Smart Chicks Celebrate Kwanzaa at Gaylord National

2nd Annual Kwanzaa At Gaylord National Tradition

Join Smart Chicks as we commemorate the festival of Kwanzaa with a day of art, food and events! It’s all part of our holiday Christmas on the Potomac celebration that features spectacular decorations, indoor snowfall, live performances, and even a winter wonderland carved from ice!

Kwanzaa Festival at ICE!
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gaylord Pavilion | 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Performances and interactive experiences throughout the day help celebrate the holiday, including carving and
painting demonstrations and musical performances (for ticketed ICE! visitors only).

“Harambe” (Welcome) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Lower Atrium | Noon
Jabari Exum performs the “Harambe” or “welcome” on the djembe drum.

“The Village” Kwanzaa Art Exhibit
Presented in cooperation with Amber Tree Art Gallery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Lower Atrium | Noon – 5 p.m.
A dynamic, artistic exploration of Kwanzaa, featuring visual artwork of African and African-American contemporary artists from the D.C. region, including live musical performances. Join us for an exclusive meet and greet with the featured artists from 12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Kwanzaa Dinner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pienza Italian Market | 5:30 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Join us at Pienza for a special dinner showcasing the traditional tastes of Kwanzaa, including Kunde (Kenyan Vegetable Stew), Poulet Yassa, and Cape Town Curried Lamb. Afterward, stick around for storytelling in Pienza’s Bella Vista room, presented in the griot-style tradition. And be one of the first 50 families at dinner to receive a copy of the children’s book The Gifts of Kwanzaa by Synthia Saint James.
Adults - $40, children (ages 3-12) – $20; tax and gratuity are included. Availability is very limited.
Reservations strongly recommended. Please call (301) 965-4000.

Sounds of the Season
Featuring The Q Jazz Trio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lower Atrium | 7 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Overnight rates start at just $139** a night – make it an unforgettable family experience!
For reservations, call (301) 965-4000 or visit online at www.GaylordNational.com/Kwanzaa

Mind Your Business: 'Tis the Season, So Shop Smart Chicks!

Meet Smart Chicks jewelry and purse designers Karen Clark and Jemma Morris. Both approach their art with unique perspectives informed by their extensive education and corporate experiences. The Smart Chicks community applauds Karen and Jemma for minding the business of art. 

Karen Clark
Apexspire Jewelry
www.apexspirecollection.com
(Photo taken at the Downtown Holiday Market in Washington, DC's Chinatown)

After Graduating in 2000, with a BFA in textile design from Moore College of Art and Design in, Karen pursued a career as a jewelry designer for a small trend jewelry design company in New York. The pace was exhilarating, but the process of having her intricate designs mass-produced, left her hungry for limited in house production work. In the spring of 2003, she decided to launch her own jewelry line. At the same time Karen pursued and completed her MFA in mixed media at Howard University in 2005. Apexspire Jewelry represents Karens sense of universal rhythm and beauty while embodying her own contemporary individualized edge.  She integrates metalsmithing techniques including fabrication, roll printing, fine knot work and casting to produce an innovative tactile line of work. As the designer of Apexspire Jewelry, Karen is completely focused on creating jewelry that separates the individual from the masses.

Jemma Morris

Jemma Morris Designs Hand Crafted Purses

www.jemmamorris.com

(Photo taken at the Downtown Holiday Market in Washington, DC's Chinatown)

After completing her education in Fine Arts at Wagner College, Jemma studied design at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City. Concurrently, she began working as a fashion stylist for a photography studio as well as interning for a bridal designer. Eventually she took a nine to five position in corporate America but my desire to work as a designer full-time was irrepressible. In 2005 Jemma began working on a collection of colorful artisan handbags, she wanted them to be functional but attractive and fun to wear. 

"Working as an artist, designer and stylist, Jemma quickly learned that color is my true medium. I believe color is evocative of emotion. It helps us through our everyday lives, creating moods & ambience and lifting spirits. Colors in a gray rainy morning, the deep red of a rose, or the array of colors in the sky can all evoke emotion. This is why I love color and why I incorporate vivid and strong color combinations into all of my designs. Ultimately, I want my designs to have a spirit of vitality and energy relatable to anyone." 

Jemma spends every spare moment creating new designs and working in multiple artistic mediums, i.e. painting, styling, sketching, and sewing. On the last Saturday of every month, you can find Jemma with some of her newest designs at Eastern Market in Washington, DC.

Jemma Morris' Bangle Clutch™ Collection Funky

Wristlet fold over clutch purse in black and white grosgrain ribbon with color coordinated topstitching. Nickel snap closure. Gold tone metal bangle bracelet attached at side by short ribbon strap. 

Item #: 08.04.05
Description/Colors: Black, white
Dimensions: 12 x 7 inches
Size of Bangle Bracelet: 3 inch opening
Care: Surface clean only

Will She Love Me When I'm 64?

Will She Love Me When I'm 64
Play reading
Seshat Walker, Playwright and Smart Chick

Thursday, December 17 at 7:30pm
$5/ $3 DCAC Members
For reservations call DCAC at 202-462-7833

Upon hearing about the retirement of his idol, DC based emcee Jazz reevaluates his own career and questions if his struggles in the music industry will ever pay off. At the same time, Jazz's manager Schooley, usually sketchy with his connects, may have finally found an opportunity that will take Jazz to the next level. Meanwhile Jazz, Jazz has been trying to steer his best friend and homie Mo off the streets. Mo has just completed serving time in DC central cell after his cousin Derrick was murdered last summer. Mo has several side hustles and is a self-proclaimed "street counselor". Jazz's father was never sold on his son pursuing hip hop as a career. Will She Love Me When I'm 64 is a multimedia production that follows Jazz as he tries to figure out where he fits in an industry that boasts youthful swagger, streets tales and fast turnover. The production touches on the themes of ageism, the jail system, educational system, youth violence and fatherhood.


- Carolyn Malachi
Revenge of the Smart Chicks
www.reverbnation.com/cmalachi

Location:DC Arts Center (DCAC) in Adam's Morgan

Enter the AIGA Annual Design Competition

AIGA Annual Design Competition
Deadline: March 5, 2010

AIGA’s suite of competitions is widely recognized as the most discerning statement on design excellence today, extending a legacy that began more than 90 years ago. By means of the competitions, AIGA creates an authoritative chronicle of outstanding design solutions, each demonstrating the process of designing, the role of the designer and the value of design.

The selections in AIGA’s annual competition represent the best work across all disciplines of communication design and strategy, as chosen by a distinguished jury of design peers. As such, they become part of the AIGA Design Archives, a searchable visual database of exemplary design, they are exhibited at the AIGA National Design Center in New York and offered as a traveling exhibition for display across the country. The physical artifacts comprise the AIGA Design Archives at the Denver Art Museum.

(Click the photo for details)

- Carolyn Malachi
Revenge of the Smart Chicks
www.reverbnation.com/cmalachi

Location:Baltimore, MD

The Makings of a STAR Holidy Event

The STAR Holiday event is an annual celebration of Gaylord National's STARS (employees) and partner vendors. My team coordinated the event which occurred today, 12/15 from 11 am until 5:30 pm.

The Night Before - Bare tables bear promise of wonderful event. No decor yet. The podium eventually goes as the General Manager prefers a less rigid presentation. Note to self, always have handheld AND lav mic available.

Early in the Morning - 7 am on event day, and the ballroom starts to take shape. Light tresses are up, banquet buffets are in, and games are out on the floor.




Birch Centerpieces- Went with birch centerpieces to create an allusion back to ICE!, Gaylord National's new attraction - simple, relevant, and affordable.




Welcome to the Big Show - The event is a hit with the STARS. Looking forward to spreading more of the Smart Chick love on Thursday at the United Communities Against Poverty event inside of Gaylord National.



- Carolyn Malachi
Revenge of the Smart Chicks
www.reverbnation.com/cmalachi

Location:Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center

Student Compares Princess of Controversy to Lil' Kim

"She reminded kind of reminded me of Lil Kim but not in the weird (hussy) way. Her energy and uniqueness was what i made the connection with."
- George Mason University student

(Click Photo for Complete Story on Facebook)

- Carolyn Malachi
Revenge of the Smart Chicks
www.reverbnation.com/cmalachi

Location:Fairfax, VA

Feeling Froggy?

Disney's first ethnic princess broke the box office this weekend:

'Princess and the Frog’ rules the box office http://bit.ly/7mvqoH (Click Photo)

Did you see the movie? What's your take on the flick? Do you think its success will ignite a trend?

- Carolyn Malachi
Revenge of the Smart Chicks
www.reverbnation.com/cmalachi

Smart Chicks Host Gingerbread Experience at Gaylord National

Smart Chicks and the National Children's Museum host the Gingerbread Experience for guests of Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center. Build a gingerbread house with your family at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, December 13 and 20, 2009. Admission is $25 for resort guests and $30 for non-guests. The Gingerbread Experience is sponsored by Peeps candy.






Photo 1: Smart Chick, Maureen Mulima smiles during event setup

Photo 2: Guests of Gaylord National enjoy the Gingerbread Experience

- Carolyn Malachi
Revenge of the Smart Chicks
www.reverbnation.com/cmalachi

Location:Oxon Hill,United States

What we gain in power is lost in time.

Ralph Waldo Emerson's essay on Compensation is always a good read, especially now. Here's the link:

http://www.rwe.org/works/Essays-1st_Series_03_Compensation.htm



- Carolyn Malachi
Revenge of the Smart Chicks
www.reverbnation.com/cmalachi

A Message from Her Highness, Synthia SAINT JAMES

"I'm sooooooooooooo thrilled to announce that I've just received confirmation from Saint Augustine's College (a Historically Black College), Raleigh, NC - where I was a speaker this September past - That I will be receiving my first Honorary Doctorate from them in May 2010:)))))))))))))))))))))) Thank YOU Saint Augustine's & Dr. Suber!!!! "
- Synthia SAINT JAMES
2009 Trumpet Award Honoree
Artist, Author, and Designer of the original Kwanzaa Stamp

The Shooting of a Wise Guy

Hey, Smart Chicks!

Stephen Elliot is a wonderful photographer. I work with him often, especially on projects with Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center. Visit this wise guy's website, http://www.stephenelliot.com/.

Accomplice: Courtney Dowe Unleashes CD, Wrath

To know her is to love her.

Singer-Singwriter and Smart Chick Courtney Dowe has changed the world!! Her debut album "Accomplice" is an amazing compilation of Courtney's magic.

Tonight, Thursday, December 10, Flow Theory Thursdays will celebrate the CD's official release. Baltimore Smart Chicks, celebrate with Courtney, Olu, and the rest of the Blackout Studios family. The mantra of Smart Chicks Inc is "Make the daily, smart decision to be yourself." Courtney. If you want to meet a Smart Chick, then you need to meet Courtney Dowe.
$10 cover
15 W. Eager St
Baltimore, MD
9 p.m.

Check out this video of Courtney singing "On the Rise", one of my favorite tunes. Courtney is an amazing artist who's message of freedom and expression is palpable. She is dangerous, for all of our good.


(From Blackout Studios)

Smart Chicks Go Global

I'm starting a new campaign called Blank Out to help benefit the students with whom my good friend John Ubamadu, owner of Amber Tree Art Gallery, comes into contact on one of his quarterly trips to Africa. From now on, at all of my shows I will be collecting blank media (Cds, DVDs, and thumb drives) and giving them to John so the students can receive it.

Friday's show at Layla Lounge is a pilot for Blank Out. I encourage my fellow artists to also bring copies of CDs they have released. Use this opportunity to spread your wealth and your art with the global community.

Be prompt and bear gifts.

Carolyn

Aww. My First Library Nod. Cool!

Hip-Hop Poetry with Carolyn Malachi

Sterling Library
Saturday, Jun. 5, 2:00 PM
A messenger with poignant lyrics and a potent voice that arrests the senses and tugs at the heart, Carolyn Malachi has created her own modern infectious gumbo of jazz, hip hop and spoken word poetry. For all ages.

What better Smart Chick nod is there than one from a library?
 
* waits patiently for the official Grammy nominees to be named!!!*

Look! They're BYTing!

BYT covered the "Words Break Bars" event I played with Ra Ra Rasputin at American University.

(Shouts out to Ravenna and Joanna, Smart Chicks at AU. OH! Can't forget the lead singer of Ra Ra Rasputin. She's a Smart Chick too - totally, without a doubt, herself and proud of it!)

"Neill Franklin, a 32 year veteran of the Maryland State Police, was followed by young and captivating Baltimore vocalist Carolyn Malachi. Malachi performed tracks off her second album, “Revenge of the Smart Chics II: Ambitious Gods.” During her 15 minute set, the audience never lost interest in her unique medley of dignified jazz, daring hip hop, and spoken word. Her lyrics mostly spoke to empowering women, and she wrapped up her set right on target with the song “Needles”. This song was an ode to friends addicted to substances: “is you looking for God shooter?; you’ve got him, take your mirror in hand; give birth to a plan, no more idle hands.” Throughout her set, Malachi never wavered in her endearing composure and optimistic outlook. The lovely and composed Malachi could not have been followed by a more brilliant contrast than bashful and free-spirited Ra Ra Rasputin."

Welcome to the Revenge of the Smart Chicks Movement, BYT!

@Carolyn_Malachi
Reverbnation.com/CMalachi

Carolyn Malachi and Bloom Bars Represent "Our Town" in the Washington Post Magazine

Carolyn Malachi and Bloom Bars Represent "Our Town" in the Washington Post Magazine

Hey, Smart Chicks!

Some amazing things are happening in my world and I wanted to share with you.

The Sunday Washington Post runs a feature called “Our Town” inside of the Washington Post Magazine. In “Our Town”, Post artists recount a slice of Washington-area life through illustration. This week’s illustration is of my concert in the North West corner of the city at a tiny spot called Bloom Bars. I guess it just goes to show how important it is to be excellent, especially when you think no one is watching. Here is the link to view the piece online: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/artsandliving/magazine/our-town/112909/.
Also, I am being considered for a Grammy nomination. Official nominees will be announced on Wednesday evening.
I hope you can make it out to a show soon! Check out my gig calendar at www.reverbnation.com/CMalachi.
Thanks for sharing this happy moment with me, folks. Happy Holidays!

Carolyn