SLAP...Todd Francis

The latest issue of SLAP Magazine features Todd Francis in their ongoing Portfolio series.

...”Todd is responsible for some of this industry’s most recognized and influential art; he’ll just never admit it.”

15 years strong, only for skateboarding. Thanks Todd.

Nice and consistent coverage and once again, Isaac McKay-Randozzi brings you the interview. Get one off your newstand or order your subscription from their shop.

Todd’s rocking the Solitary Arts yellow bird t-shirt. Not sure if anyone else noticed it but I did. Thanks Todd.

All original artwork by Todd Francis is exclusively represented at equaldist.com @ 3131 Clement.

1% for the Hulls

It seems that there is a need for more hull type boards in the line up. I am a very charitable person, so therefore I have donated some art to the cause which is being championed by Alex Kopps. When I see surfers in need… IM THERE!

The Luggage Store in SF is having the show this coming Saturday… it should be ultra fun. – gm

June 28th, 2008
6-9pm

Benefit and fundraiser for Alex’s film, “Displacement”

The Luggage Store
415.255.5971
1007 Market Street
San Francisco, California 94103

I hope that one day there is a hull board for every surfer.

"Advanced Standing"

A good friend of Solitary Arts is Greg Shewchuck. He has recently started a series of written pieces for Arthur Magazine. We also love Arthur. I suppose we should start advertising to support Mr. Babcock the editor.

Greg has been writing a book on skateboarding for a few years now. I love the way he talks about skateboarding.

Read his first article online here.

Or better yet, get your hands on a paper copy of Arthur locally! – gm

Andy Davis & Skip Frye

Andy Davis and Skip Frye opening at the new Surfindian surf boutique in Pacific Beach, California.

Opening Night: June 28, 2008 7 p.m.

4658 Mission Blvd.
Pacific Beach, CA
(Food & Drink 7-10:30)

Beautiful Losers Panel Discussion at Cinevegas

Geoff and a handful of folks from the Beautiful Losers film are on a discussion panel this evening in Las Vegas at the 10th Anniversary of the CineVegas Film Festival.

Beautiful Losers plays at Brenden Theatres tonight at 7:30PM June 17, 2008 during this special event.

The Get Rad 6! - Tonight In Oakland

TONIGHT, Tuesday, June 17, 2008 at 9PM

Featuring the talents of…
Tommy Guerrero – guitar/noise
Marc Capelle – keys-horn-melodica
House – bass
Tony Sevener – drums
Mat Rodriguez – percussion
Caroll Ashby – trombone

Mattson 2: Live at John Colins in San Francisco

Mattson 2
6/16/08 – 8:00 pm
John Colins Lounge

90 Natoma Street
San Francisco, California 94105

Also, Geoff did the cover for their latest album with Ray Barbee that will come out on Galaxia Records, stateside. It’s out in Japan already.

Esperanza Spalding @ Yoshi's, Oakland

Every few years, a new artist comes along with talent and potential so great that it challenges and redefines the common perceptions of what jazz is and where it’s heading. The new light on the horizon may be a compelling vocalist one year, or perhaps an unmatched instrumental virtuoso a few years later, or maybe a brilliant composer a few more years down the road.

Bassist/vocalist/composer Esperanza Spalding is all of these things and more. And she will, in fact, challenge and expand your perceptions of jazz. —Heads Up

Last week, while randomly watching an episode of David Letterman (it’s been at least 10 years since I’ve watched his show), 23 year old Esperanza Spalding came on and blew me away with her virtuosity. It’s definitely the combination of the upright bass, the vocals, the beauty, and the afro. Oh, and don’t miss the awesome appearance of a melodica solo (video below).

Going to see her live at Yoshi’s in Oakland this Thursday.

Off-Register @ OK Mountain

Opening Reception: Saturday June 7th 7-10pm
Exhibition Dates: June 7th – 21st 2008
Gallery Hours: Wednesday 7-9pm and Saturday 12-5pm

Featuring: Robin Cameron, Michael Coleman, Justin Fines, Ryan Giese, Grotesk vs. Lowrider (collaboration), Steven Harrington, Maya Hayuk, Cody Hudson, Evan Hecox, Ben Loiz, Geoff McFetridge, Colin Metcalf, Andy Mueller, Michael Perry, Jon Resh, Joel Speasmaker, Todd St. John, Andrew Townsend, David J. Weissberg, WEWORKFORTHEM: Michael Cina + Michael Young (collaboration), and Rory Wilson.

3131 at Lincoln Park Playground

Outside of the 3131 studio today, a small group of neighborhood kids and chaperones prepared for summer camp across the street at Lincoln Park Playground. Nice… Camping sounds like the perfect remedy right about now but this is pretty cool and the next best thing while peering out of the studio door.