Embrace your era...The Brooklynite Experience

8:30pm- As I ask the mixing architect what to drink, the pleasant essence of revolution and freedom overcomes the scene. The lifting of Prohibition entices every spec of this classy vintage establishment and its decor. While the host of the Brooklynite showcases what he knows best, the humble and honesty to the craft brings solace to the end of a bustling day, yet lends feeling to the beginning of the best part of the day waiting to happen.

The crowd starts to fill as a legend prepares to give sound to what he does effortlessly.

9ish- A second cocktail is poured and the vibes draw higher as the element of lust and grace liven the joint with laughter, camaraderie, sensual draws and class of the unique only found here.
The premiere sight of pearls, gentlemen's hats, bow ties, and clinking of carefully crafted bevvies gives the longing to stay for more than just a sip. You want to actually be here. All should be here.

The crowd awakens as the  host cuts the music and the music begins. Jim Cullum.

THE Jim Cullum. The (happy) Jazz band.

Legandary.

The sound that not only promotes happy, but Jim catalyzes through my Southside cocktail. The feeling that I want more of with the fresh and invigorating taste. I want to go beyond exploration and hear more of what he has created with the times of Armstrong and pre-World War II. With humble and classic charm through sound and jolly, the exquisite room is roaring with delight and modern pleasure with swinging footsteps and que-meets of lovely new friends who have fallen in love here. As the -ish hour rolls on you await on the hopes of Jim to come back soon and round everyone once again into the rose colored feeling of time played through sounds of new and unknown tunes. But with no matter, all cannot help but enjoy the treasure that the night has lent to us to be a part of a musical institution's reverberation. A few, who are fortunate to get to admire personally the comfort and humble character of Mr. Cullum feel myriads more of being a part of this long awaited and whelming night.

What greatness it would be to one day BS with a legend, fill your peace with not only a place that raves a simplistic class...but allows you to feel as if you belong and wiser for choosing to stay.

The Brooklynite.

What a place. Where blues, jazz, and their relationship mean something beyond the sound. A taste, finesse, and poetry of essential craft defined by care and passion. A spot to relieve the mind to chat and learn the tastes of soul.

Give way to an experience with the key of soul & time to view what you really love about your heart as The Brooklynite brings creation of an era to love the creation of your own.





The Brooklynite
516 Brooklyn Ave
San Antonio, TX

Shindig your Way

I know I know about a lot of events, fun shindigs by friends, and get down and happy with the best of them. Most times though I enjoy being the quiet one at these events and watch/listen to how people interact instead of being the life of the party. Now the whole introvert\extrovert personalities can come into effect of how you place yourself in public settings. But when going to an event that you know people are going to interact and want some kind of attention from you or many how do you keep yourself open but mysterious at the same time?

I say: “Shut. Up.”

2 words that will totally catch the bold and shock the reserved. You can gear up (or down) who is gonna be your cup of tea at your next shindig. Those who react like they are ‘oh so taken aback’ will be your conservatives and low key folks that have that cool conversation with you. Although they may ghost out and you will be left like Cinderella’s shoe on a drunken homecoming night. Speaking of which, when is it cool to ghost out of a party??? 

Check out this story: http://ideas.evite.com/etiquette/is-ghosting-okay/

So don’t get your feelings hurt if these folks run out you like a bad ex-lover. Secondly, lol check this: http://ideas.evite.com/etiquette/the-dos-and-donts-of-seeing-an-ex-at-a-party/ 

Don’t worry you came to the party looking great and now you’re FABULOUS. Strut it and meet that someone new to spark your shindig experience.

So what about those that are like ‘Ha, hell yeah! I know right?!?’ and continue on when you say “Shut. Up.”??? Well, they are gonna take your shindig to another level you may or may not be ready for. In fact, they will keep you close like the conservative ones, but you may lose them in the crowd that will be fawning over them all night. They can be your networking wing-person and your crazy BF at the same time. Be warned though, these may be fast and confusing types of relationships that will leave you scratching your head. You won’t know if y’all are going steady or just a crush playing footsies like your middle school boyfriend/girlfriend at Thanksgiving dinner.

How do I know??? Trust , as a person on both sides of the overactive and mundane spectrums and listening to more than sometimes what I can handle of people telling me their life stories…I have definitely experienced my share of all the above and been the person on the other side. Ask your friends, if you ain’t scared, what they think of you when y’all go out.  Get that inner reflection from a non-biased sort. I love asking off guard to pals and colleagues alike what I am doing to hinder or help a relationship. It is awesome to be able to improve positive in your ways. Or if you like being a rude son of a gun or an overachieving people pleaser, by all means DO YOU. No one should like you more than you.

There is so much that you can learn about yourself and others if YOU just shut up. So do it. Shut. Up. (I mean that in the nicest way)

Adventure on.

JB

Soul Story: John Moses, Musician

Your City. Your Life. Your Adventure. A place can make your soul want to dedicate more than what is usual to make your existence a passion, and others wanting to be a part of it. For John Moses his passion came from a place of home. Music is his heart and creating for people in his home of Texas, being influenced by ones closest to him proves a Soul Story of influential vibes. 

Check out his Soul Story:

What drew your Soul to music?  

   -My father introduced me to music. He has been a musician all his life. When I was young I was always at his band practices. Our family grew up playing as a worship band till I eventually ventured into my own music.

When did you know?  

   -I knew l was meant to create music after I realized how much I enjoyed the art behind creating music and the joy it brought others when they heard my original work. Besides my son, nothing makes me happier than composing a melody with the lyrics colliding sweetly. 

The first tune you learned?  

    -The first tune I learned was the Jurassic Park theme song on the piano. 

If 3 songs could represent who you are what would they be and why?  

   1. Wheel by John Mayer - I feel like song is speaking right through me. Life is a circle, and when it goes south, it will come right back up again. It is a simple concept that maintains my happiness. 

   2. Man in the Mirror by Michael Jackson - I live every moment of my life looking in the mirror and always will. How can I be better and what do I need to do to continue to make my life a happy life.  

   3. Doing It Wrong - Drake - Until recently, I found myself continuously in unwanted relationships.They were built on circumstances versus "love". The lyrics in this song was my thought process for a long time and it is a constant reminder on why I rather wait till the right time.

Right before the curtain rises, what goes through your mind?  

   -I leave my mind completely blank. I allow the moment to happen and embrace the joy. 

Is San Antonio, or another place, the root of why you sing? Why there?  

 -I started singing when I was young. My grandpa is a pastor of a church in Weslaco,Texas and that is where it all began. It was fun and I was horrible. But I did it pure heartedly. 

What is your fondest memory of music and what song brings it home to you?  

   -When I was young my friend Robert took me to a Third Day concert. There was a moment when the lights went out in the climax of there version of "Hallelujah",  my heart stopped. When the music came back on full blast I was mesmerized. 

What are your main impulses to write music? 

   -It varies on melody and lyrics. Some things I have and a melody pops into my head. I think about the mood it puts me in, then develop lyrics to support the mood. Sometimes I think of lyrics and develop a sound to encompass my words. It is such a wonderful feeling when it starts coming together. 

In which way does writing and reading about music change the way it is perceived by the public in San Antonio?  

   -When I am writing my music it is as if I am purging an emotion. I attempt to couple that with vague enough lyrics that will give the listener a chance join in the moment. The perception of the song can be taken multiple ways by the people in San Antonio.  The response is the beautiful part of it all. 

What does your Soul ride on?  

   -My soul rides on the challenges of success and the maintenance of happiness. 

What are you currently grooving to? 

   -I am currently grooving to 311- Amber

Without Exception...our fellow rider of San Antonio has got the Soul the city can vibe to.

Adventure on peeps.
Jess B 

*John Moses' "Without Exceptions" is available worldwide and on Spotify*

Check out John Moses in various venues in the San Antonio Area and check out his music on YouTube and Facebook at:
https://www.youtube.com/user/johnmosesmusic
and
https://www.facebook.com/johnmosesmusic?fref=ts
Instagram: #
johnmosesmusic

Da na. Da na. Da na...Whoa.

I say. I think me and my fellow Weekenders were spared this weekend and breathless from the adventure. I mean c'mon you know you had a time in your life where you experienced that near ending moment when everything FLASHED before your eyes. 
JUST. LIKE. THAT. 
It was insane!!!!! (OK i am exaggerating, a bit)
But leave it to Texas to make EVERYTHING Bigger and Better.

Of course being downtown has its perks and one of them is being closest to everything that happens in good ol' Bexar County.

FIRST FRIDAYS on South Alamo. Tell me fun from Country to Bachata had to happen with Breweries to Boozy Ice Cream. I mean it was crazy fun from the Acoustic vibes of John Moses to the Bachata  and salsa fun at Azuca with the trumpet sounds of Orquesta Tropicante . IT WAS GREAT!!!!! (Check these musicians out)
Every first Friday of the month (when weather is good, which is always) the Southtown neighborhood of SATX has Art museums, open mic, dancing, great food and drink deals, local artisans and vendors with great items on display and for sale. This neighborhood is one of the coolest places to be in the city. 
We listened to the soulful artists at Rosella Coffee that were amazing to check out like John Moses and Sierra Lynn . Swung around the corner to Azuca and The House Boozy Ice cream (my faves), And THEN worked our way around to Blue Star Brewery checked out the Fab painting artists and Riverwalk and nightcapped at Tucker's Kozy Korner for "Soul Spot"
And that was just Friday.

Saturday: You should definitely try if you are into eating FRESH & INTERESTINGLY. Just a good evening at home we created an indoor picnic (blankets and all, plus it was blazing outside) and made our own Farm-2-Table Picnic. It was incredible what everyone brought when challenged. With only fresh ingredients used from local farmers, markets, and sources no more than 30 miles away food was prepped healthy and tasty. Even local beer was on the menu like Freetail Brewery and their great Bat Outta Helles. :)  From stuffed figs with honey to homemade pesto squash and BBQ pork avocados, WE feasted.

And of Course SUNDAY , when you are suppose to rest...we couldn't help ourselves but to go to Alamo Drafthouse Rolling Road Show with "Jaws on the Water"! Dancing sharks, wake-boarders doing tricks,a  great classic film (Jaws), and your coolest buds at Texas Ski Ranch in New Braunfels. 

Oh, and the Bboys at The Paintyard were dope with hip hop and soul for a great Sunday Funday. You gotta check out Sam, he knows his stuff and looking for new artists for a festival coming up soon!

Lets just say this week is playing catch up and I am ready for the next shindig in the city!

Adventure on peeps. 
IG: @paparazziJ 

The Groove of Bike and Soul

Passion is why I do this. Go places and challenge my environment, people around me and the next day to be better and exciting. It is incredible what just "Hey. How are you?" can have on someone. You may not have thought that someone walking up to you and asking whats going on with you may matter but it does. And getting to know folks here in Texas has been nothing short of amazing. 

The person I got to know, through his awesome chica Valerie, is Matt Vasquez and the Soul Spot Crew at Tuckers. They are the real Soul for tonight's Bike and Soul Event in Downtown San Antonio. Hosted by yours truly, I cannot imagine a better way to celebrate with DJs and riders with the passion they hold to keep wheels up and rolling in SATX.

So, I asked how Matt was doing...and see his Soul Story:

How did you start in this DJ game? Once upon a time…

  I started DJing at Tuckers Kozy Korner on Thursday nights in 2012. Having been influenced by JJ Lopez, Founder of “The Soul Spot” and DJ at Trinity Jazz Radio Station KRTU 91.7 FM. The very first time I went to Tuckers was on a Friday night in the summer of 2010, having been invited by a friend. JJ Lopez was there spinning Disco, Soul, and Funk vinyl classics during the very beginning of “The Soul Spot”. From that point on I decided I wanted to share music with others and start DJing. 

What song/melody/mix/artist made you decide, “Music is what I must live through?”

                             The Artist known as James Yancey AKA J Dilla probably influenced me most in music. The “Art Of Sampling” was very interesting to me when I first stumbled upon it and J Dilla was one of the very best in that aspect. Something about the way he put his beats together gave it this very unique dynamic in sound.

1 If there were 3 songs to describe your music story, what would they be?

     1. Tom Browne - Funkin' for Jamaica. I don’t think this “Soul Spot” staple has ever had the dance floor empty. This is also a song that JJ Lopez played, that I knew and loved, the very first time I went to Tuckers. I couldn’t have been happier.
2. The Brand New Heavies – Sometimes (The Ummah Remix) w/ Heavy Jay Dee aka J Dilla production along with the rest of the Ummah production crew. It has such a warm, smooth, chest thumping rhythm that just makes you want to groove... and never disappoints upon repetitive listening.
3. Minnie Ripperton – Inside My Love. This tune resonates with me deeply as it reminds me of when I first met my girlfriend. 

 It’s just perfect.

Certainly is. 

Come out tonight and every 1st and 3rd Friday at Tuckers on Houston St  for Soul Spot in Downtown San Antonio at the Soul Spot. The best hidden jam spot with great people, vibes and changing the music scene one groove at a time. The passion of Texas from gearing up with our cycling crew to keeping the dance floor packed at vintage spots, is happening and growing. This city is going to be beyond out of this world before you know it. I would love to see you out there and being a part of it. 

Adventure on.

Jess

Special Thanks to Bike World, The Rivard Report, mySA, Downtown Highlife Bicycle Club, Blue Star Bike Shop, The House (boozy ice cream), Tucker's Kozy Korner, The Soul Spot DJs, and all the great bicycle peeps of San Antonio. Yall have been awesome! Much luv