1,000,000 Hoodies March in NYC TODAY for Trayvon Martin...

Rock the hoodies today, wherever you are...

For all my NYC heads, I don't know where you are going to be today from 6pm-9pm, but I'll be in Union Square at the 1,000,000 Hoodies March for Trayvon Martin.

It's been plastered all over the internet and news channels. Towards the end of February, Trayvon was shot dead while walking home from a 7-11, in Florida. The shooter claimed it was in self-defense, yet through a slew of 911 call tapes that Trayvon's family pushed to be released, you can hear a different picture clearly depicted through the screams for help, voice of the shooter, and witness stories being told through neighboring 911 calls. Zimmerman, the shooter, has been walking around without arrest since the shooting happened. Now....the fight begins.

It's truly a tragedy. What has grown from Trayvon's story, is a frustrated movement of people looking for justice for this child.

Today, New York is standing up!! Starting at 6pm, we have the 1,000,000 Hoodies March going down in Union Square! Trayvon's family will be in attendance. All we ask are 2 things:

1. Show up wearing a hoodie.

2. If you cannot attend, wear a hoodie in your home town and snap a photos of it to circulate on Twitter and Facebook.

name a price. pick a subject. get a poem...

Meet Abigail Mott.

I met Abigail tonight while walking to the 4 train, at the Union Square Street Station in NYC. My favorite park and station in all of New York City, mainly due to the performances both outside and inside, and the cesspool of types of people that journey through it's underbelly. I've seen quite a few performances here, from dancers, to beatboxing, to folk singing, but tonight it was something rather silent that yelled so loud.

A young lady (Abigail) has a typewriter (love), a table and chair set up, and a sign. "Name a price. Pick a Subject. Get a poem." It doesn't matter the price. Follow directions and you are blessed with a unique piece of art based around whatever you ask her to create. Before long, a line forms and you're mesmorized by her typing keys, anxious to see what it is she has created for you.

"Can you create something about traveling the world," I asked.

"Ok."

(Abigail creating my poem)

About five minutes later, I was handed a piece of paper. I would have asked her to read it to me (a la 'Before Sunrise') but her line was already long enough. I left so fulfilled and I hadn't even read the poem yet.

I wanted something that could be dedicated to the Tribe. It reads:

'Murmuring through ancient hallways,

Cobble steps that echo

memorous feelings of THIS ManMade

CREATION

is IT

New Centuries Eclipse--

Fields, stones, nature in lushness

It sweeps by

in ceaseless wind

Fluttering new worlds in."

Abigail Mott

Jan 10, 2012

NYC

I love it. It immediately, upon reading, transported me back to Cambodia. Of all the places I've traveled, it took me right back to Ta Prohm, in the Angkor Wat Ruins, to this very photo.

The image I recollected was so vivid I couldn't shake it.

On the train a gentleman was sitting next to me. In oblivion, I was woken up by his words, "Sorry to be reading over your shoulder, but that poem is very beautiful."

I said thank you, and that slight introduction led to an indepth conversation about Abigail, my travels, and the purpose I intend to fulfill through Nomad•ness. Great guy. Greater conversation. I hope he checks out the website, and I hope you all check out Abigail.

Jetsetters Holiday Fiesta: Evie is hosting... Sat, Dec. 17th

The Jetsetters' Holiday Fiesta Saturday December 17 at FREE CANDY 10 PM 
905 Atlantic Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11238

Imagine if you could board a plane that stopped at 6 destinations around the world that you could visit with one ticket. In first class they serve top shelf cocktails and samples of international cuisines and there's a DJ spinning the best of music from around the world in the rear of the plane. This Saturday is your chance to experience this virtual trip around the world at a first of its kind holiday party for a cause! The event will promote awareness of the Passport Party Project and raise money for programs that provide passports to young people of color.

Event features include
• Wine tasting
• Beer Sampling
• International food tasting
• Glamour Passport Photos/Holiday Photo Booth
• Raffle prizes including a stay at Coconut Grove Hotel in Ghana!

RSVP: rsvp@brooklyntraveladdict.com
PURCHASE $10 EARLY BIRD TICKETS HERE --> http://www.eventbrite.com/event/2615860108
Dress: Impressive

Sounds by DJ S of Bkrepertoire
Hosted by Evita Robinson, Founder Nomad•ness Travel Tribe
Brought to you by BrooklynTravelAddict.com

tonight in the Chinese food spot...

In the midst of doing laundry that didn't get done this past weekend, due to being under the weather, the fat girl that lurks underneath this skin got a craving for an appetizer at the Chinese food spot on the corner. I live in the Bronx, so along with liquor stores and check cashing places, Chinese food spots are everywhere.

Tonight it was empty. Just me in there, waiting, listening to the Chinese being thrown around on the other side of the counter.

"Hello!!" resonated from the back.

I looked behind me to see who he was talking to...it was me.

"Oh, hello!" The five cooks behind the counter all looked at me and laughed. It's the most I've ever spoken to anyone who worked there. I stood there. Head resting on my folded hands, waiting for my food, but I couldn't help myself. Staring at the Chinese woman who manned the phones and register....

"What kind of Chinese are you speaking? Cantonese? Mandarin?" I asked.

She stopped and looked like she was waiting for me to insert the disrespectful racial joke here. Literally, she looked as though she was bracing for the insult.

"I ask because I lived in Asia. I went to Hong Kong. I lived in Japan for a year."

The remnants of a slight grin showed on her face. She relaxed and responded, "Oh really, Hong Kong is a beautiful city."

"Yes, it is."

I don't know if she is just going to brush it off as an occurance, but I really had a moment with her. I have walked into this Chinese food spot, and many others in NYC and seen people acting disrespectfully wreckless with these workers. Purposefully butchering their accent and the way they look, for laughs during their weed smoke filled, alcohol induced, or simply ignorance injected conversations.

Frankly,  it pisses me of.

I've seen the same with the Pakistani and Indian workers on my block at the Dunkin Donuts. No respect because they can't relate, and don't want to.

So yes tonight, at the Chinese food spot...I hope I let them know, at least one person in the neighborhood respects where they come from...

time to go get my laundry.

Evie's Nomad•ness Guest Spot on 'The Hangover Takeover' Radio...

Video streaming by Ustream
Video streaming by Ustream

Last night was amazing! Shouts out to the Nomad•ness Travel tribe member, Standby Gypsy,

and the crew on letting me come through the studio last night and having me as a guest on the 'Hangover Takeover' Radio show.

Everyone was a blast! I loved every moment and the hour completely flew by. If you didn't get a chance to check it out live, press play above and see what we were up to last night...

shattering an old man's dreams...

SCENE: DAY

Me at Hummus Place, on 7th Ave. South, waiting for Homeboy Sandman.

OLD MAN sitting at the table next to me, with his DAUGHTER.

DAUGHTER gets up to use the bathroom.

*****

OLD MAN: Are your earrings heavy?

ME: No.

OLD MAN: Well they're beautiful.

ME: Why, thank you.

OLD MAN: Are you a model?

ME: No.

OLD MAN: I've always wanted to meet a model. You could have humored me a bit.

ME: Oh, I'm sorry. You know what, you're right. I should have.

(Enter DAUGHTER)

OLD MAN: Enjoy your dinner.

ME: Thank you. Enjoy your night and I hope you see your model one day.

OLD MAN: I did. I saw you.

true story...

10 years later.... 9/11

This text was all I needed in life right now:

"Wow! So surprised!! Nice to talk to U!! Today is 9/11 (in Japan.) 10/23 Niigata earthquake... Let's move on... ARIGATO! LOVE" :: Mieko

Been watching 9/11 footage for the last number of hours. My brain needs a break. My emotions need some rest. Every victim, survivor, hero, witness, child without a parent, parent without a child...my heart and respect and thoughts are with you.

I've been living in the city for almost five years. It's officially a decade later, and though I was in an Arlington High School Math class watching it all unfold, I feel the city breathing.

Breathe in the positivity, and breathe out the pain...

This State Farm Commercial, directed by Spike Lee...is everything today

Fashion Night Out...two photographers, one booth

Last night was Fashion Night Out and I have to say, I was impressed. I don't know how it was uptown, but it was a damn spectacle in SoHo.

Everyone was everywhere. Stores were handing out free liquor and free snacks. Vince. had a candy bar that was to die for. It was pretty dope.

Started at Top Shop (of course) and met with Ali and Sheila. Then headed to Vince. to surprise the man behind the lense of @flylifeimages my friend, Pete. Vince. is where they even had a free photo booth set up when you could go in, and do what you do....so, Pete and I did. Two Photographers. One Booth. Sounds like the name of a porno somewhere.

I left the likes of Prince Street to attempt the Kardashian mob on Spring. I apparently saw the back of Khloe's head amonst the massive crowd that bled from DASH to MAC, two store fronts behind.

My night concluded, at EXPRESS, to support another friend, Nick Brown from MTV's The Real World Hollywood, on his appearance/interview. EXPRESS was rocking all night with America's Next Top Models.

All in all, an experience to tell the Grandkids one day, and a great precursor to Halloween...for sure.

Tokyo has risen...Hiro Ballroom NYC + Karmaloop TV + Pharrell

Pharrell Williams: Hiro Ballroomm NYC

Tonight was the night. I showed up, not sure if my name was on the list (which I'm still not sure I ever got confirmed) to catch the official screening of Pharrell's documentary on Tokyo's sub culture post the tsunami and nuclear reactor explosion on 3/11. 'Tokyo Rising' director, Thalia Mabros, pieced together the magic that was this thirty minute documentary. Invigorated, heavy with nostalgia, and on a networking high I watched the screen in front of me in awe.

Dumbfounded, as usual, by all that Tokyo has to offer and how unapologetic Japan is with its sense of style. So far out the box, it's hard to even encapsulate it in words.

The energy was well...New York. Networking proved to be priceless, and I was able to continue to spread the word on Nomad•ness Travel Series amongst people who really get it!

One day I'll really be able to go in and let you all know the details of tonight. Until then let the imagination wonder and I promise that the movement continues. Shouts out to Pharrell, Karmaloop TV, and Palladium Boots for putting this together.

 CHECK PART 1 BELOW and WATCH THE REST AT PALLADIUM BOOTS!

PS. Don't forget to 'Like' the Facebook Fanpage HERE. You guys rock!

business as usual...

Despite a lack of sleep, half a tree fallen on the garage part of the house, and a ful tree down about a block away, the neighborhood was business as usual. Most businesses were open and functioning well. No broken windows, crazy debris, or lives in jeopardy.

Not going to lie, the winds kept me in a state of awake semi-sleep last night, but I'm just grateful that everyone is ok. My thoughts are with everyone in the Southern States, and along the shorelines who really felt the wrath of Irene.

Business as usual I guess....back to transcribing, and even made a DRT•BG housecall this morning.

Stay safe y'all!

And PLEASE don't forget to 'Like' the Nomad•ness Facebook Fan page. Just scroll down a bit and the box is right here on the right hand side ------->

Along with editing this pilot, it's time to get these numbers up on the business side of things. Love you much and thank you!

hurricane hysteria...

From work, to news, to the streets, to strangers, it's all everyone is talking about in New York.

This damn Hurricane Irene...

It's official that the city is mandating all trains to be shut down as of 12pm tomorrow afternoon. Tomorrow morning will decide on whether or not there will be an entire evactuation of downtown Manhattan.

The entire city on lock down though?

I'll be honest, the last thing I remember doing that was 9/11. So to say, I'm interested and intrigued by all the different ways this can go down. There is a part of my personality that finds itself drawn to hysteria. Something primal about it.

All this hurricane talk reminds me of when I was living in Japan, and ended up at my friend Mariana's apartment during my first ever typhoon. It was cool to say you got through it, but there was a tingy of 'anti' to it's climax. So I'll pay attention, take precautions, and ride it out...

In the mean time enjoy some music. "Hurricane Ivory"

earthquakes in NYC...say word!

What is up with today??

Family drama, bullsh!t rumors of Will & Jada separating, and then an earthquake...in NYC?!

Guess I picked a good day to ditch the city for the Connecticut suburbs...

But really though....an earthquake in NYC.

Twitter and Facebook immediately turned not only from the best basis for information on the situation, but also the most entertaining piece of news out there. Big ups to social media for being on it and reliable during times of crisis...More so than any phone carrier on Earth, right now. 

Still my favorite status update: "PIMPPPP DOWN. EARTHQUAKE IN NYC. PIMP DOWNNNNNN!"

I can't with some of you...stay safe everyone.

"Wake Up" to Mr. Ivory Snow: Tonight on Rosenberg Radio NYC

Though I've never told him this to his face, and will even deny it after I press "Publish" on this blog, I put Ivory in the ranks of a budding Ryan Leslie prototype (and it's not just because he's tall and slim). Not only an emcee with apparent talent, and an infectious flow, he also has a knack for the production of his own work, and that of others. Including, and not limited to, the Nomad•ness webisode theme song, "Traveling Girl." You've definitely heard him before on this site.

At 21, there's something youthful, yet learned about Ivory. Not manipulated, or jaded by the non-sense that tends to be hip-hop these days, the regard he has for artists like J'Dilla, Anita Baker, Jay-Z, Ryan Leslie, Peter Hadar, Stevie Wonder, all the legends is infused in his music catalogue whether through sample, subject matter, or inspiration. Old soul.

I've known 'of' Ivory for about three years now, but I've known him personally for about a year. In that time he's impressed me enough with his style, and work ethic that not only have I become a fan, and supporter, but I even took the initiative to ask him if he'd join the Nomad•ness team as Music Director for the show. This coming after a studio session, in which he completely revamped the theme song, that I'll be debuting in the coming months. While I was working in the background on Story producing the pilot episode, I heard magic happen. What started off as a blank canvas, quickly morphed into a drum beat, a break down of vocals, a melody...and a track that I'm now obsessed with. I always say that music producers do with sounds, what filmmakers do with visuals. It's just two different forms of magic.

Fast forward to today...a huge accomplishment for this Connecticut native is in store.

Mr. Snow's track, "Wake Up" is a part of the compilation album, "The DocuTape Soundtrack". This particular track was produced and performed by him, and still stands as one of the most popular, and most purchased tracks on the entire album. Defintely worth an audio peep.

But tonight...WAKE UP WILL BE PLAYED FOR THE FIRST TIME ON NYC'S HOT 97.1 DURING PETER ROSENBERG'S SHOW 12a-2a!

I want everyone in the Tri-State area to tune in on the radio, and everyone elsewhere to tap into it online. Love it and purchase it!! It's all supporting artists on the come up! Evie certified.

CLICK HERE TO PREVIEW AND PURCHASE IVORY SNOW'S "WAKE UP" ON iTUNES!

the dude with the lens: Pete Monsanto

The first time I met Pete, it was through an Inbox message from my old school website, evitaspen.com.

At that time, I was a well known spoken word artist in the college circuit, and he was a stranger to me who felt the need to spin a male version of one of my signature pieces, "I Have..." This was circa 2003. 

I read the piece on my computer and was equal parts "I have to meet this dude..." and "Who does he think he is sending this to me?" Needless to say, it got my attention. Pete's got a knack for thinking outside the box. 

Stepping outside the online veil, I found out that his sister attended my school, and he'd seen me perform a number of times. The performances compelled him enough to rewrite my sh!t. Thus, our friendship started.

A few years back, Pete divulged in me his blossoming love for photography. He'd always been a sneaker head (take him to Dunk Detox) and a hip-hop junkie, so him bridging his two loves was inevitable.

He had those preliminary jitters, and I was on my Nike steeze, telling the dude to 'Just Do It!' He did. And through some of the most horrendous ups and downs in his personal life, he kept doing it and...doing it well. 

To the point where he is now noted as the go-to photog in the industry, and the Official Def Jam photographer, in his most recent interview with www.respect-mag.com. Through the storms, you have to keep the seeds planted. I'm proud of Pete in more ways than one. Check out the interview link below and show support. 

Photo by Pete Monsanto

CHECK THE INTERVIEW WITH RESPECT MAG HERE!

PS. Another reason I adore Pete...I call to congratulate him on the interview and he utters:

"I'm trying make enough money to just bounce to Europe with Evie for like 9 months!"

Love this dude. 

PETE'S TUMBLR

letter to Homeboy Sandman, signing with Stones Throw Records...

Homeboy Sandman- "Calm Tornado"

It's hard for me to write this piece objectively because I'm writing about not only someone I garner inspiration from, but also a friend. 'Homeboy Sandman' has been a part of this site's tag cloud for years now. Whether it was shooting him for the piece Okayplayer ran on him, or attending a show and watch him rip it like he always does...he's always been a light, from the first day we met.

I woke up to a Twitter message from the homie Jason, stating "Homeboy Sandman got signed ;)!"

I smiled. First thing I read waking up. This didn't completely surprise me, as I was just politicking with him a couple weeks ago, during which it was relayed to me that something was in the works.

Homeboy Sandman (and it's killing me not to use his gov't name, which I refer to him as) is one of the most confident, yet humble dudes I have ever met. A loyal fan base, and what I think they love about him, is what I've always admired: that he's tangible. You can catch him on the train, and always find him in a pair of sweat pants and kicks. Never one for trying to keep up appearences, you always just got...him.

As an admirer of his art, and a friend, my most heartfelt congratulations to Homeboy Sandman on getting signed with Stone Throw Records. You're already a legend, it's just time for the world to find out!

-Evie

One of my favorites off the most recently released album The Good Son. "Yeah, But I can Rhyme Though". Of any album he's dropped, this is ultimately one of my favorite tracks period...Knowing him, I know that he has heard every SINGLE thing that he wrote about in this song. It's the most eloquent 'fuck you' I've heard an emcee create in a long time. 

recap Domo Arigato Festival...sugoi!

Raye6Mio and I

DRT•BG First vendor experience at Domo Arigato...

I would like to deem the Domo Arigato Japan Fundraiser a success!

Yesterday was amazing. The Community Garden in the South Bronx was graced with performers, live art, hip-hop music, and dancers. Fundraising all in the name of helping raise money for Japan.

DRT•BGs had their first ever vendor experience, which was so much fun. The neighborhood got their first taste of the movement and it was so crucial to begin the process of spreading the word, face to face to the community. I had an amazing time. The feeling of nostalgia that I got was overwhelming. I miss Japan dearly. Between watching the female Japanese  hip-hop dancers, and sharing stories with performers who lived or visited Japan, there was a common bond wrapped around Nippon. It was undeniable.

Shouts to the lovely, talented Trezure Empire for the invite, Raye 6 for her performance and rocking a Kryptonite Canvas DRT•BG, and Mio Soul for shutting it down with her singing and rappng in Japanese and English. Uber amounts of talent were in that garden. Sugoi.

DRT•BGs in Domo Arigato Festival this Saturday...Bronx, NYC

Happening just a little faster that I expected, the Univere answered another call, and this is to get my DRT•BGs moving in the community, along with the story of Nomad•ness travel series. I always envisioned me talking to people in my neighborhood and making them aware of the movement...well it starts up Saturday at the Domo Arigato Festival.

This festival is a Japan Relief fundraiser! As we know, I lived in Niigata, Japan for a year and it is a place I hold near and dear to my heart. I miss it dearly. With that said, having the opportunity to not only promote my experience there, but also raise funds for their benefit, I'm there. No questions asked.

In lieu of it being festival number ICHI ('1' in Japanese), I'm running a sale on the bags. If you come to the festival,

ALL CANVAS BAGS ARE $15. ALL BOOKBAGS are $30.

So it's definitely worth it to come out and support the movement! Keep me company! Let's talk Japan, and New York, and life!

I can't wait to see you all there. There will be performers, including previous Nomad•ness Gal: Trezure Empire.  Come Support and get your bag!

College Park Community Garden presents...
"Domo arigato" Japan Appreciation Festival

With performances by:
Bronx Über Villain
Cavalier/
Emjae,
EYE2025*
Green Street
MeccaGodzilla
MioSOUL
Raye6
TreZure Empire

Hosted by: TastyKeish

Japanese dancers:
GAIYA of Block 3 Addiction and Hip Hop Dancers Rei, Rie and Natsuki

Live Art by Ignite Designs & John Smalls

Special guest performer: Spaceman.

Saturday Aug 6th / *rain date Sunday Aug 7th
2pm - 8 pm *Live performances begin at 4PM

Fun, Music & Activities for all ages

1420 College Ave btw 170st and 171st
Bronx, N.Y. 10457

Donation: $5.00 to support victims of the japan earthquake
via the Japan Society

For Updates : http://domoarigatofund.tum​blr.com/

DRT•BG spotting: NYC

Shouts out to Ron and Soky for the photo! We have a DRT•BG Berry Bookbag spotting! Soky rocking her purchase.

I appreciate the support you guys and gals. Keep the photos coming!

GET YOURS HERE!

a Saturday of 1sts...

This past Saturday was 1st Saturdays at the Brooklyn Museum, and it was amazing!

I was all for the kick off to the July 4th weekend, and once I found out the DJs from my favorite Friday night party in NYC (FREEDOM PARTY @ Le Poisson Rouge) were spinning...I was in there like swimwear.

It was an amazing time. I finally got to pop the 1st Saturdays cherry of a few friends. Jason, Ivory, and even Australia's own stylist Chip was in the house. It felt so good to be around good people, great music, and positive energy.

I wasn't expecting to run into so many Nomad•ness supporters. Spotted through the crowd by my DRT•BG it was really all love and I adore you ladies. Fabianna, you are amazing. Trezure, as always I love catching up with you. Liz...even Nelson was in the house. Great times had by all.

Jason and Chip

The gorgeous Fabianna and I

The talented Ivory Snow, Chip, and I.

Rob Base Perfoming LIVE in Middletown, NY

Blue York City Management is doing it big again!

This weekend, for all my Upstate NY heads, you can see the hip hop pioneer himself, Rob Base perform live at Middletown's own 'Blue Martini'!

Not to be missed! Tickets are only $20!

This is the best event to hit Middletown in awhile. I can say that being an Upstate gal myself. :) You know I love and advocate old school music, so I encourage you all to treat yourself. Ladies, roll through and bring a friend or two. Enjoy a night out!

For advanced tickets, contact Blue at 917-217-6440.

Blue Martini

14 Crystal Run Crossing

Middletown, NY 10941

Doors open at 10pm, Showtime at midnight.

21+