BrentCrampton.com

loom's 6-Year Anniversary w/DJ Spinna tomorrow

Presented by Red Bull Music Academy 
loom's 6-Year Anniversary w/special guest DJ SPINNA (NYC/Wonderwax/BBE)

---------------------------
March 1, 9pm-2am 
House of Loom, 1012 S. 10 St., Omaha NE
21+ / $5 or Free before 10:30 w/RSVP to info@houseofloom.com
---------------------------

In celebration of our anniversary, we're giving back to YOU! 
Only $5 or FREE before 10:30 pm w/RSVP to info@houseofloom.com for a show that surely should be a $10 cover.

Opening and closing sets from loom resident DJs

---------DJ Spinna Bio---------

DJ Spinna is an anomaly in music. From his roots in funk, soul, jazz to his foundation in hip-hop, all the while with is eye to the future on electronic and dance music, Spinna has succeeded in multiple fields. 

Ask an old school hip-hop head and they'll say he was a cornerstone of hip-hop's late 90's indie-uprise. Everyone from Mos Def, Talib Kweli to Pharaohe Monch boasted Spinna beats to prove their worth to the scene. Ask a house head and they'll instantly have memories of singing his monumental version of Shawn Escoffery's "Day's Like This," or enjoying his releases on UK's BBE or his own label, Wonderwax. Lovers of soul and pop know him for his work with Goapele & Les Nubians, his reworkings of Roy Ayers, Michael Jackson or his famous Steve Wonder inspired WONDER-Full DJ performances. 

Its true that there are other likeminded DJ/Producers in the world comparable to DJ Spinna, but for the most part, they choose a genre and master it. Ask them to flip another variety with the same intense knowledge and sleek-savvy and you’ll be hard pressed to find someone that’ll do it to Spinna’s extent.

http://djspinna.com/

---------Red Bull Music Academy---------

This night is recorded for Red Bull Music Academy Radio / RBMARadio.com
The Red Bull Music Academy 2012 will be held in New York City, September 30 through November 2. Music makers, vocalists and DJs are invited to apply from February 2 to April 2.
www.redbullmusicacademy.com
Twitter: @RBMA #RBMA2012

䷀䷀䷀䷀ More info ䷀䷀䷀䷀
http://www.facebook.com/groups/loomweaves
http://www.facebook.com/houseofloom
http://www.houseofloom.com/mailing-list
http://twitter.com/#!/thehouseofloom

New Vision & Direction for loom

The event series that started it all known as "loom" is coming up on its 6-year anniversary in March. Much has changed in those six years. What started out as a humble party meant to bring together 50 of our closest friends on the dance floor has since brought together thousands from Omaha and beyond over the course of our history. And in that time, we've been blessed enough to have loom garner enough attention and momentum to be able to open up our own venue known as House of Loom.

With the anniversary around the corner and given the context that the event series "loom" now has a permanent home at House of Loom (and let me be very clear that "loom" and House of Loom are connected but separate entities), I've been giving much thought to what the next evolution of loom is. Over the next year, we'll be implementing new ideas, new direction and expanded programming that will change the face of what we've come to know as loom. I'll list what that is below ...

First off, the first-Thursday model we've mostly abided by over the years is no longer relevant. loom has gone onto become multi-generational. Our base of supporters range from 21-year-olds all the way up to loyal patrons in their 50's. We want to be accessible to everyone, not just the 20-somethings that don't have to be up at 8 am the next day. You'll still see occasional Thursday events when it makes sense, but for the most part, we're moving the party to the weekend.

Second, we'll be amping up our production, performances and decor to make sure that the celebration stands out from everything else we do here at House of Loom. While we host, organize and have promoters hold all kinds of events at our venue, we believe the "loom" events at House of Loom are the heart and soul of the venue. It's our chance to show our core values and give a core experience of what we're about.

Third, and the most important part of this message: Now that we have our own home and we're not confined by a one-night only dance floor, we're expanding our programming. When we're able to, we won't just be throwing a "dance party," but rather packaging a series of events that build awareness, appreciation and understanding of a specific culture or era. The February edition of loom represents that transformation. While we have our annual dance celebration known as "loom Weaves Brasil's Carnaval" on Feb. 18th, we'll have three events leading up to that where people will learn about Brazilian music, drums, dance, liquors and cinema. So by the time the big dance celebration hits, people will have been given an opportunity to experience the theme of the party in a variety of ways.

This is a very significant step. Our social theory is based on using music, education, performance and art for social progress. And now in a way that's never been more fully actualized than this—we'll be living out our mission.

Here's info on the 4-part Brazilian series:
1. Soup n Cinema celebrates Brazilian Film - Feb. 8 / 6-9 pm
Facebook / HoL Website

2. Music & Rhythm of Brazil - Feb. 12 / 3-7 pm
Facebook / HoL Website

3. Spirits of Brazil - Feb 15 / 7-10 pm
Facebook / HoL Website

4. loom Weaves Brasil's Carnaval - Feb 18 / 8 pm-2 am
Facebook / HoL Website

And before I end this, there's a fourth element I'm tossing around with our team at the moment. If we go through with it, we'll have mapped out the next six years and beyond via "loom" becoming a non-profit. But it's too soon to say anything more on that.

Until the next time, Jay Kline, Ethan Bondelid and I can't express enough how grateful we are. Speaking for myself—to be able to take a spark of an idea and with the community of Omaha and close friends—turn my passion and dream into a career ... So grateful to be in this position.

- loom Co-founder, Brent Crampton

Tomorrow: NYE Mayan Calendar Countdown

House of Loom presents ...
䷀䷀䷀䷀ New Years Eve Mayan Calendar Countdown ䷀䷀䷀䷀

/ Ritualistic / Tribalistic / Apocalyptic / Seductive / Jungle Strewn / Mist Covered / 

The Mayan calendar was created over 4,000 years ago. And now, 2012 marks the last year of that calendar, making this the last new years eve of the cycle. 

Join us as we transform the House of Loom into a seductive, tribal and mist covered jungle. Ritualistic performances by Flowpulse set the tone. Live drums emanate behind DJs Brent Crampton, Stephen Bils & Kethro as the dance floor pulsates in anticipation. And an explosive countdown will begin the last days of the Mayan calendar. 

House of Loom is the only NYE dance party in Omaha with a fully stocked craft beer & craft cocktail bar. Enjoy a NYE speciality menu with Mayan-inspired drinks, a whole host of champagne concoctions plus a complimentary champagne toast at midnight with early evening appetizers. To handle the crowd, we're setting up an extended satellite bar in the lounge with two bartenders for well cocktails and bottled beers. Or if you prefer, we have limited table reservations that come with bottle service in our lounge. 

When the calendar ends, will the cycle begin again, or will we evolve? Will an apocalyptic pole shift occur, or will life go on as if nothing happened? Regardless, we better make this NYE count. 

䷀䷀Doors open & the ritual begins @ 8 pm / 21+ / $15 General Admission 
䷀䷀Limited Table Reservations / Contact 402.452.7231
䷀䷀Pre-sale tickets available 12.14.2011 at House of Loom

䷀䷀䷀䷀ More Info ䷀䷀䷀䷀
http://www.facebook.com/houseofloom
http://www.houseofloom.com/mailing-list
https://twitter.com/#!/thehouseofloom

loom Weaves the Balkans 12.1.2011

** FREE entry before 11pm w/RSVP to info@houseofloom.com ** 

⏏ loom - Weaving the Social Fabric Through Dance ⏏
// Music selections from Brent Crampton
/// Community dances hosted by Ætherplough

With loom's signature contemporary and multiculturalism twist, we focus our inspiration this month on the southeastern region of Europe known as the Balkans. From giant gypsy-fied blasts of rhythmic brass & pattering drums, this is hands-in-the-air and chaotic catalyst dance floor music. We'll explore electronic infused Balkan brass, Gypsy swing, instrumental Klezmer with hints of traditional elements, remixed classics and whole new interpretations of the music. And since the Balkan region was a crossroads between the Western World and Asia, you'll hear a whole multicultural melting pot of progressive rhythms combining new and old. 

⏏ Hosts Jay "rhythmSOULdier" Kline, Ætherplough, Nele Sudar ⏏

$5 entry or FREE before 11pm w/RSVP to info@houseofloom.com
9pm-2am / 21+ / 505.5494 for Table Reservations / 1012 S 10 St

⏏ Stay connected . . . ⏏
House of Loom page:
http://www.facebook.com/houseofloom
House of Loom e-newsletter:
http://www.houseofloom.com/mailing-list

loom Weaves Fela Oct 15 @ House of Loom

█▓▒░ HoL FB Page: http://www.facebook.com/houseofloom ░▒▓█

⏏ loom - Weaving the Social Fabric Through Dance ⏏
+ loom on a SATURDAY night with a born-day tribute to Fela Kuti
++ Special guest Brent Tactic w/Brent Crampton & Kethro
+++ Complimentary Nigerian cuisine by Sholiz African Restaurant

1012 S. 10 St / 9 pm-2 am / 21+

**FREE entry before 11 pm with RSVP to info@houseofloom.com / $5 all others**

Since the loom co-founders will both be out of the country on the first-Thursday of the month, we're doing a special Saturday night loom on October 15th. And since it falls on the born-day of the great Fela Anikulapo Kuti, we decided a tribute to the father of Afrobeat was in proper order.

On this journey of Afrobeat, Afrohouse and West African rhythms, we're joined by one of Kansas City's most dynamic and crowd rousing DJs, Brent Tactic.

⏏ Hosted by Jay "rhythmSOULdier" Kline ⏏

⏏ Stay connected . . . ⏏
House of Loom page:
http://www.facebook.com/houseofloom
House of Loom e-newsletter:
http://www.houseofloom.com/mailing-list

loom Weaves Joslyn Sculpture Garden September 17

***Rain Change: Moving it inside to the Joslyn Fount Court!***
(Entrance directly West of Joslyn Sculpture Garden)

█▓▒░ FREE + ALL AGES + ALL DAY + CASH Bar ░▒▓█
//// loom's annual multicultural festival ////
+If it rains, we'll move inside to the Joslyn Fountain Court

⏏ The spontaneous multicultural festival atmosphere features music and dance, body painting, live art, yoga, dance performances and a variety of other artful expressions.

loom’s annual multicultural outdoor festival has not only traditionally brought in a wide spectrum of artists and performers, but a wide cross section of people, weaving the diversity that lives within Omaha.

Food may be purchased outside at Joslyn's grill until 8 pm; CASH bar available 'til 11 p.m.. Please, no outside alcohol. Museum docents will be on hand to conduct guided tours.

⏏⏏⏏⏏ Line-up ⏏⏏⏏⏏
+ 2-3 pm: Yoga On The Green led by DancinYogi / bring mats

+ 3:30 pm: La Fuerza / 5 Omaha South Magnet School dancers

+ 3:45 pm: Ballet Folklorico Xiotal de Omaha / Traditional Mexican Folk dancing

+ 4 pm: The Basement Beats Dance Team / 5-14 year-olds via jazz/dance team style

+ 4:05 pm: UNO's The Moving Company presents the Saturday Scholarship Dancers / 5th & 6th Grade Student Dancers

+ 4:15 pm: Lotus Dancers / Middle Eastern Belly Dancing

+ 4:30 pm: Exotik Republik / Omaha's only African band

+ 6 pm: DJ Stephen Bils / loom resident

+ 6:30 pm: Transit Crew, True X & O.N.E. / Breakers Dancers & Poppers

+ 7 pm: Midtown Marauders

+ 7:30 pm: DJ Kethro / loom resident

+ 8 pm: DJ Brent Crampton w/violin by Kaitlyn Maria Fillipini

+ 9 pm: DJ AQBT / From NYC of Get Open Sessions

+ 10 pm: DJ Sabine / From NYC of Oya Sound

█▓▒░ Post celebration to be held at House of Loom 11 pm - 2 am! ░▒▓█
1012 S. 10 St. / 21+ / No Cover / Encore sets from our NYC guest DJs
http://www.facebook.com/houseofloom

+ Booths at Joslyn: Project Interfaith, Dance Your Prayers, The Basement Dance Studio, Nerdtron, inCommon, YMBK, Esoteric Velvet, Sexytogolais, NextAid, loom
+ live art, body painting, hoop jam & more!

⏏⏏ Hosted by Jay "rhythmSOULdier" Kline, the loom crew, Dance Your Prayers, aetherplough, Nerdtron, Omahoop, Bella Domenica

1st loom @ House of Loom Thursday

Tomorrow marks an amazing day. From the humble beginnings 5 years ago of a dance celebration that just wanted to get 50 of its closest friends together, to now having a permanent space that the entire community of Omaha & beyond can enjoy 5-days a week ...

House of Loom will house many events spanning music, art, performance and education, but loom, as in the dance celebration, is the SOUL of this place.

Please join us tomorrow (Thursday) in inviting that soul of expression, diversity, creativity, love & release! And in inviting back a special guest DJ who's been on a world tour, DJ Ala. Download his live mix from his stop in Ibiza here:
http://diveradio.com/audio/DJALA_LiveFromIbiza_070911.mp3

RSVP here if you have not done so ...
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=168056109930462
Ladies in for free until 10:30.

Much love and thank you for the making this happen ...
- loom co-founder Brent Crampton

House of Loom Open!

Oh, been a bit busy lately opening up a music & art venue. But we're open for business and you must check us out this weekend.

Dig us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/houseofloom

And join our newsletter: http://www.houseofloom.com/mailing-list

And here's a bit on the endeavor ...

House of Loom serves culture, community & libations. We're a hybrid nightclub & bar concept founded on the momentum & social theory developed during 5-years of dance parties & traveling events called "loom: Weaving the Social Fabric Through Dance."

The loom social theory says that by creating socially conscious dance, music, art & educational programs, we'll in turn create community and promote social progress. From DJ-led dance parties, interesting & diverse live musicians, visual & performing art, along with providing a forum to discuss & learn about social issues within our community, House of Loom at its core is an artful social experiment.

Our bar will offer a tailored selection of beers, craft cocktails, wines, whiskeys and absinthe. We'll host regular tastings to highlight our more unique beverages to celebrate the soulful and romantic side of a good drink.

House of Loom is a space where expression, integration and inspiration will be a regular occurrence.

Rhythm @ Side Door June 17

All vinyl deep house selections circa 2005 and before via
DJs Brent Crampton & Dr Zhivago
no cover / 21+

Getting back to the roots of where these DJs started out, Rhythm is a night dedicated to the deeper sounds of house music from a yester-decade era. Amidst all the digital media, laptops and accolades of new technology pouring out, this will be a raw selection from the vaults of treasured vinyl record collections.

"Rhythm: Spiritual Music for the People," as it was originally known, was previously a weekly deep house event circa 2004-2005 with residents Dr Zhivago & Brent Crampton. Crampton, along with Jay Kline, consider Rhythm to have been the precursor to what became known as loom. On this night, we ask that you join us in paying homage to the era.

Gigs this Weekend

Friday

Bemis Underground $100 Art Sale / 7-9 pm / 724 South 10 St.

Roja Grill Old Market Patio Session / 10 pm - 2 am / 1212 Harney St.

Saturday

Sake Bombers / 9:30 pm - 1:30 am / 12th & Howard

Sunday

Yoga Rocks The Park / 3:30-5:30 pm / Midtown Crossing @ Turner Park 3110 Farnam Street

Miami Gunk w/Heartbreak / 9 pm - 2 am / Waiting Room 6212 Maple St.

Memorial Weekend Events + More

Gunkglasses At Night | May 26 | Waiting Room
Gunk is back. This time with guest Oh Snapp!!

Demetri's Bday | May 27 | Bar 415
You gotta give it to 415. They've stuck with dance music all these years, thanks to Demetri. So now the owner of the establishment will be celebrating his bday with James Ehrman & Myth at the decks.

Nerdtron Vs The World | May 28 | Comfort Inn & Suites
These Nerdtron people don't rest! Here's another all-day, all ages extravaganza with a Scott Pilgrim vs The World theme.

Primus Afterparty | May 28 | Waiting Room
Inflect & Somasphere will be rocking Waiting Room after Benson's street party with headliner Primus.

Zach Schmieder Bday | May 28 | The Sydney
If you've hung around downtown or in Benson at any music spot, you know this guy. Well, he's moving to Austin and this is his last bday party in Omaha with DJs Kobrakyle & Masaris.

Old Skool Underground Entertainment Industry Company Party Adult Playground | May 28-30 | River West Park
Other than the longest event name I've ever seen, this new party crew has a hugely ambitious line-up of bands, MCs, DJs & more. Looks like a whole heap of messy fun!

loom Weaves España - One Last Time | June 2 | España
loom's putting an end to the España era before it moves onto it's own venue, house of loom. Read all about that here.

Kids At The Bar | June 4 | Nomad Lounge
These Oklahoma City-ites are bad ass electro hipsters. Opening DJs, Masaris & Wrekafekt.

SCION Presents: The Dim Mak Pickle Patch Tour | June 15 | Nomad Lounge
Masaris is keeping Omaha busy, bringing in four artists from Steve Aoki's label, including Autoerotique, PeaceTreaty, Ali Love and New Ivory.

Fresh | June 24 | Waiting Room
This is DJ (R)Con's event concept intended to gather up all aspect's of Omaha's hip hop culture. Breakers, taggers, emcees, producers, DJs & beyond.

loom Yearbook: Free Digital Download

As a tribute to our time with España, I put together a "yearbook" (thanks for the idea, Julia!) chock full of pics from 5-years of celebrations.

We'll be handing out 40 hard copies for free to first comers at our final loom at Espanña June 2nd, but if you'd like to take matters into your own hands, you can download a digital copy of the yearbook right now and/or purchase a hard copy at cost.

Free download/hard copy purchase here.

And in case you missed the news, read all about loom's transition here.

 

DJDD: Old Skool Underground Dandies

Originally published on HearNebraska.org.

//// Old Skool Underground, Say What? ////

One night while sitting in the dark shadows inside the Studio...Gallery, a zany and smile-ready man with a plastic bottle of whiskey and a neon colored top hat reminiscent of Cat In The Hat invited me a party. He only handed a generic business card with the title of Old Skool Underground, his personal penmanship with a date of the event and a URL address suggesting I go online to find all the info.

Turns out Old Skool Underground is a new party crew in Omaha. They put that event together in a matter of two weeks, which ended up garnering 350 in attendance according to Coe.

"That gave us the motivation and confidence to put this weekend's events together," said one of the crews founders, Ryan Coe.

Coe, who also runs a rental DJ service for weddings & school dances called 360 Entertainment, has put together a 3-day Memorial Day festival this weekend. The Old Skool Underground's group "of about 15 or 20" has put together an ambitious schedule of 30 live acts and 24 DJs.

"The thought process behind the whole thing is to try to unify Omaha as much as we can," said Bob Woodworth, one of the organizers responsible for the online content. "Other than Ryan, we're all just average Joe Shmoe's just doing this for fun and we'd like to establish ourselves as a promotional force in Omaha to bring everybody together."

While I wasn't at the debut event from the crew, I could tell that there's definitely nostalgia for the rave era with them. The name "Old Skool Underground" gave one clue. The other was their logo; a yellow smiley face. That symbol became the emblem of the late 80's acid house era in the UK and later adapted as a symbol to represent rave culture as a whole.

There definitely was something special about the rave era in context to what Woodworth said. Back in those days, you'd see a vast cross section of people all under one roof. I remember a particular night at the Armory (the Army Reserves gym where they had a series of raves) that in one panoramic view, I saw b-boys, candy kids, punk rockers, jocks & a drag queen with a elegant chandelier on his head.

"We used to travel around the Midwest together, going to different parties (raves) every week," said Coe. "You would see someone from KC and they would roll 50 deep and we'd do the same in their city."

"Back in the days of the early to late 90's, people got together for music and just the sake of partying together," said Coe. "Today when you go out to bars, people only support their own little group."

And he's right. It's a common problem that can only be described as cultural entropy. When a music scene is burgeoning from its inception, there's little distinction between genre boundaries. As time progresses, journalists dissect and compartmentalize the music, people associate certain trends or behaviors to certain elements of the music all while becoming more discerning to their particular tastes. Next thing you know, a new subculture is born and separation occurs. For better or for worse, this process is all to natural to our cultural habits. The fact that Omaha has so many different "scenes" now is only a testament to the fact that our city is growing and evolving. And from the scattered ashes of cultural separation inevitably arises a voice calling everyone back together.

"One night a group of us got together and just discussed the idea of doing events that would bring all different kinds of music together," said Coe. "The Omaha scene has so many amazing artists and performers, but everybody is separated."

The Old Skool Underground isn't an original idea, but it's certainly a necessary one. You can check out the scene mixer this weekend at the River West Park grounds. Be prepared for a chockfull array of talent and activities. Check out the full schedule at oldskoolunderground.com.

//// house of loom ////

Speaking of scene mixers, in case you missed the news, I announced last week that loom is going to have its own permanent, 5-day-a-week venue starting this July. That means June 2nd is the final loom at España. For the occasion, I put together a "yearbook" tribute to the España era that can be downloaded for free here. We'll also hand out 40 hard copies at the event.

In a nut shell, two parts of house of loom will be a lounge & nightclub concept with an emphasis on DJ-led events & occasional bands. In tandem with that, one part will be dedicated to visual & performing art and one part will be in creating something similar to what you might call a community center, but redefining that term with an edgy and progressive format.

You can read the rest on the Hear Nebraska article here.

DJ Diatribes & Dandies is a weekly column written by Omaha promoter and DJ Brent Crampton exploring the electronic dance music and DJ-related culture in his city. Contact him at brentcrampton@gmail.com.

loom Weaves España - One Last Time

⏏ loom - Weaving the Social Fabric Through Dance ⏏
Celebrate our last loom at España before we move onto our next chapter!
house of loom coming Summer 2011 - http://www.houseofloom.com/
Full story on the upcoming transition here:
http://brentcrampton.typepad.com/blog/2011/05/house-of-loom-coming-summer-2011.html

⏏ @ España / 6064 Maple St / $5 / 9 pm-2 am / 21+ ⏏
+ Call 505-9917 for dinner reservations
++ Music selections from Brent Crampton, Kethro, Greg Jackson & Stephen Bils

⏏⏏ A note from loom co-creator Brent Crampton ⏏⏏
It comes with immense gratitude and thankfulness to announce officially that after 5-years of manifesting the message of loom as a one-off celebration concept at España, we're evolving loom into a venue concept. We've taken over the lease at 1012 South 10th Street and we hope to be open by sometime in July. We're calling the space "house of loom." So this counts at our last ever loom at España. Please join us in celebrating a legacy as well as new beginnings.

Since we'll be getting all sappy about this, we've created 40 loom "yearbooks" that we'll be handing out for free on a first-come first-serve basis. You'll be able to scroll through old photos and even have your friends sign the pages. Download the free digital copy here: http://www.magcloud.com/browse/issue/198380

⏏ Hosted by Jay "rhythmSOULdier" Kline & the loom crew ⏏

⏏ For more info . . . ⏏
loom's Facebook group:
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=21751068098
Photos from past loom events:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mixinglife/collections/