"We Will Know:" Omar Thomas Large Ensemble

July 25, 2012- Boston, MA

Omar Thomas Large Ensemble 

Tonight I went to a concert performed by Omar Thomas LargeEnsemble, a contemporary jazz ensemble. Omar Thomas is composer, arranger, andprofessor at Berklee College of Music. I saw on Facebook that his LargeEnsemble was performing at Berklee Performance Center and I immediately wantedto check it out. 

 Omar Thomas was sopassionate and genuine during his concert. He premiered a piece in four movements entitled, “We Will Know.” He wasinspired by his own sexuality, Harvey Milk, “It Gets Better” video, andPresident Obama’s stance on the morality and legality of accepting gay marriage(interview May 9, 2012). These movements were absolutely beautiful andemotional. It was the best part of the whole concert.

I was able to speak to Omar Thomas briefly check out thevideo:

Thank you Facebook for sharing Omar Thomas with me. He istruly a gem in the city and I am excited to see more of his masterfulcreations. 

There were many stylish and colorful people attending the concert but I was not able to take pictures until the end of the performance L but here are the chic Bostonians that I was able to capture.

Chic ladies attending performance l-r: Yinnette Sano, Idalia, Yarimee Gutierrez, Eva Sano

Neil and his friends

Perfect outfits for a night at the concert ladies!
Maryse Pearce, Jesselyn Dreeszen Bowman, Cecile Ehrhart

Signing off :)
Robyn
Made in Boston

Akwaaba- Welcome to Africa

July 14, 2012- Boston, MA

This is the first entry of Made In Boston and I am excited that I can begin with the 2012 African Festival. The goal of this blog is to highlight different parts of Boston's social scene including events, artists, concerts, businesses, and parties.

 Today I was able to go back to Africa without using my passport. I smelled amazing spices, spied yummy kabobs, listened to great music. The African Festival bought all kinds of people-young, old, and from various backgrounds. There was diversity in products, booths, foods, and styles. I am excited whenever Boston showcases its cultural diversity and I can attend free events ;)

  African Festival

Most importantly this festival imported great fashion, cloth, and art.

 The trend at the African Festival was definitely print, bright colors, in contemporary shapes from sheaths, hi-low, and super maxi. 

Nakia in a beautiful dress bought from a thrift shop in Brooklyn

Find a similar dress at Balela-Where fashion meets life

Susan in a summer trend hi-low dress

Phindi Erika Chowa in a stunning print maxi dress.

Babs in collage cloth wide pants. Winner of most stylish guy.

                                              Kerone & Tara in pretty summer dresses.

There were also some amazing non-profits and vendors that I want to showcase. It is hard to find wax print, cloth, and specialized African catering in Boston so the African Festival is the perfect place to try out new products and find new vendors.

             

Best samosas in Boston and yummy chipati.

NACO's Ayenda with his niece

The Balela boutique owner used beautiful wax print to make contemporary and trendy styles. Balela-Where fashion meets life

Marc Anthony and his salon of perfumes, incense, and shea butter.

Gabriel Ba Ramazani showcasing his art. 

Check out his collection Gabriel Ba Collection

                                   Check out this booth's non-profit Bostonkidstv

Signing off ;)

Robyn

Please email me any events or businesses that you would like me to blog about at robyngibs@gmail.com.