riker’s Island for four years without a conviction.

The Million Man Mosh will mark the first time these two quintessential BRC member bands have ever performed together. Two-time Grammy winner Living Colour was born in the mid-80s by BRC co-founder Vernon Reid and for over 20 years, both as a group and as individual players, has been exploding limitations of the rock genre. South Bronx natives 24-7 Spyz have been favorites among hardcore, punk and alternative communities for over 20 years with their deft blend of heavy metal, punk, funk and soul. Living legend Afrika Bamaataa, The Amen Ra of Universal Hip Hop Culture and The Father of the Electro Funk Sound, will do a rare New York solo DJ set. Guitarist Ronny Drayton, who has been a sideman for a virtual who’s-who list of New York’s brightest music stars (Roy Ayers, Melba Moore, James “Blood” Ulmer, Nona Hendryx, Defunkt, Edwin Birdsong, Kashif, The Family Stand, etc.), will close out the night jamming with both bands and special invited guests.

The ‘Million Man Mosh’ is the latest in several ongoing efforts for Donovan Drayton, Ronny’s son. Donovan has been held at Riker’s Island for the past four years on a crime for which he has consistently maintained his innocence and despite ample supporting evidence. Donovan was found ‘not guilty’ on the most serious charges and the jury was hung— overwhelmingly in favor of acquittal—on the others. Yet, his case continues to be tied up in court and he remains in jail without bail, no convictions and facing a second costly trial.

The event will be a launch point for addressing the disproportionate number of young men of color in the criminal justice system, ‘stop-and-frisk’ policies and escalating costs to families for legal defense. For more information on the case and Donovan’s Defense, visit www.4donovan.com. There is a PayPal link on the site for donations.

The Million Man Mosh: A Benefit For Donovan Drayton will be at New York’s Highline Ballroom, on Wednesday, January 4, 2012, featuring Living Colour, 24-7 Spyz, Afrika Bambaataa, Ronny Drayton and special guests. The Highline is at 431 West 16th Street in New York City. Doors are at 7PM and show time is at 9PM; tickets are $30 in advance and $40 day of show. Info: (212) 414-5994.  More info on the Highline’s site.  Proceeds for this event will go to benefit Donovan’s Defense.

Additional links:

• Highline Ballroom
• Donovan’s Defense
• Black Rock Coalition

This is my big project for this year.  It’s something I’ve been thinking about for a while and, even now, it’s only slightly past half-baked.  See, the goal of this festival is to bring together much of what I’m interested in: art, culture and society, all filtered through a progressive black perspective.

It’s funny.  When I started this blog, the idea was to help tear down the walls that limited our community’s imagination. Because I am passionate about music, that’s where I thought I could do the most good.  However, in my travels, I discovered that it’s all one big creative community.  More importantly, the issues us music folks are dealing with—representation, access, etc.—are the same ones that facing our friends in literature, theater, film, and visual arts.

So, this event is an attempt to move the conversation forward, to change the frame of reference.  Rather than looking backwards and airing old, tired grievances, I want us to see all of the great things that are coming out of the black creative mind and use it as a jumping off point to understand where we are now, and what some possible futures will be.  More importantly, I want people to leave with not only inspiration, but also with some concrete ideas as to how they can help create the kind of future that benefits us all, one that’s inclusive, progressive, and based on across-the-board justice.

But shaping that kind of future will not be easy.  Therefore, it’s imperative that we look to the arts for inspiration, and for reminders of truth, honesty and fearless exploration. And back to something I said during the BoldasLIVE series in 2007: It’s okay to have a conversation about black cultural excellence. Expect plenty of examples of that at the Festival.

So here’s what I can tell you right now: The day will be made up of two parts.

• The daytime portion will be spent on conversation and discussion. It’ll be mix of panels, one-on-one conversations and solo presentations.
• At night, yes, there will be music. We’re putting together a great show of sounds from the new black imagination, so stay tuned for lineup announcements.

Just save the date: Saturday, October 15.  Brooklyn. More info coming soon. Really.

I want to thank the folks who’ve been acting as sounding boards behind the scenes. My informal brain trust, if you will.  I will definitely be giving them proper shouts very soon.

In the meantime, you can stay connected to the Festival via the following links:

• Facebook: http://facebook.com/nbifestival
• Twitter: http://twitter.com/nbifestival
• Web site: Coming soon!

Congrats to Greg Tate and Latasha Diggs on the completion of their new, do fo’ self literary magazine.  It looks dope, but what’s one to expect when you have something that’s been birthed by these two aforementioned creative minds?  On one hand, the name is homage to jazz musician Julius Hemphill’s 1975 album Coon Bid’ness.

My man Michael Gonzales ran an interview with Tate and Diggs back in the fall.  Check this excerpt:

There are a few people who find the title Coon Bidness offensive. What is the meaning behind it?

Greg Tate: Coon Bidness (CB) is in the fine colored tradition of reversing racialized polarities, negatives to positives. Many in our vicious circle actually find the name quite delightful. Funny thing is, only Black Americans feel like they can say it out loud without risking a beatdown or being exposed as a closet racist.

But, CB was a well considered if knee-jerk artistic and political choice: LaTasha and I got disgusted over some younguns we know bickerin online about literary journals that published scant few-a-you people of de Negro persuasion. I went ballistic. I told Tasha, ‘Man that’s some coon bidness there; especially 160 years since self determined folk like Frederick Douglass, Martin Delany and David Walker were self-publishing anti-slavery when Dixie was king and a nickel could get shot just for showing off they literacy.’ Plus, we couldn’t call it Emerge, Upscale, Black Enterprise or Black Tail; all the other good Black Progressive names were taken.

CB is also our quiet homage to the late great jazz musician and conceptual dramatist, Julius Hemphill. He released a quite crackling avant-garde album by that name in the 70s. Whatever respectability CB has we’ve completely borrowed from the very refined and adventurous Mr. Hemphill.

However, CB is also our oblique response to the Obama era. Thanx to Brother President, his gorgeous sensuous ebony Glamazon of a wife Michelle, and those precious kids, Blackfolk have never moved about this land feeling so proud and respectable.

LaTasha N. Nevada Diggs: We did have a conversation about the name of this baby and came to an agreement that one, this was going to show out some folks while others would take the chance and support us with their work. I had folks – good friends – scold me about the name. They felt we (I in particular) was marginalizing/sabotaging myself especially since I am the youngster in this endeavor; that I do not have much suction anywhere and perhaps less resources that entities–be they those in some academic/publishing/programming power–don’t know who I am or choose not to know who I am. I am, to a certain degree, taking the greater risk. They hated it. Some choose their petitions to be silent: politely so. Some just told me, ‘Hey I just don’t see myself being associated with some thing called this.’ They did not get it nor did they want to engage.

With that said, it highlighted an argument that is spoken in public when it comes down to our positions as writers of a browner hue. There is a presumed limitations of publications that exists and a an outer worldly desire desire to be accepted by the very publications that have denied us moderate access. That with this desire, we often rather complain and petition these very publications than create something new. The tradition of magazines, journals and chapbook series has always included one or several voices that decided they wanted to establish something ELSE and in doing so, they created yet another platform to feature WHAT they believe in.

Sounds like it’s not only a celebration but, figuratively speaking, an opportunity to rustle the grass to startle the snakes. Bravo!

Maybe I’ll see you at the launch tonight.  In the meantime, read the rest of Mike’s interview at Blackadelic Pop.

@brcnewyork @edouglas528

Best thing about the night? Seeing all the generations in the house.  I mean, I can’t front: I’ve got to include myself in the category of “O.G.’s”, since I got started with the organization in 1992.  But there were a bunch of younger peeps there, also and that only bodes well for the organization.

Cool, too, to watch brothers Kairo and Chad Joseph aka HelixDown put their foot in our collective behinds. They’re definitely a group to look out for in 2011.  And it was great to meet Ajo (above, reaching for that note), formerly of Bang Language.  She’s a songwriter with a lot of potential.  And the my first IRL meetings with some of my twitter fam were pleasant surprises.  Shouts to Tahir Hemphill aka @tahero; Richardine Bartee of Grungecake Magazine aka @grungecake (congrats on the launch of the label!) and Bryan Vargas aka @bryanvargas!

And it’s always great to see Melvin Van Peebles, Sr. who, at damn near 80 years old, is still vibrant and vital.  Hope to 1) make it to his age and 2) still be creating.

Anyway, check out some of the pics from the event.

Here’s wishing you and yours a wonderful and relaxing holiday season!

If you find yourself looking for last minutes gifts, consider the following:

Music-related gifts

Book

Jimi: Sounds Like a Rainbow: A Story of the Young Jimi Hendrix. Author Gary Golio and Coretta Scott King award-winning illustrator Javaka Steptoe have created a lyrically and visually rich book that explores the future guitar god’s vivid imagination as a child.  This recently released children’s book, targeted to grades 4-8, will make a great holiday gift for budding music aficionados everywhere.  You can get it from Amazon and the like, but consider supporting your local bookstore.

Music

The Family Stand’s In A Thousand Years.  Set your own price (minimum $5) and $1 from each download goes to the Prevent Cancer Foundation.  Get your groove on here.

Speaking of donations, if you just want to give money, here are some options:

DonorsChoose. Contributions go towards helping teachers get the supplies and equipment they need for their classrooms.  Find a school in the area of your choice.  My family has donated through this organizations and made gifts in the names of others via this site.  More info here.

JustGive. Similar to DonorsChoose, but is not limited to schools and kids. You pick the zip code and the project that you want to support.  The site also breaks charities into 19 different groups, which lets you find and support charities based on your interest, i.e., arts & culture, feeding the hungry, mentoring for kids, women’s/human rights, etc.  I also like the fact that you can purchase gift cards that others choose charities they’d like to support.  Check it here.

Specific organizations.

Black Rock Coalition.  Going strong for 25 years.  The simplest way to support this progressive arts organization is to become a member.  Individual memberships are still only $25 for the year.  I’m re-upping my membership when it expires next month, and you should, too.  Hit their site and click on the “join” link.

My Facebook fam suggested these organizations:

• Leesa Keys suggests Broadway Inspirational Voices, founded by our Carnegie Mellon classmate Michael McElroy. BIV raises awareness, provides spiritual support, helps raise funds for people in need through music.  It is a multi-ethnic, religiously diverse choir of singers, actors and dancers who have performed on Broadway, national tours, and regional theatres. BIV uses the power of Gospel music in rousing live concerts and benefits, as well as a dynamic outreach program for children. More info here.
• Sabrina Lamb suggests two organizations: Harlem School of the Arts and her own WorldofMoney.org.  HSA, now in its 46th year, offers kids and adults in Harlem and beyond the opportunity to develop their interest in dance, music, visual arts and theater.  A community institution, HSA fell on hard times and is mounting a major capital campaign.  Show your support here.  Sabrina’s WorldofMoney.org is now heading into it’s 6th year and focuses on teaching underserved youth, ages 12-18, the five tenets of a sound financial life, i.e., learn, earn, save, invest and donate.  You can donate to WorldofMoney.org via their homepage.
• Laurel George suggests Elizabeth Streb’s S.L.AM. (STREB Lab for Action Mechanics) in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.  Streb, a recipient of a MacArthur Genius grant, is a noted choreographer, who founded SLAM in 2003 as a new kind of artist-driven community and cultural center.  Her idea is that dance and movement can be exciting and accessible to everyone and, in fact, be an integral part of a community. Videos and more detailed info here on STREB’s offerings.  Donate here.
• Valerie Graves suggests Woodie King, Jr.’s New Federal Theatre.  Now in its 40th continuous year of production, the NFT has been an incubator of many of our finest African American actors, including Denzel Washington, Samuel Jackson, Ruby Dee, Morgan Freeman, etc., but still needs our contributions to continue in its mission of bringing the best of black theater to diverse audiences.  Donation info here.
• And speaking of theater, don’t forget our friends at the New Black Fest, which I was involved in earlier this year.  This fledgling theater festival is focused on supporting emerging voices in the theater from across the African Diaspora, and it’s off to a great start.  They’re just under halfway to their $30K fundraising goal, and could use your help.  Donate here.
• Leslie Robertson suggests G.R.A.C.E. Africa, the Grassroots Alliance for Community Education, which is a Kenyan-based NGO whose mission is to address the HIV/AIDS crisis in that country by empowering people and organizations on a grassroots level.  More info on their mission is here.  Make donations here.
• Finally, if you want to support an organization that facilitates international adoption, Wide Horizons For Children is a great one.  They helped us bring our daughter into our family and are hard at work placing deserving kids from 16 countries, including Ethiopia, where there are an estimated 5 million orphans right now.  More info here on the organization, and donation options here and here.

By now, you’ve figured out this is in no way an exhaustive list.  Have other worthwhile suggestions?  Shout ‘em out (with a link, please!) in the comments section.

Happy and merry!