My San Francisco Love Evolution Experience

Now in its sixth year, the San Francisco interpretation of Berlin's famous Love Parade, now titled San Francisco LovEvolution touched down on the city by the bay on Saturday October 3, 2009 without missing a beat. Despite the change in name, ravers from all corners of the globe had no problem finding this unique event and who could blame them. A massive parade in the heart of one of America's most beautiful cities and an all day festival for only $10 bucks was just the sort of uplifting occasion that people were looking for in our current broken economy. With attendance soaring past 100,000 revelers of all ages, genders, races, and orientations, LovEvolution has truly become a phenomena of epic proportions.





This being my third time attending, I decided it was time to switch up my perspective. Rather than simply watch from the sidelines it was time to become an active participant and my opportunity arose via an invitation to take part in the Om Records float in the parade. There was just one catch: the theme was SOLID GOLD! So like any good journalist, I manned up and got the job done, slipped on my gold tights, gold suspenders, and thick gold chain and entered the fray. In any other city walking around in gold pants for eight hours would be an excrutiating experience but in San Francisco, I became a part of the family. The float was packed to the edges with some 100 party people all scantily clad in gold so every ounce of fear immediately melted away. This was a chance to be apart of something much bigger than myself and once the float set out from 2nd and Market Street towards City Hall, the sheer magnitude of the experience became clear. Tens of thousands of people lined Market Street dancing on the sidewalk or following along with our float as Amp Live dropped a nasty set of electro and bass heavy bangers. Random people snapped my picture asking my to pose. I passed out fliers for the Om Records afterparty that night to everyone I could. God only knows how I kept those gold pants on!





Before entering the festival grounds I made a quick pitstop to my hotel room at the LovEvolution host hotel, the Renoir Hotel. The hotel, housed in a flat iron building two blocks from City Hall, is uniquely situated to fully experience the parade and I was fortunate enough to have a suite with a full view of the proceedings. I managed to snap this quick video from my room to let everyone know what they were missing. For both value and convenience make sure you book your room here next year!
www.renoirhotel.com


From there it was onto the actual festival. All the floats (nearly 30 in all) made their way around the Civic Center, parking around the square and setting up shop for a day full of beats of all sorts. House, drum&bass, electro, minimal, progressive, dubstep, it was all there and in heaping doses of quality to boot. I was impressed by the level of talent on display at LovEvolution from recognized names like Plaza de Funk and Groove Armada to locals dropping some heat. Friendly faces of all ages, outrageous costumes, amazing dancers, and beautiful people all melted together to create a swelling mass of Love that lasted until 9pm.



Ravers, music lovers, and everyone who is looking for a unique, authentic experience should take note. San Francisco's LovEvolution is quite simply an event that you don't want to miss. Surrounded by historical buildings in a city that has a history of progressive culture, you will definitely feel the LOVE. Thanks to everyone who made the experience what it was: San Francisco Convention & Visitors Bureau, the staff and management of the Renoir Hotel, the team at Om Records, the LovEvolution press team, and of course the Nu-Soul crew for representing with the photos. See you next year!



- as experienced by Norman Mayers
- photos by Erin Monahan

San Francisco LovEvolution website

Norman Goldpants and the LovEvolution

I just had to post these pictures from last week's LovEvolution in San Francisco aka Love Parade or Love Fest. I rode on a float where everyone had to wear gold and this was the look I put together. Fun stuff! This is just a warm up while I finish up my story.

Ledisi, Astral 22 reviews

Some new reviews I just posted! Enjoy.

Artist: Ledisi
Title: Turn Me Loose
Genre: Soul
Read the review

Artist: Astral 22
Title: Astral 22 Presents … Imperial Progressive Soul Collection Vol. 1
Genre: Soul/Electronica
Read the review

My Europe Trip Part 2 - Paris

The next leg of my trip involved a little jaunt over to Paris to see my friend Amy Meyer get married. I began my journey hopping on the Eurostar train from London straight into the heart of Paris. The train ride was a little over 2 hours so it was quite easy.



When I arrived I hopped onto the Paris subway to my hostel in the Latin Quarter. Yes I stayed at a hostel! But the Oops Hostel in the Latin Quarter was adorable and clean, with a very cool, modern design. My room had 2 bunk beds and a bathroom and a little table and that's it but it was only 30 euro a night. But the cool thing was that someone from the wedding party actually was staying in the same room as me!


Once I got settled in the room I went out and explored on my way to Amy and Stacy's apartment. I took a leisurely walk through the city making my way to le Jardin du Luxumbourg, crossing the Seine, strolling past the Cathedral of Notre Dame, taking in the beauty of the Chatalet des Halles, before finally finding Rue de Clery where my friends were staying.





The apartment where Amy and her wife to be were staying (yes it was a lesbian wedding) was a perfectly charming French apartment located on the 2nd floor complete with a balcony and courtyard. The first night, the wedding party of about 20 all met here for a cocktail party where your wine never was allowed to get less than half full and there was a constant flow of hors d'oevres. Delicious!!



After the cocktail party I walked all the way back to the hostel (a 30-minute walk) stopping at a gay club called Raidd, which was recommended to me by the Paris Tourist Board. It was Disco night so it sucked even though it was packed and they had hot bartenders. But since my French is limited and a beer was 6euro (like $10) I left!

The second day in Paris was simply amazing. My roommate Casey and I got all dressed up for the wedding and made our way to the apartment. I think people thought we were Parisian since we looked all snazzy and not like bummy Americans. We were approached by several French people asking for help and such. Pretty cool.



Everyone met up and hopped on our little coach for Versailles. This was the highlight of the trip by far. Versailles is absolutely breathtaking with its massive castle, vast gardens, and luxurious fountains. We made our way to the secluded Jardin du Roi where the wedding ceremony was held.


I have never been one for weddings but as we stood in a circle and watched Amy's mom and sister as they welcomed Stacy into their family it was an incredible moment of love and acceptance that none of us will forget. We all felt that love flow through us and it connected us all in that single moment.

After the short ceremony that had eyes tearing, we continued to explore Versailles, grabbing bikes and hightailing our way across the countryside. We peddled our way to a lovely picnic site that was prepared for us in spectacular fashion. We sipped wine and champagne and feasted as we shared poetry and personal thoughts about the 2 brides. We then continued to explore the fascinating grounds, making our way to Marie-Antoinette's chateau where she pretended to be a peasant before having some desert and making our way back to the city. But not before I totally busted my ass on my bike on the way back. I left Versailles with a bloody elbow and knee and quite a story to tell. What a day to remember.




My final full day in Paris found me without use of my camera, but with plenty to do. Casey and I started out the day exploring Montmarte and the fabulous Sacre-Coeur, an impressive white cathedral overlooking the city. The winding streets of this bohemian enclave was easily my favorite part of the city.


I then took of fon my own travel writer adventures, setting off to tour three hotels around the city for my article for Bleu Magazine. The first was the Hilton Arc de Triomphe, an impressive 400plus room Art Deco masterpiece with sharkskin walls and finely detailed furniture. The second was a modern boutique hotel called Le Metropolitan that faced the Eiffel Tower. The final was a classic French hotel called Le Dokhan complete with a Louis Vuitton lined elevator. At Le Dokhan I was treated to a champagne tasting where I got to sample three very expensive champagnes and learn the differences.

In between all the walking I saw lots of the city making my way down the Champs Elysees and through many quiet parks and tree-lined avenues. I think I could die in Paris! It is such a beautiful magical place full of very sexy people everywhere. Next time I want to know more French and go out to the right clubs.

The next day it was back to dreary London. But I was still in for a weekend of FUN!

My trip to Europe - Part 1 -LONDON

I just got back from a wonderful trip to London and Paris and it's taken me all week to calm down to write about it. The terrible jetlag and constant flow of work hasn't made things any easier, mind you. First off it must be said that I did this trip on the cheap. I have family in London, well Ilford in Essex to be exact but it is close enough. Plus I used my travel journalist tricks to get my fair share of freeness, discounts and other goodies.

My trip began with a very long flight from LA to London, two flights actually with a stopover in Boston. To my surprise my friend Chi Chi, who I was planning on seeing while in London was on my connecting flight from Boston. This wouldn't be the last time I ran into people unexpectedly during my trip.




I finally arrived in London and was greeted by my Aunt Maggie, my grandmother's younger sister and her husband. We took a very long tube ride to Ilford. The first full day was spent chatting with the family, getting my money exchanged and figuring out the damn cell phones over there. Once that was sorted I headed into the city to take advantage of my travel journalist perks. I scored a hotel room in the Notting Hill area for just 10pounds a night! The Hotel Umi was adorable and in a lovely area of charming white buildings. I didn't stay there long though as I was off to Soho to hang out with Deji and his friends for a night on the town. We hit up some gay bars, particularly Barcode in both Soho and Vauxhall before taking the nightbus to his place in Brixton.






After some recovery I made my way back up to Ilford for a family BBQ, where I got to see everyone that I haven't seen in about 15-20 years. they are the same crazy, lively family I remember and they were happy to chat with me. They served up some rum, Caribbean dishes, and yummy deserts! Then I went to meet up with my old college buddy Siobhan (we went to school in Miami together) to celebrate her birthday with her new friends in London. She has been there for 2 years so she has had time to build a new life. It was a crazy night that went into the morning but it was a great chance to chat it up with locals who were open minded and artistic. Fun times.




Sunday night, I hung out with an online buddy named Anthony and we went to check out the UKSoulJam at Jazz Cafe in Camden Town. The called me onstage to plug Nu-Soul and I gavce out some Strictly Social CDs to the hungry crowd. The main act was a group called Indigo Brown who were quite good!




So that was just the first weekend. I slept all day Monday and chilled with the family as I got ready for the next leg of my trip - My trip to Paris! Stay tuned.

N'Dambi Album release party - Wed. Oct 7

Nu-Soul Magazine & Red Light Special Events
In Association with Beija Flor Naturals
Present
The Official N'Dambi Pink Elephant Album Release Party

Wednesday October 7, 2009
7pm-10pm

Celebrating the release of Stax Recording artist N'Dambi's third album Pink Elephant with a special listening session at 8:30pm





Pre-order the album Pink Elephant here

www.myspace.com/ndambi

Introducing BEIJA FLOR NATURALS
An eco-friendly vegan/organic beauty line for women of color
Gift bags and product samples will be available
www.beijaflornaturals.com

Music by DJ Destroyer (Strictly Social)
Download DJ Destroyer's newest mix HERE

$8 Green Apple Martini and other drink specials
N'Dambi giveaways and other goodies all night!

Come early and stay late for Melodic Wednesdays - LA's newest premier weekly event for soulful house begins at 10pm
www.clubmelodic.com

This event is 21+ w/ ID

Admission is FREE with an RSVP to events@nu-soulmag.com or to jenn@redlightpromotions.com
Your RSVP gets you in the club before 10pm to enjoy both events for FREE!

Ecco
1640 N. Caheunga Blvd.
Hollywood, CA 90028
www.eccohollywood.com

nu-soulmag.com
redlightspecialevents.com

New Interview: Joy Jones

Joy Jones is stepping out front with the release of her exemplary debut album, Godchild. Jones effortlessly glides through various genres from rump-shaking broken beat to progressive jazz to soca-flavored hymns all with a sharp political mind and keen wit. I wrote the snazzy intro.

Read the interview by DJ Rahdu

Joy Jones review

Get ready for the big Nu-Soul Magazine 3-year Anniversary Party by getting familiar with our headliner, the astounding talent, Joy Jones! Read my review of Joy Jones's debut album

Artist: Joy Jones
Title: Godchild
Genre: Soul/Electronica/World
Read the review