Archive for July, 2008
Jul
31

Bill Butler in Talks to Do Reality Series

Skate NewsJuly 31st, 2008RST_newsNo comments

Skate legend Bill Butler has been contacted by representatives of the Simmons Lathan Media Group (SLMG) to discuss a role for him in directing a roller skating reality TV series. SLMG is headed by hip hop guru Russell Simmons and Stan Lathan and is dedicated to bringing a positive image of the hip hop generation to music, TV, radio, and other forms of media. 

 

This is from the group’s website:

 

… Nearly 30 years in the game, two generations strong, billions of dollars in revenue, Hip-Hop is MODERN AMERICA’S culture. Yet turn on a television and, other than music videos, Hip-Hop culture is nearly invisible. Simmons Lathan Media Group is set on changing that. We’re the voice of millions of young people – Black, White, Asian, Latin, poor and rich – who don’t see themselves represented honestly in the media.

Through comedy, poetry, dance, animation and drama, we offer cultural expressions that have been ignored for too long….

 

Bill is to meet with one of SLMG’s representatives in Atlanta this weekend to find out more about their proposed project.

 

Stay tuned!

  • Share/Bookmark

Jul
27

Grown Folks Skate a HUGE Success

Skate NewsJuly 27th, 2008RST_news1 Comment

AURORA, CO – After Music Spectrum’s “Grown Folks” Session ended Sunday, July 20, several skaters commented that they had not sweated so much in a long time and, with a crowd of 120 in Skate City, that only increased the heat and contributed to so many getting an extra workout to song after song played by DJ Big Mike.  The Old School session was a pleasant change up from what skaters have become used to in the Denver area with sounds from artists like Stevie Wonder, Lou Rawls, Mary J, Keith Sweat, Tupac, Biggie, and RST’s favorite of the night was “The Rain” (1986), by Oran Juice Jones ….. a song we haven’t heard (to our recollection) at any skate event nationwide.

 

Here are some of the faces from the special night:

 

 

 

Big Mike pleasantly surprised many skaters who came through the doors and rolled to the variety of songs he played from the ‘back in the day’ era.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Most Sundays find Victoria Ayers (l) and Lori Span at the skating rink where they meet up with other adults who share their same passion for skating. “We’re like family,” Span said during a break from her weekly roll. A skater for 35 years, she explained that when she misses a Sunday, her whole week is thrown off. Ayers has been on skates for 38 years and said she is in another world when on the skate floor where all her troubles just fly away.

 

 

 

 

 Pictured at Skate City, and preparing to roll, are: Henry Kirby (l) and DJ Lemon (r) who make the 45 minute drive from Colorado Springs regularly for adult skating in the Metro area. Kirby has been skating for more than 10 years and most enjoys the fact that he receives a beneficial workout while skating. DJ Lemon is originally from Brooklyn, NY and has been skating since he was a young boy. Skating, he said, takes his mind away from everyday trials and concerns and allows him to relax.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Even community activist, organizer and businessman Brother Jeff takes a break from his busy schedule to “get his roll on” from time to time at the local adult skating session.

 

 

 

Photos by Lens of Ansar

© 2008 – All Rights Reserved

  • Share/Bookmark

, , , , , , , , , , ,

Jul
26

Skate Headlines, July 25

GeneralJuly 26th, 2008RST_newsNo comments

City Cuts Ties With Rink After Employee Uses N-word Toward Black Teen (WVEC)

 

Texas Rink for Sale (Corsicana Daily Sun)

 

8 Wheels & Some Soul Brother Music Released on DVD

RST received this information on the upcoming 8 wheels Los Angeles release party:

 As many of you already know we landed a DISTRIBUTION DEAL with Indican Pictures for the North American DVD release of “8 Wheels and Some Soul Brotha Music” (in stores 8/5/08. Whoohoo!) IndicanPictures.com 

Please join us in our excitement at Belongals Game Lounge to play board games, jam to live music, eat and drink. 

Each of you has been instrumental to our success, and we want to share this moment with YOU. 

Roll onto the red carpet early to get in on a game of bones; a short presentation will be shown at 8pm; and watch the stars light up the night!

See ya there!

The event is to be held Friday, Aug. 8 and is hosted by 8 Wheels producers Tyrone & Nicole Dixon along with Indican Pictures.  Belongals is located at 2478 Colorado Blvd in Los Angeles.  More info, call 323-447-7488.

  • Share/Bookmark

Jul
15

New & improved skate night in Colorado

Skate NewsJuly 15th, 2008RST_news2 Comments

RST supports the Old School Skate, i.e., Grown Folks Skate, held every 3rd Sunday in the Denver area and hosted by Music Spectum.  This night is specially for Music Spectrum members, many of whom have, for years now, been dissatisfied with the music selection provided by the DJs who have been playing for more than a decade.

 

After a small group of members resorted to a petition for change,  the decision was made to begin bringing in a guest DJ who has been hired to provide the musical format and skate atmosphere the member’s night was originally set up for….. skatable old school primarily, but also skatable music free of the derogatory language which many “grown folks” find offensive and unnecessary.

 

Music Spectrum founder Archie Jones is also President of the Black Transplants Action Committee (BTAC), a non-profit organization which promotes increased awareness of the need for organ and tissue donation in the Black community.  Both organizations highly recommend roller skating as a physical activity which will contribute to an overall healthy lifestyle.

 

The Grown Folks skate is dedicated to Music Spectrum members, true skaters and those who love R&B Old School served up with a twist of classic soul, jazz, gospel, reggae and a little taste of hip hop.

 

Every 3rd Sunday 2008 skate dates:

 

July 20

Aug 17

Sep 21

Oct 19

Nov 16

Dec 21

 

Stay tuned for info on Music Spectrum’s skate contest for couples, trios and skate teams. First prize $300. Second price $100. Preliminaries to be held Sep 21, finals on Dec 21. (Details subject to change.)

 

Please visit the BTAC website to find out more and click the below thumbnail for more info on the member’s skate which will feature guest DJ Big Mike:

  • Share/Bookmark

, , , , ,