Soul Shakedown and Pecha Kucha: Just Dance!
Soul Shakedown parties are one of my favourite events in Kingston. Shakedowns bring people together to raise funds for organizations doing social justice work and groups that challenge the status quo of neoliberal capitalism and colonization. Kingston DJs spin music of all genres from funk, soul, Latin and Brazilian to Pan-African, Arabic, Asian Dub, Bhangra Hip Hop and more. Soul Shakedown parties are focused on celebrating cultural diversity through music, and aim to create a welcoming and accessible place for interaction, education, activism and fun.
Shakedown support reaches far and wide and also lends a helping hand right here in Kingston. Some organizations that have been supported by these parties include Solidarity for Palestinian Human Rights Kingston, Immigrant Services of Kingston and Area, Ban Righ Foundation for Continuing University Education, CFRC 101.9 FM, Lovin’ Spoonful and this Saturday, The Kingston Arts Council who is celebrating its 50th birthday.
On November 30th, the Soul Shakedown returns after a long hiatus. This weekend’s event will expand beyond the usual dance party to include Pecha Kucha presentations featuring Kingston dance organizations, including KinetiQ Crew, Kingston School of Dance, and Step Crew. Pecha Kucha is a presentation format that was devised by Tokyo architects Astrid Klein and Mark Dytham. Each presentation features 20 photos each shown for 20 seconds accompanied by a description or explanation from the presenter. This concise format is a fun, informal and fast-paced way for creative people to show their work and share their ideas.
After the presentations, the dance floor will open up and DJs E, Redfoot and Bluestocking will spin tunes from around the world. There will also be free birthday cake and prizes will be given away throughout the evening.
If you haven’t attended a Soul Shakedown, I highly recommend checking it out. These parties exude a sense of community and provide a safe, non-judgmental space for all, and the infectious and unique grooves will make it impossible to stay off the dance floor. Nights like this are good for the soul and the community.
So here are the details: Saturday, November 30th 2013 at The Grad Club. The party starts at 8pm and will go until 2am. Tickets are $8 in advance and are available at The Grad Club and The Kingston Arts Council. Tickets will also be available at the door for $10. All proceeds for this Shakedown will go to The Kingston Arts Council. Hope to see you there!