Jazz Photography by Herman Leonard

These amazing images were taken by Herman Leonard.

"Photographing such notables as Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, Duke Ellington, Charlie Parker, Thelonius Monk and Miles Davis, Leonard became a fixture of the jazz scene, his photographs gracing the covers of more than 200 albums. In 1989, after spending time in New York City, Paris, Ibiza and England, Leonard settled in New Orleans, immersing himself in a city known for its lively jazz and blues scene..."

- Edelman Gallery

[via]



Extra, Extra Paper Doll

A photo story by Eye MGMT

[Via]

Great designs. Great concept.

CREATIVE CREDITS:

AMY M. PHILLIPS and FAIRLIGHT HUBBARD

World Festival of Black Arts and Cultures

The third World Festival of Black Arts and Cultures (December 10th - 31st, in Dakar, Senegal) was announced today by its artistic director Kwame Kwei-Armah.

The Festival, previously held in 1966 and 1977, is a celebration of Africa and its diaspora's contributions to universal culture; themed on African Renaissance, it coincides with the year of the first World Cup in Africa and the 50th anniversary of Francophone Africa's independence. Its the largest global gathering of black artists, writers, filmmakers and scientists.

The free Festival will incorporate a multitude of discussions, forums, arts programmes and music events, kicking off with a 60,000 capacity opening ceremony.

Have a look at the website for all future events.



Bouncing Cats

Bouncing Cats is a film about Abraham "Abramz" Tekya's dream to help the children of war-torn Uganda, by using the culture of Hip Hop. With this passion Tekya started Breakdance Project Uganda (B.P.U.), a workshop that promotes unity and social change through dance and music.

Narrated by rapper/actor Common, the film features interviews with Hip Hop artists such as Mos Def and K'Naan. It also shows breakdance extraordinaire and founding partner, Crazy Legs, teaching a few b-boy classes.

Check out the trailer* below and the site to learn more about this fascinating story.



*some unsettling images at the start of the trailer

Pics [via]

♥



Get your mind right

Sickboy has a 'busted parachute'

Have a look at the video preview for graffitti artist, Sickboy's new book entitled 'Busted Parachute'

Sickboy : Busted Parachute from Goldstitch on Vimeo.

Described by Sickboy himself as his 'sacred creative sibling', Busted Parachute is a photographic collection of his work over the years, and comes in a handprinted box along with two prints.

If your interested in buying a copy check out http://www.thesickboy.com/ or email: info@thesickboy.com

Supporting art

Click the picture for a link.

Remembering a Rock great

Today marks the 40th death anniversary of James Marshall 'Jimi' Hendrix,

one of the greatest electric guitarist in Rock music history.

27th November, 1942 - 18th September, 1970



Nicolas Kirkwood x Keith Haring capsule collection

Nicolas Kirkwood collaborates with the Keith Haring foundation to create a capsule collection of shoes anticipated to launch in February of 2011. The collection will feature 12 styles (including Kirkwood's first ballerina flat) with each designed around a specific work of Haring.

 Kirkwood will also be launching an eight-day pop-up shop online during London's fashion week, where his collaborations with Rodarte, Erdem, and Peter Pilotto will be available for pre-sale.



'For Coloured Girls' trailer & posters

Finally a trailer for Tyler Perry's new film 'For Colored Girls', a movie adaptation of Ntozake Shange's 1975 play/choreopoem 'For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow Is Enuf'. The film follows the stories of 8 women each dealing with their own unabashedly frank story on what it means to be female and black in contemporary USA, while touching on themes such as love, abandonment, rape, and abortion.

The cast features an impressive list of talented actresses such as Phylicia Rashad, Anika Noni Rose, Thandie Newton, Kimberly Elise, Kerry Washington, Whoopi Goldberg, Loretta Devine, Janet Jackson, Macy Gray, and Tessa Thompson.

 

This is one of my favourite pieces of literature, In fact I made a number of references to it in my dissertation. I just hope the film does the original literary work justice.

 

It's not quite the Rolex sweep but...

Michael Kors Bezel Chronograph watch

Michael Kors MK5055 Chronograph Gold Tone Bracelet watch

Michael Kors MK8077 Light Gold Chronograph Watch

I need a new watch.

The problem is I'm not sure which one to choose...any suggestions?

I'm back, I'm back, tell everyone I'm back!

So I left the country for 4 weeks to give my dear grandfather the best send off possible.

The great thing about Ghanaian funerals is the fact that emphasis is placed on celebrating a persons life rather than their departure.

We cried, laughed and shared memorable stories. I know he would be proud.

 I only got back yesterday and I'm already missing my family (in particular my granny), the amazing weather and great food.

My Mother's family are from Cape Coast, so I spent alot of time on the beach  and woke up to views that you only see on TV or magazines...simply breath taking!

I filmed everything I saw, editing is going to be a nightmare!

Hmm..I'm still really tired and I realise this post may read as a huge ramble.

So I'm going to make it short and get back to sleep, I go back to work tomorrow!

♥