Ndella highlights traditional West African dances and rhythms from a variety of regions and tribes including Guinea and Senegal. From low-impact movements to high-impact jumps, leaps,turns and kicks, the excitement and joy of West African dance will keep you coming back every week. Comfortable, loose clothing, sarongs, lapas and bare feet are required.

African drumming is led by long-time drummer Ya-Yah, and offers traditional rhythms with various drums. Students are asked to bring their own drums, but there are some available for in-class practice.  Donations for the drum and dance classes are accepted in lieu of a fee. For those looking to purchase African jewelry, cowerie shell belts, wellbody products, CD’s and African clothing,  there is a small marketplace inside of the class.

Homeland Cultural Center is home to several cultural groups including Dembrebrah Afrikan Drum & Dance Ensemble and the Hmong Association of Long Beach,  and offers diverse arts and cultural classes including Khmer Martial Arts, Hip Hop (Breakdancing) Folklorico, Poetry and more. Read this bonus article for more info. Homeland Cultural Center is located at 1321 E. Anaheim St. Long Beach, CA 90813. (562) 570-1655

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The single “Foggy Daze” featuring Hip Hop artist Oh No (Stones Throw Records) leads the 6-song EP, which was released as a free digital download on 5.13. Emerging artists Shuga Rae and CKali Ponticelli add vocals to “Up In A Way” while the title track “The Clouds” gets lifted by the vocal stylings of bassist E-Piff.

Best known for his memorable acting roles in Television and Film, including  ”The Day After Tomorrow”, ”To Save a Life”, and “Be Kind Rewind” actor, entrepreneur, and music producer Arjay Smith brings his musical talents to the forefront as the Executive Producer of “The Clouds” (Jeigh B. Records™).

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Writer and 562 City Life journalist Molly Marina Haupt did a great job chronicling the history of Park Jam, complete with a photo stream for an inside look. Park Jam happens today from 12-9pm. Don’t miss it!

Park Jam Key Contributors include: The Mighty Junebugg, Aaron Elimelech, Dinah Ismail, Yassi Amini, May Salem, Ty Maximum, Roz Kumari, Hahk Tu and the entire Collective I Long Beach team.

Produced by Paxahau Event Productions, Movement Electronic Music Festival is back this year with five stages, dozens of pre-parties and afterparties, and an incredible line up including, Lil” Louis, London producer SBTRKT, Roni Size, the iconic Public Enemy, and countless more. The  3-day event takes place May 26-28 in the heart of downtown Detroit, at Hart Plaza. For more info visit www.movement.us.

SolShock:  What inspired your latest project?

Kameron:  Currently my latest  project is The Radio-Free Top 23 countdown, Saturdays, 4 pm-8pm on 102.3 KJLH. This show was created by KJLH owner, Stevie Wonder. We take the top 23 songs of the week and feature them along with other R&B and gospel hits. I am grateful that Stevie has given my program director, Aundrae Russell and my producer, David Hernandez, the creative flexibility with his show. This is the first countdown of its kind for KJLH and I am so grateful that I am encouraged to contribute to the show’s format. As a result of  being able to contribute to show ideas collectively with the Program Director and Producer, The Radio-Free Top 23 countdown has been very well received by our listeners.

SolShock:  What makes you radiant?

Kameron:  I believe that being radiant is something that truly comes from within. The presence of God’s grace and mercy in my life makes me radiant. That peace and joy that he provides me makes me shine!

SolShock:  What was your most recent happy discovery?

Kameron:  My most recent  happy discovery is embracing the concept of self-love, which I feel is one of the most beautiful things in life. For me, once I began to really understand that God’s love for me is infinite, I realized that it was okay to embrace the real me, flaws and all. As a young woman of color, we are constantly challenged in our society in the area of self image. We are often told what we should look like or how we should think. Learning to rise above what society thinks I ought to be, and  embracing self-love has improved my confidence and drive around my career. I feel that when one truly learns to love themselves, they birth a new meaning to the term “the sky is the limit.” When you learn to love yourself, there is no stopping you.

Learn more about Kameron Greene at www.kamerongreene.com

Tune in to Radio Free 102.3 FM KJLH to hear Kameron:

The RadioFree Top 23 Countdown |  Saturdays | 4-8pm

Spread The Word | Sundays | 12-7 pm.

On Twitter:   @RadioFreeTop23

513 Elevators will join the list of hundreds of artists who have supported Sweet Relief in the past including Gotye, The Black Keys, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Beyonce, Tony Bennett, Madonna and more. Elevating with a purpose that’s sound, 513 Elevators take you higher with their unique rock-infused hip hop and soulful blend of funk  and acoustic-folk.  This fast-emerging band from Cincinnati, Ohio will be performing songs from their debut album Goin’ Up and more.

Details:  The Slidebar  Rock & Roll Cafe | 122 E. Commonwealth Ave | Fullerton, CA 92832 | Map

Doors open at 8pm | 21 & over

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A poetic prayer set to Hip Hop, made in memory of Trayvon Martin, best describes “Dear God”, the latest music collaboration by composer I.C. and writer and artist King G of the indie band 513 Elevators.

“Dear God” is 4 minutes of emotionally intense lyrics and brutal honesty written and performed by King G and reinforced by a stirring melody produced by I.C.  The song is available as a free download on Bandcamp with the option to donate, where proceeds will be given to the official Justice™ For Trayvon Martin Foundation.

The You Tube video features close-up shots of both artists dressed in all black that draws viewers in to their sentiment and keeps the attention on the powerful lyrics and angst. I.C. and King G join other artists in the Hip Hop community who have spoken up about the tragic Trayvon Martin killing and expressed themselves through art, including Yo-Yo, Yasiin Bey (aka Mos Def), Mikeflo and dead.prez.“Dear God” serves as a platform to speak out against institutions that target people of color and is the first of many music collaborations between I.C. and the 513 Elevators. Read the official press release here.

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Listen and Download it free here.

Catch 513 Elevators and special guests Roberto Gell and the Midnight Ravers live this Thursday at Suzy’s Bar & Grill in Hermosa Beach.  Elevating with a purpose that’s sound, the 513 Elevators take you higher with their unique rock-infused hip hop and soulful blend of funk  and acoustic-folk.  This fast-emerging band from Cincinnati, Ohio will be performing songs from their debut album Goin’ Up plus exclusive tunes.  Preview the album on Reverbnation here.

Suzy’s Bar & Grill | 1141 Aviation Blvd | Hermosa Beach, CA | 90254