Meet the Musicians of Redress Raleigh's 2012 Benefit Show

The Redress Raleigh 2012 Benefit show is a couple days away and we can barely contain our excitement! This year’s show was artfully curated with feel-good hip hop music that is sure to get you onto the dance floor and showing off a few signature dance moves. The show’s featured artists are internationally recognized musicians with a passion to inspire others through their work. The benefit show helps raise the funds needed to put together our annual eco-friendly fashion show, taking place Friday, April 20th at CAM.  Here's a little more information about the awesome musicians who will be performing this Saturday, March 24th at Kings Barcade in downtown Raleigh, tickets are $8 in advance and $10 at the door.

CHARLIE SMARTS

Performing since 2001, Alexander Thompson is the man behind Charlie Smarts who presents positive strength of mind through his music. Charlie Smarts, inspired by all of his senses, believes music is therapy for both listeners and creators. You may know Charlie Smarts from his projects with Kooley High and Inflowential and as an opening act for Little Brother, Ghostface Killah, J. Cole, Wyclef Jean, Flo Rida, Dead Prez, Doug E Fresh, and Colin Munroe, to name a few. Charlie Smarts is known for his witty wordsmith skills and refreshing lyrical message which has attracted the attention of many hip hop industry professionals. Recently Charlie Smarts linked up with producers Black Jeruz and Marshall Law to take a new wave of music genius at the right time to stamp his unique thumbprint on the hip-hop genre.

MR. INVISIBLE

"Mr. Invisible is a team of two MC/producers based in Charlotte, NC. Known for their energetic live shows infused with demonstrations of high technical proficiency, Mr. Invisible has been rocking crowds with their brand of progressive hip-hop music since 2005. Up-tempo beats, fast raps, and B-boy inspired breaks are the backbone of the group’s sound. Mr. Invisible has toured with artists DJ Vadim and One Self. They have performed with Atmosphere, Astronautalis, Dead Prez, EPMD, J-Live, Little Brother, Mac Miller, and Wu-Tang Clan among many others. They’ve also rocked massive crowds at key electronic and hip-hop music events such as Low End Theory in Los Angeles and the A3C Hip-Hop Festival in Atlanta." (via https://www.facebook.com/mrinvisiblehiphop/info) 

SKYBLEW

Mario Farrow (SkyBlew) moved to Chapel Hill, NC in 2008, leaving behind the pollution of drugs, gangs, and violence in Auburn, AL. Although he transitioned into various foster homes and was surrounded by negativity, SkyBlew chose to use music as his escape, means to soothe his soul, and the medium to paint colorful dreams. SkyBlew has been performing as a solo artist for three years and a year ago he met his “partner in rhyme” Azon Blaze and together they formed the two man group, Blaze the Sky. SkyBlew’s solo work has been his outlet to express himself and make light of his dark past. He’s been influenced by Common, Blu, Lupe Fiasco, Amy Winehouse, Blue Scholars & Scapegoat Wax, his late grandmother and everything that goes on in his world. His music is meant to “inspire the listeners to go for their dreams”, whatever they may be. SkyBlew has a unique, uplifting, powerful and positive message in hip-hop. As for his style, SkeyBlew states “it’s not always about what you wear, it’s how you wear it!”.

THE BALANCE

Based in Raleigh, North Carolina, The Balance blends styles such as Fusion, R&B, Jazz, Rock, Soul, Latin, Classical, and World and that’s not all. The band is known for their “stellar musicianship, live improvisation, crowd participation, witty, and socially conscious rhymes, and dynamic live shows; the real experience lies within one of our shows”. To them music is “The New Ish Schnizzle Bop” which you should interpret to be their sound. Rockin’ since 2004, what started out as a four person group morphed into an 8 piece band that is currently on its 8 years and counting run. Along the way The Balance has had opportunities to open for several national acts and has performed in over 40 venues across the Triangle. The Balance draws inspiration from “everybody, everything, everywhere” - music, art, dance, and architecture are at the top of the list. The Balance delivers music from the politically motivated to the conscious to some party tracks.While they promote a positive spin on reality they also understand that everyone has a bad day or two. In their words: “we give a smorgasboard of topics and vibes.” The same can be said about their style - with a band of 8 no one person has the same look, but when they come together it’s all very... balanced. The band is currently in the studio working on their 1st LP and they also have their music on iTunes and Reverbnation so be sure to check them out!

DJ K STONES

Many of you know of Kristen Stoneman or DJ K Stones and even if you don’t recognize the name, you’ve likely still danced to her tunes at many of clubs across North Carolina. DJ K Stones started her music career at age 17, initially running a radio show and then expanding into other areas,  and has always been “interested in the culture as well as the artistry” of DJing. Her music is influenced and inspired by “seeing the crowd dance, smile, and laugh.” She tries to make every event special, spreading a positive message and showing her fans how diverse music is and “when it hits, you feel no pain”. As for her style, DJ K Stones lets the location and type of music she’s playing determine her outfit which often ecompasses sexy/classy/business attire with a touch of hip hop dress as well.

Interview with Liz Johnson owner of Revolver Consignment Boutique

When we think about what it means to be sustainable in fashion, there's no better example than what Revolver Consignment Boutique is doing.  With their gently used, highly fashionable finds at great prices you can find everything you need - from basics to evening gowns, hair accessories to shoes - all while being sustainable and shopping local at a great value!  

Q: What inspired you to open your business?
A: I saw a need for a high-end boutique consignment store in our area.  I knew I had girlfriends that had “one-time-wear” garments in their closets, things like special event dresses, and a store like Revolver gives them a way to pass it on... and get something new to them at the same time.

Q: When did you open your business?
A: Six years ago.

Q: Have you always wanted to create this type of business or was there a turning point that changed yoru focus to the creation of this company?
A: I always shopped at thift stores and consignment stores, so this was a natural step - a mix of all the things I was always looking for.  The idea of styles “revolving” is where the name Revolver comes from.  

Q: What are the types of items I would find in your store/ on your website?A: High end designer pieces, unique inexpensive pieces, and basic items - we try to hit all areas of your wardrobe.  Men’s and women’s clothing and accessories.  The Revolver website has been up for several months with items from our store. - www.revolverboutique.com 

 

Q: How do you choose the products that are featured in your shop?
A: Appointment only, hand picking consignment items from consignors.

Q: Do you feature any local vendors in your shop?
A: Tons! Good Girls Studio, Llavender, Adam Peele, Lucky Accessories, Erin Brown, Saela Designs, Verabelle, Trende Femme, Woodcrafty, and Cassidy Jane to name a few!

Q: What do you like most about Raleigh?
A: That its still growing.  Raleigh has a friendly, small town feel, but there is a lot going on at the same time.

Q: What are some of your favorite things about being part of Raleigh’s local business community?
A: There are a lot of local businesses interested in working together - we had a fashion show at Tir Na Nog, we work with the wine store downstairs (The Raleigh Wine Shop) - it’s an atmosphere of locals helping locals.  Raleigh is building it’s own identity as a city.

Q: Sustainability - what does it mean to you?
A: Recycling is a big part of it. And living economically. 

Stop by soon to visit owner Liz Johnson (and her dog Rigsby who is often working hard at the store) and see the amazing selection at Revolver!  Or if you aren’t in the neighborhood, you can visit Revolver online at www.revolverboutique.com

Words from Friends

"I never would have been aquatinted with environmentalism and social entrepreneurship in this way had I not been introduced to it through Redress. I owe you a great debt of gratitude." 

-Andrew Callahan 

How EcoFashion Becomes a Fashion Staple

Have you ever heard of the company Uniqlo? I hadn't, either. I was at the bookstore looking at their fashion selection, and was flipping through a book where all the contributors were fashion bloggers. One of the bloggers said her favorite place to buy cashmere was at Uniqlo, and, of course, reasonably priced cashmere? That's me!

I checked the website, and discovered they have been undertaking a fantastic initiative to develop their company with an all product recycling initiative. Since 2006. How has this company flown under the radar? They have great clothes at reasonable prices, although I have yet to find the cashmere.

As with so many great ideas, this one started as something different. According to their website, Uniqlo intended to recycle the clothing they received from customers for industrial use, but they made the discovery that a lot of the clothing donated was still wearable. So, what to do with the clothing? What any good company would do - donate it to human relief efforts around the globe.

They are expanding their brick and mortar stores, and have recently opened a US flagship store on Broadway in NYC. Feel free to donate what you don't upcycle or consign yourself. In this case, it truly does help to recycle!

The Ides of Love

Members of Redress Raleigh will proudly be attending the Ides of Love March on the Capital on March 15th, 2012 and we encourage many more of you to join us as we stand together against discrimination. Join the HonestNC Facebook group, follow on Twitter, and donate to the cause if you can. 

A message from our friends at HonestNC:

"On March 15th, 2012, we will march from the N.C. State Bell Tower to the General Assembly downtown in an event we cheerfully refer to as the Ides of Love.

We want to show our State and our Nation that the people of North Carolina do not support amending our Constitution with this ban, and that we will virulently defend the right for a union to be recognized by the state. In the past, we have codified language that excluded both women and minority races; let us learn from our history and not repeat those same mistakes on May 8, 2012. 

The motto for the fine state of North Carolina has always rung with heraldic clarity: we are a state that lives according to principle and truth; to be rather than to seem. Sadly, the stable foundations of our state have been put to the test, and we stand in the face of those who would restrict base civil rights. We honor the primary statement of the original document of our governance with its assurance of equal rights for all, regardless of creed or orientation.

If you are against amending the North Carolina State Constitution with discrimination, come join us on March 15th, 2012. If you are proud to live in the state that launched civil rights to the forefront of our national discussion, join with us for the march. We believe that only through an expression of solidarity can we give a voice to the voiceless, to those the state would seek to exclude from the civil right of marriage. 

"A vote on the same sex marriage amendment has nothing to do with your personal and religious opinion on same sex marriage but everything to do with whether or not you believe discrimination should be codified and legalized constitutionally. We should never seek to codify discrimination into the very heart and framework of our Constitution."
-Rev. Dr. William J. Barber, II

All faiths, all religions, all races, and all people are welcome.

For more information, and further updates on the day of action and change, please visit honestnc.com"