Kicked off Beantown Cast Out Caste Photo Campaign @ Porchfest

May 20th, 2012 § 0 comments § permalink

Thank you to everyone @ Porchfest who participated/wants to participate in our photo campaign to Cast Out Caste! I read these affirmations as a poem for this campaign during our Open Mic.

I am leading a photo shoot here in Beantown to support the campaign to end Untouchability and Caste.

But, let’s get real: for any form of discrimination to be wiped out, there must be zero tolerance for all forms of discrimination, be it gendered, sexually-oriented, religious, racial, classist – and those are just the hot topics. If you think deeply down, you will see all forms are insidiously connected to state control and personhood.

Your participation in this campaign will bring to light one of the oldest systems of oppression in human history: The Caste System. This is the subject matter of my friend Thenmozhi Soundararajan’s next documentary feature: TOUCHABLE: The Journey from Untouchable to Dalit – the trailer and her words on untouchability

There are 200,000,000+ folks in India that are marked from birth as outcastes and untouchables (that’s equivalent to the entire population of the US) – much of it akin to our Nations’ dark history with racial segregation and violence. This form of abject discrimination is not officially treated as a world human rights catastrophe!!!

Right now, even as I write, in India, every hour 3 Dalits are murdered, 1 is raped, and 1 Dalit house is torched, all because of the caste-label. But India is not held accountable for these atrocities on the global stage. In making this film, we are bringing light to the issue in hopes of fueling a global movement. YOU can be a part of this by participating in our PHOTO CAMPAIGN!

I am doing this to (1) Put and END to Untouchability and Caste (2) promote my friend Thenmozhi Soundararajan’s (director) fundraising efforts for their beautiful feature documentary called TOUCHABLE: The Journey from Untouchable to Dalit. Brave Film.

We are all touchable, no? Let’s help show it.

I will be taking photos of anyone interested in participating. Come find me. Basically, I will have you hold up one of these lovely posters, put on an intentional face and snap a pic. These picture portraits will be published on the Dalit Nation blog.

Thank you for your support ♥ Pampi

SAT May 19, 2012 ! Somerville Porchfest @ Temple of Infinite Love

May 14th, 2012 § 0 comments § permalink

**POTLUCK Music Event + OPEN MIC**

Hello Temple Porchfesters!!! (READ THIS)

Yea you heard right. We are hosting Porchfest AGAIN right here at the Temple!

We’re jamming all day long and making sweet music as part of Somerville’s 2nd annual Porchfest:

RSVP Here

Here’s what we did last year

This year we added OPEN MIC to Porchfest, so if you know of people who are mad talented but perhaps shy or do not have finished pieces but need a space to work them out, invite them on FB and encourage them to prep a couple pieces and sign up by 1pm that day. I will order these folks and have them come up starting 1:45 for Open Mic

Can’t wait to see you all xoxoxoxoxoxoo!

Please RSVP if you be coming. Also, be sure to read through A B Cs below ;)

A. FOOD

If you’re just popping in, there are lots of food options in the area, but, should you like to stay and feast with us with food and drink, we are asking EVERYONE either to:

1) Bring $10
OR
2) Bring a DISH to share/food for the GRILL/BYOB

Acceptable contributions are:
** A meat or vegetarian casserole or meat or vegetables for the grill: If you’re a meat-eater, please bring a meat dish or raw meet for the grill.
** Whatever drink you’d like to drink: Basically, bring as much as you will eat and drink plus a little more to share

Contributing Food and Drink or $10 is essential for this event to succeed. Everyone likes to eat and drink, so everyone should to contribute >> We’re getting the grill fired up!

B. LINE-UP

12:15 Flightless Buttress : Guitar + Cello duet
12:45 Ali McGuirk: Acoustic soul and jazz
1:15 Parama Chattopadhyay – Violin Renditions with Jazz and Indian Classical Bhajans
1:45 OPEN MIC – Sign up by 1PM… or email Pampi ahead of time ;)
2:30 Hot Lava Mamas: Folk/Rock and Funky Rock
3:15 Steven Laurent: Mid-Western Folk
3:45 Waves in Detroit : Psychedelic Punk… or as I refer to them as Hot Poet Punk
4:30 Jeff Jam : Children’s Sing A Longs
5:00 Brief Awakening: Soulful Indie Folk Rock
5:45 Four Elements: Improvised Contemporary Chamber Renaissance Funk Music

12:15-12:45 Flightless Buttress

Genre: Crossing Classical with Contemporary
Website:
Bio: John Nolan – Guitar, Calin Peters – Cello

“This duo plays off each other with such virtuosity melding classical music with classic rock … These two are excellent.” (Kier Byrnes)

LIKE THEM:

12:45-1:15 Ali McGuirk

Genre: Acoustic soul and jazz
Website:
Bio:
Engaging and sincere singer and guitar player influenced by Folk, Soul, Motown & and sassy Jazz

LISTEN:

1:15-1:45 Parama Chattopadhyay
Genre: Violin Renditions with Jazz and Indian Classical Bhajans
Website:
Bio: Parama Chattopadhyay performed professionally on the violin and voice throughout high school and early college. She is a New England Conservatory alumni violinist from high school who toured in Russia and Italy as a teenager. Yet, because of life choices where most of her time became eaten up by teaching physics and calculus and going to school for neuroscience and business (MIT), she unfortunately let music slip away. She rejoined with her love for music last summer, when she began to sing at several venues. This month, she reconnected with her violin also, and will be performing a few songs in which she sings and plays the violin at the same time.

1:45-2:30 OPEN MIC – Sign up by 1PM… or email Pampi ahead of time ;)

2:30-3:15 Hot Lava Mamas & The Marvelous Music Makers

Genre: Rock, Folk, and Funky Rock
Website:
Bio: Deb Picard & Natali Freed have been performing original & cover songs together since 2009. In 2011 they brought together these lovely musicians and are happy to be performing again at Porchfest! They like to incorporate original songs from all band members, and you can find them all performing in various configurations around town. For booking, please contact Deb: edgylemon@yahoo.com or Natali: talifreed@yahoo.com
Band Members:
Deb Picard: Vocals, Guitar, Percussion
Natali Freed: Vocals, Violin
Naomi Edelman: Vocals, Guitar, Percussion
Brendan Gibson: Guitar
Zack Niman: Bass

LIKE THEM

3:15-3:45 Stephen Laurent

Genre: Mid-Western Folk
Website:
Bio: A mid-western folk musician that writes about the trials of peace-seekers, the ones living the maxim quoted by Gandhi: “Be the change you wish to see in the world”. After having dabbled in rock, jazz, and classical music, he now takes from his travels around the world a sensibility for simplicity, perspective, and humanity and sits comfortably in an acoustic soundscape. It’s a pleasure to hear this young and determined musician embarking upon a solo project for the first time.

3:45-4:30 Waves in Detroit

Genre: Psychedelic Punk or as I refer to them as Hot Poet Punk
Website:
Bio: Waves in Detroit is four locals who like to get together, drink some beer, and PLAY LOUD.

4:30-5:00 Jeff Jam

Genre: Children’s Songs
Website:
Bio:

5:00-5:45 Brief Awakening

Genre: Soulful Indie Folk Rock
Website:

Bio: Brief Awakening sounds like a tree of soulful songbirds with a message of equality swaying in an indie breeze but anchored in roots of folk and rock. Formed in September of 2008, brief awakening danced into the Boston local music scene playing numerous clubs and venues such as The Middle East, P.A’s Lounge, T.T the Bears and many more. The music of brief Awakening is blissfully melodic, featuring complex song writing, dual-lead female vocals rich with harmony, and a grounding rhythmic force. Lyrical subjects range from the poetically personal to the fight for equality and justice for all people. The music of Brief Awakening is diverse and evolving as they continue to weave new elements into their tapestry of sound. The band’s mission is to create authentic connections and meaningful shared experiences through the power of their music.

Band Members:
Kat Arrants Petrucci: Keys, Lead and Harmony Soul Vox, Synth, Harmony
Kara-Lynn Petrucci: Acoustic Guitar, Lead and Harmony Angelic Vox, Mandolin
Beck Goguen: Bass Guitar, Guitar, Vox
Billy Leva: Drum kit Master
Abi Harper: Tambourine, percussion

5:45-6:15 Four Elements

Genre: Improvised Contemporary Chamber Renaissance Funk Music.
Website: www.facebook.com/pages/Four-Elements/144378968959310
Bio: The Four Elements are Jo Ball (bass), Chris Baum (violin), Paul Erlich (acoustic guitar) and Garo Papazian (doumbek). Earth, Water, Air and Fire combine to produce soul-altering, mind-stretching sounds. These techies/artists/thinkers never cease to astound with their virtuosity.

C. PAHKING!

There should be some parking if you are early, but I would just T it to Porter and walk the ten minutes to the Temple… these days have been glorious!!!!! You won’t need a parking pass that day.

@ Temple of Infinite Love

Cheers for now!!!

A Gratitude Reflection on the Divine Feminine Art Showcase

May 7th, 2012 § 0 comments § permalink

Dedicated to my Crew

Saturday was all a buzz – the Divine Feminine energy was palpable – electric, tender, warm and giving. And not a drop of rain.

Our deck was transformed into a sailed boat, a moored vessel holding mounting vibrant life-filling energy. There were savory offerings, sweet words and happy people. Women and men performed in honor of the Divine Feminine in song, dance, and words spoken. At moments, we were observing with profound attention. At others, we were jumping like happy fish in clear waters.


Video by: Umang Kumar

A thank you to the Divine Females in my life:

Life is harnessed by a net. And it is the women in my life with whom I repair the holes made in it by the daily wears and tears of life… sometimes one on one, sometimes in groups. So we might catch metaphorical fish to nourish ourselves with. We go daily at sunrise to cast it on open seas, praying not for treasure, but a sufficient meal for our bellies, hoping perhaps for bounty so we may feed our friends. Each of us has a task to keep this net functional. We rely and trust we will keep the net maintained. We know if we pull it too taut, it may tear. If we forget about it, it might get pulled away by waves, dragging our friends in with it. Every one of us is connected by this net. And this is how the pulling together of this show happened. We had our ups and downs. Old friendships tested and changing like a new type of knot being implemented for repairs. This new knot is necessary and so we find a way to make it work. New alliances incorporated like new fingers holding up the net. Too many fingers and knots would be made, so a delicate dance negotiating new roles, new tasks, and understanding new ways of being and doing things. After months of work, we find ourselves casting a shining net, brilliant in the sun and sparkling on the waters. Tried and true in its making and beginning to be trusted once again in its capacity for holding. Let’s go catch some fish!

And as much as we may speak of the Divine Feminine, I was actually floored by the best of Divine Masculine energy in my home. I stand tall today, incredibly moved by the men who bring joy to my life. There is tenderness to them that speaks to a daily celebration of the feminine. They are present for the women in their lives. A text from a dear sweet friend the night before. Calming words and a hold on my shoulder making it okay for me to work on my own work. A gentle and firm insistence I go to sleep even when my pieces were so half-finished. Leaving early from work to set up sails outside that actually made my pieces look complete. Transforming a horridly congested house in a matter of hours with not so much as a word and all smiles – handing me a trash bag to keep me focused, taking bikes down to the shed, heating up some rice after I had performed. This was just this past weekend, but I acknowledge these moments as a constant in my life. Impromptu dinners, chocolate-covered birthday strawberries, never failing to show up to my shows with enthusiasm and hugs… soo sooo thoughtful and loving. I thank you.

It takes a village.

With much gratitude and respect. Your Pampi

We're All Lined UP for "Divine Feminine"

April 28th, 2012 § 0 comments § permalink

NOON Temple Opens – come check out the art space ;)

The Divine Feminine PERFORMANCE LINE UP (installation line up below)
(1:00pm-6:30pm – subject to slight changes)

1:00 Group Invocation of The Divine Feminine
“Blessing the Space”
An interactive, ritual walk through The Temple of Infinite Love to raise spirits and call up on the The Goddess. Everyone present should join in. Please gather on the back deck.

1:10 Saraswathi Jones,
spoken word and song
“Om Saraswathi Namasthubyam”
Sloka to the Goddess

1:20 Melissa Huser + Alison Dagger,
movement and flute
“Invoking Yemanjá”
“Telling the Story of the Brazilian Sea Goddess”

1:30 Hot Lava Mamas: Deb Picard + Tali Freed + Nargis Khestoo,
original songs
“Journeys of a Woman”
a call for freeing, understanding, uniting, empowering

1:55 Joshua Putnam,
poetry
celebrating the real women who have illuminated the concept of the Divine Feminine in my life

2:10 Adi Rattner + Pampi + Melissa Huser with Ishani Das reading,
original poem song drum and dance!
“O Mother, Raise us up!”
grappling the personal to the political in the study of state control of the female bodied and the feminine

2:30 Martin Case + Pampi,
drum sax dance
A Sacred Sonic Space for Meditation on The Divine Feminine

2:45 Priya X. Agrawal,
Prose & reading
“I Wonder About My Mother”
In advance of Mother’s Day and my 31st birthday, 31 short stanzas celebrating and contemplating my relationship to my mother — one for each year of my life.

3:00 Question/Answer with Installation Artists

3:30 Jada Yvette with Seth Heidkamp & Tanya Palit,
original songs
“Play it Hot: Eros in a cold world”
a collection of songs that dismiss the aloof and reclaim the power of the courageously available

3:50 Natalie Elpek + Adi Rattner,
improvised dance
Recapturing the Feminine Essence by letting go of what holds her down

4:10 Yim Tan Wong,
poetry
“Exploring the Divine Feminine”
My Experience of and Relationship to Religion

4:30 Melissa Huser + Pampi,
improvised dance
“Releasing the Apsara from stone”
Trained in classical Indian temple dance forms, Pampi (Bharata Natyam) and Melissa (Odissi) break from the sculptural forms of their respective training into improvised movement, testing the bounds of formal dance education and the desire for liberated movements

4:50 Saraswathi Jones,
Original songs
“An Indian-American Goddess laments”
The Goddess incarnate and emcee for the afternoon gives her offerings in song. Some more divine than others.

5:15 Mali Sastri,
Original songs
Songstress Mali Sastri of Boston-based art rock collective Jaggery, will share original solo pieces.

5:35 Pampi as Yama Yami,
improvised dance
“Yama-Yami (half-female half-male deity): re-interpreting gendered temple stories in dance”
In improvised movement, Pampi, as Yama-Yami, recounts the love story between the feminine and masculine right within

5:45 Four Elements,
Improvised Contemporary Chamber Renaissance Funk Music
Improvising to the Divine Feminine

INSTALLATIONS

Juhi (Jasmine Quanta),
shrine installation, acrylic + pen and ink
“”
My work in acrylics began as an exercise in interior decoration and exploration with color and then slowly, subtly morphed into self-expression and a desire to create. This body of work examines the masks I wear and what it might mean to shed these masks.

OneM Boreal,
shrine installation, dye, masks
“Goddess Guardians”

Pampi thirdeyefell,
installation, digital drawing, dye, fabric, pen, ink, body
“The snake ate the moon: a graphic poem” – digital drawing > video / temple installation
“I carry Devi within Me” – painted canvas / temple installation
“Pop Fertility Goddess series: tracing and molding ancient curves new” – clay + digital prints / temple installation
“Yama-Yami” glam rock pants – fabric painting / performance
“Nut” – fabric painting / temple installation
“Domestic?” – paint on canvas / temple installation

Jacob Kasell,
deck installation
“Deck Her Halls Divine”

Seth Heidkamp,
sound installation
The connection every person has with the Divine Feminine is the event of their creation. The sounds created for this piece are meant to evoke the experience of a newly forming consciousness through it’s gentle, rippling sounds that surround the listener.

Catherine Judge + Paula Rendino Zaentz,
video performance
“Mater Panis (Mother Bread)”
a meditative video installation which explores the question, “Where
were the women the night of the Last Supper?”

Nargis Khestoo,
live beading
“Durga Divine Deity”
A live beading of Durga on her tiger will be done at the Temple of Infinite Love. This project to completion should total about 300 hours.

W O M B

April 23rd, 2012 § 0 comments § permalink

from womb to tomb

ages back
when man and woman first loved
a promise of life took root in womb

as the laboring woman squatted and bore down
only her sisters’ songs and dances sustain her primacy

finally, in midst of the howls of wolves
smell of blood
and horizontal rains
a baby slips into waiting arms
wailing

his chances next to nothing
should the bleeding fail to stop
praying, new grandmother presses hands firm against her daughter’s vulva
praying, new aunties rub the baby warm

praying, new father grounds himself on earthen floors
his restless hands sculpting a lush form
a figure with fullest breasts and hips
so unlike the trembling new mother

praying, new uncles attend the sacred fire
ravenous to devour them all

praying, new grandfather chants softly
let daughter live

when the ruddy clay hardens by fire
the woman’s lover presses its warm form into her clammy palms

at dawn fever breaks
and she feeds and feeds

milk comes
and at her teat her baby suckles

she still clasps the figure in her palm
and as it pushes back on her
she feels her own strength in its incredible body
reminding her she survives
and with her her baby

i broach
where does this figure belong today?
i declare
right here with us

for are we so removed from ancestors
to believe we have come far enough
that we are beyond this beauteous figure

she belongs ever closer to our hearts
she who remembers all we have forgotten
in our desperation to believe fickle rules of law godly
we welcome ruthless priests as mediators
bleeding humanity in guise of suckling pigs
how far we have come. ha!

how far have we come
far enough away from love

closer than ever to tomb still living

please, hold her tight in palms enclosed
feel the beating of our blood in her
pushing back
pushing us back

in remembrance that love

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