renaissance negresse museletter 2009/3

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

Saturday, April 11, 2009

In This Issue: (To read this online visit http://cassendre.livejournal.com/18233.html)

1) The Soundtrack to this Ediccione, if you will (as it were).
2) Who is the Renaissance Negresse?
3) Upcoming Performances, Music Gallery & Booking Info
4) News! Cassendre is now a Wisdom Magazine Columnist!
5) Fan Appreciation: “Untitled” Poem by Venus
6) Community Bulletin Board
7) Well-Wishes For You


1) The Soundtrack to this Ediccione, if you will (as it were).
Joyce Sims (Extended Mix) Come Into My Life
Michael Bolton – Can I Touch You There
Simply Red – It’s Only Love
Power Station – Some Like It Hot (Extended Mix)
Julia Haines – The Mystery (I am so grateful to own this CD. The first time I heard this song, I sobbed like I never recalled having done so before. I felt like the music was healing, cleansing, and awaking something very deep and previously forgotten. I hope I can create music someday that does this for someone. Julia recorded (celtic harp) on my first album, with the late Juan Avila. This album has not been released yet because it’s in a rarely used format – quarter inch reel-to-reel tape. Other musicians on this album are Elliott Levin (Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes) on sax and flute, bassist Chico Huff (James Taylor), upright bassist Jack Kinslow, and Ronny Crawford on drums (Lisa Loeb). Keep you posted!)
LL Cool J – Doin’ It
U2 – Numb Is it me, or is it kinda sexy when 3:19 into the video, The Edge has his face and mouth rubbed by two bare female feet – one black and one white? You check it out for yourself ;-)
Thin Lizzy – Still In Love with You
Oran “Juice” Jones – The Rain


2) Who is the *Renaissance Negresse?
Haitian-American multi-media artist Cassendre Xavier coined this term in 2002.
A musician, writer, actress, and visual artist, Xavier 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 (2002-2006) and the Black Women’s Arts Festival (2003- Present). 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.]


3) Upcoming Performances, Music Gallery & Booking Info

04/12/2009 07:30 PM - Community Outreach Partnership
Trinity Memorial Church, 2212 Spruce Street Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103 US Cost: Free Description: Music at Trinity Once again, Trinity is proud to present a full year of offerings to music lovers throughout the Philadelphia area. And, with the most gifted performers, diverse music programs and the fine acoustic quality of our great hall, Trinity has truly become a center of music and culture for the entire region. Call: 215-732-2515 or click here for more information.

04/24/2009 07:00 PM - Benefit for Girls Leadership Camp
Studio 34, 4522 Baltimore Avenue Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19143 US Cost:$10 Description: From Girls Leadership Camp: (Quote) We are trying to be creative to peak people’s interest and are planning a Camp Fire Concert, in the spirit of camp. We are a new organization and deeply feeling the blow of the economy so we are needing to do what ever we can so we can make camp happen. The event for Girls Leadership Camp is April 24th at Studio 34(www.studio34yoga.com), 4522 Baltimore Avenue, from 7-10. We are still putting a line up together. The event is going to have music, story telling, camp songs. In addition we are trying to create a camp atmosphere so there will be some snacks and decorations. (Unquote) From Cassendre: This will be my 2nd time performing at a benefit for this worthy group. Hope you can make it! Details: www.girlsleadershipcamp.org

04/25/2009 12:00 PM - WOAR’s 4th annual Take It All Back Event
Independence Ball Room, Visitor’s Center, 6th & Market, 2nd Fl Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103 US Cost: TBA (most likely free, but I need to double-check that)Description:WOAR celebrates it’s 4th annual Take It All Back event. Activities include survivor speakers, live music, children’s art activity, and information on anti-violence organizations. Time: 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM Location: Independence Ball Room, 2nd Floor of the Visitor’s Center 6th and Market Streets Contact us at 215-985-3315 ext. 193 for more information. Hope to see you there! http://www.woar.org/news-events.html

The Cassendre Xavier Music Gallery

10) Capable of Love (Jan 2009) (Also available at iTunes and Giovanni’s Room Bookstore in Philly)9) Affirmations for Survivors: Spirituality ( Aug 2007) (Recommended by Dr Geryll Robinson)8) Affirmations for Survivors: Self-Love (Aug 2007) (Recommended by Dr Geryll Robinson)7) Live at Tin Angel (May 2006) (Also available at iTunes)6) Beautiful (2004)5) The Cassendre Xavier Collection, Vol. 1 (2004)4) Live at the Kraftbrau, Kalamazoo (2004)3) 4OUR: A Cassendre Xavier Sampler (2003)2) Live at Café Improv (2002)1) The Whittenberg Sessions (2002)
The above CDs are also orderable by toll free phone call: 800-BUY-MY-CD or by mail order, email: cxmusic(at)gmail.com or reply to this email for instructions.

Booking Info: Reply to this email, or write: cxmusic(at)gmail.com.

Cassendre has performed music at the following colleges/universities, and fine acoustic listening rooms & community gathering spaces as well as private home residences/house concerts:
Massachusetts Institute of Technology, University of Pennsylvania, LaSalle University (twice), Temple University, the African American Museum, Warmdaddy’s, Tin Angel, World Café Live, the William Way Community Center, and more.

Cassendre has presented classes, lectures, and workshops on blending creativity with commerce at the following venues: Temple University, the Mt. Airy Learning Tree, the Wise Women’s Learning Center. (Previous lectures/workshops include: Active Artist 101 & Creating and Supporting the Active Artist)

Cassendre has founded and led support groups at the following venues: the William Way Community Center, Essene Natural Market & Café. (Previous groups include Sisters Healing Together and REAL Raw- Vegan Live Foods Support Network)



4) News! Cassendre is now a Wisdom Magazine Columnist!
Beginning in May 2009, Cassendre will be writing spiritual articles for Wisdom Magazine NJ/PA edition’s webzine. Article/Excerpt: Affirmations for Trusting the Process. Poem: Normal. You can read more of Cassendre’s archived and new writing here.


5) Fan Appreciation: “Untitled” Poem by Venus
Well, this is a first in my 18 year singer-songwriter career: a fan has written a poem inspired by listening to one of my albums, Capable of Love, my latest, to be exact. Yes, tis true! But you don't have to take MY word for it:From: venusTo: Cassendre Xavier - renaissance negresseDate: Mar 3, 2009 3:38 PMSubject: poetry from venushello Cassendre:I just wanted to send you a note.i was inspired to write some poetry while listening to your new cd "capable of love"/trax2-3

words are meant to be spoken.words are meant to be awoken.rythms are meant to be like a african beatspoken by a griot of timeless age and space.words are meant to inspire and uplift the soul.

For more of the poem and dialogue, please click here.


6) Community Bulletin Board
Cassendre Xavier’s Running Club launched last Thursday 4/9/09!!
Thank you to the two people who responded to my call for runner’s in low physical shape :-) We are now running twice a week – Tuesdays and Thursdays, 7:00am both days. We meet at Barnes & Noble bookstore 18th & Walnut in Center City Philly, then we walk across the street to Rittenhouse Square. We run for about 5 minutes to warm the muscles, then stretch, then run, then stretch, then go home. Last time it was 45 minutes cardio total, but we started at 7:30. This time we’ll be doing about a half hour more. All are welcome to join us. NO RSVP, please. I would like to add Wednesday morning at 7:00am. Is anyone interested? Twice a week really isn’t enough exercise for me, and I know now that I’m not motivated enough to do it alone. So, let me know if you want to run on Wednesday morning with me. Thanks (especially to my mentor Gary Null who’s had “Gary Null’s Running & Walking Club” for decades, inspiring me to start my own similar physical accountability exercise program!

REAL Raw – Vegan Live Foods Support & Transformation Group
(Founder: Cassendre Xavier, Co-Founder, Judi Rhee Alloway)
We had our first meeting on Monday 4/6/09 and it was really good! We discussed what we wanted from the raw lifestyle, our journey, our struggles, and we did a very cool and inspiring eyes-closed visualization. We discussed doing guided meditations with a double CD album called “Creating Your Ideal Body” next time. I’m hoping that will happen as well as something else I’ve got my third eye on right now. We meet 1st & 3rd Fridays 6-8pm at Essene on 4th near Bainbridge in South Philly. All who are interested in becoming or remaining 50% - 100% raw vegan (uncooked fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, legumes, and herbs) are welcome to our free in-person plus online membership. Visit www.realrawlife.com.

RUSTIC MUSIC PRESENTS…
Julian Root & Friends. Fergie’s Pub, Sunday 4/12/09 8pm FREE. 1214 Sansom St, Philly. 215.928.8118.


MOVIE MONDAY on a TUESDAY at the Balcony (The Trocadero, 10th & Arch, Philly) presents THE WRESTLER (2009)
**Movie Monday is on a TUESDAY this week! Tue. 4/14
A film by Darren Aronofsky with Mickey Rourke, Marisa Tomwi & Evan Eachel Wood.Special: Arrive before 7pm and get a FREE beer and a bag of popcorn! $3.00 gets you in & goes towards a drink or snack of your choiceDoors: 6:30pm - Show: 8:00PM - 21+

VOLUNTEER & INTERN OPPORTUNITIES WITH THE BLACK WOMEN’S ARTS FESTIVAL
The 6th Annual Black Women’s Arts Festival is gearing up for another exciting summer event. Don’t miss your opportunity to make a difference/give back/build community, learn or improve your skills in event production, and meet interesting people. Choose from a wide array of activities based on your own schedule, skills, and interests. Visit www.BWAFphilly.org to learn more or email Monica at BWAFphilly(at)yahoo.com. Next volunteer meeting Sat 4/25/09 12NOON at the BWAF office, 3721 Midvale Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19129. All are welcome.


The Lansdale Live Music & Food Festival sponsored by Arnold’s Way Raw Vegan Store & Café 5/2/09 Info: www.myspace.com/arnoldsway

Puppet Slam Philly 2009 - 5/30/09
Info: http://www.studium-praxis.org/wordpress/?page_id=36

[Louisa/VA/USA] The Communities Conference is a networking and learning opportunity for anyone interested or involved in co-operative or communal lifestyles. 8/14/09-8/16/09
Info: www.communitiesconference.org

[Phila/PA/USA] 1st Fridays on Vine, Hosted by Aziza Kinteh Info: www.Aziza-lockdiva.com

[{Phila/PA/USA] Melanie Jones, Yoga Teacher of Size www.abundantyogini.com

[Brooklyn/NY/USA] *Aerial ROPE * Classes with Kiebpoli
Climbing, swinging, stretching, airdancing. Full body fitness. www.myspace.com/kiebpoli



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7) Well-Wishes for You

~May you be loved, healthy, strong, wealthy, and wise beyond your years.
~May you always trust your own inner voice and guiding light.
~May you all ways be gentle with your Self and others.
~May you have passion in many areas of your life and experience much and frequent delight and pleasure.
~May your life’s path be joined by friends, helpers, and angels of light and love.
~May you always trust in the abundance of the universe, easily replacing thoughts and unpleasant feelings of fear, scarcity, and panic, with thoughts and pleasant feelings of love, security, and joyful gratitude.
~May all of your fondest dreams and visions come true, surpassing all your expectations (or something better), and may it be for the good of all.


In art, spirit, and community,

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


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Contact: cxwriting(at)gmail.com, or simply reply to this email.

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© Copyright 2009 by Cassendre Xavier a.k.a. Amethyste Rah. All rights reserved.