It was really nice to meet him because I felt the appreciation in his handshake before we exchanged emails. I was there to find out what The Marxist School of Sacramento is all about and Seth was there to better inform me. Of the others who showed up that night, it appeared I was the youngest pupil. I would surely learn a thing or two tonight at my first time at The Marxist School of Sacramento.

I was given a glossary of terms to supplement the video we watched entitled Capitalism Hits the Fan. I was grateful to be spared the embarrassment of asking for definitions. I have to admit that I never really cared about Marx and his ideas when I first heard about him. As I looked at the words “labor-power” and “surplus-value” I flashed back to high school, where I associated Karl Marx with images of bombs and people on strike. I had seen these terms somewhere before but was probably too busy passing notes to my best friend. “Whatever,” I thought. I had other things to care about. Like my hair.

Well, whatever turned into six years later and I now find myself interested in the current financial crisis of the nation because I can finally see for myself this economy is wack. Now I’m a member of the working class, Marx’s ideas actually interest me.

What I learned at The Marxist School: Referring to the current national issue as a “financial crisis” actually limits the situation that did not start and will not end with banking.In the 1930’s. Attempts like the stimulus check failed because quick fixes do not saving the economy. Hmm…I wonder where that $600 tax return I received a few years ago actually went?

The video also touched on how the standard of living improved as a reflection of American exceptionalism, how people lost jobs after being replaced by computers, and how individuals and businesses were left traumatized as the working class put in more hours of work only to start borrowing more money. After the last part of the video presented the idea that re-regulation of the economy was not going to work the class broke into discussion.

Upon our verbal exchange, one woman pointed out that the film did not contain any bits of suggested organizing. Another gentleman stated how hard it was to get the general public to talk about and understand capitalism when they are not experiencing it. He said that younger people are disillusioned.

Being of the younger, disillusioned generation, frustrated by my ignorance, I asked the man guiding the lecture, “So, what’s your hope for this school?”

“You,” he replied.

Me? I did not understand and I felt like like saying “I am not worthy.”

Then I realized… I am an American, a consumerist by nature. I am also a returning student more concerned with attaining an education than fighting for a dollar, and I think I like the idea behind The Marxist School of Sacramento.

They try to avoid having discussions on topics that people have to buy material for and they steer way from books because they are not easily available. The Marxist School of Sacramento has a monthly publication (check out monthlyreview.org), guest speakers in class, and hosts discussions at the SMUD building which are open to the public. If you want to learn more about, or at least better understand, Marxist thought then you may want to come to school every third Thursday of the month. I’ll save you a seat and we can exchange notes instead of pass them to and fro.

If you’ve ever considered doing some serious personal healing in your life then you definitely need to be at the next installation of The Curanderismo Series at Sol Collective.

I recently graduated a 12-Step program and I’m still looking for a job. I also just filed for disability because  I need memory therapy after a car accident six years ago. Head injuries are no joke. Oh yeah, and my dad died two years, one month and six days ago.

This month, the Curanderismo class was about emotional healing. I was but one of the forty-something others who learned how to make their own healing scent using flower essentials. Trudy, Atava, and Carmen taught the class about the 13 Aires that pass through our bodies explaining that Aires are forces of nature that are inorganic to our bodies. Anger, for example, has a direction and should pass. When we hold onto it parts of the body become affected and we get sick. The different Aires are: Miedo (fear), Susto (scared), Espanto (fright, terror), Tristesta (sadness), Pena (sorrow), Verguanza (shame), Culpa (guilt), Anguista (angush), Coraje (guilt), Resentimiento (resentment), Celos (jealousy), Envidia (envy), and Egoismo (egoism).

After I give my bottle a gentle shake, I spritz myself with my own ingredients: Amaranth to work with my anguish. Love Lies Bleeding for my heart (also works with anguish). Morning Glory to find my light. Yarrow for protection. Mimulus for my fear.

I was told to pick five Aires I wanted to address. When Atava told the class. “Remember your intention for this remedy you’re creating,” I felt the energy from the full moon. I realized the air I breathe today was once in my father’s lungs and though he’s passed I still feel his spirit and I still need his protection as I learn to love myself again.

Since I left class that night, I’ve been more than happy to spray myself as I see fit with Comfy.

So what if you may not smell what I do?

I take a big whiff of my Comfy and I know I am where I’m supposed to be.

I hope I see you at the next installation of The Curanderismo Series. Second Sunday of every month. Here. At Sol Collective. Don’t just take my word.

Wild world of smoothed-out vocals set against a backdrop of tropical murmurs, lullabying yet danceable, tranquil yet revving, comes Sacramento’s tropical bass World Hood. With the opening hip hop swag of “Mar y Mante”, there’s no way to not fall in love with this set. As the female vocals roll out an ode to Yemaya, the ocean blue, we’re offered a kind kiss. “After the Rain,” reminds me of Waya Waya’s recent release, with all its tropical cadence.

There’s something cool in the faintly echoed vocals of “La Verde,” with its choral repetitions, and the hollow clack of the wobbling bass, a harder number than any of the other tracks, but equally as suave on ear. Swimming through life you find yourself fished up by that pesky “Pescador,” trapped in this tracks collected metaphor, and aquatic interludes, you’re thrown back to see with no scars from the net, but a blaring message, Enjoy your life! “Indigenous 808 (Sonora remix)” offers an innocent and melodious track full of solar imagery and sultry aspirations. It’s the kind of track you blast at an art party with glittering hipsters who make art that probably will end up in the Guggenheim one day, but you’re certain is meritless. Despite your art envy, the track ebbs you into a reluctant grin.

Trent Liddicoat : Sol Collective Art Space 12-17 / 1-14 2012 from DomP Media on Vimeo.

Check out the latest exhibit by Trent Liddicoat as he takes over the Sol Collective gallery. The work in this show reflects a balance between the natural world and the civilizations that have been built upon it. Underneath lies a strong sense of community; the communities’ experiences become a tool against the constraints of time.There will be a collection over 20 2d pieces made for the show. Also Trent and Jesse Phillips, local musician and artist, have built a7′tall installation
Starting at 8:30pm Music Performances by:
Pregnant, Carson McWhirter, Al Maxwell(Knock Knock)
For a preview of the work and info about the artist visit: trentliddicoatart.tumblr.com/

Proceeds from this event will be donated directly to Dibbs’ hospital bills.

Live Music by;

GREYSPACE
MIC JORDAN
BRU LEI
TASK1NE

Special tribute set by DJ ADMANT

Live Art by Nic Rodriguez of Square Peg

Live silkscreening sponsored by Cloud Nine Clothing

Open Cypher Sponsored by TheMashUp.Net

AND MORE…

Minimum $5 donation

Doors open at 8.

Come support one of the most influential visionaries in underground hip hop like he’s always supported the art.

You can also make donations directly through the paypal account email Hellkitchen@netzero.com. Go to http://www.paypal.com/, click send money, in the TO address type in: Hellkitchen@netzero.com. You can follow Brad’s progress athttp://www.twitter.com/mrdibbs. Thank you all.

If you haven’t been out to Microphone Mondays, Sacramento’s latest open mic showcase, you’ve been missing out. Touted as “The Most Open Mic In The City,” Sacramento poet/lyricist Defeye co-hosts with talent such as Tessa Evans, Task1ne, Mic Jordan, The Sleeprockers, and more every Monday night from 8-10. Participants have been battling it out weekly to appear in the finals December 19th for a chance to win studio/video time with the Sol Collective team behind World Hood. Join us for the finals and catch the best Sacramento has to offer as Alien Logik, Sid, AG, Thomas Hatch, The Kool Cat$, Primitive Instruments, Young Andrew the Cumbia Kid, and more take the stage with special guest performances.

Throughout December, ADMISSION IS FREE WITH THE DONATION OF CANNED FOODS, WARM CLOTHING, OR TOYS FOR SACRAMENTO AREA YOUTH IN NEED.

Please join us in the coming year as we set it off with guest sets by JESI NAOMI, DRE-T (with SAYS), and ANNIE JEY in January for another round!

Thank you. See you soon.

Friday November 18th, Rebel Diaz came through the Sol Collective as part of the #OccupyTheAirwaves tour and rocked with Chilean emcee Subverso and local fan favorite Mic Jordan. After the show, Rebel Diaz sat down with Sol Collective media staff to discuss the Occupy movement, it’s leadership, and the general climate in the United States as of late…FULL INTERVIEW COMING SOON.

Rebel Diaz :: Sub Verso :: Mic Jordan :: Dj Illanoiz :: Dj Amp_one

@ Sol Collective :: 2574 21st Street :: All Ages :: $10 at Door

Rebel Diaz have been on the front lines of political Hip Hop since they arrived on the scene with their high energy hit’em hard performances and profound socially conscious lyrics have separated them from your average emcees. We highly recommend you come out to experience a Rebel Diaz show Fri.Nov.18th! We brought them out last year and they blew us away with their live show! True Hip Hop for all you heads that can appreciate quality lyricism! On this tour they’re coming with Chicago’s own Dj Illanoiz, Sub Verso all the way from Chile along with local favorite Mic Jordan of Tribe of Levi!

http://rebeldiaz.com/

Fronted by MC’s Rodstarz and MC/Producer G1, Rebel Diaz shows us the true global power of Hip Hop. After first performing at an immigrant rights march in New York City in 2006 in front of a half million people, the bilingual duo has taken the international community by storm with their explosive live shows. With influences ranging from Dirty South bounce to South American folk, Rebel Diaz combines classic boom bap tradition with Hip Hop’s global impact. The group’s versatility has allowed for them to share the stage with the likes of Common, Mos Def, and Public Enemy, while feeling right at home with acts like Rage Against the Machine, and Mala Rodriguez. Recent tours in Spain, Germany,Guatemala, Venezuela, and Chile, have only solidified their international appeal.

With roots in Chicago and now based in the South Bronx, NY, Rebel Diaz has also piqued the interest of the academic community with their poignant social commentary and energetic performances. They have spent the last four years visiting dozens of colleges and universities, facilitating workshops, speaking on panels, and performing at national conferences. Building on this growing network of positive young people in Hip Hop, the group recently opened a community arts center in the South Bronx, the Rebel Diaz Arts Collective.

On the heals of their critically acclaimed Otro Guerrillero mixtape series, Rebel Diaz will soon be releasing their debut album, The Radical Dilemma.