My friend Malik posted on my Facebook page that he hopes I’m having the time of my life. That resonated with me in such a deep way. Those who know me understand that I can be super serious all the time. I worry so much about ‘getting things right’ or ‘making sure to be on time’ or ‘insert reason to worry here’, that I forget the bigger picture. I’m an artist who for the first time in my life gets to live my dream. I am in Lisbon doing what I love. Creating music and reaching people. Yay! How awesome this is and I needed a little reminder to get things back into perspective. Time to get on with ‘having the time of my life’! Finally!
This past week has been pretty exciting. I finally got over my cold and was able to get out a bit. I met some wonderful people. Rehearsals began for my first show (Feb 3rd), and I’ve been told my face is all over Lisbon (the posters are up for Friday’s concert thanks to a really efficient street team)! I am amazed daily by the beauty of this city – and they have the cleanest subways I have ever seen. I have enclosed a few pics…the subway, some friends, rehearsals and whatever else I snapped this week.
If all of the invitations pan out, the coming weeks will hold a sailing expedition, great meals at friends’ homes, another show on the 16th and a trip to Manchester, UK. I will keep you posted!
It feels good to be back here. Lisbon is as beautiful as I remember! (and as hilly too, but I remembered my sneakers this time!) I am so grateful for the outpouring of love I have received. I’m looking forward to a busy couple of months here. I’m hoping to avoid gaining a hundred pounds from all of the good food here, but I think our friend Vahagn might have something to say about that, ha ha! My second night here and he prepares the most splendid meal featuring ‘osso buco’ (which literally translates: bone with a hole in it) . It was my first time having it, but it surely won’t be my last. Here are a few pics. The osso buco as well as the view from the apartment where I’m spending my first few days.
Why not? It’s thoughtful, portable and makes great stocking stuffers! Books are timeless gifts, broadsides make great conversation starters – and they look fantastic framed!
Diamondancer’s latest book “The Feminine Profane” and broadsides (14 to choose from) are available for order and immediate shipping. Your copies will be autographed upon request.
The 66 page book is perfect bound with full color cover. The broadsides are 12″x19″ full color prints.
Order now! Special holiday pricing only until Dec 15th. As always, thanks for your love and support… for orders email: diamondancer1@gmail.com with items and contact info. Thanks!
Books on sale $10 (reg $15)
Broadsides (posters) on sale $7 reg ($10) ***$5 w/book or if ordering 3 or more!
*****THANK YOU DETROIT***** The first of ‘The Discussion Series’ sessions was absolutely incredible. The honest dialogue about the images and writings was humbling. The sharing was touching and intense. I’m looking forward to the next one at home! Mad love!
The bar has been set for future sessions of ‘The Discussion Series’! New locations to be announced shortly!! The sessions will involve discussions of poems and art presented from and about the book. My hope is to spark refreshingly honest, sometimes painfully direct conversations that will help people begin healing, or at least give people an opportunity to share in a safe, non –judgmental environment.
It’s hard to believe the book has been out nearly three months now and the reception so far has been really good. Huge thank you to the wonderful people in Lisbon, for such warm and honest feedback. I must also take a moment to express gratitude for musical compositions inspired by readings from the book.
The images are striking and sometimes uncomfortable. The words are frank and to-the-point. The results? Hopefully priceless.
Well, what can I say? Things have been non-stop since I arrived in Lisbon Thursday morning! Everything is so lovely here, and, everything is so hilly here too! Only city I know where everything seems uphill – no matter what direction you’re going! I wish I had time for more than just a brief overview, but alas…
Thursday morning I met my friends and we proceeded to the flat where we would be staying. Then after a brief bit of water and introductions to flat mates it was off to a recording session for my friend Jerry. The studio was impressive and I hope to record my next album there upon my return. Special thanks to everyone for their generosity and quite possibly the best chicken I’ve eaten! After the session back to the flat for a quick change of clothes and then off to club Lounge! Very warm intimate spot with red walls and a nice staff. The night was capped off with impromptu special request performances by myself and Jerry the Cat. For those who recognize the significance of this – Jerry actually sang and did poetry! Here’s to new directions! Mad love to Vaughn and the Thursday Lounge Crowd for incredible energy!
Friday was our first opportunity to see a little of the city, so we wandered a bit, took some pictures and had a nice dinner. Our waiter was great and the spinach soup was a highlight. Will add the name of the café when I post pics – can’t find the card and having a memory failure at the moment. We finished off the night by heading to a club owned by a friend of Jerry’s and enjoyed a nice vibe and good wine.
Saturday’s highlights were “the best chocolate cake in the world” at Food and Flowers – a little restaurant near our flat, and a surprise performance at a Portuguese wedding! Congratulations to the bride and groom (Sara and Joao)! Thank you to the staff at Maria BA and to all the wonderful new friends who welcomed us with open arms!
Sunday (today) was awesome because I actually got to the recording studio with Jerry and his friend Arttu! We had a lovely time and got a lot of work done! Looking forward to hearing the release! Great dinner in (thanks to Jerry cooking) and now catching up on all things ‘social media’!
Monday will have us rehearsing for Tuesday’s show and then a dinner hosted for us, and Tuesday we will be meeting friends during the day and later rocking it out at MUV!
It’s true. I packed for an 8 day international trip in one carry-on suitcase and one laptop bag – including sound equip and cameras. This was not my first choice for the trip, but my schedule left me with no time to check luggage between connecting flights (at two different airports, in NY/NJ with only three hours from touch-down to take- off). So the options were ship extra stuff ahead of time, or make it work with what could be carried on.
The trip was to Lisbon, Portugal for performances, recording and video/photo shoots, so I had to choose items that could work for different settings as needed.
I was a little intimidated at first and then I got to thinking “This could be interesting, if I can actually do it”. I know there are a lot of people out there (guys in particular) saying to themselves “Yeah, right. A woman packing for 8 days anywhere with just one carry-on? I’ll believe it when I see it!”
Well…. here’s how it went down.
Keys to the luggage:
knits – they travel well and tend to wrinkle less
minimal color palate – fewer pieces are needed to mix/match for different looks – introduce color with smaller items like scarves and jewelry
shoes – one pair dressy heels, one kitten heel, a flip flop and a flat
remember you are wearing a whole outfit on the plane so choose those pieces to coordinate with what you’re packing
take pieces that have more than one function if possible – for example I chose was a long maxi skirt that doubles as a strapless dress on a different day
I also had equipment to consider so here are a few ‘not rocket science’ tips to packing tech stuff:
equipment cases take up more room. you’re carrying on so the suitcase is not going to be tossed like a football under the plane – so you could travel with cameras, microphone out of cases. Clothes, and in my case, a lot of cords can provide extra cushion/buffer
think ‘Tetris’ or jigsaw puzzle – sometimes items can be shifted to fit ‘inside’ or within other pieces i.e. my computer mouse was able to sit under my mic cradle, and my microphone was secured by the ‘channel’ that was created by the handle tracks
un-package new items like tapes for videos, cd’s etc and discard the extra bulky packaging
What I actually packed in the carry-on:
2 scarves (one print, one solid –wrap size) to serve as warmth or color
1 pr flip flops
1 pr kitten heel thong shoes
undies
robe
1 choc brown long sleeved dress lightweight knit
1 black sleeveless evening dress knit
1 black maxi skirt/dress lightweight knit
1 black asymmetric hemline skirt medium weight knit
ballerina flats (prepared for the OJ Simpson sprint just in case)
1 washcloth and empty Ziploc (for after you use the towel)
FAA Ziploc with approved personal items (so you don’t have to go in the overhead bins if you decide you want to freshen up during long flights)
pens
business cards
notebook/binder
10 copies of my book
laptop and cord
wallet/change purse
mini recorder
glasses and contact lens case
cell phone
headphones
What I actually wore on the plane:
long sleeved black knit top (goes with either skirt)
blue palazzo pants knit (and go with the two neutral tops)
large blue knit wrap for warmth
stilettos (remember flats are in the laptop bag should I need to change quickly) *wearing the ‘largest/tallest’ pair of shoes made more room in the luggage
These suggestions may not work for everyone, but they may give you some ideas of how to travel with less on your next trip (should the need arise). Pics of the luggage and how I wore the outfits will be posted later! Stay tuned…
A soundtrack for the time of day when nothing really matters but the music you love. An after-hours musical narrative, crafted in unadulterated authenticity.
Drivetrain brings on acclaimed writer/vocalist Diamondancer, dropping seductive expressions of passion and desire on Peppermint Kisses, Pads and strings provide the enchantment as the sub-bass quakes your body. Nate Mattimore makes his Soiree debut with veteran, Todd Perrine (the P of the now defunct PH Concept) remixing CloudMasterWeed’s, Sunny.
After Years of individual involvement in the scene, the 2 joined musical forces in 2007 forming a strong production and performing partnership. the Mattimoe-Perrine remix defines pure, sterilized deepness. BlackJack’s ever-expanding repertoire of preeminent productions reaches a new level. Triaxial’s impeccable orchestration and grooving bass line effortlessly fuse this late night odyssey.
Quindrant Dub is Professor Inc’s dark and techy nocturnal poison. Pounding rhythm under mind-bending effects generate proper dance floor dope at the time when you need it most. LATE NIGHT CHRONICLES – music for the bewitching hour.
Carolyn Ferrari, a.k.a. Diamondancer, was born and raised in Flint, Michigan. She moved to the Detroit area in
the summer of 1997, which is where the love affair with House Music began. She started writing poetry in 2001, has been published in two anthologies and belongs to three poetry groups both in and outside of Detroit. The Diner, Excuse Me, Did you say something? and Love Potion #33 are three books of her poetry, self-published through Leadfoot Press. Diamondancer is also a photographer and jewelry designer and she currently resides in Miami, FL.
Diamondancer has been performing for 10 years at poetry readings, open mic sessions and clubs. Notable appearances have included: Absolute Thursdays weekly (Detroit, 2007), Women on Wax Electronic Music Festival (Detroit, 2007) and SWEAT party (Atlanta, 2007). She held her “Farewell Detroit” ‘unplugged’ performances in February 2010 and went on to present a visual arts show in San Angelo, TX. March 2010 featured a series of performances and appearances at the Winter Music Conference in Miami. Diamondancer rounded out the year with “The Return Series with E-man” and an appearance on the internet radio series “House 2 House with DJ Menny.” This trend continues in 2011, with Diamondancer having been invited to perform at several high-profile events; highlights include:
The 2nd Annual Old School House Music Cruise (Carnival Destiny) and Soul Elevation Music Bon Voyage
pre-cruise reception (Maxine’s Bistro, South Beach Miami) (May 2011)
The Souled Out Project Presents: “In Connection” (Detroit, May 2011)
Soul Elevation Music Sessions Live (Winter Music Conference, Miami, March 2011)
Get Open Sessions Presents Heal & Release (Coney Island, NY, August 2011)
Diamondancer keeps the momentum rolling with several music projects released and more on the way. Her releases are critically acclaimed by influential members of the house music community such as Michael Fossati
(spiritofhouse.com) and Sammy Rock (cyberjamz.com) and are included in regular rotation on cyberjamz.com, housefreaks.co.uk, pressureradio.com and housemasons.com. Diamondancer continues to be sought after for recording projects, having collaborated with such musicians as Dirty Turk, Ralf Gum, Jimpster, Isoul8, Delano Smith, Ezel and Jamie Lewis.
Always seeking to take her craft to new heights, you can expect fresh collaborations as the summer heat takes hold – and coming soon – visual art and music presentations that are designed to engage all the senses.
“This year is really about faceting. The early years were about cutting and taking the diamond out of the rough. Now it is about facets, and polish; reflecting light.”
Diamondancer Discography
2002 “Got House?” DJ Minx f/Diamondancer Women on Wax (Detroit)
2004 “Message for the DJ ” Delano Smith f/Diamondancer Stillmusic (Chicago), Harley & Muscle (Italy)
2004 “Gratuitous Sex Piece” DJ Disciple f/Diamondancer Molacacho Records (Barcelona)
2006 “Just the Way I Like It” Isoul8 f/Diamondancer (from the album Balance)Neroli (Italy), Sonarkollektiv (Germany)
2006 “A Love Like This” Jimpster f/Diamondancer (from the album Amour)Freerange (London)
2007 “R.E.M.” Luna City Express f/Diamondancer Justified Cause Recorthings (Spain)
2007 “Shall We Begin?” The Craftsmen f/Diamondancer Yakuza Records (Ireland)
2007 “Somewhere Else” Inohs Sivad f/Diamondancer Third Ear Recordings (Japan, UK)
2007 “All This Love for You” Ralf Gum f/Diamondancer (from the album Uniting Music)GO-GO Music (Germany)
2008 “Connect” Diamondancer spoken word album Dark River Recordings (Detroit)
2008 “Rooftops in Senegal” Jerry the Cat f/Diamondancer Dark River Recordings (Detroit)
2008 “Shades of Rain” Jerry the Cat f/Diamondancer Dark River Recordings (Detroit)
2008 “Jesus Invented Rhythm” Ibex f/Diamondancer Soundmen on Wax (Japan)
2008 “Earth Sounds” Paul Henry f/Diamondancer unreleased
2009 “Ice Jungle” Izmo f/Diamondancer (from the album Early Night)Harley & Muscle, Little Angel (Italy)
2009 “Take Me Higher ” TNT f/Diamondancer Purple Music (Switzerland)
2010 “Mother Wind ” Ezel f/Diamondancer (from the album Secreto)Ocha (California)
2010 “In a Better Way (Change)” Malik Alston f/Diamondancer Truth Manifest Records (Detroit)
2010 “Let’s Begin” The Craftsmen f/Diamondancer (from the EP Flow)Candy Music (Argentina)
2011 “JESUS MAN” Doc Link & Diamondancer Liberated (NYC/Chicago)
2011 “Come Back To Me” audioJazz f/Yvonne Gage & Diamondancer (from the EP Summer City Nights)audioJazz music (NYC)
2011 “Welcome Home (Africa) ” audioJazz & Diamondancer audioJazz music (NYC)
2011 “Essence of You” Leslie Carter & Diamondancer present Goddess NRG dagoSTaR (NYC)
2011 “Tap The Core” Tomson f/Diamondancer Development Music (UK)
2011 “What’s In A Kiss” audioJazz & Diamondancer dagoSTaR (NYC)
2011 “Lullaby” audioJazz & Diamondancer dagoSTaR (NYC)
2011 “No Kicks ” Benjamin Brunn f/Diamondancer Third Ear Recordings (UK, Japan)
Female intellect and voice have historically been de-valued in our society. The last 200 years has seen women subjected to extraordinary, often inhumane treatment in the name of curing “female mental illness”. Some common practices were isolation, brutal force feedings, tooth removal, stomach surgeries and clitorectomies.
A woman could be declared insane for events beyond her control i.e. being raped (a symptom of nymphomania), and actions she could control i.e. laughing too loudly in public. Often, men dissatisfied with their wives would cite such things as crying, refusing sex or changing a hair style as reasons to have them committed. Thus, silence and conformity became….
This is my new book entitled The Feminine Profane (self published through Leadfoot Press). This collection is special because it represents my voice now – and a new found freedom of self expression without fear. I want to thank you for your support of the book and hope you find something that touches, inspires or helps you as you walk your own paths.
-diamondancer
This 66 page book of poetry, is perfect bound with full color cover. You can order your copy here:
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