For those of you who weren't there, I will describe a night of true synchronicity. But first, Imagine that feeling you get when you are doing something that's enjoyable, righteous, and fun. Isn't there a sense of now, of focus and exhilaration that keeps you loving the present? You transcend your expectations and fears about the past or future, and find yourself back in the ongoing WOW that's happening right NOW. Imagine: shaking hands with everyone you wanted to meet, dancing to music by your best friend, watching colors appear, giving applause to someone you're proud of, and knowing there is more to come.
Well, that is how I felt on September 10th, 2010. As promoter for Zig Zag, I kept busy buzzing around the campus, the neighborhood, the smokers' paradise, around tables and along stairwells. When I saw a friendly face, I threw light on the night's festivites. "This is no ordinary party, you see. There will be an important message, and I'd like to see you there." In some cases, I had to mention, "There's beer and pizza and all your friends will be there, bro!" Meanwhile, Brett Lindstrom (mad designer of Zig Zag) wrestled words with authority to get his seven foot high poster hung over a balcony, and was successful.
Many phone calls and check lists later, we rolled out to the joint. Rico's Pizzeria is not one-of-a-kind. Indeed, it has all the elements of a bar cross with a pizza restaurant - spicy smelling hot air, checkered plastic table clothes, neon beer signs, and your finest silly-faced wandering locals enjoying a late dinner. The proud owner, who smiled when I called him Rico, was happy to help us set the stage. Then Jack Price (creative editor of the 'zine) arrived in a denim vest with "ZIG" on one breast and "ZAG" on the other. Once the three of us were on location, the presence of Zig Zag established, we witnessed a gathering of bright minds and voices to be reckoned with.
Wherever I looked, there were ambitious faces, note-takers, personal journalists, photographers, film students, poets, actors, listeners, talkers, seekers, and good-hearted hedonists. Some heard music and walked across the street, and others carpooled from boring towns to catch a glimpse of the Sarasota scene. The show began with a word from writer and street performer Jordon Stone, who introduced the importance of creativity and giving voice to unpopular ideas. On one side, William Inman sat at his easel capturing each moment in swift blue paint strokes. At the same time, Darcy Little prepared her canvas for an intense dance of red and yellow. Live art framed the imaginary stage, as the audience became the attraction.
Backed by Pat the DJ, Brett J. Lindstrom took up the mic and demanded enthusiasm. He spit relentless rhymes and was the first to freestyle. The tokin' folks outside could feel the beat, the insiders heard the flow, and the standing floor connected to the source began to expand. When Ricki Rishi and Jha Fa came out of nowhere and delivered a two-man verbal explosion of beatboxing and free rhymes, there was encore. Half Dub played a fresh set worth a skank and showed their versatility by switching instruments. Finally, the floor opened for the headlining band, Speak Nothing About Project Mayhem. SNAPM, as always, slammed the crowd with funkin' grooves and left 'em with something to think about. In the end, the message was clear: do what you love, be a part of something, go out and see what's happening now, express yourself freely and you shall be remembered.
Thanks again to everyone who made the event possible, especially you delightful people who showed up without an excuse. Look forward to another Zig Zag hosted slam later in the year. If you'd like to help arrange or perform in at the next big release, please let us know. Contact us at zigzagcrew@gmail.com
Click here for more photos of the event.
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