My good friend Kate needed new headshots so we strolled around Uptown Oakland and took some portraits in the wild. I'm so happy with the way these turned out!
It Takes A Village
I had the honor of shooting photos last week at the launch party for It Takes A Village Nation, a startup social justice network that aims to give like-minded organizations & individuals around the world a new platform to collaborate and mobilize around causes they care about. Instead of doing a traditional "step and repeat" in front of a branded backdrop, the guests held custom-made signs that they could write on. It was cool idea that matched the DIY vibe of this event and everyone had fun with it. Sometimes it's nice to spend an evening around people doing amazing things in your own community.
Town Champs: Jacinta & Donovan
Jacinta Kaumbulu & Donovan Weaton: Champions of vinyl
If you've been to a show at the New Parish in Oakland recently, you may have noticed a little record shop next door. Since Donovan and Jacinta opened Champion Sound Records last December, it's become a hotspot of musical activity on its own. Not only do they sell a mix of new and used vinyl, they often host record swap parties on the back patio with DJs spinning on weekends.
I met Donovan at one of the many swaps I've attended over the past couple years. He's been selling records independently for a long time, so opening up a brick & mortar seems like the natural progression. I'm just thrilled he did it in the neighborhood where I hang out most. Now there's always something going on and amazing musicians coming through this space, and I love it!
I've found many records I adore at Champion Sound - from Dr. John, Gary Bartz NTU Troop, and the Ramsey Lewis Trio, to name a few (yes, I do remember which shops I bought my records from). If you have any love for Latin/Funk/Soul/Jazz/Reggae/Hip Hop, you owe it to yourself to stop in.
Champion Sound Records is located at 1729 San Pablo Ave, Oakland, California