Michael Jackson Is Dead?

By Nichole Camarillo

Michael Jackson.
Wow.

I am so lost right now.
I really don't know how to feel.

Not that I had given it much thought prior to this moment, but I really hadn't expected to hear those words in my lifetime. He was just one of those people, those names, that you think will live forever. Made up of magic and smiles, or something... I don't know.

I'm sure there will be many, many, of those that will bash his name even in death. Because, yes, of course, there was the drama. Yes, there was family turmoil. Yes to the fame. Yes to the fortune. Yes, the weirdness. The sparkly clothes. The masks. The often creepy attire. The amusement park for a home. The plastic surgeries. The celebrity gossip. The accusations, true or false. Yes, there was all of that. But if there is anything that this man may need to answer for, he is doing that right now. That's not up to any of us, so let's move on.

The insane amount of wonderful that this man has brought into the world could wrap around all of the other things at least ten times fold. With his music, his fame, his fortune, and with everything else positive that he was able to create for himself, he gave back exceedingly more. He has brought so much joy, entertainment, and feel-good vibes to so many of our days. He has for sure [at least] given us some amazing playlists. And whether it was giving a sick child a smile and bit of hope, or raising hundreds of thousands of dollars for a good cause, he used his wealth to help so many. He brought such abundance into numerous peoples lives all over the world. He brought inspiration, hope, creativity, style, and love to millions. His incredible music, extravagant style and childlike character have left quite the impression. His reach was beyond, beyond.

Although the lights have now faded and the ashes will soon enough settle, one thing remains true... Michael Jackson is a legend. He really is one of those people; those names. The ones who live forever. Just in a different way now.

Through his music, and through our hearts.

Rest In Peace, Michael.

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SubZero 2009 Hit HARD

By Nichole Camarillo

If you missed the opening SubZero art reception at South First Billiards, it's probably best that you stay in the dark about what exactly you missed.

Arriving just a couple hours after I had planned on, the list of happenings I was already regretting missing had grown to be of an enormous length. Thankfully the great people in the artist collective, Heart of Chaos, and all of the wonderful inhabitants of San Jose, know how to live it up. The SubZero Festival rocked through the night into the early hours of the morning. I love having so much fun. So many people supporting and enjoying the arts. And having a blast while doing so. Photo Credit (Photo, Right): BasicLee Photography

Several live bands were performing. Lots of interactive performances and displays throughout the festival provided crazy visuals and arose countless questions. Many of the downtown galleries had their doors wide open, welcoming every avid art seeker dancing in the street. The thriving downtown San Jose scene was heavily spiced with street vendors, art of all walks, and endless treats to delight every one of your senses. Saying hello to so many familiar faces, and being introduced all night to new ones left my head spinning for days. Although, I'm sure kicking back (more than) a few drinks only intensified that sensation. It was quite the night out.

Although the SubZero event has packed its bags, South First Billiards will continue hosting many of my original paintings for the month of June. If you would like to check it out, South First Billiards is located at 420 South First Street in San Jose, CA. They have air hockey, ping pong, a seemingly endless number of billiard tables, karaoke, food, drinks, and more for you to enjoy during your visit. There are also many other talented artists displaying their work as well. It is definitely worth the trip.
Thank you for your support. Enjoy.

Video by Nichole Camarillo. Photos by Nichole Camarillo, unless otherwise noted. To view all photos from this event, please visit my SubZero Set on flickr. Thank you.

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SubZero 2009 - June 5th

REPOSTED By Nichole Camarillo, Originally Posted By Heart of Chaos

Heart of Chaos and South First Billiards proudly present another channel to your SubZero Experience, a South First Fridays event. Join us for an innovative interactive showcase by Haptic Synapses, an improvised techno jam featuring 4 of Silicon Valley's finest electronic musicians. The performance will include innovative techniques to modify sound parameters using physical interfaces and electronic algorithms. The audience will be invited to participate by interacting with various data sensors and controls. Musicians performing: Steve Cooley, Derek Scott (aka the Rhythmist), Charles Johnson (aka QORSER), Jono Kane (aka Noka).

Visit http://3rl.us/subzero for more info.

Gracing the walls will be works by talented Bay Area artists Nichole Camarillo, Miguel Machuca, Michael Foley, Mike Borja, Cong Nguyen, Basiclee, Epic, Diana Medrano, Jaclyn Alderete, Ozzie Baron and Rod Santos.

In addition there will be live painting, a dance performance by One Piece and live music by Relapse, Realization and Para la Gente.

A slide and scale donation is requested at the door and will benefit Heart of Chaos At Risk Youth Mentoring Program.

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Performing live

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Realization :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::


Para La Gente :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

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Do You Remember Your First?

By Nichole Camarillo

Think about it.

Music, for me, is not something that can be lived without. I fully acknowledge musics presence in, and heavy influence on, my life. I'd like to think that every one feels this way. And that every one can narrow it down to that one album in their life that has forever changed who they are. An album that has changed their thoughts, their actions, their outlook on the people and world surrounding them. An album that has sparked a level of awareness and creativity never previously tapped into. Who knows, maybe you have five of those albums. Or maybe you've yet to discover your first. I remember my first. And that, my friends, is why I'm here.

DJ Krush's solo debut album, "Krush" had been released for a few years before I caught up to it. But when I did[?!]... wow. It was like nothing I was listening to at the time. And like nothing I had ever heard. Such raw and unpolished funk. The scratches and beats and (sometimes rather odd) guest vocals were heaven to me. I went into the most intense creation mode I had ever been in. Non. Stop. Art. For weeks upon weeks I stayed locked up, album on repeat, just creating. It felt as if I had always been connected to that album even though I was meeting it for the first time. It was unbelievable.

After that initial wave of Krush madness, I sadly lost touch with the album. So as not to put anyone on blast, I'll just say it was "borrowed" and never returned [yeah, thanks]. After that, I either couldn't find it, or couldn't afford it. The more time that passed, the harder it was to come by until eventually it was almost as if it had never existed. It wasn't until recently that I was able to reconnect and welcome it back into my collection [*sigh]. Listening through it again, was like listening to it for the first time. I was completely overwhelmed with familiar but foreign memories. All of the sights, scents and emotions that had tangled themselves up with that place in my life came pouring in.

Thinking back to how much change took place because of this piece of music, I cant help but be grateful. And I can't help but to share it with you.

"Krush" is now past its 15 year mark. Since then, DJ Krush has released countless albums and DVDs. You can find out more about DJ Krush and get a full discography on his website. "Krush" and more of DJ Krush's albums are available for download on iTunes.

Tracks of choice from "Krush"?

"On The Dub-ble" & "Ruff-Neck Jam"

[Listen To "On The Dub-ble"] Enjoy!

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The Hip Hop Chess Federation Presents Mind Over Matter II

By Nichole Camarillo

Saturday, February 28, 2009 - San Francisco, CA




Where hip hop meets chess meets martial arts, this years Mind Over Matter took place at John O' Connell High School in San Francisco. The Hip Hop Chess Federation presents events such as this one as an opportunity for underprivileged and, too often, overlooked youth to enjoy and learn invaluable lessons of life, as taught by successful exemplars.



"We recognize that chess, martial arts and hip-hop unify people from multiple cultural, religious and social backgrounds. These black and white squares do not care what color you are or if you are rich or poor. The only thing they ask is that you come with your strategy, your patience and your skills."
-Founder and CEO of HHCF, Adisa Banjoko

Although I didn't actually have any preconceived notions of how the day would go or what to expect, I know now that I would have been completely wrong anyway. I would still have been completely unprepared for what was to come. I've pretty much had the whole weekend now (and then some) to soak in everything that went down on Saturday. However, now (that the superficial shock value of meeting such amazing celebrity figures that I've been a long time fan of is slowly disintegrating) I realize that this wasn't any Saturday event I would get 'over' in a weeks time. This was an incredibly powerful, renewing, life changing experience that will continue to inspire and motivate me for (what I hope will be) years to come.

A few highlights of the event included gi and gi-less jiu jitsu demonstrations from Alan "Gumby" Marques of Heroes Martial Arts and Denny "300" Prokopos of 10th Planet Jiu Jitsu, a beautifully impressive exhibition from Rope Dart Master Don Kiolbassa, and live paintings from the artisan collective Heart of Chaos. Other celebrity guests included Casual of Hieroglyphics, Traxamillion, Def Poetry Jams Amir Sulaiman and more.













As impressive, entertaining, and exciting as many of the days events were, the ultimate highlight and (I'm sure) main focus above the rest was the awe-inspiring life strategists panel. Made up of Wu-Tang Clans RZA, Rakaa (Iriscience) of Dilated Peoples, American International Master of Chess Emory Tate, Rope Dart Master Don Kiolbassa, and HHCF CEO Adisa Banjoko, this was definitely the lecture of a lifetime. ...In a good way, of course. I could exhaust myself trying to explain the inspiration, motivation, love and self-empowerment I've walked away with from their words. Even then, there is no way my words could do their words justice.
This event was truly a memorable one.

This organization shares so many beauties and truths and values. I definitely encourage every one of you to find out more about the Hip Hop Chess Federation, their upcoming events, and how you can become involved. Please visit them online at hiphopchessfederation.org.

For our youth...for ourselves...and for our future.
Peace. <3

N. Camarillo



All photos and footage taken by Nichole Camarillo.
You can check out the rest of the photos from this event on FLICKR.
&Don't forget to check out Don Kiolbassa's MUST SEE rope dart exhibition on YouTUBE!
Enjoy. :)

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