It was AMAZING. 400 fans from 3 generations came out to an all ages booze free show at Earth House last night. Sponsored by My Old Kentucky Blog, Earth House proved that it can be a premiere venue for national touring acts. So now what???
Come to our concert May 1st called "Resonance", and be a part of effort to raise money so that we can purchase our own system. When this happens, we will be able to have shows like OKGO on a regular basis!
If everyone who loves Earth House invites 5 friends to this event we can make a dent in this quest for new gear. Check the website for the lineup of stellar musicians, dancers, and performance artists performing at "Resonance"
Did you take pictures at the OKGO show?? Email them to us! info@earthhousecollective.org
You make Earth House possible. Thank you.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Monday, April 19, 2010
Post from Mat Davis in Senegal
I work on a on a small-scale farm in Gorom 2. The owner of the farm is named Pate Diop. He was a policemen for 32 years and then began cultivating his father’s farm. Pate has a huge family. Polygamy exists in Senegal, so Pate supports two wives and I don’t know how many kids all by what gets produced at the farm. There is no other form of income. There is an African tradition of family farming, and one day Pate wants his entire family to work on the farm. Pate told me he saw a lot of things while he was a policemen and he wants in particular young people in his family to use agriculture to stay out of trouble. He wants to use his family land as a community center of sorts.
Your browser may not support display of this image. I have been using urban gardening for young people in my community in the same way for the last four years, so when he said that it really resonated with me. Pate always talks about his hopes and dreams and goals and sometimes I forget he is 57. Not everyday do you meet people that age talk about their hope and dream. Let alone someone who is 57 and working in the developing world. That is one thing that I really admire about Pate.
That’s why I have no problem waking up every Wednesday and Thursday morning (sometimes everyday of the week) at 7am while even the sun is still asleep to go watering 500 tomatoes 200 peppers, onions, mint, and bissap (indigenous fruit) all by hand. The equipment we use to water is constructed from: the tops and bottom of plastic gasoline containers to hold water and a stick in the middle nailed to the container to carry it. Each one filled with water weight about 7 kilos which is around 15 pounds. After two weeks my shoulders got huge! I work with pate’s family and we’ve all become close. Daouda, Moussa, Manjaay: without this them I wouldn’t have perfected my plant watering skills. A lot of things run through my head while I lug around 30 pounds water over and over. I think a lot about development. I think about how much more we could grow if Pate had an irrigation system instead of gas containers. And how agriculture is the base for development in not only Senegal but most of Africa.
Senegal is 70% rural, which means 70% are farmers but in Senegal’s Sahelian climate there is no water and only 2% of cultivators here can afford a pump. Pate has saved up large sums of his money in order to buy two and still he doesn’t get desired result! I have learned that most African governments promise subsidies for agriculture which in turn promises development only to win votes. This has continued a perpetual cycle of self-interest started by the French during colonization and carried through independence and into today via African bureaucracy. Agricultural development in Africa has had a very stark history and it will take an end of self-interest and a long-term vision along with political action to develop it.
Pate is one of the first people to talk to me about the politics and realities of agriculture in Africa. Pate says, “I have the vision and ambition to develop my farm but I don’t have the materials and finding markets are hard.” Another thing I admire about him is that he works hard and he is humble. He favorite saying is “petit par petit,” or little by little.
Recently, to explore the questions I’ve encountered working with Pate, I set up a meeting with USAID in Dakar and they said that anything I want to know I can ask and they want me to work with them to so it’s a win-win for everyone. I sent in my questions to them so it will be interesting to see what comes of that.
Your browser may not support display of this image. I have been using urban gardening for young people in my community in the same way for the last four years, so when he said that it really resonated with me. Pate always talks about his hopes and dreams and goals and sometimes I forget he is 57. Not everyday do you meet people that age talk about their hope and dream. Let alone someone who is 57 and working in the developing world. That is one thing that I really admire about Pate.
That’s why I have no problem waking up every Wednesday and Thursday morning (sometimes everyday of the week) at 7am while even the sun is still asleep to go watering 500 tomatoes 200 peppers, onions, mint, and bissap (indigenous fruit) all by hand. The equipment we use to water is constructed from: the tops and bottom of plastic gasoline containers to hold water and a stick in the middle nailed to the container to carry it. Each one filled with water weight about 7 kilos which is around 15 pounds. After two weeks my shoulders got huge! I work with pate’s family and we’ve all become close. Daouda, Moussa, Manjaay: without this them I wouldn’t have perfected my plant watering skills. A lot of things run through my head while I lug around 30 pounds water over and over. I think a lot about development. I think about how much more we could grow if Pate had an irrigation system instead of gas containers. And how agriculture is the base for development in not only Senegal but most of Africa.
Senegal is 70% rural, which means 70% are farmers but in Senegal’s Sahelian climate there is no water and only 2% of cultivators here can afford a pump. Pate has saved up large sums of his money in order to buy two and still he doesn’t get desired result! I have learned that most African governments promise subsidies for agriculture which in turn promises development only to win votes. This has continued a perpetual cycle of self-interest started by the French during colonization and carried through independence and into today via African bureaucracy. Agricultural development in Africa has had a very stark history and it will take an end of self-interest and a long-term vision along with political action to develop it.
Pate is one of the first people to talk to me about the politics and realities of agriculture in Africa. Pate says, “I have the vision and ambition to develop my farm but I don’t have the materials and finding markets are hard.” Another thing I admire about him is that he works hard and he is humble. He favorite saying is “petit par petit,” or little by little.
Recently, to explore the questions I’ve encountered working with Pate, I set up a meeting with USAID in Dakar and they said that anything I want to know I can ask and they want me to work with them to so it’s a win-win for everyone. I sent in my questions to them so it will be interesting to see what comes of that.
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Blog post from Mat Davis, on assignment in Africa
The Geechi.
The words African and American have never carried so much weight as they did while I was on Goree Island. When I was in Dakar, I went to Goree alone because I knew that it would be a special experience for me and I knew that the fellows would respect that. I took a ferry to the island and when I was sitting on the boat I couldn’t stop thinking about my family and our history.
My father’s side of family has knowledge of our origins in America. A lot was retained orally. I know the slave port where my family comes from. It’s called Paris Island. Paris Island is a tiny port outside the Carolinas. The slaves on Paris Island were annexed to the mainland in the 20’s and it’s now a US Marines base. Paris Island like most slave ports carried over a lot of African culture despite enslavement. The culture and language that comes from Paris Island is called Geechi. Almost all of my family down south is Geechi and can some of the language. I take pride in being a fifth generation Geechi and in knowing the history of not only my family but my people in general. Earlier this year I did some research on Paris Island and found that the slaves from that port originated from Mali, Senegal, Guinea and possibly Benin. Once I heard that GCY was sending me to Senegal I knew that it was going to be much more significant than just another “cross cultural” experience.
When the ferry was approaching the island I kept staring at it as a means for mediation trying to clear my head of all pre-conceived notions and expectations. The ferry docked and I got off and completely stunned by the beauty of the Goree. I found a guide and who was a friend of a friend. His name was Babacar he took me on a tour around the island. I learned many facts about Goree on the island. We had lunch and we talked about the challenges in Senegal and in Africa in general. After lunch we went to the “Maison des Esclaves” (house of slaves). I had read so many books about the conditions and treatment slaves but to actually be at one of the main ports where my ancestors were held was surreal. While I was there I walked through the holding cells and the “Door of No Return”.
That visit was huge for me it was the first time I ever felt African and American at the same time. Usually since I’m Black and live in America, I have to constantly be aware of race and, contrary to popular belief, racism isn’t over. We won’t eradicate racism until we deal with the realities that slavery is not far removed and the practices have taken on different forms in today’s world. Goree for me represents the birthplace of the duality of Black America that’s why the visit was so impactful for me. Every question and every answer was right there.
The rest of the day I walked around the island and talked to the locals (not the tourists) and was taken back by all positive energy on the island. I was humble in many ways on Goree. But more than anything I was humbled by our human capacity to come to peace with reality and find ways to heal.
The words African and American have never carried so much weight as they did while I was on Goree Island. When I was in Dakar, I went to Goree alone because I knew that it would be a special experience for me and I knew that the fellows would respect that. I took a ferry to the island and when I was sitting on the boat I couldn’t stop thinking about my family and our history.
My father’s side of family has knowledge of our origins in America. A lot was retained orally. I know the slave port where my family comes from. It’s called Paris Island. Paris Island is a tiny port outside the Carolinas. The slaves on Paris Island were annexed to the mainland in the 20’s and it’s now a US Marines base. Paris Island like most slave ports carried over a lot of African culture despite enslavement. The culture and language that comes from Paris Island is called Geechi. Almost all of my family down south is Geechi and can some of the language. I take pride in being a fifth generation Geechi and in knowing the history of not only my family but my people in general. Earlier this year I did some research on Paris Island and found that the slaves from that port originated from Mali, Senegal, Guinea and possibly Benin. Once I heard that GCY was sending me to Senegal I knew that it was going to be much more significant than just another “cross cultural” experience.
When the ferry was approaching the island I kept staring at it as a means for mediation trying to clear my head of all pre-conceived notions and expectations. The ferry docked and I got off and completely stunned by the beauty of the Goree. I found a guide and who was a friend of a friend. His name was Babacar he took me on a tour around the island. I learned many facts about Goree on the island. We had lunch and we talked about the challenges in Senegal and in Africa in general. After lunch we went to the “Maison des Esclaves” (house of slaves). I had read so many books about the conditions and treatment slaves but to actually be at one of the main ports where my ancestors were held was surreal. While I was there I walked through the holding cells and the “Door of No Return”.
That visit was huge for me it was the first time I ever felt African and American at the same time. Usually since I’m Black and live in America, I have to constantly be aware of race and, contrary to popular belief, racism isn’t over. We won’t eradicate racism until we deal with the realities that slavery is not far removed and the practices have taken on different forms in today’s world. Goree for me represents the birthplace of the duality of Black America that’s why the visit was so impactful for me. Every question and every answer was right there.
The rest of the day I walked around the island and talked to the locals (not the tourists) and was taken back by all positive energy on the island. I was humble in many ways on Goree. But more than anything I was humbled by our human capacity to come to peace with reality and find ways to heal.
Monday, April 5, 2010
Movie Night - April 29th, 7:00 pm @ Earth House!
Indianapolis based production company Venogram, LLC will creeen a quartet of short works, including the premiere of thier latest film "Thank You For Calling Information Dynamics", on Thursday, April 29th at the Earth House - 237 N. East St. Indianapolis IN, 46204. Tickets will be available the night of the event at the Earth House for $5. Additional entertainment will be provided by A-squared Industries.
The mundaneness of everyday existence dominate the lives of a spread of character working for a govenment bureau charged with executing and covering up assassinations in "Thank You For Calling Information Dynamics", a darkly comic thriller produced in 2009. Also showing are the award winning "Red Harvest", "An Everyday Occurance", and the premiere of 'Singer/Tastemaker" video by We are Hex.
The mundaneness of everyday existence dominate the lives of a spread of character working for a govenment bureau charged with executing and covering up assassinations in "Thank You For Calling Information Dynamics", a darkly comic thriller produced in 2009. Also showing are the award winning "Red Harvest", "An Everyday Occurance", and the premiere of 'Singer/Tastemaker" video by We are Hex.
Monday, March 22, 2010
SPARk A REvOLUTION is back
For Immediate Release: March 22, 2010
Contact: Justin Brady, IndyFringe Marketing Coordinator, 618-210-2201
Experience an explosive performance party as the Earth House Collective and IndyFringe reunite to SPARK A REVOLUTION.
In 2009 Spark A Revolution began to unite the missions of Earth House Collective and IndyFringe through presenting emerging performing artists in a welcoming environment. Spark A Revolution: TwentyTen aims to bring one-time collaborations among Indianapolis theatre, music, and visual artists transforming the amazing three-level space at the Earth House into an interactive experience. Dinner and drinks will be available, so come out for part or make a whole night of it!
AT A GLANCE:
Spark A Revolution: TwentyTen
April 9, 5:30 – 11 p.m.
Earth House, 237 N. East St., Indianapolis, IN 46202
Tickets: $l0 students, $7 students
All proceeds benefit the Earth House Collective and IndyFringe.
www.IndyFringe.org for more info.
SCHEDULE:
5:30 p.m. Doors open
6 p.m. Happy Hour with Fringe Storytelling: Favorite local actors come together to recreate your favorite childhood stories, as you never imagined them before.
7 p.m. Dinner and music by Hat Trix: Musicians form a one-night only ensemble and entertain through improvisation as the whims of audience members are picked from a hat.
9 p.m. Interactive Experience by Know No Stranger: Over 30 innovative artists have teamed up to create an interactive encounter aimed at shedding new light on our modern day obsession – the InterWeb.
ABOUT KNOW NO STRANGER:
Know No Stranger is a collective group of friends, students and artists set on making the city they live in a more enjoyable place by giving the community a good time with inexpensive, local entertainment.
Past events by Know No Stranger have been described as:
“…A visual feast.”
“Comprised of a wide variety of seemingly disparate skits and vignettes, Optical Popsicle left the viewer with a sense of unity and empathy with the human experience.”
“It was advertised as a visual variety show, and it did not disappoint.”
“The show felt very contemporary in its scope of thematic material while maintaining a deeply ingrained sense of nostalgia.“
For more info on Know No Stranger: http://
ABOUT THE EARTH HOUSE COLLECTIVE:
The Earth House Collective is a group of peace activists, conservationists, artists, musicians, Methodists, teachers and many more dedicated to peace, wellness, community and culture on the corner of New York and East streets in downtown Indianapolis. Visit earthhousecollective.org for more info.
ABOUT INDYFRINGE:
IndyFringe enters its 6th year of providing accessible, affordable outlets that draw diverse elements of the community together and inspire creative experiences through the arts. The IndyFringe Theatre now operates year-round at 719 E. St. Clair St and the IndyFringe 2010 festival will run August 19-29. Visit indyfringe.org for more info.
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Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Post from Mat Davis, our Earth House Correspondent in Africa
I have been living in Senegal, west Africa for 5 months. I am here with a program called Global Citizen Year( www.globalcitizenyear.org ) and I’m one of the 11 founding fellows. I got the opportunity through an 18 page application. Anyone at the Earth House can verify that because I was running all around Lockerbie trying to get everything together. Typing everything on the computer asking for rides to the post office and any other logistics there were. Without the Earth House I wouldn’t be here.
I have been learning a lot about myself here. There is something about traveling or just being out of your comfort zone in general that opens you up so you can see what makes you tick. My passion, convictions, insecurities, ego but most importantly you will see what makes you who you really are. I don’t mean that in a corny-ass-self-help-book way, I’m foreal! When you have a sense of identity that is authentic there is nothing that can hold you back. I knew this before I left but I didn’t have it.
For example I live in a village called Gorom 2 which is within the rural community of Sangalkam. Here in Senegal the “official” language is French. Or at least that’s what the French think. But actually the language that the people speak is Wolof which the indigenous language only found in Senegal. One of my biggest challenges was how could I be “myself” without my tongue ( which me and everyone around me believed was my strongest asset). And how in the hell was I to learn not one but two languages! In the beginning it was very difficult because I couldn't express myself. That forced me to self-actualize and find different way to let “Mat” shine through. And honestly it wasn’t as hard as I thought, all I had to do is try. I feel so much more well rounded now and I hope that these blogs will give you some inkling into the insights that have come to me here.
-submitted by Mat Davis, Earth House Ambassador to Senegal :)
OK GO! Live at EARTH HOUSE!!
MOKB & WTTS Indy Underground Present: OK GO
with special guests Earl Greyhound, The Booze
Wednesday April 21, 2010
Doors at 7 PM
All Ages
Tickets are on sale now at:
http://www.mokbpresents.com
Purchase tickets with no service charges at The Earth House, Luna
Music and Indy CD & Vinyl
or go directly to brown paper tickets:
http://www.brownpapertickets.
Tickets Prices:
$15 Advance
$17 Day of Show
Friday, February 26, 2010
NEW VOLUNTEER/MEMBERSHIP INFO HERE!!!!
Dear Earth House-ers,
Happy 2010! We haven't posted in a while but we've been working on revamping the current membership benefits, organizing volunteering opportunities, and expanding the Earth House's potential! Check out the details about new membership policies and benefits by clicking on the JOIN icon on the Earth House's homepage. We have added a volunteer membership position to the membership types! The volunteer opportunities will be shared through a monthly email and anyone interested should email Kate at kate@earthhousecollective.org. Below is a brief list of FAQs to help guide any interest in volunteering, donating, event-planning, etc.
Peace,
EHC
Happy 2010! We haven't posted in a while but we've been working on revamping the current membership benefits, organizing volunteering opportunities, and expanding the Earth House's potential! Check out the details about new membership policies and benefits by clicking on the JOIN icon on the Earth House's homepage. We have added a volunteer membership position to the membership types! The volunteer opportunities will be shared through a monthly email and anyone interested should email Kate at kate@earthhousecollective.org. Below is a brief list of FAQs to help guide any interest in volunteering, donating, event-planning, etc.
How do I become a member?
Ask a Barista for a Membership Application. Fill out the application and turn it in to an EH barista. The operations manager will contact you upon receiving your application. EH offers individual, organizational, and teacher memberships.
How do I know when volunteers are needed for events or projects?
1) Make sure you gave us your email address.
2) Check your email for the monthly letter outlining volunteer opportunities for that month.
3) Respond to that email with your availability and opportunities of interest.
4) Come to the monthly members meeting!
How do I get involved with the film series or concerts?
Start by emailing Kate@earthhousecollective.org to receive the monthly volunteer email. Work the door, be a host or hostess, help run orders, help with set-up or tear down.
How do I start a class at Earth House?
Fill out a membership application and turn it in to an EH barista. The operations manager will contact you upon receiving your application.
How do I book an event at or rent space at Earth House?
If you are a member, organization, or a teacher, email kate@earthhousecollective.org.
All other inquiries can be directed to doug@earthhousecollective.org.
How do I advertise in the “Weekly Edition” e-newsletter?
Send an email to kate@earthhousecollective.org.
How do I obtain the EH logo for my flyers?
Send an email to kate@earthhousecollective.org requesting the brand guidelines.
How do I know what donations are needed?
1) There is a list posted in the foyer at the entrance, 2) Make sure you marked “yes” to receive the monthly volunteer/needs email, 3) Come to the members meeting!
How do I coordinate a volunteer work day?
Send an email to kate@earthhousecollective.org with the details of your proposal!
Peace,
EHC
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