In this series of Liner Notes, we dig into the 3 pillars of Bump 'n Grind: Coffee . Music and Community. This is the first part in our Music series.
Before we launched Bump 'n Grind, David (Bump 'n Grind Owner) had spent ten years hosting multi-media events in the DC area with a focus on forward thinking, community building, soul drenched electronic music at big and small venues. He was the first outside promoter to work with the world famous 18th St. Lounge and the first promoter to work with U St. Music Hall. He curated, organized and developed FORWARD a 5 day celebration of electronic creative culture for 10 years. Partnering with clubs around town, as well as the Howard Theater; The Goethe Institute for world premiere live shows and movies. He hosted iconic events on the National Mall, an educational series including workshops and artist chats. He worked with various neighborhood BIDs to activate vacant spaces and many DIY spots throughout the city - curating nights and multi-media, interactive art.
After over ten years of programming and building David wanted to create a permanent brick and mortar space where people could gather, share ideas, dreams, connect and commune - rooted in Music > Bump 'n Grind.
Music is arguably the most powerful art form humans have created. No other art form has the ability to immediately impact ones mood and disposition. No other art form has the ability to evoke an intense emotion, to relieve stress. No other art form brings us together in a collective to create - be it in a band or as dancers. Music is healing. Whether used therapeutically; in religious institutions; on a dance floor; Meditation/Sound Baths. Anyone who has spent time with music, knows how it heals us. That is why we sing together, dance together, wear headphones and close our eyes - or feel energized, at ease, relief after a night on a dance floor.
Music is revolutionary. From Reggae to Rock. Jazz to Punk. Classical to Hip-Hop. Music has played an integral role in revolutionary movements throughout time. From Bob Dylan to Aretha Franklin, The Grateful Dead and Free Jazz - Music led protest, cultural movements and change in the 60's that resulted in a new society. How will music lead us, respond to today's oppression, inequality and injustices? We're here to listen, find out and support it.
Sound System Culture - originating in Kingston, Jamaica has been on the ground level of collective healing, innovation, community and revolution. Defined as a community-based music scene that involves large speakers, DJs, MCs, and Dancing Sound System Culture is at the root of who we are and what we will be leaning into at Bump 'n Grind 2.0. We will expand on it in Part 2 of Why Music.