The Want of You~By Ivan Leonard Wright

"I can't let my mind think of you"...these are thoughts that I'm sure most of us become consumed with from time to time. I thought I'd share this poem, who was shared by a friend, and found in an amazing poetry book from the 1930's, with authors dating back from the 1800's. In instances of love, romance, infatuation, separation and the ever quest for "the one," I would have to say that the ever consuming longing and wanting could cause one to 'Flip yer Lid.' That's why poetry is so wonderful because it conveys feelings and emotions that everyone can relate to, without the directness and profane use of today's language. There is something special, and subtle yet, piercing about the elements of poetry, no matter what topic is being written about.

I know you'll enjoy it and I know you can relate...

The Want of You

The want of you is like no other thing;
It smites my soul with sudden sickening;

It binds my being with a wreath of rue-
This want of you.

It flashes on me with the waking sun;
It creeps upon me when the day is done;
It hammers at my heart the long night through-
This want of you.

It sighs within me with the misting skies;
Oh, all the day within my heart it cries,
Old as your absence, yet each moment new
This want of you.

Mad with demand and aching with despair,
It leaps within my heart and you are-
where?

God has forgotten, or he never knew-
This want of you.

-Ivan Leonard Wright

Versatile's 5 Year Anniversary!

It's a Celebration B@tche$ !!!



Please come join us this Friday Night @ Memphis in Costa Mesa for the 5 Year Anniversary of VERSATILE!! Show some L-O-V-E and Support for all the wonderful music, dj's, staff and memories this Friday! And don't forget to bring your dancin' shoes cuz' it's on!! It's 21 and over to get in and FREE COVER all night long!!

Spread luv-bap-da-da....Spread luv-bap-da-da! Cuz' LUV is what we need!! Luv is what we need!

Info:
What: Versatile 5 Year Anniversary
Where: 2920 Bristol St.
Costa Mesa, CA. 92626
When: Friday, Feb. 13th
21/over NO COVER
http://memphiscafe.com/

Versatile~Friday Nights @ Memphis Cafe

Frequented Places...

What can I say?...For those of you that know me, know that I frequent this place quite a bit. I've been going to this place for over 2 years (this night has been ongoing for 5 years. By the way, 5 year anniversary comin' up! We'll talk about that further, stay tuned to future postings.), just almost about every Friday night, rain or shine. Why, might you ask are my reasons for making this place my Cheers? Aside, from my own personal reasons (we'll get to that shortly) here's what's up...

1. The MUSIC and Dj's are undeniably "Versatile!" The name of the night, explains it all!
If you are looking for something different, a little off the beaten path, this is a great place to go to on a Friday night! Especially, if you're tired of the same old club scene in OC, just as I was.
The music can vary from downtempo to funk, and a mix of the in between. If you love music, and wanna' get down to something other than club-thumping-booty-bass-that has NO style, then Versatile is where it's at!

2. No Cover! Considering the economy and this awful recession, NO COVER on a FRIDAY is essential! You know everyone likes to hear the word FREE! And not having to pay for the quality of tunes you hear is even more of a plus!

3. The setting is intimate, but not stuffy! The venue is Indoor and Outdoor. You can come as dressed up or as relaxed as you want! We don't hate, nor judge...unless of course you start trouble! On regular nights Memphis is a soul cafe and bar. Which means, you can start the night off with something tasty to eat like their buttermilk fried chicken, hang out and have some drinks, then let the sound of the Versatile Dj's move your feet and enlighten your ears!

My Reasons, aside from the Top 3 Above...

1. The Dj's & Staff-Since I've made my mark at this place, it was inevitable for me to get to know some of the staff and Dj's. Although, I'm no expert in staffing a club, what I do know is that no one likes to go to a club or bar and feel uncomfortable, not welcomed. We all want to go out and have a good time! So, just a general overview from the security to the dj's; the security is friendly, and takes care of any trouble, without making any trouble. So, say, "hello," it will make their night go by faster, especially if you're a cute girl. The bartenders are heavy handed, which means you won't get stiffed and you'll drink for what you pay for. Say, hello to Paul, he's the guy that looks like Jesus and my favorite bartender there.

The Dj's, whom I've come to have awesome friendships with are:

Dj Cocoe-The originator of the Versatile night, who many of you may know from Abstract Workshop, as well as Ubiquity Records, he's all over the board.

Dj Steelman-Known for his smooth transitions of M.J. to Al Green and also my BFF. Steelman throws it down with his dance worthy hip hop sets.

Dj Kei-Our Japanese counterpart, why we love his sets? Salsa, House, and Reggae, also a little bit of the unexpected.

Dj Schmuck-Yes, that's his REAL name not just his alias. He also provides as a good dance partner to the ladies when he's not on the 1's n 2's, but also puts on a show with his girlfriend when they swing dance to hip hop.

DJ Hyder-Joins us from AZ and now holdin' it down in CA. Hyder mixes it up with some hip hop favorites, along with some R&B love and dirty grime.

DJ Coby-Cobe-Isn't a resident but, graces Versatile on occassion, and when Coby is in the house you never know what the night will bring.

There are frequent guest dj's since the family is so large, you never know who'll come through!

2. The Vibe-Feeling comfortable and being somewhere where you can let your guard down, and just be yourself was always an important factor to me, at choosing where to spend your Friday Nights and where to spend your money. I guess that's why I frequent this place. Good vibes, great music, great staff, and a welcoming location!

Info:
What: Versatile
NO COVER/ 21 and Over
When: Every Friday Night 10pm-2am
Where: Memphis Cafe
2920 Bristol St.
Costa Mesa, CA. 92626

More Info about Memphis Cafe: http://memphiscafe.com/
More Info about Abstract Workshop Events: http://www.abstract-workshop.com/



So, now that you know...we'll be seein' ya!!

Support Independent Radio!

KUCI 88.9 FM

NO MAINSTREAM MUSIC!!!!!!
For those of you who are avid Music-Seeker-outers, or simply have an interest in hearing something different, and/or are a starving musician, or take pride in being a "trend seeker," Independent Radio is a great avenue to seek NEW and INTERESTING artists. Alas, there are currently no independently owned radio stations in the greater Los Angeles area, which is why this makes KUCI 88.9 FM so much greater!

KUCI is definitely a basest for priding itself on discovering underrepresented music and information. Never tolerating playing mainstream music, they are pioneers at discovering "the next band that needs to be heard."

What I love most about KUCI 88.9 FM is that they are, aside from being the voice of freedom for all independent music, as well as those who choose to express a different opinion; the history of KUCI was started as a pirated music station. So, they're history tells it all, and is what encourages expression of all kinds.

My first hands on experience with KUCI, aside from being an avid fan and listener of the station, was when I was befriended by J. Pulaski, who is the host of Innamissions, (one of the many radio programs that airs weekly on KUCI) which airs every Monday 8pm-10pm. Innamissions features a wide array of music revolving around, funk, soul, jazz, hip hop, reggae, and world beat, as well as periodic guest mixes.


Before becoming friends with J.P. all I knew of the station was that it was being broadcast from the UCI (University of California Irvine) campus, and thought that only attending students and faculty were the only ones that could help run the radio station. To my disbelief, and yet stimulating new information, I learned that the station is run by volunteer students AND community members. Not only was I fan, but I was interested in hosting my own radio program. I got right on it!

Volunteer Training...
The volunteer training is a quarter long, and includes hands on training on how to use the broadcasting equipment, info on FCC policies, how to create your own radio show, and even an internship on existing KUCI programs, as well as creating a demo CD to apply for your own program. There is no need to sign up, all you have to do is show up on the first day of class. The only cost is that there is a $10 fee, which covers the cost for the training manual. The length of the course is every other week, for 8 weeks, and about 1 hour long. You are only allowed to miss one class, since the training is so short, besides it would be pointless to miss anymore than 1 day of class. Also, one may look at this as a downfall but, I see it as more of an opportunity to work even more creatively, is that you are not guaranteed your own radio program after having completed the training. Nonetheless, if you are given your own show or not, it is still a great opportunity to be a part of an underground community, and be educated on what it entails to run a radio station. As well as, an opportunity to express yourself!

So, support your local independent radio by LISTENING and STAYING TUNED, LISTEN LIVE ONLINE or VOLUNTEER for TRAINING!

Links For more Information on KUCI 88.9 FM:
About KUCI (History, Training, Philosophy & Mission):
http://www.kuci.org/about.shtml#mission
Schedule of Programs: http://www.kuci.org/schedule.shtml
Home Page: http://www.kuci.org/index.shtml

More Info on Innamissions Radio Program:
http://www.innamissions.com/
http://www.myspace.com/jpulaski

Platinum Pied Pipers (A.K.A PPP) Abundance Mix Tape

Share the Wealth...

Another one of my new favorite groups is PPP...They just dropped their new album,"Abundance."

Check out the link below for a free download of an official Abundance Mix Tape as well as a mini bio on the group. The mix tape is only a teaser! Once you hear it, it will make you buy the album even more. They're signed onto Ubiquity Records, so you know that it's somethin' different for your ears!

Free Download: Abundance Mix Tape
http://www.freshselects.net/pppabundancemixtape

Janelle Monae-She's Dope!

Share the Wealth...
So, my first and foremost post is of this sick new singer/artist named Janelle Monae. I'll be posting a lot of these "share the wealth" postings. It will usually include a new singer, group, artist, food, you get the picture.