A little bit of kid in me still...rocks

This past Monday, I had the pleasure of feeling like a kid again at the AfroPunk Festival in the BAM parking lot in Brooklyn. Presented by Mountain Dew the series in its 2nd year is a movement of alternative urban skaters, BMX riders, artists and musicians of color that are also raging innovators in this typically Caucasian scene. I was mainly impressed with the Bulldog Bikes team as they dominated the quarter pipes flying way over my head getting ridiculous amounts of airtime with out an engine. It was an all out urban circus! Brooklyn is representing on the Punk Syde. Check the pics.





Heres some hi-lights:

Grammy nominated Janelle Monae who I am a new fan of tore up the stage with her intergalactic electronic soul/punk style and even got up high on a stool to give an MJ tribute with her sweet rendition of "Smile". It was pretty damn adorable for a Punk show.



the artwork painted live during the event curated by my homie Rasu of coup d'etat Brooklyn


I heard these two pieces were by Remix, a graffiti artist brought in from Puerto Rico. Lovin this Fela tribute.


One of my favorite modern American poets Saul Williams known for his visually spoken word and industrial hip hop style rocked the stage with his lyrics and his band that included CX Kidtronik who was just crazy with the raw beat set! I have to give special props for their outfits reminiscent of the early hip hops days of Afrika Bambatta and the Zulu nation. It was all about good rabble rousin'music and conscious lyrics. Check out Saul Williams' breakout movie "SLAM" as well as his album "Amethyst Rock Star" and take it from there.



and now for more air...





and for those who want to catch whats left of the festival, BAM's cinematek will be showing Afropunk films tonight.

and...This Saturday July 11th theres the AfroPunk block party happening in Brooklyn on Clinton Ave between Myrtle and Willoughby in Fort Green.

Check the link for more info
http://www.afropunk.com/page/afropunk-2009

At your flying service,

The Boulevardist