The second annual Capital Hip Hop Soul Festival is set for this Saturday, July 25th, in Marvin Gaye Park in Northeast DC. The free festival and community celebration features a full line up of local talent (16 acts) on two stages, over 20 vendors from community businesses and DC nonprofits, along with a booksigning and poetry slam. The family-friendly festival starts at 11 a.m. and the park is located between two Metro stops: Minnesota Avenue (orange line) and Capitol Heights (blue line). Check out the website where music from the festival is streamed.To learn more about the festival, we caught up with Maceo Thomas, the festival's organizer.
How'd the festival get started last year?
I was introduced to the music of Kokayi and Afi Soul, two local artists--Kokayi lives in my neighborhood--that I never had heard of. Their music was fantastic. I realized I was clueless on the level of talent that exists here in DC around hip hop and soul music. I had to believe that there were more people like me who couldn't hang out on U St. until the wee hours of the morning to hear these folks. I woke up one morning and decided to put as many local talented hip hop soul artists together one day to introduce them to other folks like me who may have been equally clueless. And I say that totally with love.
How do you bring together so many local artists?
My partner Khadijah Ali-Coleman had just started www.liberatedmuse.com, an online community that brings artists and supporters of the arts together, when I talked to her about this idea. So, we made an announcement there, plus we invited artists that we liked who submitted their press kits to us. And we have been fortunate enough to work with some of the most professional people in this industry. And although this event is free, we want everyone to bring some money to buy their CDs. Attendees will find a new favorite artists ...or five ...or sixteen, even.
What are some highlights that you're looking forward to in this year's festival?
Head-Roc is a DC hip hop legend and he will be performing with his hip hop funk band GODISHEUS and acting as the host. Bomani Armah and Substantial are really super stars with big video hits on MTV and they are coming. And then we also have a inside stage, the Crystal Lounge, where Marvin Gaye first performed, where we will have a great combination of bands and solo artists performing. The full line-up is here.
I see on the site about 600 people made it to last year's event. How many do you expect this year?
We just ordered extra jiffy johns. There easily will be a thousand people coming through. But, there really could be so much more. The press we have been getting is phenomenal and the artists are all doing their part promoting the show.
Will there be a booksigning and/or poetry slam this year?
We call ourselves Liberated Muse Productions. We have printed an anthology called Liberated Muse Volume I: How I Freed My Soul. This is a collection of stories and artwork from around the world highlighting freedom. The book will be on sale and contributors will be there to sign and perform. Plus other authors will be on hand.
What's the goal in attracting the nonprofits?
Both Khadijah and I are really connected to the community. I am a health educator by training; Khadijah is an educator. We have done a great deal of community-based work in the area near Marvin Gaye Park. We know that the people who like the music that will be on display are also the same people nonprofits are looking for as mentors, volunteers, and general overall supporters. So, we make this an opportunity for them to recruit and get their message out. The 2010 census is a major supporter and will be sharing their message on the importance of being counted.
My partner Khadijah Ali-Coleman had just started www.liberatedmuse.com, an online community that brings artists and supporters of the arts together, when I talked to her about this idea. So, we made an announcement there, plus we invited artists that we liked who submitted their press kits to us. And we have been fortunate enough to work with some of the most professional people in this industry. And although this event is free, we want everyone to bring some money to buy their CDs. Attendees will find a new favorite artists ...or five ...or sixteen, even.
What are some highlights that you're looking forward to in this year's festival?
Head-Roc is a DC hip hop legend and he will be performing with his hip hop funk band GODISHEUS and acting as the host. Bomani Armah and Substantial are really super stars with big video hits on MTV and they are coming. And then we also have a inside stage, the Crystal Lounge, where Marvin Gaye first performed, where we will have a great combination of bands and solo artists performing. The full line-up is here.
I see on the site about 600 people made it to last year's event. How many do you expect this year?
We just ordered extra jiffy johns. There easily will be a thousand people coming through. But, there really could be so much more. The press we have been getting is phenomenal and the artists are all doing their part promoting the show.
Will there be a booksigning and/or poetry slam this year?
We call ourselves Liberated Muse Productions. We have printed an anthology called Liberated Muse Volume I: How I Freed My Soul. This is a collection of stories and artwork from around the world highlighting freedom. The book will be on sale and contributors will be there to sign and perform. Plus other authors will be on hand.
What's the goal in attracting the nonprofits?
Both Khadijah and I are really connected to the community. I am a health educator by training; Khadijah is an educator. We have done a great deal of community-based work in the area near Marvin Gaye Park. We know that the people who like the music that will be on display are also the same people nonprofits are looking for as mentors, volunteers, and general overall supporters. So, we make this an opportunity for them to recruit and get their message out. The 2010 census is a major supporter and will be sharing their message on the importance of being counted.
Photo: Chaquis Malik will perform this year to the Capital Hip Hop Soul Fest, by Khadijah Ali-Coleman.
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Chaquis Maliq is a Soul Alternative and R & B aritst, from the Liberal City of San Franciso, CA. You can find her on these sites below:
www.chaquismaliqsworld.ning.com
www.myspace.com/chaquis
www.facebook.com/chaquismaliq
www.liberatedmuse.com/chaquismaliq
Hope to see you July 25th at the Capital Hip Hop Soul Fest! Smoochas Gracias!
When I arrived in the later part of the afternoon at the Capital Hip Hop Soul Festival, I thought I had missed all the INDOOR acts. (Sry it was hot) HA!! I was just in time 2 C the last 2 acts. 2 completely different sounds. But the last act of the day stood out. Her name was Chaquis Maliq. She was fantastic!! I would have loved 2 hear more. Soulfull beats with lyrics that actually meant something. I stopped by her table to buy a cd. She was very nice and she signed the cd. Now that I have her website stuff I can look for her upcoming perfomances.
~A NEW fan :)
All I have to say, is...I can't believe, they did not Hype Chaquis Maliq up for this event?!!!! This young lady performed her butt off even with all the sound issues that were going on. The Sound man wouldn't turn her music up as she asked, then the speakers were going in and out. But you know what, she never threw a fit. She made the crowd laugh with her lil silly gestures and speech and said, " Umm Lets just og into the next track." She made us forget about the sound with her poetic lyrics that remind you of Smokey Robinson and Stevie wonder, But with a voice like no other, Kinda reminds me of Stephanie Mills, with a mix of The Emotions. She was so kind and loving to all the fans and new fans that approached her after the performance, by signing autographs with free photos, and a great CD! I bought my copy of "The Demonstration Vol. I" You need get yours!
S. Love :)
um, isn't that her photo in the article above? how does that equal she wasn't hyped as a part of the event? she's the only artist in the event pictured above when my friend who performed was not even included in the ad for the event and has performed in more venues. She has great friends/fans, apparantly who have posted above.
Im a photographer... What is the purpose of a photo with an article next to it, that does not reflect anything about the person in the photo? Have you ever seen a newspaper with a random photos and nothing to support the photo? Honestly, the photo looks like it is staged.