ERATO arrived in July of 2015 with the intention of celebrating all Muses held dearly. Music is one of the deepest inspirational signatures we may ever know. As such, ERATO honors the language between body and sound, mind and manifestation, while recognizing in love the sparks which set creativity ablaze.
On Saturday, April 16 ERATO returns (www.facebook.com/events/1131147683571279/) with her residents, The Couples Couple Dende and Mystina, playing all night. One and all are invited to join us in exposing ourselves. Yes, I wrote it like that. Exposing ourselves. What do you love and dare you show it? We love HOUSE music, T.C.C. will be banging tracks all night. We love Dancing. All bodies are welcomed to express in full freedom their conversation with Sound. Together.
If all we have are moments, I say let those moments reflect our brightest smiles. The give and give of happiness. This Saturday night, should you wish to dance and elevate We Will Be There and We Thank YOU for allowing us to hold this space. It’s a give and give and we receive your desire to party in this life with the offering of ERATO and a dancefloor. Live, Love, Dance.
ERATO, Saturday, April 16, Club Bohemia, 738 Massachusetts Avenue. 9 p.m. 21+ & a $10 entrance. The Drum Beats On! May our minds remain open and our lives full <3
Liza Zayas is a lover of writing and dancing and celebrates both as a singer and songwriter performing as Luna del Flor. You can hear her collaborative sounds and experience life through her storytelling. She invites you to dance. Her poetry seeks to initiate dialogue by intentionally expressing consequences of love, lust, ego and self-respect.
ERATO returns this Saturday, December 19th! I had an incredible time playing music with and for everyone at ScorpioS Rising last month, and this month we welcome Jesse Cardoso to share the decks with T.C.C.!
ERATO’s December edition is dedicated to Soul. The everlasting effect of life and death. You know You’re eternal right? The ticking of your heart’s beat, the swing of your hips, the bang of your head or the tap of your foot. Even your leg kicked up. You’re Soul Baby.
We’re very excited to experience DJ Jesse Cardoso and his selections at the Holiday Soulstice. It’s his debut at ERATO and we’re grateful for the gift of his music!
INTRODUCING: JESSE CARDOSO: Educator, past college radio jock, current/future/always-been, DJ!
“My first inspirations in music came directly from my mother’s record collection of jazz, soul, and even eclectic rock. When I left Boston for college, I took some choice albums with me along with my hip hop 12”s, which is what I was mostly tuned into at the time. I had one turntable, and I would end up playing more rare stuff and instrumentals for my friends, seeking to broaden our perspective on music beyond the mainstream. I was really interested in the commonalities in music, as opposed to the divisions sometimes created by genre titles. As I began digging for more and more music, I was drawn toward the stuff being sampled even more than the beats that used the samples. My first DJ experience was a radio show I did in college with friends for three years where we played all the soulful, funky, jazzy music we could find. In some ways, I’ve been a DJ for 20 years.”
“As an avid music collector and radio selector, I always paid attention to what other DJs were doing, and I’ve been fortunate to know personally several really good DJs. I used that as an opportunity to learn about more music, whether asking someone about a track played in the club, or having a session spinning at someone’s home just for fun. Even as a kid, my brother and I would check out funk and disco records from the library and listened to college radio shows that played afrobeat, jazz, and reggae.”
“One of the most influential experiences was record shopping with someone I really admired as a DJ and having him educate me on some must-have records. Obviously this was a while ago, and even though I was asked to spin at a few parties with other DJs over the years, I never really considered myself a DJ until very recently.”
“I think there’s a couple of factors that led to me saying to myself, ok I’m going to share this with other people as a club DJ now. Before, spinning was much more personal, and all of the mixes that I used to do for friends were for them specifically; they told a story. The first factor is technology, in that it has become so much easier to store, record, and share music now. The second thing was probably my confidence. It came up that a couple of well-known DJs heard my mixes and asked me to play out at their residencies. I was like, ok I’m real intimidated right now, but if they believe in me enough to spin for their events, then I’m all in. My first real club DJ experience, I was supposed to open up, but I ended up rocking for 4 hours until closing. After that I embraced being a DJ, for the first time, and I’ll always keep that experience close to my heart.”
“It’s always been about the music, regardless of the genre or the setting it’s being played in more than the technical aspects of being a DJ for me. All of my equipment, and a lot of my music were handed down to me from DJs and friends that I have a deep respect for. Moments related to the music, whether talking about it, listening to it, or sweating and dancing to it have brought me to the place I’m at now, where I just want to play what would get me dancing myself.”
“I’ve always thought being a house-head isn’t for the average person, because we in some ways have to work pretty hard to have a good time. The club scene, especially in Boston, isn’t really set up for us. What solidified this (deep, afro, soulful, house music) for me was traveling to hear the music I wanted to hear, and dancing literally all night or all day in a space free from judgment, and free from a lot of the injustices prevalent in the rest of our society. I’d been to some house music clubs here in Boston in high school, but it wasn’t until I was a little more mature, after college, and traveling to New York that I fell in love with house music too. I remember hearing my favorite track being played 3 times in a row, well after 3 am, and nearly losing my mind with happiness. The music makes a space feel like home, even if you’re miles away, or on the other side of the planet. Even here in Boston, I’ve seen folks come in from out of town, and immediately shed their inhibitions and dance, because the music brings them back to a similar, familiar place, a moment in time, or favorite song.”
“One thing I will keep with me forever is how humble, and supportive our scene can be. I’ve been fortunate to get to know people both local and international, who have guided the very direction of the music and the scene. These are people that I really look up to, as I know many others do too. What I’ve found in getting to know them is that they are some of the most down to earth people I’ve ever met. I’ve always learned from people who have more knowledge of music, but what I’ve learned also is that the culture surrounding this music has a give and take. I’m happy to have been given some amazing experiences from music, and now for the opportunities to share it with others. I think one of the most important things we can do is continue to bridge generations with this music; whether it’s called club, underground, soul, or house, as well as honor the connections to its soul, disco, funk, jazz, Latin, and African roots. We need to continue creating spaces for dancing, and most importantly continue creating better ways to be united as creative people.”
THANK YOU JESSE for your Heart! We are all looking forward to your selections and your set!
And, Hello?! “Ugly” Sweater Rockers, show up in Yours and your cover is $5 all night! We love a good time.
All for a great time is aligned, Gratefully, and we invite You and Yours to join us in Welcoming the Solstice through DANCE! Because it’s Love.
ERATO’s Holiday Soulstice celebrating the gifts of Life, Music, Dance, Love and Each Other arrives this Saturday, December 19th at Club Bohemia (lower level of The Cantab Lounge), 738 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge (Red Line : Central Square!). We open our arms at 10:00 p.m. with DJs Dende and Mystina on deck and close the night with Jesse Cardoso! This is a 21+ Party and cover is $5 before 11 p.m. ~ $10 thereafter. Holy-Days Love to All!
Liza Zayas is a lover of writing and dancing and celebrates both as a singer and songwriter performing as Luna del Flor. You can hear her collaborative sounds and experience life through her storytelling. She invites you to dance. Her poetry seeks to initiate dialogue by intentionally expressing consequences of love, lust, ego and self-respect
We are greeting Autumn! As beings living around four seasons, we welcome Mother Nature’s switch up. You know, sweaters, scarves, shorter days. The veils between worlds lifting. The many traditions these months carry.
ERATO is bringing The Fall Ball to celebrate Personal Renascences. “Let me see you as love within your aphrodisiac.” The new side of your Leaf. We’d like to provide that for you.
Complimentary masks will be present yet, if you have a favorita, they are welcomed too! Let us see you! (We all know about Personas. This ain’t That type of Party.) “What’s a ball without masks?!” Once they are removed, may Personas find their unnecessity. That is the power of diving into your divinity. We welcome the season and your mysterious, personal evolutions. We welcome Joy on Faces and acknowledge the Smile Makers.
ERATO Residents DJ Dende and DJ Mystina (T.C.C.) will be joined by fellow ERATO brain-stormer, DJ Mizont (https://soundcloud.com/mizont), The Gemini
Re-Introducing : DJ MIZONT!
“Well my first inspiration for music was my mother (Waltena Wright R.I.P). I can remember being in my diapers in New York at my mom’s house parties standing right next to the radio. Her style was very urban but, it wasn’t all commercial music. When we moved to Boston, W.I.L.D was the radio station that she had on all day. That station exposed me to different sounds of urban music from Classics, Pop, R&B and Hip-Hop. I would also listen to KISS 108 as well to hear Dance Music on the weekends. I didn’t know all the sounds I loved back then were associated with House Music. On Dec 31, 1994 my life was changed forever thanks to my mom. I was invited to go to The Loft by my cousin Donyel Wright and I said no. But my mom walked up to me and said ‘Go out and have fun baby; then she winked her eye at me. So I went and the rest is history.”
“On January 14, 1995 I walked into Boston Beat Record Shop after searching all the record stores in Boston for the sound they were playing at The Loft. When I walked by the counter a voice said to me, ‘Weren’t you at The Loft last week?’ and it was DJ Bruno! I couldn’t believe he saw me in a packed club. He is the reason I became a DJ. He saw something in me I didn’t see in myself. So in May of 1997 Bruno called me Mizont out the blue at Biscuithead Records in front of Master Millions when we were working there together. Millions said “Yo Bruno that’s an ill DJ name.” So Bruno said that’s you from now on. I ended up getting some 1200s with Millions the next day and started putting in work. So today I continue to follow the Utopia Boston tradition of Love and Admiration for the Boston Dance Music scene. I’ve been able to sit in studio sessions for input, play established parties like Utopia Sundays, Unity with DJs Francesco and Cruzz, H.O.M.E with Leo Alarcon and HouseHead Pete and now, after 20 years in the scene, I am finally involved in a monthly dance event, ERATO, with Liza Zayas, DJ Dende & DJ Mystina. It’s been a nice ride so far but I still have a long way to go and I will continue to travel my Dance Music journey from Boston to the World.”
“The DJs that inspired me were Bruno first and foremost. Also DJ Fran was the person I tried to copy. Fran was a huge influence on my style. Louie Vega, Timmy Regisford, Kenny Dope, Ian Pooley, Derrick Carter & Glen Underground are some of my early heroes. But today I’m inspired by all DJs that are coming out of Massachusetts. They have all had a hand in my journey one way or another and I appreciate you all so much. 3 people I want to point out are DJ Dende, DJ Mystina & Lenore Fauliso. These DJs I have the upmost respect for and will continue to learn from these individuals. My heart belongs to Boston.”
ERATO cordially invites You to gather at The Milky Way this Saturday, October 10th for THE FALL BALL. This is a 21+ engagement and the cover is $5 before 11 p.m.
We hope to see your Shine There! Sine Larva in Purest Forms. Until then Beautiful. People!
Liza Zayas is a lover of writing and dancing and celebrates both as a singer and songwriter performing as Luna del Flor. You can hear her collaborative sounds and experience life through her storytelling. She invites you to dance. Her poetry seeks to initiate dialogue by intentionally expressing consequences of love, lust, ego and self-respect
A poetic response to the advice that I shouldn’t be myself or dance so freely. That I should clip my wings. Thank You for your counsel but I…”I just wanna dance.” – Lilo ~ Thank You the Dance floor Partners!
Signed, Misssrs. Me Z.
I’ve been told before that my moves are too shocking
Provocatively Rocking
While the observer can’t hear my blood pump
Heart fly
Sweat sing.
If I
Through movement cause shifts
Through hips part lips
Then the observer is staring too deeply
Uncomfortably.
Join Me.
Us.
Trust.
I’ve heard
Dancing is the Vertical Expression of Horizontal Desire
Your curiosity may be the liar
Telling you I long for a stare
Dancing is my Vertical Expression of Horizons
Past, Present and Future
Going there I Dare.
Don’t sexualize my grind
A movement received from the first place
Grace.
I listen to my mind.
If I
Dance until the lights come up
Then dance until I fall asleep
Do not question my Energy.
May it be
Sexual
Misunderstood Power of Mental
Mentality
Is Free Sexuality
In Each’s Right.
Let me watch you as Love within your Aphrodisiac.
Mine happens to occur when the song is right.
When the mood is set and I forget : Limit.
Your curiosity brings up the Bed.
While I indulge in a Sound Wave’s Touch.
I’ve been told before that the “impression” I give
Is a woman too wild to want to calmly live
How easily your impression seems valid
By watching a few moments of a lotus placid.
And it be different.
Ancient language viewed as “Wild” movements
To some it’s grooving, others a wooing, while to radioactive me it’s just Glowing.
I’ve been told recently that had my Self been present in the original lands of my DNA strands
My People would have curtailed my happiness
My People would have actually enhanced my happiness
It’s called Understanding.
Branding.
With our People Standing.
In my case : DANCING
Were you the drummer, the dresser, the fire maker
Seek, Find, Quiet the Stare.
Go There.
I never stare with a frown at a Someone “getting down” when sincerity is a sheen upon their eyelids
I understand.
They’ve found Peace.
I adore being “wild” with a partner, man woman instrument or child, who speaks in this ancient form.
While I’m being told I’m a turnoff to possible Mates
Because of this Trait
I’m hearing your tribe would never accept my Feathers
And I Love You either way
Because the Ones who crown my Head Dress me in Respect
And would never sexualize
Tradition.
Liza Zayas is a lover of writing and dancing and celebrates both as a singer and songwriter performing as Luna del Flor. You can hear her collaborative sounds and experience life through her storytelling. She invites you to dance. Her poetry seeks to initiate dialogue by intentionally expressing consequences of love, lust, ego and self-respect
Once again, DJs Savuth,Chris London and Mojavi will be playing soulful old school house music, disco and soul, to name a few.
This installment is also a show of appreciation from Nahdra, owner/designer/visionary extraordinaire of The House of Nahdra for her Royal Tribe. She wanted to combine her love of dance with her love for all those who work hard with her and within The House. The House of Nahdra has been rocking stand-out fashion shows in outstanding form for decades in and around Boston. You never want to miss one of her presentations.
I spoke with DJ Savuth who shared the event is truly designed for “all ages, all races and all genders. There is nothing better than seeing everybody dance in beautiful weather especially with their kids.”
DJ Savuth enjoys Jeep Jones Park’s setting and location. “Fort Hill is a nice neighborhood. People from the neighborhood enjoy themselves and participate.” He enjoys the “smiles on their faces, hands in the air, dancing all day.”
“We wanted to come together to truly help spread out positive throughout the city. We wanted to do something different and really show there are things beside what’s going on negatively. The way we do it as a community is the music.”
He and Chris London felt that nothing was happening with soulful old school house music within the inner city of Boston. Chris London wanted this event to occur in his neighborhood to recognize his surroundings and community. With the incidents of violence our communities have witnessed, this is their way of bringing the community together for rejuvenation.
Release Your Dance, Express Your Love and Nappiness, Embrace The House of Nahdra, Celebrate Your Community. These moments are ours.
Jeep Jones Park, 250 Roxbury Street, Boston this Saturday afternoon into nightfall. Summer nights should be this right.
To the Boston House Music Coalition and Dream Catchers, Thank You for your ongoing support of this event. (Also, the secret passwords are: Look. Out. For. September’s.) J
Let Love Rule.
Liza Zayas is a lover of writing and dancing and celebrates both as a singer and songwriter performing as Luna del Flor. You can hear her collaborative sounds and experience life through her storytelling. She invites you to dance. Her poetry seeks to initiate dialogue by intentionally expressing consequences of love, lust, ego and self-respect
For eight years, Metamovements has held Salsa in the Park (SITP) at the Boston Centers for Youth and Families’ Blackstone Community Center courtyard park at 50 West Brookline Street in the South End of Boston. This year’s installment began on June 8, 2015 and runs through Monday, August 24th. This event is scheduled begins at 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. every Monday, is free for all ages, backgrounds and abilities and occurs rain or shine!
MetaMovements is “an entrepreneurial artist collective dedicated to using the arts as a tool for positive transformation of self and community, creating bonds, fostering meaningful relationships and creating lasting social change.” It is wonderful to note that “funds raised through sponsorships, contracts and donations help MetaMovements continue its work in the community creating employment opportunities for youth and young adults at community centers and at programs throughout the summer and all year round.”
Through ongoing fundraising, MetaMovements creates opportunities for Boston youth allowing them to gain experience and skills in areas such as entrepreneurship, event planning, marketing and public relations, financial literacy and fundraising. In that meanwhile, they also develop teaching and performing skills, engage in community outreach, enjoy fitness and health and sharpen natural problem solving and conflict resolution tools.
SITP is powered by the people: Partners, Volunteers, Friends and Supporters and is for the People. “A public health initiative, featuring movement as a key to wellness, Salsa In The Park provides culturally relevant health promotion through free dance lessons, opportunities for social dancing and low cost healthy snacks at the ‘health corner’ where Masters of Public Health candidates (from Boston University & Tufts) engage with attendees, hand out surveys and educational pamphlets, facilitate health and wellness activities for attendees and tend a free fruit infused water bar with healthy snacks.”
On Friday, July 10, MetaMovements debuted their MetaMoves Friday Eve Dance Party Series at The Lawn on the D! MetaMovements has combined Electronic, Dancehall, Top 40 Latin Mix, House, Salsa and more featuring DJ’s from in and around Boston, dancers and party starters, line dancing and live instruments for people to play along. Their opening night drew close to 2,000 people! They Declare: “Together we will move! Together we dance!”
MetaMovements invites you to SITP at The Lawn on the D every Friday through July 31 from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. and again Every Monday(!) through August 24 at the Blackstone Community Center courtyard park, 50 West Brookline Street the South End. You are encouraged to “come dance or learn to dance with your neighbors and dancers from across Boston.” No experience or partner required!
This is a positive charge to the electricity of summer nights. Learn more at the links provided and/or contact Lady Eli Pabon of MetaMovements Artist Collective at epabon@metamovements.net for further information!
QUE VIVA <3
Liza Zayas is a lover of writing and dancing and celebrates both as a singer and songwriter performing as Luna del Flor. You can hear her collaborative sounds and experience life through her storytelling. She invites you to dance. Her poetry seeks to initiate dialogue by intentionally expressing consequences of love, lust, ego and self-respect
MetaMovements
