renaissance negresse museletter/catalog February 7, 2012

art | inspiration | community

brought to you by Cassendre Xavier

Tuesday, February 7, 2012
1) WHO IS THE RENAISSANCE NEGRESSE?
2) BLACK WOMEN’S ARTS FESTIVAL UPDATE
3) WOMEN’S WRITING & SPOKEN WORD SERIES UPDATE
4) WRITING/LITERARY UPDATE
5) RENAISSANCE NEGRESSE CATALOG
6) BOOKING/CONTACT (HOUSE CONCERTS, PRIVATE/PUBLIC/CORPORATE AND/OR LITERARY EVENTS, ETC.)

=====================================================
1) WHO IS THE RENAISSANCE NEGRESSE?
Haitian/Chinese-American multi-media artist Cassendre Xavier coined the term "renaissance negresse" in 2002. A musician, writer, actress, andvisual artist, Xavier (who sometimes works under the names Amethyste Rah and Amrita Waterfalls) says the term describes a black woman who is skilled or gifted in 3 or more arts. Xavier is a recipient of a Leeway Transformation Award for her work as a community cultural arts advocate, having founded and directed several Philadelphia arts initiatives including the Women's Writing & Spoken Word Series (Est. 2002) and the Black Women's Arts Festival (Est. 2003). She is originally from Brooklyn, NY and has resided in Philadelphia since 1990. ["Negresse, Negre: In the French- and Spanish-speaking Caribbean Islands, these words often have a connotation of affection, entirely non-racial in meaning. `Ma petite negresse, mon negre, are equivalent to `My dear, my darling, my sweet.'" [From Masters of the Dew, a contemporary classic novel by the Haitian author Jacques Roumain, translated by Langston Hughes and Mercer Cook.]

2) BLACK WOMEN’S ARTS FESTIVAL UPDATE
For the latest news about the Black Women’s Arts Festival’s PARTNERSHIP WITH MOONSTONE, its PLANS OUTSIDE OF PHILADELPHIA, and how you can SUPPORT THE BLACK WOMEN'S ARTS FESTIVAL, please read our latest Newsletter (dated February 4, 2012, please visit http://www.groups.yahoo.com/group/BWAFphilly/message/4315 or http://tinyurl.com/6rl4xxz.

3) WOMEN’S WRITING & SPOKEN WORD SERIES UPDATE
For reasons similar to those stated in the Black Women’s Arts Festival’s latest newsletter listed in the previous section, the Women’s Writing & Spoken Word Series is on hiatus insofar as producing events until further notice, however we are still archiving the various video and print materials we’ve gathered since 2002. Please visit http://www.WomensWritingSeries.homestead.com or stay tuned to CX newsletters for further news and updates.

4) WRITING/LITERARY UPDATE
Cassendre is doing a lot of personal journal writing for self-actualization and the accomplishment of certain specific personal, creative, and professional goals. Currently she resigned from her monthly column commitment of Wisdom Magazine’s online edition. As with Skrewtips and the PGN columns, Cassendre’s columns ran roughly a year each. You may read archives of Cassendre’s Wisdom Magazine columns at http://www.tinyurl.com/CXWisdom.
When new items of Cassendre’s writing are available, they will be included in the renaissance negresse catalog portion of this newsletter.

5) RENAISSANCE NEGRESSE CATALOG
Below are the places where you can find Cassendre’s various works for free, for sale, in various print, and recorded formats. Enjoy and thank you for your interest in and support of the renaissance negresse!
Below is the section about Cassendre’s music. Here is a brief bio of her music: “Described as “a cross between Tracy Chapman, Sade & Enya” (Steven M. Wilson, Borders Music), Cassendre Xavier has been performing her brand of jazzy-soulful acoustic pop in a folk/rock style since moving to Philadelphia in 1991. Her CD Live at Tin Angel garnered the high praise from Philadelphia City Paper music critic M.J. Fine who said that had live albums been eligible, it would’ve been number 9 of the “Top 21 Local EPs of 2007” (Jill Scott was number 21!). She has shared the stage with folk/rock greats Cheryl Wheeler, Toshi Reagon, John Flynn, Charlie King, and Pat Humphreys, among others, and been featured on Power 99FM, WXPN, in the Philadelphia Inquirer, Philadelphia Daily News, among other local media. Also an award-winning community arts organizer, Xavier is the founder and one of the organizers of Philadelphia’s 6th Annual Black Women’s Arts Festival. Her 8th indie release Capable of Love was released in January to critical acclaim.”
MUSIC CDs
Capable of Love (2009)
Live at Tin Angel (2006)
Beautiful (2004)
The Cassendre Xavier Collection, Vol. 1 (2004)
Live at the Kraftbrau, Kalamazoo (2004)
4OUR: A Cassendre Xavier Sampler (2003)
Live at Café Improv (2002)
The Whittenberg Sessions (2002)
The above titles are all available from CD Baby at http://tinyurl.com/CXCDbaby
MUSIC DOWNLOADS
Capable of Love (2009)
Live at Tin Angel (2006)
The above titles are available from CD Baby at http://tinyurl.com/CXCDbaby
They are also available from iTunes at http://www.tinyurl.com/CXiTunes
GUIDED MEDITATION CDs
Affirmations for Survivors: Spirituality (2007)
Affirmations for Survivors: Self-Love (2007)
The above titles are available for $12 each or $20 for both (includes shipping in the USA). Send an email to cxmusic(at)gmail.com or send a blank self-addressed, stamped envelope to: Cassendre Xavier, POB 30204, Philadelphia, PA 19103-8204 USA to receive an order form.

PRINT AND EBOOKS
NEW!!! Cassendre’s ebooks are now available for donation only! That’s right, for a donation of any amount, you, too, can have an ebook in your inbox in a matter of hours (or minutes, depending on whether I’m online when you order!)
(Print book) Expanding Your Capacity for Joy: a Raw Vegan Comfort Book, Sourcebook & Journal $18 (includes shipping in the USA) Order at http://www.cxbooks.eventbrite.com
(Print chapbook) This is What a Millionaire Looks Like: Inspiring Essays - a Curious Bookling ($7 includes shipping in the USA) Order at http://www.cxbooks.eventbrite.com
(Ebook) Expanding Your Capacity for Joy: A Raw Vegan Comfort Book, Sourcebook & Journal (Donation of any amount) Order at http://www.cxbooks.eventbrite.com
(Ebook) This is What a Millionaire Looks Like: Inspiring Essays - a Curious Bookling (Donation of any amount) Order at http://www.cxbooks.eventbrite.com
You can also make a www.paypal.com “Gift” donation to cxmusic(at)gmail.com (be sure to remove the “at” and replace it with @).

VISUAL ART (TO VIEW)
From Cassendre’s official website, “I painted and/or drew these images between 1985 & 2005. I use acrylic on canvas; watercolor, markers, chalk, and/or pencil on paper. I am currently working on expanding my collection of paintings and drawings, including sculpture, and I hope to someday have a group or solo exhibit.”
To view, visit http://www.cassendrexavier.com/Visual_Art.html

COLLABORATIONS, ANTHOLOGIES & COMPILATIONS
Cassendre has contributed to various musical and literary projects currently available for purchase:
MUSIC
Joe’s Café, by Rupert Wates (2010 Bitemusic Limited) Cassendre sings Track 6 “Snow in New York”, an original Rupert Wates song. Listen /order CD/ download : http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/RupertWates1
Darimar Presents (2003 Darimar Records. Tracks 8 & 9 “Friend”, and “Life of the Party” original CX songs and performance) Listen / order CD / download: http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/darimarcomp
BOOKS
Butch Cookbook , edited by Lee Lynch, Sue Hardesty, Nel Ward ((June 15, 2008 – TRB Cookbooks) Cassendre contributed a raw vegan dessert recipe. http://butchcookbook.com/detail2.php?photo=8 (That’s Cassendre’s author page with butchy pics. Click on “Home” for more info about the book and other contributors.)
Dykes with Baggage: a Lighter Side of Lesbians in Therapy, edited by Riggin Waugh (Nov 1, 2000 / Alyson Publications) Review / order: http://www.amazon.com/Dykes-Baggage-Riggin-Waugh/dp/1555835686/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1328589486&sr=8-1 or http://tinyurl.com/6s267j8
We’Moon: Gaia Rhythms for Womyn (1999 / Mother Tongue Ink) Order from www.amazon.com or http://www.wemoon.ws
We’Moon: Gaia Rhythms for Womyn (2001 / Mother Tongue Ink) Order from www.amazon.com or http://www.wemoon.ws
When Falls the Coliseum: a journal of American culture (or lack thereof) edited by Scott Stein (Sep 7, 2001 / Free Reign Press) Cassendre received a wonderful Philadelphia City Paper review (by Karen Gross) for her several pieces in this anthology. Review / order: http://www.amazon.com/When-Falls-Coliseum-journal-American/dp/0970155417/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1328589643&sr=1-1 or http://tinyurl.com/6lgac83

CXTV (VIDEO / YOUTUBE CHANNEL)
Cassendre has music, raw food prep, guided meditations, affirmations, humor, poetry, erotica, tomfoolery, shenanegans, and malarckey at her official YouTube channel at http://youtube.com/cassendrexavier or http://www.tinyurl.com/cxyoutube or at her official website at http://www.cassendrexavier.com/CX_TV.html

6) BOOKING/CONTACT (For HOUSE CONCERTS, PRIVATE/PUBLIC/CORPORATE AND/OR LITERARY EVENTS, ETC.)
Music booking email: cxmusic(at)gmail.com
Literary booking email: cxwriting(at)gmail.com


renaissance negresse Museletter is © 2012 by Cassendre Xavier. All rightsen reservenitzken. www.cassEndrExavier.com

rainbowimmin newsletter (dinner/concert Sun 4/10!)

rainbowimmin newsletter: for womyn-loving-womyn of all colours in Greater Philadelphia

(a Cassendre Xavier Enterprise)

Wednesday, April 6, 2011


Table of Contents....

1) GREETING
2) RAINBOWIMMIN UPDATE
3) NEXT RAINBOWIMMIN EVENT
4) BUT WAIT, THERE’S MORE!
5) CREDITS AND OTHER PLUGGERY DEVICERY UNITS (AKA “SHAMELESS SELF-PROMOTION”)
6) FAREWELL BLESSING

Contents of Table...

1) GREETING
Dear wimminfolk!
I trust this letter finds you doing well :-)
I am thrilled to announce that for the first time in over 7 years, rainbowimmin is having an event and this release is also its first newsletter in a very long time!


2) RAINBOWIMMIN UPDATE
For years, I waited for “someone” or group to approach me to take over rainbowimmin, but no one ever did. I am no longer waiting and have decided to let go of the typical newsletter and/or event production model and simply find things I’d like to attend and post them as events. This reminds me that was the original idea and functioning of rainbowimmin to begin with – funny how as we “grow” we solo/ARTrepreneurs sometimes feel pressured to mimic other business models. We don’t have to do that. We can just do what makes us happy!


3) NEXT RAINBOWIMMIN EVENT
Gaye Adegbalola in concert!
Gaye was a long-standing member of Saffire: Uppity Blues Women (including blues piano-playing singer Ann Rabson, whom I had the pleasure of twice sharing the stage with).
Gaye is one of the first well-known singers to come out as a womon-loving-womon in the early 1990s, well before k.d. lang, Melissa Etheridge, and Janis Ian did, and for those of us black chyks who are always looking for examples of ourselves, Gaye is also melanin-enriched! You can learn more about her at www.GayeAdegbalola.com.
She will be performing at the esteemed acoustic listening venue the Psalm Salon, located in the Overbrook area of Philadelpia (accessible to SEPTA’s Thorndale/Paoli regional rail, and buses G and 65 among others.)

Further details:

Gaye Adegbalola sings at the Psalm Salon
Sunday April 10, 2011
8:00pm
Tickets $22 in advance (includes $2 service fee)
Psalm Salon
5841 Overbrook Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19131
215-477-7578
www.PsalmSalon.com


4) BUT WAIT, THERE’S MORE!
For those of you who would like to meet and much before the show, I and a few of my friends will be meeting at a nearby restaurant before the concert. You’re welcome to join us, as this is an official rainbowimmin event. So, you’re actually very much wanted there!

rainbowimmin dinner (before Gaye Adegbalola’s Psalm Salon concert)
Sunday April 10, 2011
6:00pm
Saffron Indian Kitchen
145 Montgomery Avenue
Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004
Ph. 484-278-4112
Ph. 484-278-4113
www.saffronofphilly.com (Please note their homepage shows their city as being “Ambler”, but that is incorrect. They are indeed in Bala Cynwyd. But you don’t have to take my word for it – call them if you want more confirmation!)

RSVP requested: Please email rainbowimmin(at)yahoo.com if you plan on coming. Thanks!


5) CREDITS AND OTHER PLUGGERY DEVICERY UNITS (AKA “SHAMELESS SELF-PROMOTION”)
rainbowimmin newsletter & events is a project of Cassendre Xavier (aka Amethyste Rah, aka Amrita Waterfalls). Cassendre, as she prefers to be called, is an award-winning multi-media artist and community/arts organizer who coined the term “renaissance negresse” in 2002.
Between a whole lot of naps, dates, tomfoolery, malarkey, and shenanigans, Cassendre is the founder, director, and, where applicable, multi-media performing host of the following, which are all projects of Cassendre Xavier Enterprises:

Serious Creature Music (Indie record label, established in 1994). Musical projects: http://www.Cdbaby.com/artist/cassEndrExavier. Guided meditations: http://stores.lulu.com/cassEndrE.

ARtivist Publications (Small press, established in 1995): Multi-genre feminist writing (mostly spiritual, uplifting, overall health-related, and humorous) with a black, New Age, eclectic pagan, sexy, LGBT-friendly slant. http://artivistpublications.homestead.com.

The Women’s Writing & Spoken Word Series (Established 2002), a nurturing environment that celebrates women in the craft of multi-genre writing. Monthly reading at Moonstone Arts Center/Robin’s Books, in Center City, Philadelphia, featuring 2 female readers, and always including a Mixed-Gender Open Mic. Streams live, and only $5 Admission! Schedule and submissions: http://WomensWritingSeries.org.

Black Women’s Arts Festival (Established in 2003) Philadelphia’s 8th Annual - Thursday July 28th thru Sunday July 31sth, 2011 at multiple venues including the Rotunda, Moonstone Arts Center, and Big Marble Bookstore. Submissions and other information, such as how I can assist you in producing a BWAF in your neck of the woods, at http://www.BWAFphilly.org.


6) FAREWELL BLESSING
May you stay true to yourself in all ways.
May you continue to seek, be, and find community.
May you celebrate your life and all its joys.
May you receive all your heart’s desires, surpassing all your expectations – this, or something better, and may it be for the good of all.

~Cassendre

CONTACT US
Join the mailing list by sending a blank email to: rainbowimmin-subscribe@yahoogroups.com. After you send this email, please add to your Contacts/Safe list: rainbowimmin AT yahoo.com (remove spaces and “At” – add @).
Email us (no events, please): rainbowimmin(at)yahoo.com
Visit our Yahoo Group: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/rainbowimmin
Please, NO calls, texts, or emails to any other address other than what is listed here. Help a busy gal keep on the saner side of things, will ya? Thanks!



(c) 2011 by Cassendre Xavier Enterprises. All rights reserved. www.cassEndrExavier.com.

ME! ME! ME! CX Museletter “Joy at the Psalm 4/2”

ME! ME! ME! A Cassendre Xavier Museletter
The “Joy at the Psalm 4/2” ediccione, if you will. (As it were.)
Friday, April 1, 2011

A) GREETING
1) I WANNA BE ON THE MERV GRIFFIN SHOW!
2) SINGING WITH RUPERT WATES!
3) DID YOU SEE ME ON THE “COMPUTER TV” LAST NIGHT?
4) BUYING TICKETS IN ABSENTIA
5) BLAH BLAH BLAH, AND DUELING FOR GUMMI BEARS
Z) FAREWELL BLESSING

A) GREETING
Howdy, folkseses! How’s it goin’?
Fine, here. I loves me some overcast/rain so I’ve been pretty tickled these last few days, but it’s challenging because the general population doesn’t feel so much enamored of this weather. I’ve gotta hear rain being slandered hither and yon most of the time when it rains and I’m tired of it, iffn’ ya wanna know the truth!
But Moi digresseth (aka “digressifieth”):
I am here to share a story:

1) I WANNA BE ON THE MERV GRIFFIN SHOW!
So I’m busking the other day (Google it) and a new CX music appreciator stopped by to say how much he enjoyed my CD. He said, “You should be on...” and proceeded to list the latest talk shows. I responded, “Funny, ‘cause when you said that, the first thought I had was “Merv Griffin”. And he said, “Ohhhh, I’m sorry. I didn’t know you were that old!” High-larious! I thought about it later and realized why I had thought of Merv Griffin. Why had I gone so far back in my TV watchin’ experience? Surely, I have watched many shows, from Jimmy Kimmel to Craig Ferguson and so forth. I realized that Merv Griffin’s show was what I watched in my formative years as budding musician. I was coming home from school and watching his show, dreaming of the day I’d play that, or a similar stage. I merged myself with Diana Ross (later to be Sade, as most black female singers dream of being/like), for some reason always a huge ‘fro, and lights – always lights. I watched the Merv Griffin show, enjoying his curious combination of gaydar-alarming behavior and chyk-flirt-with-ism. He had chemistry with Zsa Zsa Gabor, dahling, and I thrilled when the always outrageous Grace “Grapes” Jones said, “Would you like a black lipstick kiss?” and planted one before I could squeal, “Omigod, a black woman is kissing a white guy on TV!!!” How far we have come, my friends. How far we have come.
But where was I??
Oh, yeah, some deud said I was old. But I am forever young at heart, so there!
Guess what I’m doing tomorrow?

2) SINGING WITH RUPERT WATES!
Saturday, April 2, 2011 8PM - $16/Advance, $20/Door
I'll be singing with Rupert Wates at The Psalm Salon, 5841 Overbrook Avenue, Philadelphia PA 19131, 215-477-7578 www.PsalmSalon.com . Rupert Wates online www.BiteMusicLimited.com, www.RupertWatesMusic.com, www.MySpace.com/RupertWates
I am so busy I haven’t taken the time to tell you this:
Rupert rocks. He is my friend and you should go because he’s a superb songwriter. I met him in NY in 2009. We’ve been friends ever since and I’m one of the many singers on his acclaimed project Joe’s Cafe. This is an album based on true stories of the American dust bowl era, whatever that is. History and geography are not so much my thing, but music? You’re damn skippy, and those songs are GOOD. I sing track 6 “Snow in New York” and it’s been getting play all over the world. Rupert and various musicians have performed this album live numerous times, culling local singers whenever he is able. I’ve sung with him in New York’s Metropolitan Room and now tomorrow.
Please know that you can watch the show live tomorrow from wherever you are, then anytime for free, because it’s archived!!! www.ustream.tv/channel/live-at-the-psalm-salon

3) DID YOU SEE ME ON THE “COMPUTER TV” LAST NIGHT?
If you missed our show last night at Ray Naylor’s, it also is archived. Visit the following link for details: CX singing with Rupert Wates on Ray Naylor's UStream internet show "Artists You Should Know About" www.RayNaylor.net
Incidentalment, Ray invited me to be his featured guest in autumn, so I’ll be sure to let you know about that rockin’ segment when it is schedulified (aka “scheduliated”).

I am very impressed with all this live streaming business. Another way cool idea is...

4) BUYING TICKETS IN ABSENTIA
The great Toshi Reagon (www.ToshiReagon.com) gave me the idea when around 2008 I noticed she not only hardcore plugs her shows (I didn’t have a naturally occurring need to use the beloved word “ass” in this newsletter, so of course I took the opportunity to put the word “plug” next to the word “hardcore”. See? I does what I cans :-), but she also encourages folks to buy tickets even if they couldn’t make it. A grand idea, that, being that she being a typical Aquarian (such as Yorz Trooli) has a wide breadth of fannery (aka “fannage”). Twixt MySpace, Facebook, and the newfangled Twitterocity, one has the capacity to have appreciators all across this green, green globe of ours. If someone in Arkansas wants to support our work, they can, simply by buying a ticket from afar.
And you can make your gift go further if you buy the ticket(s), then notify the venue that you’d like the ticket reserved for the artist you are supporting. Then we can offer those tickets to people we barter services with, or with human services organizations, such as homeless shelters. I’ve been at events before wherein some of the attendees were the recipients of such gifts. It’s a grand idea. $16 (the advance price of the Rupert Wates tickets) is not such a high number for most people, and it would do a great service to Rupert and us, as we not only fill seats but sell tickets for the venue as well. And the more people who appear, the more who are likely to either purchase CDs of the artists(s) or become fans.

5) BLAH BLAH BLAH, AND DUELING FOR GUMMI BEARS
Last thing, and I know I should’ve covered this in the “just the facts” section (the beginning), but the singers who will be with Rupert tomorrow: J.D. Malone, Craig Bickhardt, Gina (sorry, don’t know her last name), Stacey Lorin Merkl and myself, will not only be singing 2-3 songs of Ruperts, but in the 1st set, we will be performing our own songs – one each.
So, come to the show, watch us do our thing – what we were born to do. If you can’t be there, buy a ticket, or more than one ticket. Support the arts, and the arts will support you. Or something, I dunno. I’m bummed because I thought I was going to busk today, being a Friday and the 1st of the month and all, I thought it would’ve been a great day to do that, but alas, I may have missed my opportunity writing this here love letter to you good people. But it’s all good, as my people say (they do say that, you know. They really do! What? You dare to dispute me? You wanna take it outside huh? Fine. You take it outside. I’ll wait here and not pursue this matter any further as I really do prefer to avoid confrontation. So go ahead and put your little white glove back on, buddy, because I will NOT duel you, okay? Well, I mean, not unless by “duel”, you mean having a contest to see who can eat the most Gummi bears. ‘Cause that I could do. Seriously. And you wouldn’t have a chance. You’d be all cryin’ on your way home. Waaaaaah! Yep. That’s what you would sound like, ya jive turkey. Don’t get me started! Now where was I? Oh yeah!)
I shall do some writing and much needed napcatchuppage (aka “napcatchuppery”)!

Hope to see you tomorrow or at some future CX show.
Rock on with yourself that is oh so very, very....GOOD!
P.S. I just realized what I can do....practice for tomorrow show! Duh! :-)
P.P.S. And I have a hunch there might be some rewards for avoiding great numbers of people on a day notoriously known as “April Fool’s”, although it’s not nearly as ominous as “Mischief Night” :-)

Z) FAREWELL BLESSING
May you feel the glory and fullness of Life at every moment.
May you notice when you have a negative thought, and without judgment, put a positive thought next to it.
May you muster up the gumption to say the L word more often (love, love, love).
May you make loving yourself your top priority.
May this year harmoniously and joyfully bring you all your heart’s desires, surpassing all your expectations – this, or something better, and may it be for the good of all. And so it is.
~~~~~~~~~~~
Make yourself a beautiful day!

In art and community,


Cassendre Xavier (aka Amethyste Rah, aka Amrita Waterfalls)
renaissance negresse (musician, writer, visual artist, actress)
http://www.cassEndrExavier.com

Founder, Curator and Musical Host of the Women's Writing & Spoken Word
Series (Est. 2002) http://WomensWritingSeries.org (Next event: Wednesday, April 20, 2011 streaming LIVE from the Moonstone Arts Center, and featuring The Ignant Intellectual, and Brooke Strauss! $5 includes Mixed-Gender Open Mic!)

Founder & Director of Philadelphia's Annual Black Women's Arts Festival (Est. 2003) http://BWAFphilly.org (Next event: Thursday, July 28th thru Sunday, July 31st, 2011 at the Rotunda, Moonstone Arts Center, Big Blue Marble Bookstore! Mid Submissions April 1 thru May 1!)

Ó 2011 by Cassendre Xavier. All rightsen reservenitzhken. www.cassEndrExavier.com.
Number of times the word “ass” appeared in this writing: 1. (I’ll do better next time :-)
To unsubscribe: Reply with “Remove” in the subject.
To subscribe: Send blank email to: cassendrexavier-subscribe@yahoo.com.

CX Sings Cash/Williams 2/23 & Other Upcoming Shows!

Dear Friends: You often ask me where I’m playing. I’m usually very busy doing other things and these event announcements fall by the wayside. But I’m transforming my life a little every day, and making progress in all ways is a part of the success I am building and attracting. So, here’s a notice of upcoming appearances. I hope to see you sometime again soon in person :-) -Appreciatively, Cassendre


Wednesday, February 23, 2011 8pm, No cover.
Hank Williams/Johnny Cash Tribute Show hosted by Kenn Kweder and Dani Mari

Triumph Brewing Company OLD CITY
117 Chestnut St
Philadelphia, PA 19106
www.triumphbrew.com
This is going to be a really fun show!

Featured artists and their set times:

8:00-8:15 Shawn Kilroy- Angel of Death & The Folksinger
8:15-8:30 Alec Stewart- Sunday Morning Coming Down
8:30-8:45 Dave Robins- I Saw the Light & Folsom Prison Blues
8:45-9:00 David Rowan- Hurt & I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry
9:00-9:15 Cassendre Xavier – TBA , TBA (I likes to surprise my peoples :-)
9:15-9:30 Jon Houlon- Honky Tonkin & Beast in Me
9:30-9:45 Fishstick
9:45-10:00 Scott Kollman- Like the 309 & God's Gonna Cut You Down
10:00-10:15 Peter Stone Brown- Big River & Lost Highway
10:15-10:30 Adam Gregory- Ramblin Man & Would You Play With Me
10:30- 10:45 Reverand TJ McGlinchey- Cocaine Blues & Long Black Veil
10:45-11:00 TC Cole- 25 Minutes to Go & I've Been Everywhere
11:00-11:15 Josh Olmstead
11:15- 11:30 The Travelers- Walk the Line & Ring of Fire
11:30-11:45 Sunshine Superman- Jackson
11:45- 12:00 Eric Gershenow- Flesh & Blood & I Hang My Head
12:00-12:15- September
12:15-12:30- Jaime Olsen
12:30-1:00- Todd Zamostein
1:00-1:15- Neil Subramanya- Give My Love to Rose
===============================
Wednesday, March 9, Cassendre hosts, reads her writing, and performs
live music at the Women’s Writing & Spoken Word Series at Moonstone
Arts Center, 110A S. 13th Street (at Sansom St), Philadelphia, PA
19107 Tel 215-735-9598. 7pm – 8:30pm $5 admission includes featured
readers Lynne “Inner Light” Rabchuk, Maleka Fruean, and a mixed-gender
open mic. The event streams live at http://www.MoonstoneLIVE.com. For
ongoing submissions and more about the Series, visit
www.WomensWritingSeries.org.

=================================

Saturday, March 26, opens for women’s music icon Tret Fure at the
Unitarian Universalist Church of Delaware County
145 West Rose Tree Road, Media, PA, PA 19070, 7pm, tickets $18 in
advance, $22 at the door, Student with ID $10, www.tinyurl.com/TretCX
or www.brownpapertickets.com/event/153187.

Thursday, March 31, sings with London-born singer-songwriter Rupert
Wates when he appears on Ray Naylor’s UStream internet show “Artists
You Should Know About”, which streams live at 8pm from
www.RayNaylor.net.
==============================================
Saturday, April 2, singing with Rupert Wates at the Psalm Salon, 5841
Overbrook Avenue, Philadelphia PA 19131, 215-477-7578, 8pm, $16 in
advance, $20 at the door. www.PsalmSalon.com.


Cassendre has also been a raw vegan since 2005 and runs an on-going
raw vegan – green smoothie challenge on Facebook at
www.tinyurl.com/CXRawChallenge.

Cassendre is a columnist at Wisdom Magazine. Visit archives here http://tinyurl.com/CXWisdom (Source: http://wisdom-magazine.com/ArticleArchives.aspx?isLike=true&author=cassendre%20xavier)

Musical CDs: http://cdbaby.com/artist/cassendrexavier (also at iTunes, Amazon, etc.)
Guided Meditations by Amethyste Rah (aka CX) http://stores.lulu.com/cassendre
CX Direct (including books and guided meditations): http://cxdirect.eventbrite.com

My “Women’s Music” Bio:

Cassendre Xavier has co-billed with Alix Dobkin, Lucie Blue Tremblay, Toshi Reagon, Pat Humphries of emma's revolution, Ubaka Hill, and Anne Rabson of Sapphire: Uppity Blues Women. Under her Serious Creature Music label, she released 6 original recordings described as "a cross between Tracy Chapman, Sade, and Enya" (Steven M. Wilson, Borders), and her album "Live at Tin Angel" was honorably mentioned by Philadelphia City Paper's M. J. Fine as the number 9 of "Top 21 Local EPs of 2007". WXPN 88.5's Amazon Country host Debra D'Alessandro has said, "Her stage presence is one part sex kitten serenading in heels, two parts powerhouse kick-ass feminist troubadour poet. In concert with Cassendre Xavier, there is never a dull moment."
For more, uh, stuff, visit www.cassEndrExavier.com. Thanks :-)

renaissance negresse Museletter February 11, 2011

renaissance negresse Museletter February 11, 2011

art | inspiration | community

brought to you by Cassendre Xavier

Friday, February 11, 2011

In this ediccione:

A) WHO IS THE RENAISSANCE NEGRESSE?
1) SOMETHING YOU CAN DO ABOUT EGYPT
2) JOAN HANNA & ANGEL HOGAN READING
3) BLACK WOMEN’S ARTS FESTIVAL SUBMISSIONS
4) FACEBOOK WALL
5) THINGS YOU PROBABLY WANT ME TO TALK ABOUT
6) CX DIRECT MAIL ORDER FORM
Z) BUT DON’T BE MEAN



A) WHO IS THE RENAISSANCE NEGRESSE?
Haitian/Chinese-American multi-media artist Cassendre Xavier coined the term "renaissance negresse" in 2002. A musician, writer, actress, and visual artist, Xavier (who sometimes works under the names Amethyste Rah and Amrita Waterfalls) says the term describes a black woman who is skilled or gifted in 3 or more arts. Xavier is a recipient of a Leeway Transformation Award for her work as a community cultural arts advocate, having founded and directed several Philadelphia arts initiatives including the Women's Writing & Spoken Word Series (Est. 2002) and the Black Women's Arts Festival (Est. 2003). She is originally from Brooklyn, NY and has resided in Philadelphia since 1990. ["Negresse, Negre: In the French- and Spanish-speaking Caribbean Islands, these words often have a connotation of affection, entirely non-racial in meaning. `Ma petite negresse, mon negre, are equivalent to `My dear, my darling, my sweet.'" [From Masters of the Dew, a contemporary classic novel by the Haitian author Jacques Roumain, translated by Langston Hughes and Mercer Cook.]


1) SOMETHING YOU CAN DO ABOUT EGYPT
“There will be blood tomorrow, but I still have hope. I still have some hope left.” ~Amira Hanafi in Egypt. Please write to your representatives in America and ask them to stop funding Egyptian president Mubarak's regime. See if you can do it online if that’s easier. Thank you.


2) JOAN HANNA & ANGEL HOGAN READING
The Women’s Writing & Spoken Word Series at Moonstone Arts Center presents Joan Hanna & Angel Hogan

Hosted with live music by Cassendre Xavier
Always Includes a Mixed-Gender Open Mic!

Saturday, February 12, 2011
7pm – 8:30pm
$5 Admission
Moonstone Arts Center
110A S. 13th Street (at Sansom St)
Philadelphia, PA 19107
215-735-9598
Streaming LIVE at http://www.MoonstoneLIVE.com !


ABOUT JOAN HANNA

Joan Hanna was born and raised in Philadelphia. She is the new Nonfiction Editor for r.kv.r.y.com. Joan will also be the new Managing Editor for Poets’ Quarterly, summer 2011. Joan's poems have appeared in: Common Threads and Moldicum, the premier issue of Glassworks and her nonfiction story “Breathing” appeared in the October issue of r.kv.r.y. Joan has a BA in Writing Arts and is completing her MFA in Poetry and Creative Nonfiction at Ashland University. (Joan says on her blog: "My soul has always been grounded in poetry which has tangled its roots in non-fiction. I took a chance two years ago, quit my job, went back to finish my BA in Writing Arts and found myself in an MFA program for creative writing at Ashland University in Ohio. Sometimes when you jump off a cliff you land in soft places that change your life. Welcome to my changing life." Read more at http://www.writingthroughquicksand.blogspot.com. Joan is also celebrating her birthday this week!)


ABOUT ANGEL HOGAN

Transplanted from a rural horse farm to downtown Philadelphia in her teens, much of Angel Hogan's writing is fueled by her non-traditional upbringing, which she describes as “a heap of multicultural embarrassments.” After studying Literary Theory at Bucknell University, Angel traveled cross-country with a Chow-pit puppy in a diaper, and spent time at her Mom’s home in the Yucatan. As a toddler, her favorite foods were coffee and pan-fried liver. Angel currently works at the University of Pennsylvania and lives in West Philly with her cat Mamacita, and Sauce! the dog. She is a storytelling champ with First Person Arts. See more at: http://angelhogan.com


ABOUT THE SERIES

The Women's Writing & Spoken Word Series (Est. 2002) is a nurturing environment that celebrates women in the craft of multi-genre writing. All are welcome to attend and participate in the Series' Mixed-Gender Open Mic. For submissions and schedule information, please visit http://WomensWritingSeries.com. Submissions only: http://WomensWritingSeries.eventbrite.com), email WomensWritingSeries(at)yahoo.com, call 215-436-9702 or send a SASE (self-addressed stamped envelope) to: Women's Writing Series, POB 30204, Philadelphia, PA 19103-8204.
=========================================================

3) BLACK WOMEN’S ARTS FESTIVAL SUBMISSIONS
I checked and all is smooth sailing and running well with the submissions, available at www.BWAFphilly.org (where you can also learn more about Philadelphia’s 8th Annual Black Women’s Arts Festival) or at the specific submissions page http://BWAF2011submissions.eventbrite.com.


4) FACEBOOK WALL

From my Wall at http://facebook.com/cassEndrExavier...

Confidence, enthusiasm & loving self & others is more attractive than physical appearance, intelligence, talent, or even money."~CassEndrE Xavier's on iTunes!

"Learning to trust your intuition is an art form, and like all other art forms, it takes practice to perfect." ~Shakti Gawain, Living in the Light

Doreen Virtue Official Fan Page: "Trust this world and your experiences within it. Have faith in yourself, including your gut feelings, dreams, and desires."

"Trust your first response, your gut feelings and instincts; trust yourself, then act accordingly." ~CassEndrE Xavier is on iTunes, YouTube, Amazon & CD Baby!

Did you know you can SMS Subscribe to 50 of your Facebook friends? Make me one(Go to Settings, Mobile) and get my wacky, oft-inspiring updates as text messages!

"All of life is a meditation, most of it unintentional." ~Joseph Campbell, The Power of Myth

I didn't log onto FB for days so I didn't see all the wonderful birthday messages on Feb 7 (191 to be exact). I am overwhelmed with appreciation. Thank you! I am even more motivated now to post inspiring things for you to read. Enjoy your day!

"Your thoughts and beliefs of the past have created this moment, and all the moments up to this moment. What you are now choosing to believe and think and say will create the next moment and the next day and the next month and the next year." ~Louise L. Hay

I just found out my guitar hero Gary Moore died on Feb 6, the day before my birthday. I had a dream of sharing the stage with him one day, as I did with the recently passed Tom "T-Bone" Wolk (bassist & music director of Hall & Oates). I am very sad and tempted to give up dreaming, but I know that's never the answer to, or lesson in any difficult experience. R.I.P. Gary Moore. You are already sorely missed. Incidentally, they both died at 58, of heart attacks (Wolk confirmed, Moore suspected), and in the month of February. 58 is way too early to die of anything.

I just saw someone I used to work with from 1994-1998. I told him that 2 days ago I turned 42. He said I look younger now than I did then. Score for raw vegans!

"Success is focusing the full power of all you are on what you have a burning desire to achieve." ~Wilfred Peterson

SMS Subscription Awards (Frequent short status w/no link): Amira Hanafi in Egypt,Kelli Dunham,Steve Lower's Daily Philly Weather,Debra D'Alessandro,Paulo Coelho

"To succeed in life, you need two things: ignorance and confidence." ~Mark Twain
Paulo Coelho says, "What other people think of you is none of your business."

"I take loving care of the earth, and the earth loves me in return." ~Louise L. Hay

Doreen Virtue Official Fan Page says, "Your intuition guides you through all situations safely, provided that you listen to it."

"To succeed, you need to find something to hold on to, something to motivate you, something to inspire you." ~Tony Dorsett

"Success means doing the best we can with what we have." ~Zig Ziglar

If God/dess is love and God/dess is everywhere why don't we see love everywhere? Because we haven't expressed it enough ourselves yet. Love is inside us. ~CX

"Even atheists recognize God when it's being expressed; they just call it other things: talent, love, compassion, brilliance." ~Cassendre Xavier is on iTunes!

Doreen Virtue Official Fan Page says: "You are a being composed of light, love, and intelligence."

"Up, up, up, up, up, up goes the spire of the steeple/God's work isn't done by God, it's done by people." ~from the Ani Di Franco song/CD "Up Up Up Up Up Up"

The more I buy Thank You cards, the more wonderful things happen for me to send them. I just performed and saw an old friend/former employer. He saw that in the years we'd been apart, I'd released 3 live albums and 3 studio ones. Guess how many CDs he walked away with? 7 (6 of my musical ones, which he purchased, and 1 guided meditation CD I threw in for free)! Guess who's getting a Thank You card next week? :-)

Ever want to call a friend but worry you might be interrupting them having sex? Once, in the Olden Days, I called a friend & spoke into the machine, “Hey. Hey, are you having sex? You’re having sex aren’t you?” then I wouldn’t shut up. Next day, he was a wee miffed. Turns out he *was* having sex & my hilarious monologue was a little less than helpful. Lesson: Turn everything OFF but your bootknockery partner!

Former Women's Writing & Spoken Word feature (and designer of the WWSWS logo, and my former co-worker at an independently owned academic bookstore) Amira Hanafi has decided to stay in Egypt and tell us all why. Please send her light, love, and your total support!

"Nothing attracts wealth like Thank You. (Not only material wealth, but emotional and spiritual as well.) Everything good loves a Thank You." ~Cassendre Xavier

"For more good in your life, give thanks &count your blessings often. Stock & often send paper/postal Thank You cards; they create miracles!" ~Cassendre Xavier

Doreen Virtue Official Fan Page says, "Your guardian angel continuously talks to you&gently offers advice&guidance. You need to quiet your body&mind to listen."

Malcolm S. Forbes said, "Victory is sweetest when you've known defeat." So,
single/recovering folks&survivors can look forward to the sweetness of healthy love!

People are often afraid to ask-the Universe/God, other people-for a favor, a job, love. Don't be afraid to ask! The worst that can happen is...you don't ask!-CX

I, the "Subway Siren" since 2005, am singing 3-6pm at Designated Performance Area #2 of Philly's Suburban Station, 16th & Market-Concourse near SEPTA Sales!

Paulo Coelho says, "Avoiding problems you need to face is avoiding the life you need to live."

"The fastest way to 'change' someone is to love them completely and unconditionally; accept them as they are, as if they will never change." ~Cassendre Xavier

Posted daily:
Steve Lower’s Daily Philly Weather and

“What are some nice things that happened for you today?”


5) THINGS YOU PROBABLY WANT ME TO TALK ABOUT
POETRY CHAPBOOK CONTEST UPDATE
The poetry chapbook contest for the Black Women’s Arts Festival will continue as soon as we (I) find one or two people to design the system of, and process submissions. We already have 3 poetry judges at the ready (Tara Betts, Tamara Oakman, and Stephanie Durann.

AFFIRMATION SONG ALBUM & GUIDED MEDITATIONS UPDATE
I’ve created a budget for the affirmation song albums I’ve been working on, as well as the last two Affirmations for Survivors guided meditation albums “Sexuality” and “Life Skills” to complete the series which began in 2007 with “Self-Love” and “Spirituality”. These are available in download and CD at http://stores.lulu.com/cassEndrE or in CD from me from http://cxdirect.eventbrite.com or by emailing cxmusic(at)gmail.com. These projects are gestating and waiting as the funds or other options are created. I’ll keep you postified (aka “posticated”)!

A STROKE OF LUCK
Around two weeks ago I posted on Facebook that I’d spent the day in the hospital being treated for what I thought were stroke or heart attack symptoms. Though the day was scary, starting with not being able to feel my fingers for several minutes and feeling weird cramps on the left side of my body, as well as chest pain and several of the “female” symptoms of heart attack, I was examined by at least 5 physicians, two nurses, and several technicians, was x-rayed, had bloodwork drawn, enjoyed hours of TV in the comfort and privacy of my own room, and learned that my symptoms were likely due to wearing my belt too tight (pinching a nerve that causes pain in my leg), acid indigestion/reflux, and my blood being low in potassium. Within hours I felt much, much better having received potassium at the hospital and since then I’ve been eating lots of yogurt (mostly from Trader Joe’s) sometimes mixed with a little molasses which also has tons of potassium as well as iron, calcium, and other things. If you have hypertension and or/are obese, I highly recommend doing the potassium thing to counteract the sodium intake. So, that’s it. No heart attack, no stroke, not even close to either, just scary-feeling symptoms. Oh, and in addition to upping my potassium, I must not lie down less than an hour after eating. Docs recommended also the website www.webMD.com for advice, not Google. And they said never to lie about when you have had onset of symptoms so you can get the drugs that will treat your symptoms, because you could make things worse. For instance, I’d Googled that if you’re actually having a heart attack or stroke there is a drug they can give you to stop clogging or something but it must be administered within 3 hours of symptom onset. By the time I’d walked to two hospitals (to find one with an emergency room), it was almost 3 hours and I kind of fibbed about when I started having the symptoms. I cannot stay in the fibborial state for long, so I fessed up to my first doctor that I had lied, and he told me why that’s really not a good idea. Turns out if given at the wrong time, that precious anti-clogging drug could’ve caused brain bleeding. So, never lie about what’s going on with your body!

RAW VEGAN UPDATE
I’ve been low- or off raw for weeks, gaining weight and my eating is pretty out of control. I don’t really know why or what I’m doing or what’s going on, but I’m not worried about it too much. Everything comes in cycles, and I’m not going to make things better by being extra hard on myself. I expect the tide to come around in favor of my being healthier and exercising, but for now, I’m dealing with basic life skill things such as working and paying my bills. I realize there is no work without health, though, and I want to practice what I preach, so I know I will have to get on that soon. Or not. I could also stay sick and out of shape my entire life, and still enjoy life and work and art. It’s all good. No worries. Except that I am worried. And not worried. All at the same time! And I’m not really “sick”. I’m mostly healthy, just have some thingies that quite frankly a lot of Americans have. It’s just hard to be the Queen of Self-Care when there are so many other stressors in one’s life. But it can be done. And this is why I write the books and things about being healthy, because if I don’t, I don’t have much to be accountable for. For the last two weeks, I’ve thought: I need another book! (The last one: Expanding Your Capacity for Joy: a Raw Vegan Comfort Book, Sourcebook and Journal, is available in print format at Arnold’s Way store, from me at http://cxdirect.eventbrite.com or by emailing cxwriting(at)gmail.com, and as an e-book at http://cxbooks.eventbrite.com). It has a chart in it for logging your progress in weight, diet, and even blood pressure numbers. I even used it back in the day when I was much more on my game. I plan to get back there again, step by step. It also has a list of black-owned raw vegan restaurants in the region, including two right here in Philadelphia!

LOVE, ROMANCE, AND TOTAL TOMFOOLERY
I’ve been private about the relationship thing for a few reasons, which I’ll probably say in my next or a future museletter, but doesn’t quite fit here. All for now. I hope I’ve addressed some of your curiositational devices!


6) CX DIRECT MAIL ORDER FORM
To view, print, and/or order CDs and books from me directly, please visit http://cxdirect.eventbrite.com, send a SASE to Cassendre Xavier, POB 30204, Philadelphia, PA 19103-8204, or email cxmusic(at)gmail.com.


Z) BUT DON’T BE MEAN
"Do whatever it takes to make your life more worth living. Anything at all. It can be illegal, immoral, unethical, or self-destructive.There’s only one rule to follow to make that kind of blanket permission work: Don’t be mean." ~Kate Bornstein, author of 'Hello, Cruel World: 101 Alternatives to Suicide for Teens, Freaks, and Other Outlaws' http://katebornstein.typepad.com

===================== Thank you, and good night :-) =================


renaissance negresse Museletter is © 2011 by Cassendre Xavier. All rightsen reservenitzken. www.cassEndrExavier.com

2/12 - Joan Hanna & Angel Hogan - Women’s Writing & Spoken Word Series

The Women’s Writing & Spoken Word Series at Moonstone Arts Center presents Joan Hanna & Angel Hogan

Hosted with live music by Cassendre Xavier
Always Includes a Mixed-Gender Open Mic!

Saturday, February 12, 2011
7pm – 8:30pm
$5 Admission
Moonstone Arts Center
110A S. 13th Street (at Sansom St)
Philadelphia, PA 19107
215-735-9598
Streaming LIVE at http://www.MoonstoneLIVE.com !


ABOUT JOAN HANNA

Joan Hanna was born and raised in Philadelphia. She is the new Nonfiction Editor for r.kv.r.y.com. Joan will also be the new Managing Editor for Poets’ Quarterly, summer 2011. Joan's poems have appeared in: Common Threads and Moldicum, the premier issue of Glassworks and her nonfiction story “Breathing” appeared in the October issue of r.kv.r.y. Joan has a BA in Writing Arts and is completing her MFA in Poetry and Creative Nonfiction at Ashland University. (Joan says on her blog: "My soul has always been grounded in poetry which has tangled its roots in non-fiction. I took a chance two years ago, quit my job, went back to finish my BA in Writing Arts and found myself in an MFA program for creative writing at Ashland University in Ohio. Sometimes when you jump off a cliff you land in soft places that change your life. Welcome to my changing life." Read more at http://www.writingthroughquicksand.blogspot.com. Joan is also celebrating her birthday this week!)


ABOUT ANGEL HOGAN

Transplanted from a rural horse farm to downtown Philadelphia in her teens, much of Angel Hogan's writing is fueled by her non-traditional upbringing, which she describes as “a heap of multicultural embarrassments.” After studying Literary Theory at Bucknell University, Angel traveled cross-country with a Chow-pit puppy in a diaper, and spent time at her Mom’s home in the Yucatan. As a toddler, her favorite foods were coffee and pan-fried liver. Angel currently works at the University of Pennsylvania and lives in West Philly with her cat Mamacita, and Sauce! the dog. She is a storytelling champ with First Person Arts. See more at: http://angelhogan.com

ABOUT THE HOST

Self-described “renaissance negresse” Cassendre Xavier is an award-winning Philadelphia-based musician, multi-genre writer and community cultural arts organizer. Her 6 independently-released albums are described as “a cross between Tracy Chapman, Sade and Enya” (Borders Music Expert, Steven M. Wilson). She also creates spoken word guided meditation and affirmation recordings under the name Amethyste Rah and erotic writing under the name Amrita Waterfalls. The founder and director of the Women’s Writing & Spoken Word Series as well as Philadelphia’s Annual Black Women’s Arts Festival (Est. 2003, www.BWAFphilly.org), Cassendre is a recipient of the Leeway Transformation Award for her work in art and change. For more information, please visit http://cassEndrExavier.com.


ABOUT THE SERIES

The Women's Writing & Spoken Word Series (Est. 2002) is a nurturing environment that celebrates women in the craft of multi-genre writing. All are welcome to attend and participate in the Series' Mixed-Gender Open Mic. For submissions and schedule information, please visit http://WomensWritingSeries.com. Submissions only: http://WomensWritingSeries.eventbrite.com), email WomensWritingSeries(at)yahoo.com, call 215-436-9702 or send a SASE (self-addressed stamped envelope) to: Women's Writing Series, POB 30204, Philadelphia, PA 19103-8204.

ME! ME! ME! A CX Museletter “Home Office At Last” ediccione

ME! ME! ME! a Cassendre Xavier Museletter
The “Home Office At Last” ediccione, as it were. (If you will.)

Sunday, January 23rd, 2011

(Control Freak Reading Instructions: Best to print this bad boy out and read it over the john, the “jane”, the breakfast table, or in the sack. It’s a long ‘un.)

A) GREETINGS
1) WHO IS CASSENDRE XAVIER?
2) HOME OFFICE AT LAST
3) RAW VEGAN UPDATE
4) BLACK WOMEN’S ARTS FESTIVAL UPDATE
5) WOMEN’S WRITING & SPOKEN WORD UPDATE
6) MUSIC UPDATE & CONCERT SCHEDULE
8) WRITING UPDATE & ARCHIVES
9) WHAT I’M READING & MY LATEST INSPIRATIONS
10) CX DIRECT PRODUCT ORDER FORM
Z) FAREWELL BLESSING



A) GREETINGS

1) WHO IS CASSENDRE XAVIER?
Since you can read my professional bio in my other museletters or online, I thought I’d take this rare opportunity to write a ME ME ME version from my heartal reggione, if you will. (As it were.) I’m basically your average Philadelphia-based Haitian-Chinese-American chyk who writes and plays music and is majorly into promoting community arts and culture. I’ve started a bunch of stuff, sometimes am actually not even completely broke in the process, and most enjoy sharing whatever I’ve learned along the way that helps me in the universal experience of life. My primary audience is creative people, and I believe everyone is creative, so that includes you! I was born under the sign of Aquarius, in the fair city of Brooklyn, New York, where, it seems all Haitians and other immigrants are required to be born (East Flatbush, baby!). The kind of work I most enjoy is performing onstage, meeting audience members after a show, recording albums of my own original (and a few covers) music and spoken word guided meditations, and running my own business(es). In 2002, I started using the term “renaissance negresse” to describe myself and any other black woman who works in 3 or more media. (It’s a controversial term for Americans for historical reasons, which I do understand. But with my French-influenced background, to me, “negresse” is a neutral word, which merely means black woman, and unlike “renaissance woman” who could be any color, it is melanin-specific. I stand by it. P.S. And hot stud Penn Jillette personally complimented me on it. So there!) I believe in progress, not perfection, that the journey is the destination, and that there’s no such thing as failure (although I also believe failure is your friend and guiding light). You probably met me at a show or in the hallowed halls of Suburban Station, where I sing and give out flyers of my work.


2) HOME OFFICE AT LAST
I’ve been living and working in Philadelphia since 1991. For my own creative and self-employed professional endeavors, I used to use the computers and internet of whatever day job I had, those at public/college libraries, or later, those at whatever sponsored office I had at the time. I’ve had two such official “sponsored” offices. The first was that of a friend, who allowed myself and Black Women’s Arts Festival co-organizer and former director Monica McIntyre to use her home office for much of the day when she was out – we had our own key and everything, and the second was the Midvale office of Resources for Human Development’s New Beginnings Nonprofit Incubator program, of which BWAF was a member from 2007-2010. Other than a few weak attempts in the early 2000s to have a home office, I really didn’t have much of an interest in having a computer with internet at home. I felt I didn’t want the hassle of computer viruses, and I believed at the time I couldn’t afford to pay the monthly internet service fee.
This all changed when I recently chose to resign from the New Beginnings program. After three years of trying to operate as a nonprofit, so many things happened to make it an uphill journey, that I realized things aren’t supposed to be such a struggle. It was a sign to leave. Once I accepted that, I realized I never wanted to be a nonprofit to begin with – I’d merely wanted an office and not to have to pay for it. What a revelation! When I got in touch with my feelings, I realized what I really, really wanted (as the Spice Girls sang), was to have my own laptop with wireless internet, and a cell phone with unlimited minutes and text messages. Things started coming together soon after that realization.
First, I was able to expand my plan to Unlimited Text messages very affordably, and while I don’t have unlimited minutes (yet!) I do have so many that right now every month I’m hundreds of minutes under my allowed usage. The unlimited texts allow me to post regularly, oh okay, hyper-regularly on Facebook, which, good or bad, does increase my visibility, and for a self-employed person, that’s pretty good marketing. I don’t just post what I’m doing professionally – I don’t like those Facebook accounts that only post the upcoming appearances of the person. I post what I’m going through, where I am, what the person on the bus just said, what I’m eating, how much I weigh, what my dating life is like, as well as beautiful inspiring quotes by people who sometimes aren’t even me! I’m sure many people have “hidden” my profile, but these same people, some of them, do check my profile to see what wackiness I’m up to. That’s better advertising than anything I could pay for – the sheer interest in my life and work. Not to sound self-congratulatory, I merely share this to show how one can be completely flawed, annoying, and still effective as a self-promoter – and this isn’t by design – I merely try to tweak my urgings, and make them work for Moi!
After doing some research, I learned I could get unlimited wifi service for only $40 a month from Cricket (www.mycricket.com), the least expensive I’ve found so far. That, plus a Dell Insprion laptop a friend gave me when she upgraded her computer back in 2007, and that I’d never used, makes it possible for me to be typing this from my kitchen table. Oh, also, what got me here was all the doors that slammed in my face when I sought another free “sponsored” office. I asked around, to various arts organizations and even individuals, and nothing panned out. I didn’t want to pay for an office for some reason, although I’m paying for internet service. Once again I took a look at the situation and asked what all the “No”s were trying to tell me. The universe answered, “You deserve your own office. It’s time. You’re a big girl. How long have you been doing this? Get on it!” So here I am. And I’m grateful. (Oh, the time frame from my last sponsored office to my home office? Nineteen days. Less than a month to a dream come true. I’m visualizing similar speed in growing my business and attracting my ideal mate!)

3) RAW VEGAN UPDATE
Since I last wrote ye, I was doing pretty well, was all raw until the holidays when I started incorporating more cooked foods into my diet after a date at a man friend’s house that ran a little, um, “over”. Let’s just say it started on a Monday night and ended that Friday. Hypothetically. Although I was prepared and had brought my Green Smoothie with me, by day 2 the Green Smoothie was just a far away dream, and in came the pasta, meat, and dairy of yonder past. I went from 206 to today’s 212 since Christmas day, whereas prior, on the raw vegan diet, I was losing 1-2 lbs a week. The last two weeks I have had almost no fruits or vegetables, not even cooked, as I was spending more time with this persun and not shopping for myself when I was home. I just got lazy, and honestly, the cold weather and holidays doesn’t make it easy to resist temptation when it’s in the form of a tall, sexy ass man with a fridge full of food. But, alas, he and I have just broken up (again! Oh the drama!) and hopefully the next few weeks will resemble some more balance. Who the eff knows. I mean, really. Whatever. See? The food you eat affects your brain. I’m sure if I had had some Green Smoothies this week, I’d have some nicer, spiritually high things to say about the matter. But all I have right now is pasta brain – whole wheat, brown, high fiber pasta, but pasta nonethless!

4) BLACK WOMEN’S ARTS FESTIVAL UPDATE
Submission info has been posted and available for weeks but none have come in, so I’m thinking there may be a technical problem. Also someone called to say she wasn’t able to apply online. This is one of the reasons I sacrificed part of my rent money to risk the purchase of internet access, so I can research the problem and fix it asap. Perhaps all is well, I’m not sure, as it is a major priority to get this newsletter out to you and look into the issue next (by Wednesday of this week any problem that exists regarding submitting online will be corrected). Only one way to find out – visit www.BWAFphilly.org! Also, our new contact info is: Black Women’s Arts Festival, POB 30204, Philadelphia, PA 19103-8204, Phone: 215-436-9702, Email: BWAFphilly(at)yahoo.com. Never let it be said!

5) WOMEN’S WRITING & SPOKEN WORD UPDATE
The Series has re-started with a bang (back in November 2010 after a 4-year hiatus. Founded by Cassendre Xavier Enterprises in 2002 and run til 2006) and is soooo much more pleasant to run now that it’s only monthly instead of twice a month and that instead of being free, there’s a $5 admission. Neither I nor the venue are rollin’ in it, but boy does it make a difference to see even one dollar as an energy exchange for your work and time. The event streams live on the ‘net and welcomes men and women in that there’s a mixed gender open mic and men can host. For more about this wonderful series, visit www.WomensWritingSeries.org. Next date: Saturday, February 12, 2011. (2 female features to be announced. Previous 2010-2011 features: November - Renda Rose & Ruth A. Rouff. December - Pat McLean & Carol Bond. January – Anne-Adele Wight & Debra Wright-Powell.)

6) MUSIC UPDATE & CONCERT SCHEDULE
Please note that I’m not singing at Mango Moon anymore, although the venue and I would like me to. It became necessary to end my working relationship with my former drummer, whose gig it was. I wish them all the best, and I highly encourage you to m/patronize the restaurant! www.MyMangoMoon.com.

On random weekdays or weekends, I can sometimes be seen performing at my new busking post – one that has much more visibility and heat!
The Subway Siren Suburban Station Tour continues – 3pm – 6pm, Designated Performance Area #2, on the concourse of Philadelphia’s Suburban Station, below 16th & Market Streets, near the SEPTA Sales windows. If you’re ever in the area, stop by for a smile, hug, CD, or all of the above!

You are among the very first to know that starting the next one on February 12th, I will perform music as the host of the Women’s Writing & Spoken Word Series! Usually I just share some of my writing before introducing the first name on the Mixed-Gender Open Mic list, but now I will include 2 songs. So, now every month, you know you can hear me sing at Moonstone! www.MoonstoneArtsCenter.org 7pm $5 Streaming live!

On Sunday, March 26th I’m opening for Tret Fure. You can buy tickets at www.brownpapertickets.com and learn more about Tret at www.tretfure.com. Legendary!

8) WRITING UPDATE & ARCHIVES
My book Expanding Your Capacity for Joy: a Raw Vegan Comfort Book, Sourcebook & Journal, sold at my most recent appearance at Arnold’s Way’s monthly potluck. It is still available there, as well as online. (I haven’t checked stock at Essene Market & Cafe and Giovanni’s Room no longer carries CDs nor my books.) Visit www.cassEndrExavier.com or www.cxbooks.eventbrite.com for ordering info.

You can read my archived museletters/newsletters at www.groups.yahoo.com/group/cassendrexavier or www.cassendrexavier.blogspot.com.

My writing is also in various anthologies, available online, or in some stores. You can read more about these at my official writing site www.artivistpublications.homestead.com.

Although I took a wee break during the wild and wacky holidays, I do write a monthly column for Wisdom Magazine’s online edition. You can read them here:

9) WHAT I’M READING & MY LATEST INSPIRATIONS
Living in the Light, by Shakti Gawain
Love is the River: Learning to Live in the Flow of Divine Grace, by Ann Albers www.VisionsOfHeaven.com
Your Best Life Now, by Joel Osteen www.JoelOsteen.com
The Affected Provincial’s Companion, by Lord Braulove Swells Whimsy www.LordWhimsy.com
Goodness Had Nothing to Do With It: The Autobiography of Mae West
The Holy Bible (Particularly the specifics regarding the construction of Solomon’s palaces and temples)
Truth or Dare, by Starhawk
The Sparkling Lavender Dust of Lust, by Tee Corinne


10) WITH A LITTLE HELP FOR MY FRIENDS
If any of these folks’ bios or work interests you, please do more than read – please engage. Contact them – get on their email list, go to see a show, buy a product or service of theirs. We working artists live for our art and for life, which to many of us includes our various beloved communities, and we can’t go on without community support from people just like you. Help us continue to create work that inspires ourselves, and the world in general. Thank you so much!

Shandra Staley, dancer/teacher, massage therapist (Look at my Friends list on Facebook)

NASSUNNI, fine arts painter (Facebook)

Alex Kudera, novelist, author of Fight for Your Long Day (Atticus Books) www.AlexKudera.blogspot.com

Kelli Dunham, performer, lecturer, author, www.kellidunham.com

Cheryl Burke, poet, www.cherylb.com (Cheryl’s the girlfriend of my ex, Kelli Dunham, and Cheryl just last week celebrated 10 years of sobriety! And as if that weren’t fierce enough, she’s currently transforming herself into a completely healthy body, after a recent diagnosis of cancer. Please send this awesome survivor some love, even if that’s in the form of stopping right now to say a prayer for and hold a vision of her many years from now in total glowing sober health. We love you, Cheryl!)

Esperanza Cortes, fine artist (interdisciplinary), www.EsperanzaCortes.com Beautiful persun, beautiful artwork. Visit visit visit!

Traycee Lynn, poet, musician, publisher, www.phillycypher.com

Larry Robin, Moonstone Artist Center www.moonstoneartscenter.com Larry is really into promoting Frances Ellen Harper right now. It’s like he was chosen as a channel or something. He gets all googly-eyed and chatty about her like she was his girlfriend. Check it out!

Ignacio Rivera, performer, lecturer, www.ignaciorivera.com

Arnold’s Way Raw Vegetarian Cafe & Education Center, Lansdale PA www.ArnoldsWay.com, www.youtube.com/ArnoldsWay


11) CX DIRECT PRODUCT ORDER FORM
I’m pretty sure you can find the latest version of this either at www.cassendrexavier.com or www.cassendrexavier.blogspot.com. If not, well then I guess I’ll have to send another museletter out toot sweet, now won’t I? :-)


Z) FAREWELL BLESSING

May you become better and better at receiving and promptly following your inner guidance.
May you believe you deserve the best life has to offer.
May you be surrounded by healthy love from friends, family, and sweethearts.
May you be guided by love and joy in your heart, and a willingness to serve.
May you feel blessed and abundant regardless of your health, finances, or circumstances.
May all your dreams and goals come true, surpassing all your expectations.
This, or something better, and may it be for the good of all.


Sincerely in art and community,

Cassendre Xavier (aka Amethyste Rah, aka Amrita Waterfalls)
renaissance negresse (musician, writer, visual artist, actress, award-winning community cultural arts organizer)
www.cassEndrExavier.com

Founder & Director of Philadelphia’s 8th Annual Black Women’s Arts Festival (Thursday July 28th thru Sunday, July 31st) Now accepting submissions: www.BWAFphilly.org

Founder & Director of the Women’s Writing & Spoken Word Series at Moonstone Arts Center www.WomensWritingSeries.org

Recipient of a Leeway Transformation Award, which supports women and trans artists working in art and change. www.Leeway.org


Friend me on Facebook! www.facebook.com/cassendrexavier

Watch me on YouTube! www.youtube.com/cassendrexavier

Listen/buy downloads at iTunes! (search cassEndrE xavier)

Although I prefer you order from CX Direct (I get way more money that way), I also have product at CD Baby! www.cdbaby.com/artist/cassEndrExavier

Again, if not ordering from CX Direct, my guided meditation albums are available at http://stores.lulu.com/cassEndrE



Booking contact: cxmusic(at)gmail.com (remove “at” and replace with @) or call 215-436-9702.


Maybe now that I have my own computer and internet at home, I’ll write these more often and they won’t be forty pages long. Ya think? :-)


Copyright (c) 2011 by Cassendre Xavier. Please forward and include credit and subscription info: To subscribe, send blank email to: cassendrexavier-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.


Number of times the word “ass” was used in this ediccione: 1. Sad, but true. Will have to do better next time!

Apologies for any typos. As soon as I get a printer, and can therefore easily proofread my work, that kind of thing will be slimmed down to a minimum.


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