Posted by Wills Glasspiegel
wills@greenowl.com

September in Berlin and it seems like every branch of the arts is trying to make sure it’s not outdone by another: there are literature, music and art festivals all this month.

Already underway is the 9th International Literature Festival , which has devoted the "Focus" section of its program to the Arab world in the spirit of Berlin's legacy as a center for cross-cultural exchange and debate.  Lots of writers are in town to give readings, and participate in discussions—refreshingly, about more than just craft. Last night Aleksandar Hemon, author most recently of Love and Obstacles: Stories and, The Lazarus Project: A Novel gave a talk about his native city of Sarajevo, and spoke about the creative aspect of nostalgia—how people invent about the past when their home has been destroyed—the way that human behavior breaks down without infrastructure, and the importance of understanding cities as multi-cultural not just along ethnic lines but also generationally, artistically, sexually etc. in order to mediate a more tolerant environment as well as to ensure a city’s sustainable future. It was a strong case for the importance of art and expression of ideas in places where the dialogue has been overwhelmed by politics.

Next week September 16-19 is BerMuDa (Berlin Music Days) a new showcase for the Electronic music scene that is hoping to become a "fixed date on the internationally renowned music trade show and festival calendar over the next few years."

And later on in the month September 24-27 will be  Art Forum Berlin an international art show that will feature contemporary work from some 130 galleries. In addition there'll be independent forums running concurrently and all the major galleries will be having big fall openings. It's enough to make you dizzy.

Posted by Catherine Despont
catherine@greenowl.com

Afro-Peruvian songstress, Susana Baca, recorded this song in the days following the 9/11 tragedy in New York.  It was released months later by David Byrne's Luaka Bop label on the album, Espirtu Vivo.  Lyrics below in Spanish by Peruvian poet, Alejandro Romualdo.

Si me quitaran totalmente todo

Si me quitaran totalmente todo
si, por ejemplo, me quitaran el saludo
de los pájaros, o de los buenos días
del sol sobre la tierra
me quedaría
aún
una palabra. Aún me quedaría una palabra
donde apoyar la voz.

Si me quitaran las palabras
o la lengua
hablaría con el corazón
en la mano,
o con las manos en el corazón.

Si quitaran una pierna
bailaría en un pie.
Si me quitaran un ojo
lloraría en uno ojo.
Si me quitaran un brazo
me quedaría el otro,
para saludar a mis hermanos,
para sembrar los surcos de la tierra,
para escribir todas las playas del mundo, con tu nombre
amor mío.

Susana's new album is gorgeous; it's here.

Posted by Wills Glasspiegel
wills@greenowl.com

Get the songs here. 

"Seantie"  by the African Brothers Band
"Love is Love" by Bob Pinodo
"Nowhere Cool" by the Eldorados of the Abosado Glass Factory
"All for You" by ET Mensah
"Agodzi" by King Bruce and the Black Beats
"Ampadu I Kofi" by Kofi Nkrabea
"False Lover" by Pat Thomas and the Sweet Beans
"Agayanka Dabra" by Ramblers Dance Band

Posted by Wills Glasspiegel
wills@greenowl.com

via MeLo-X

Posted by Wills Glasspiegel
wills@greenowl.com

Tickets here.

Posted by Wills Glasspiegel
wills@greenowl.com

via FADER

Posted by Wills Glasspiegel
wills@greenowl.com

via DUTTY ARTZ

Posted by Wills Glasspiegel
wills@greenowl.com

Heart-shaped vinyl from Stone's Throw here.
THE VERY BEST 7in here in the Green Owl store.

via ZANDER

Posted by Wills Glasspiegel
wills@greenowl.com

Future above, beats below.

Posted by Wills Glasspiegel
wills@greenowl.com

Crude, which is expected to contend as Oscar material, plays until September 22nd at IFC.  Check out the movie website or recent developments in the legal battle.

Posted by Henry Harper
henry@greenowl.com

Info here.

Posted by Wills Glasspiegel
wills@greenowl.com

via GHANA.WORLDCUPBLOG

Posted by Wills Glasspiegel
wills@greenowl.com

"Glenn Beck should not be able to affect White House staffing decisions."

Full rant on Van Jones' ousting from NPR.ORG

Posted by Wills Glasspiegel
wills@greenowl.com