renaissance negresse museletter DEBUT 2009/1

the renaissance negresse museletter
art inspiration community
brought to you by Cassendre Xavier aka Amethyste Rah

Sunday, March 15, 2009

In This Issue:

who is a “renaissance negresse”?
Fan Alert: Pics for the Last Licks Crowd
Product Feature: “Capable of Love” – the latest musical album by Cassendre Xavier
Raw Vegan Support Group Forming
Runner(s) Wanted – Low Fitness Level Preferred
Household Hint – How to Hold Flowers
Article: How To Accept a Compliment from Your Man (Or From Any Man) by Cassendre Xavier
Community Bulletin Board
the renaissance negresse catalogue
Farewell Blessing


Who Is A “renaissance negresse”?
A renaissance negresse is a black woman who is either skilled or gifted in 2 or more arts. Haitian-American multi-media artist/writer Cassendre Xavier coined this term in 2002. “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.


Fan Alert: Pics for the Last Licks Crowd
On January 23rd, I had the pleasure of singing before Cheryl Wheeler at her Last Licks Café show on Long Island. I met some of you in the audience and we took some pictures. Well, here they are http://cassendrexavier.homestead.com/Photos.html (scroll to the bottom). If you like them, please copy and save them because as per your lovely and requested constructive criticism about my website, I’ll be deleting all but one site. I’ll be keeping most of my pictures at my primary MySpace page and will be probably opening a Flickr account for the rest and future images. Incidentally, at that fabulous open mic, I met Rupert Wates, who sang that touching song about his father, remember? Well, my friend saw RW and his band play recently and said they were “pretty good”. So check him out when you can www.rupertwates.com.


Product Feature: “Capable of Love” – the latest musical album by Cassendre Xavier
[8th Album/2009] Cassendre Xavier just can’t make up her mind. If it isn’t love songs, it’s inspirational songs, or it’s songs just to make us laugh. The one thing this acoustic pop artist described as “a cross between Tracy Chapman, Sade, and Enya” (Steven M. Wilson, Borders Music Expert) does consistently is soothe, entertain, and inspire. Her voice is as light and sweet as it is deep and sultry. She can joke and cajole as well as comfort and uplift. Nowhere is all of this variety more expressed than in her latest effort, “Capable of Love” (released January 11, 2009). All but two tracks are new original songs – check out her haunting “Water is Wide” and uniquely peppy yet fervent “O Shenandoah”. And all but one, an emotional “Wanna Heal”, which features her hip-hop producer brother Giscard “Jee Eye Zee” Xavier (City High and C Knowledge of the Diggable Planets) on drums, features only Xavier’s multi-layered vocals and her own acoustic rhythm and lead playing. Humor is here in abundance, as “The Damn Dog Song” shows. A plea for owners to leave their pups at home when dining out or shopping for take-home movies, this song alone is worth the price of the CD/download. Xavier wanted to honor her self-described “Sapphically-inclined constituents” with a tune – that’s where “The Chapstick Lesbian Song” comes in. The song claims to speak to those who identify as neither “butch” nor “femme” but is sure to bring smiles to anyone regardless of gender or orientation. In addition to the soul-stirring, political anthem “I Am Free”, the motivational “Reach”, the unabashedly joyful “You Make Me Happy” and the aforementioned survivor’s theme “Wanna Heal”, all other songs on “Capable” are rich in her soulful expression of emotions. The usual angst around relationships and romance abound, but are enhanced by multi-layered, bell-like harmonic chanting not unlike Bobby McFerrin, and reminiscent of jazz composer/pianist/vocalist Tania Maria. When asked why some of the songs are so long (“Run to You”, for example, runs almost 10 minutes alone), Xavier says, “This album is for people who like to sing along. I often find that the end of a song is the most fun sometimes, and I am often disappointed when it ends. And I love to harmonize. I have always done a lot of harmonizing when I sing. To me, these are sacred chants, and I hope there are people out there who will enjoy singing and harmonizing along. If not, well, I figure you can always skip ahead to the next track!” Indeed, the lengthiness may not be for everyone, but at 10 songs totaling a little over an hour of her lovely music, most will be pleased and satisfied. Recommended. Order at http://cdbaby.com/cd/xavierc8 or http://lulu.com/cassEndrE.

Fan reviews wanted! Fan reviews, along with the author’s name and/or contact info/email address/link will be posted in forthcoming issues of the renaissance negresse museletters and other possible/internet outlets. If you have this or any other CX/ARah album and would like to say a few nice words about it, please email your comments to: cxmusic(at)gmail.com. (Please replace the “at” with “@”)

Raw Vegan Support Group Forming
Holistic alternative healer Judi Rhee Alloway and I started meeting back in February to plan a support group for people wanting to remain raw vegan but struggling with intense emotional issues making it difficult to give up (significantly or completely) highly addictive cooked foods. (We each have been 50% or more raw since 2005.) We’ve applied for a grant and are planning to meet in Center City in April. We’ll keep you posted on this email list, or you can forward the following contact to anyone you think may be interested: realrawlife(at)gmail.com (Please replace the “at” with “@”).


Runner(s) Wanted – Low Fitness Level Preferred
I’m looking for one or more person(s) interested in running with me in Center City at least twice a week. I can run one block, then walk a block, run, walk, etc; and I stop often for breaks. I took up running last year when I moved to NYC and left my beloved bicycle back at my raw vegan household. If you’re interested, let me know. If you happen to be in better shape, that’s fine, as long as you’re patient! Contact cxwriting(at)gmail.com. (Please replace the “at” with “@”).


Household Hint – How to Hold Flowers
It’s better to hold fresh flowers upside down during the time before you get them in water. This keeps their fluids in the flower and makes them stay alive longer. (I saw this in a French movie, inquired and had it confirmed by 2 florists!)


Article: How To Accept a Compliment from Your Man (Or From Any Man) by Cassendre Xavier
I was watching Angelina Jolie on “Inside the Actor’s Studio”. When host James Lipton read the list of compliments she’d received from the industry, including “Sexiest Woman Alive”, I expected her to giggle with emotion from being flattered so. I expected her to express extreme gratitude over having been showered with compliments the way Bill Gates’ bank account is showered with cash. I expected her to at least say “thank you”. But she didn’t. She merely smiled and kept her bedroom eyelids at a fuzzy woozy half-mast. She is a goddess and she knows it. Why does she know it? Because every single man on the planet reinforces this truth every single day. Every single moment of her life. Every man, mostly likely, except her partner, Brad Pitt, who treats her as a beautiful woman, his beautiful woman, but just that. And that’s why she’s with him. Because he’s super fine and is treated that way by the world, and she’s super fine and is treated that way by the world, but between each other, their children, relatives, and close friends, they’re just regular ol’ folks.
So it must be with you and your man.
Sure, at first, he will be wowed by your beauty. And if you play your cards right, he will not only continue to think you beautiful, but his admiration for you will grow over time.
But in the beginning, you must remember that when a man compliments you, it’s your job to react as if you’re used to getting compliments. In fact, his is the 10th one you received that day. Compliments are a dime a dozen to you. You get them so often, you don’t even blink. You’re a kind person, so you smile. You say, “You’re sweet”. Then you move on to the next subject.
You never say “thank you”. That would mean you’re grateful. That would mean they’re doing you a favor by giving you a compliment. They’re not. You know you’re beautiful. The world knows you’re beautiful. You choose to focus your energies on making the world a better place – on setting, reaching for, and accomplishing your goals – on being a good friend, sibling, daughter, employee, employer.
These things make you even more beautiful, and you know it. But you also know that beauty in the physical superficial sense is fleeting. All the more reason to delve deeper into your own brand of spirituality and what brings you the most joy in life. All the more reason for you to offer your energies in friendship, in civil interests, in volunteering, in getting involved in the political process, etc.
When a man says you do something well, say, finish writing your book or winning an award for your work, you say, “You’re sweet”. That’s it. That should be your response. Never say thank you.
Are there instances when you can say thank you? Sure, when he pays the tab (which should be often, if not always). When he opens doors for you or pulls out a chair at a restaurant. When he does you favors or runs errands for you. When he buys you jewelry or a romantic card. But not when he gives you compliments. Why? Because compliments are a given. Compliments should be a way of life for you. It’s not that you don’t appreciate them – it’s just that there is a different expression of appreciation for every act. Some things require a hug, a kiss, a “thank you”. Others, like compliments, just warrant a slow and lazy, sultry and mysterious Angelina Jolie-like smile. Blink slowly and say, “You’re sweet”. Then give him what he loves best – that fabulous view of you…walking away.



Community Bulletin Board
(To be included in the Community Bulletin Board please send a plain text email – no symbols or images – maximum 100 words including your public contact info to cxwriting(at)gmail.com. Please replace the “at” with “@”. Or mail your business card to Cassendre at the address near the end of this message.)

The Lansdale Live Music & Food Festival sponsored by Arnold’s Way Raw Vegan Store & Café
DATE: Saturday, May 2nd, 2009 (Some outdated sources, including the Arnold’s Way website & MySpace pages, may have listed the wrong date.)
Time: I’ll be going on around 3pm (Music from 12pm-6pm)
Location: The Lansdale Center for the Performing Arts, 311 West Main StreetLansdale, PA 19446 (2 doors down from Arnolds Way on Main Street in Lansdale)
Cost: 15$ before March 15th! 20$ before April 15th! $25 after that!
Register: Call 215-361-0116.
Event info: arnoldsway(at)yahoo.com. (Please replace the “at” with “@”).Venue info: www.lansdalecpa.org

Puppetry Slam Philadelphia http://www.studium-praxis.org/wordpress/?page_id=36
Saturday, May 30th 2009 - 7:00PM spaghetti dinners starts being served. Curio Theatre - at The Calvary Center, 4740 Baltimore Avenue Philadelphia,PA, 19143 at 48th and Baltimore Aves. Cost - Cash only (we’ll give you a receipt upon request) - at the door only. suggested $15 for dinner,show and entry. suggested $10 for dinner and show - or - pay as you can per act at the show - we’ll pass the hat after each act.

Greater Philadelphia Drumming Circle
Do you want to play on the drums all day?
What is shamanic journeying? What is the Upper World? What is the Lower World? What is the Middle World? What would your life look, if you started drumming? How would your life be different, if you began your journey of creativity? Do you hear what I hear?
Come and join us for an experience that will leave you buzzing! Sunday, March 29th, 2009 from 1-3pm. Love donations are greatly appreciated! If you have a drum, rattle, and a journal, please feel free to bring them. It’s optional to bring something to cover your eyes and anything to make your journey more comfortable. Contact/info: Greater Philadelphia Drummng Circle, New Moon Sun., 1-3pm Phone: (856) 952-2269 Email: huesoul1(at)yahoo.com (Please replace the “at” with “@”) For more drumming dates, visit http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BWAFphilly/message/2829.

The Communities Conference is a networking and learning opportunity for anyone interested or involved in co-operative or communal lifestyles.
Join us for a weekend of sharing and celebration!
Friday August 14 through
Sunday August 16, 2009
$85 (sliding scale) includes
meals and camping.
Twin Oaks Communities Conference
138 Twin Oaks Road, Louisa, VA 23093
540-894-5126
www.communitiesconference.org

1st Fridays on Vine
Hosted by Aziza Zenzile Kinteh. Every First Friday. Be part of an Art Extravaganza. *Spoken Word * Music Freestyle*Open Mike.
Where: Jose Sebourne Graphic Design, 1213-15 Vine Street Philadelphia PA 19107
7-10pm $5.00 Cover, Contact info: Aziza Kinteh (215) 668-4500
www.Aziza-lockdiva.com


L & S Band in Concert at the Clef Club
Sure to be a wonderful soulful show! March 20, 2009, Philadelphia Clef Club, Broad & Fitzwater Streets, first show at 10:30pm. Contact/info email: sumeround(at)hotmail.com. (Please replace the “at” with “@”).


Another Level *Aerial ROPE * March 2009
[By Kiebpoli] Hello and look below! ANTIGONE review!
http://offoffonline.com/reviews.php?id=1556 I'll be hanging a silk also in class starting April!
Climbing, swinging, stretching, airdancing. Full body fitness - all skills transferable to silksSign up now for as many classes as you'd like! CLASS CARD discounts - $100=4 classes-Call or email for more details and to RSVP-Beginners welcome. Anyone can learn itCome check it out, Best, *Kiebpoli (kay-po-lee)
Embody Aerial Dance Studio, Williamsburg, Brooklyn, New York City*Actor and Aerialist, Director, Dancer, and Arts Educator. www.myspace.com/kiebpoli *www.womenarts.org/network/profile_1127.html

[Quebec] Patty Contenta is a renowned ballroom dancer who teaches women to adore their curves and express their feminine attractiveness. Through her books and DVDs, she says, “You are about to discover the secrets that will help you heighten your sensuality, regain your power and unveil the phenomenal woman within you.” You can visit Patty at www.sensualitysecrets.com.

[South Carolina] Alex Kudera, writer. Alex writes a blog called The United States of Kudera, which “purports to be a humorous and humane look at life and literature”. You can read interviews here of writers talking about the craft – latest entries being with Philly poet and Drexel prof Don Riggs as well as Yorz Trooli. Visit http://kudera.blogspot.com. Alex is also contributor to When Falls the Coliseum: A Journal of American Culture (Or Lack Thereof).

[Pennsylvania] Anthony Riley (Soulful Singer) Email: anthonyrileysinger(at)yahoo.com (Please replace the “at” with “@”).www.myspace.com/rileyentertainment

[Pennyslvania] Erica “Young E” Mendez (Hip Hop / R&B / Latin singer/recording artist) www.myspace.com/dafinestn

the renaissance negresse catalogue
Currently available to order:
~ Musical CDs & MP3s by Cassendre Xavier. Visit www.cdbaby.com/all/cassendre. You can also order from CD Baby by phone (800) BUY-MY-CD [800-289-6923] or by mail order from CD Baby (call them toll free for details), or from Cassendre direct from Philly, PA, USA (Ordering details below.)
~ Relaxing, Spoken Word Guided Meditation CDs & MP3s by Amethyste Rah. To order online only, visit http://lulu.com/cassEndrE

----------------------------------------MAIL ORDER INFO------------------------------------------------------
Titles available directly from Cassendre are: Capable of Love, Affirmations for Survivors: Spirituality, Affirmations for Survivors: Self-Love, Live at Tin Angel, Beautiful, Live at the Kraftbrau, Kalamazoo, Live at Café Improv, and The Whittenberg Sessions.To order a CD directly from Cassendre, send your name, street/shipping address, city, state, zip code, phone number, and email, along with the album title and style ($10 per paperless slimline case version and $15 per full color jewel case version – price includes postage – money order only please – no personal checks, sorry), PAYABLE TO CASSENDRE XAVIER:

Cassendre Xavier
c/o Black Women’s Arts Festival
3721 Midvale Ave
Philadelphia, PA 19129-1743 USA
Please allow up to 2 weeks for delivery.
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Farewell Blessing
~May you stay healthy, wealthy, and young forever.
~May your self-contained joy inspire others.
~May you nurture your true friendships.
~May you experience exquisite pleasure on a regular basis.
~May your path be clear and steady.
~May all of your best dreams and wishes come true, surpassing all your expectations (or something better), and may it be for the good of all.

Sincerely in art, spirit, and community,


Cassendre Xavier (aka Amethyste Rah)
renaissance negresse
www.cassEndrExavier.com



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