July 9th, 2009

A.R.O.M.A.

"A Rhythmic Organic Musical Affair"

presents:

MI CUBA

Hosted by Anika Tene and World Fusion Chicago

DJ's: Shannon Harris & Joe Bryl

w/guest Cuban DJ Enrique Rodriguez

Live percussion by Jim Bruno

Live VJ performance by Galina Shevchenko

Fashion show directed by Agnieszka Kulon featuring Solemates...Chicago

Doors open 9pm - 2am

$5 Cover (Free before 10PM with RSVP to aroma2009@gmail.com)


Drink Specials:

HAITIAN CARNAVAL ($5): A taste of the tropics - Sailor Jerry Rum, triple sec, velvet falernum and lime juice. Shaken and served up.

BRAZILIANCE ($8): A twist on the classic Mojito - Muddled fresh mint, Maker's Mark Bourbon, sugar and lime juice on ice.

COCOCABANA ($8): Sun-kissed sweetness in a glass - Coconut Rum, splash of Amaretto, Grenadine, pineapple juice with an orange slice

PACIFICO BEER ($3)


(a-ro'ma) - n: a pervasive characteristic or quality.


Cuba's musical innovations arose from the transculturation between African slaves settled on large sugar plantations and Spanish Canary Islanders who grew tobacco on small farms. The most important instruments in Cuban music were the drums, of which there were originally about fifty different types; today only the bongos, congas and batá drums are regularly seen including the timbales which was a descendant from kettle drums in Spanish military bands. Cajons, wooden boxes made from fish crates in Matanzas or fruit boxes in Oriente, and the claves, two short hardwood staves were just as instrumental to the music after the banning of drums in Cuba. African-origin religious ceremonies were also a huge influence and practice within Cuban musical culture ranging from Yoruba, Lucumí, Santeria, and Palo. Cuban music consist of a vast amount of genre’s to name a few: Bolero, Chachachá, Charanga, Conga, Contradanza, Danzón, Filín, Guajira, Guaracha, Habanera, Mambo, Nueva trova, Rumba, Salsa Cuban, Son Cubano, Timba, and Trova.


This month A.R.O.M.A. will feature Cuban inspired rhythms by Dj Enrique Rodriguez along with resident world music collectors Shannon Harris and Joe Bryl. Fashion show directed by Agnieszka Kulon featuring the Solemates...Chicago mens line. Vegan cuisine by world renowned chef Lauren Von Der Pool. Live Vj performance by Galina Shevchenko.


Shannon Harris:

A born native of Chicago, Shannon Harris has programmed music for the public for over 24 years starting off as a local DJ and later on becoming a radio personality and producer. He has toured as a DJ across 4 continents worldwide. Since the past 10 years Shannon has focused on extending his expression within the music industry with personal song compositions and productions. He started his label “Urbanicity” in 1999 featuring some of Chicago’s greatest talents. His resume includes working on projects with Corey Wilkes, Avery R. Young, Will Kurk, Sean Wallace, Frankie Valentine, Anthony Nicholson, and also being featured on a remix project with producers Larry Heard, Ron Trent, Quentin Harris, IG Culture and John Ciafone. He believes in bringing his vision into reality no matter the expense and/or time spent on a project. “The end result is what matters” states Harris. Look out for his work on Urbanicity and other labels in the near future.

Joe Bryl:

DJ Joe Bryl was once named by the Chicago Tribune as Chicago's "Most Interesting DJ.” He has been working in the club and entertainment industry for the last 20 years and was an original partner in the creation of HotHouse. A true pioneer continuing to push the international sounds as a DJ, he is also the artistic director for Sonotheque where he presents internationally renowned DJs. He holds the monthly "Braziliance" residency at Sonotheque which showcases the best in Brazilian beats, soulful Samba anfd funky favela. He has opened up for Seu Jorge at Millenium Park and has curated film events at The Chicago Cultural Center. He has also opened up for Os Mutantes at the Metro. He has also DJ'ed with the people as diverse as Madlib. Tetine, Greyboy, Giles Peterson, Kyoto Jazz Massive, Peanut Butter Wolf, Bonobo and Diplo. He recently was listed as one of the top 45 people who rock Chicago's music world by NewCity.

Solemates…Chicago:

Established December 2006, Solemates...Chicago is the creation of the young, husband and wife team, Brian and Autumn Merritt. The Chicago-bred couple created this nostalgic men’s and women’s clothing boutique and sneaker consignment to fill a void in street culture representation in the Windy City. Solemates...Chicago features products that enhance the lifestyle of those trendsetting, fashion-forward, city-dwellers who have an innate sense of style and individuality. Carrying the perfect mix of new and vintage finds: clothing, shoes, accessories and books, the boutique presents it in a raw, yet sleek form for customers to enjoy and indulge. Serving as the Chicago concept shop for The Brooklyn Circus-”the illest men’s boutique in Brooklyn" Solemates…Chicago justly stamps themselves as true aficionados of “authentic” style and culture. In an industry full of followers, they are not just rising as leaders, but as innovators. For Solemates x BKC, there is no box to think outside of "the Customer". The Solemates...Chicago customer is a fashion-forward individual who does not adapt to trends, but unconsciously creates them. They seek to enhance their own style, which is heavily inspired by and transcends all aspects of street culture… music, art, fashion, etc.

Galina Shevchenko:

Galina Shevchenko, a Moscow born Chicago based video artist works across the mediums of live video performance, animation, and video installation. Galina has performed live video at numerous venues around Chicago including Rodan, Smart Bar, Sonotheque, and the Museum of Contemporary Art. Her art videos have been featured at contemporary video festivals in New York, Berlin and Moscow. Her most recent work took the second prize at the Media ART LAB segment of the Moscow International Film Festival. She is a member of Chicago based short films collective Group312Films and Collaboraction theatre company. Galina’s art work is represented by Moka Gallery in Chicago.


Sponsored by:

Urbanicity
http://djshannonharris.com

Fashion and Photography Imagery
http://kreatia.com

Solemates...Chicago
http://solemateschicago.com

World Fusion Chicago
http://worldfusionchicago.com/

Zhone Media
http://zhonemedia.com

Swank Society
http://swanksociety.com


A.R.O.M.A. Online

http://myspace.com/aroma2009
http://facebook.com/people/Aroma-Sono...