Green 2nd Saturday
April 12, 2008

The Brick House

By Aaris A. Schroeder

UBO Magazine April 12, the busiest 2nd Saturday this year, hosted by Midtown Grid had the theme of “Green the Grid,” the newest, freshest way to think and live considering our economy and environment.

Several Art Galleries featured many local artists such as The Brick House, located on 36th St. and Broadway, in and around Oak Park. This indie inspired art gallery teamed up with building-sharing neighbor Bike Kitchen to create a bicycle-inspired eco-friendly music and art extravaganza.

Over 30 artists were featured, including urban and indie aerosol artist Shane Grammer and indie artist Ross Messier who is also involved with the local rock, hip-hop, electronic and DJ music scene in Sacramento and surrounding areas. Local music by 10 acts including The New Humans, Tribe of Levi, Forms in Flux and Sindicate916 kept the gallery bouncing. Check out more events coming up at The Brick House.

By Aaris A. Schroeder

Every 2nd Sat. morning, Brian Fischer who created 100 Minds and is a major part of MidtownGrid.com and works close in his Oak Park Community with the youth, churches, Business Association and also helps out with getting Oak Park to be more eco-friendly, eating healthier, creating safer nieghborhoods; starting with his own, working to get prostitutes off the streets and into healthier jobs and lifestyles and works with the community to build independent businesses so that Starbucks, Jamba Juice, SafeWay and Wal-Mart don't take over this fragile community will be marching throughout OakPark with high school students and the local community picking up garbage. In the past, they have shut down liquor stores, where there are too many on one street and right now, Brian is looking for local people that want to get involved with the youth.

This means, getting down with them and rapping with them about what they are about, what they want to do with their lives, where they are right now and talking about the struggles and wins you have had in your life all while picking up garbage off the street. This allows the local youth to respect their nirghborhood and have a sense of pride. It will also allow them to see that there are positive things happening in their community that they can be a part of aside from playing b-ball in the park or playing video games after school.

If you feel you can impact the youth and do something positive for your community, come on down and walk the Oak Park turf.

I have taken dance for over twenty years on and off but was a complete beginner to belly dance when I started a year ago. Amy's teaching style was so warm and supportive. The culture of Red Tent is that of collaboration and fun, which is a great environment for a beginner or an experienced dancer.  I am taking two classes a week now and I drive almost 30 minutes just to take classes with Red Tent because of the teachers and the other participants.  Belly dancing is the highlight of my week-one of the few places I'm not thinking about work but just purely having fun and enjoying myself.  Oh yeah...it's great exercise, too!