SoulSessions | Murray Richardson [GaiaTribe] 1.29.05

[monki]

can there be a house party without a vibing basement?

space full of art love people

good music!

c-o-m-m-u-n-i-t-y

those who were there may have witnessed the bithing of an entirely new genre . . .

ü b e r s l o w

man, no one wanted that to stop!

i am tired

props all out

peaceout

aris

[wingnut]

It was a strange night for me, but healing.. really healing! More often than not I wake up after parties feeling dirty and crappy but today I feel clean and peaceful. Just have that good feeling that comes from partying with good friends and then waking up in the morning and realizing that they ARE your good friends and good people.

The decoration was... whoa... Psychedelia to the extreme! Who made the alter in the chill area? It made me feel like I was in a different universe. Everything in fact was really well set up and totally awesome looking.

Music was lovely. Usually I dance all night but this was a real social party, and I spent more time going around talking to people... and cuddling! hehe. This was actually the first night that I really got into dancing to ambient and I can't believe I never tried it before!! Usually I like really fast beats but ambient is a great way to just stretch out, loosen muscles, meditate...
Towards the end of the night I found that my feet wouldn't stop moving, and that's when I went downstairs and shook my ass to HOUSE MUSIC with all you fine people :)

I think there were a couple bad apples at this party. As far as I know they left eventually without much incident (due to the overwhelmingly fantastic vibrations of great people!!). Still I kept an eye out for friends and strangers and tried to make sure everyone was doing okay and having a good time. If anyone was bothered/harrassed by anyone else you have to SPEAK UP and let someone (pref. the people who put the party on) know.

Love to all
-wingnut

[DeafChild]

That was a great gathering. I was sad that the cops came right when UBERSLOW was making its debut, but hey what are you going to do? Thanks to everybody involved that was a wicked vibe. Must go eat now. Much love and respect to the whole GAIA Tribe crew. Peace. Ian

[Andrew Mataus]

Thank you Community for your dedication and drive to the dance culture..



The times are shifting and the music is growing and changing....

Me and D-Luxx are in Athens, Greece the place were good old Aris came from....

Manifest Destiny....

ZSA ZSA, JEFF, ARIS, Katrina, CARLOS, MANOJ THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT

[BrettFromTibet]

The music downstairs was just incredible! INCREDIBLE! Hats off to MR. Annand and Murray Richardson for HEADY breaks, amazing house, and slamming music all night long. This was some powerful rushin-tunes, mad mixing skills, and a slamming underground vibe behind the decks – not to mention the crowd in-front of it! I honestly couldn’t imagine those guys doing a better job.

Nice job also on the downstairs deco with tensile fabrics and floro lights… it made a big difference in the atmosphere!

Upstairs was a sweet and fluorescent heaven. Colorful, comfortable, and sweet!!! The music tempo got interrupted a little – in the middle of the night it had to get shut off – and then it got turned DOWN (police called?) – but overall I had a blast. Thank you GAIA TRIBe for conspiring (with love) for an amazing undergound event… stuff like this is what we live for!

[zsa zsa]

MAD RESPECT to all in this community and beyond who continue to consistently create events. The community here is what made this event possible. Coming together to collectively manifest the vision was beautiful. MAD PROPS TO ARIS!! Ahh the wonder of your flier design and space shaping, who knew a basement could look soo fabulous? Thank you to Keving, Bret, Manoj and Carl, Carlos, Katrina, Nibler, Eric, Aaron, Juli, Derrick and everyone (you know who you are) who helped make this event beautiful. Thank you to Co-7 for opening up your creative space to us. Hands up to Mattie Mataus and Drew for all that they have brought to this NW community, me, and Gaia Tribe. AFter reflecting on what it takes to do an event like this, I am eternally greatful for the inspiration. Thank you for everything that you have given, created, lost, and learned. Thank you for getting me up to the NW so I can have opprotunity.. Let's come together so we can collectively cultivate the underground culture that is sooo magical. Support your underground scene. Love yourself, dance, and live the dream!! Oh yeah, MUCH LOVE TO the LA crew!! Mr. Annand, and Murray Richardson rocked the roof, so hard the cops could do nothing but let us keep dancing! Thank god!

[Star_Dancer]

I actually had a good time, even though the sound went out. The music was really good.

I did not enjoy being stalked by the rabid mutant midget hippie chick. But hey, that's what letter bombs are for right?

[BrettFromTibet]

again, i was really impressed by this....! i found the MUSIC and the LOVE
here that I need to make it through this crazy world...

huge thanks to the DJs, decorators, organizers and crew... the the gallery staff for being cool enough to throw-down the space... a job well-done!

[kimberlily]

oh yeah...it was an uber-fun party...

highlights: watchin' bacchus rock it upstairs (love you!), UBERSLOW!!! props to ian for bringin' it out into the public eye (i knew they'd dig it!), great decorations, and lovely peeps...

please take this the right way, also, but i must add my *constructive* criticism: i'm not terribly big on re-entry fees...ugh...and the bathroom situation could have been better...

but all in all, it was fizzun! much love to all of you, kimblebee!

[kimberlily]

i forgot the most important part of my post:

props to TEAM COWPER for showing up in full force (although i must encourage more shenanigans at our next encounter!)

[Nibler]

We did it. Thank you all for everything... your help, and your attendance. Without you, there would be no all-age parties in Portland. We have a small but tight community so lets keep it strong!

Glad we had so many dancers downstairs early in the night. Bonehead had a great floor going by midnight.

Sorry the sound cut-out during my set!!! We were overloading the electrical system with our speakers. After some re-wiring the second time it cut-out, the problem was solved and the sound was up the rest of the night.

Thanks again to all who showed up!

[jungl3thug]

i totally had a good time... very chill and relaxing. the music was awesome and the people were great to talk to :-) its been a really long time since i've gone out and soul sessions makes me remember why i used to do it so much!


oh, i lost someone before i could get his info :-( dante who wouldn't rhyme for me outside by the fire; if you know him, tell him i'm looking for him

[Kitten]

(I'm going to preface my post with this: I am not trying to bag on anyone involved with throwing this party. I'm not trying to be holier-than-thou, or totally anti-drug, or mean spirited or anything like that.)

Let's get the bad out first. :)

One:
Last Saturday, and at Invocation the weekend prior, I was really disappointed, and a little scared, by how many people were ridiculously fucked up. And, on top of that, ridiculously young. I feel conflicted saying that, (1) because I am young (19), (2) I went to my first party when I was 13, (3) I have been less-than-sober at parties. But...holy shit. At Soul Sessions, I saw three people who COULD NOT WALK because they were soooo rolled out. One of them couldn't even complete a coherent sentence. Another was only 14, and I suspect the others weren't much older. I checked in with two of the three people throughout the night. (The other seemed to have someone else watching her.)

I don't know about you guys, but this shit kind of freaks me out. I don't have a problem with drug use. I have a problem with people being irresponsible, and putting themselves (and others) at risk. Or, in general, making the environment they are in unpleasant/uncomfortable for others because they are so heavily intoxicated.

I guess this rant/worry is separating itself from a "review," but the issue came up for me while I was at the party. Personally, I wouldn't mind if it became a dialogue between people involved in the all-ages scene, including the Gaia Tribe kids. What are some ways we can discourage excessive drug use, encourage education and responsibility regarding drugs, and make sure vulnerable (read: young and fucked up) people don't get taken advantage of at parties? I feel like this needs to become a priority, in part because this is a community, even if it doesn't always feel like it, and we need to take care of each other. But also because shit like this reflects poorly on a scene that is already under heavy scrutiny, and is shrinking partially because of that scrutiny. The last thing we need is someone being taken advantage of or OD'ing, especially when that risk could be curbed.

Any ideas?

Two:
Basement was soooo stinky! It did a fabulous job of keeping people cool, but once it got crowded, the smell was enough to keep me upstairs.

Three:
$2 re-entry fee. Why was this necessary? I was DYING to go on a walk at one point, but had spent the last of my cash on a coconut. Arg.

+ All that being said, and I'm aware that I got pretty long-winded, I thought the venue was arranged really well. The entrance provided a nice transition into the down-tempo area. Gaia Tribe usually does a great job with decorations and making different rooms have a very unique feel, and this party was no exception. Also, it was great to have an open outdoor space, which never seemed to get too crowded.
+ The "stage" in the down-tempo area was the perfect way to keep the cuddle puddle OFF the dance floor (which was, unfortunately, just a little too small upstairs), and all the pillows and blankets made so cozy when I needed a break from dancing.
+ The paintings and lights upstairs were so great, as was the little altar. I really appreciate the attention to detail that goes into so many Gaia Tribe parties.
+ Free water is always sooo nice. The whole concessions area was fabulous. Yay to fresh juice. Yay to coconuts.
+ Also, yay to Carlos handling the cops outside. Thanks to whoever was behind the decision to keep the music going, instead of shutting down the party.
+ Everyone who spun upstairs, post-midnight (which is when I got there). I have never danced so much to anything in any chill area. You were all fabulous.
+ Two gorgeous boys dancing around me all night. Mmm...eye candy. I was a happy camper.
+ Seeing several people who I haven't seen out in a long while. It was nice to catch up/hang out/dance together.
+ THANK YOU to Gaia Tribe and everyone involved with this party for bringing us all-ages events. Thank you, thank you, thank you for giving me a place to dance and relax.

[Star_Dancer]

I will agree that poor ventilation made the downstairs smell quite bad. Also all the sweet made it very difficult to remain upright while dancing around on a wet and slimy floor.

[U812A]

Came by after the barjack and this was still going strong. That building is a great space for parties.

[ryanorgan]

Originally posted by Nibler
We did it. Thank you all for everything... your help, and your attendance. Without you, there would be no all-age parties in Portland. We have a small but tight community so lets keep it strong!

Glad we had so many dancers downstairs early in the night. Bonehead had a great floor going by midnight.

Sorry the sound cut-out during my set!!! We were overloading the electrical system with our speakers. After some re-wiring the second time it cut-out, the problem was solved and the sound was up the rest of the night.

Thanks again to all who showed up!



Your set was really nice. Funny how the sound cut out right near the end of your mix of that 'emotional landscapes' record.

The party was amazing as always. It's always nice to know that you will always see people you havent seen out in a long time.
Wonderful vibe as well... I felt really good all night long... Danced sooo much. Dave looked hot in that skirt :D

[Gaia Tribe]

My being is so overjoyed with the reviews of this gathering. Thank you to everone for your wonderful eliteration when describing the event. I feel like I was there through the whole thing!

I feel so greatful and so appreciative of all that I get to call my family in Portland. You are all such different and creative creatures in my eyes. Each with your own beautiful ways. Thank you not for making another party happen... thank you for following your hearts and living your dreams. It makes me so smiley to know you are making magic!

And Magic is powerful.

Please continue to create the party sceene you want. I am with you all the way family.

Speacial thanks to the core group who made this party possible and made a positive experience out of a situatiuon that was skewed in a wierd direction ( you know what I mean).

Big thanks to all the dancers. You know who you you are. You are the soy butter on my bread.

Support from India

Mate'

[mr annand]

The party was spectacular. We went to the barjack beforehand and though the concept is really cool the event didn't have a spectacular vibe so we were anxious to move on to the warehouse. We arrived to see a fantastic venue and decorations, smiling people and booming sound. I hadn't played with Murray or heard him play in almost 5 years and was really happy with our collaboration behind the decks. We had a lot of fun with it as did everyone from Tropical who flew up for it. We're back in L.A. now but all of us are still talking about this party - enough said!

A big thank-you to the many people who come together to make Soul Sessions great and special thanks to Zsa Zsa for focalizing with the Mataus clan out-of-country.

See you soon!
Ben

[BrettFromTibet]

mr. annand... I'm still super impressed from the music downstairs...one day i hope to mix like you guys...

pleazzze come back soon!!!

[skloot]

Originally posted by ryanorgan
... Dave looked hot in that skirt :D ...
you got damn better believe i did

But yeah, wondeful party. It's been far too long since I danced like that.

[djbonehead]

Originally posted by monki
can there be a house party without a vibing basement?


"a basement, a red light & a feelin'" - kerri chandler

Well, this was a bit more colorful than that but some say this is how true house music began. In a basement, with a red light and a feeling. So in that sense it all came full circle for me at this party.
House music that is...
I have been playing nothing but clubs since the mid to late 90's so I kinda lost the sense of what it was like to play for open minded people at an all ages event. I had a blast! Thanks for dancing and let me know when you want some more.

Easy, B

[monki]

Originally posted by BrettFromTibet
mr. annand... I'm still super impressed from the music downstairs...one day i hope to mix like you guys...

pleazzze come back soon!!!

And soon it will be.... March 5 at the Fez for Paradise

Look here (http://www.nwtekno.org/vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=83190)


Regarding Kitten's post on the observations of the state of some people, I think personally the problem is both fractal, systemic and even endemic in our larger society and therefore impossible to isolate it in a small situation like a party in order to envision a solution...

If you are going to call people fucked up, you will see them Everywhere. Because they are. But are they really?

The impetus and motivation to abuse your body and your mind is everywhere around us. It may not always involve a drug in the sense that you mention it, but it does involve drugs of other kind... alcohol, sugar, antidepresants, television you name it! All these things can get you "fucked up!"

So. one of the ways I have found to work for me is to not separate myself from the problem, to open my heart to the incident, to understand how it all relates to everything else, and if I can't do anything about it directly that moment, to steer away from any judgment and, foremost, to not call it out as something uniquely bad.

I hope you know what I mean....

Be impeccable with your word
Do not make assumptions
Do not take things personally
Always do your best

pace

aris

[tanukisan]

Wow, this party was fantastic, im so glad i came up. the energy was wonderful, powerful enough to keep any little blips of negativity overwhelmed. I had a wonderful time, except when I had to walk away at six cause I had work sunday morn. Til next time

also, I lost my blue hooded sweatshirt. It zips up, says oregon state on the front, some repair work on cuffs and pockets, and a camo patch on the back embroidered "overgrow the state." Its been a long time companion but perhaps it wanted to go on a trip without me . . .

peace love hope action

[zsa zsa]

Thanks for all your positive and constructive comments. They are greatly appreciated. I encourage all you dancers to instigate your own events.....we definetly need more, all ages, underground events. Check out the link below for some pics. PEACE and see you on the dance floor.

Zsa



http://www.erikzu.net/soul

[Kitten]

Originally posted by monki
Regarding Kitten's post on the observations of the state of some people, I think personally the problem is both fractal, systemic and even endemic in our larger society and therefore impossible to isolate it in a small situation like a party in order to envision a solution...
If you are going to call people fucked up, you will see them Everywhere. Because they are. But are they really?
The impetus and motivation to abuse your body and your mind is everywhere around us. It may not always involve a drug in the sense that you mention it, but it does involve drugs of other kind... alcohol, sugar, antidepresants, television you name it! All these things can get you "fucked up!"
So. one of the ways I have found to work for me is to not separate myself from the problem, to open my heart to the incident, to understand how it all relates to everything else, and if I can't do anything about it directly that moment, to steer away from any judgment and, foremost, to not call it out as something uniquely bad.
I hope you know what I mean....
Be impeccable with your word
Do not make assumptions
Do not take things personally
Always do your best
pace
aris

Yes, there are deeper things at work here. That scope is much bigger than I can address, obviously. However, I am not trying to isolate the problem I see at parties from the larger picture. I just think it is possible to address that problem and work toward a solution for the electronica community, specifically.

I know that people use a myriad of things to alter their consciousness. I think that long periods of dancing can alter consciousness. :) I know that people can "abuse" a million different substances. And I agree that sugar, antidepressants, caffeine, etc. are all, in a sense, drugs.

All of that being said, I really feel like I was clear in my last post that I am not talking about sugar, coffee, Zoloft, cigarettes, or whatever else (legal or not, chemical or "natural," it makes no difference to me). I wasn't really trying to talk about everyone who uses at parties. I was talking about kids who were so twacked out they could not walk. I have a hard time looking at that particular situation as something that is [i]not "uniquely bad."

I feel like it is not in our community's best interest to put this problem off as something that can't be addressed at parties. It can be something as simple as making a poster that says, "know your body, know your substance, know your source" (or some variation). Always provide free water (which Gaia Tribe does an excellent job of). Keep an eye out for shady characters, and be willing to escort them out of the party if you think they are going to cause problems, like taking advantage of young, fucked up girls (R.O.A.R. in full effect!). I used to see little information sheets circulating at parties, which lists information for several drugs (cheap and easy to make).

Aris, I appreciate your insight. I am always glad to hear people who are perceptive enough to realize that "our society," which is so ambiguous it makes me cringe, is a voracious consumer of drugs. We seek out altered states. And, no, that isn't inherently bad. But I feel like this problem is sometimes taken to an extreme at parties, and we should address ways of dealing with the problem when it comes up at parties, instead of dismissing it as an "impossible" task. Hence, my long-winded posts in this thread.

Thanks to anyone who took the time to read through all of that, and perhaps took a moment to think about any of it.

I am thankful for Gaia Tribe’s support of the all-ages scene, and the energy and love they bring to this community. I’m really, really not trying to bash on any of the kids involved with this party specifically, or Gaia Tribe in general. Like I mentioned before, these are just issues that came up for me, while I was at the last Soul Sessions.

[mr annand]

I only got 4 pictures of the party, but they came out pretty well... Click the link below to see them (best viewed at 1152x768 res) :

http://www.tropical-house.com/pictures/soulsessions12905/12905.htm

Also click here for 55 pictures of the previous weekend's Tropical, your sister party in Los Angeles:

http://www.tropical-house.com/12205/start.htm

Enjoy!

Ben

[monki]

kitten, you're on to something girl! i say take action and start this awareness campaign in your unique creative way.

discussions, especially on boards like this, only can go so far.

:)

ben, those shots are SWEEET!!!

[BrettFromTibet]

those are SWEET Pictures - they really capture how I felt at this party!

it was AWESOME FUN!...