WINTER 2012
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26 sections
Parking Lot
Tunes
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6 7 8
Letter From the Editor Rocks With A Fox
A close look at Selenite
Comix Corner
By Dan Newman
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Headspace 1 year Anniversary Party with Melvin Seals and JGB
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Cabin Fever from the Long Winter? Go. To. Moe.
Need a fresh joke?
Ask An Old Head
Vending Tips 101 featuring Rich
The Keswick Smells Like Hot Tuna
Make sure you don’t miss Moe on their upcoming 2012 Winter tour! By Mallory Smith
10 Natural Remedies to Cure a Cold
By Mandie Pandarella
Greens
Spaced Out
12 Sunlight Diffusion to Reduce Your Heat Bill
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By Mike Podlogar
Meteor shower lights up PA skies By Mandie Pandarella
Munchies 14 Winter Recipes
Cheese and Beer Soup Gooey Chocolate Ganash Mini Cakes
Quadrantids [kwo-dran-tidz]
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16 Features
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Making Kombucha with Juan Fungus? Tea? Fermentation? Oh My...
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The Best of PA New Years
Di Pinto Guitars
Headspace reviews the hottest PA New Years shows of 2011-2012.
Artist Showcase
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By Hassan Azeez featuring John Warner
Van Gogh Up Close
Exploring the new exhibit coming this February By Jessi Janusee
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Letter from the editor Hey Everybody, We had such an amazing response to our first print issue that the point of this letter is to thank all those who are quickly joining the Headspace community. I had this kid outside some venue tell me, “I liked the first issue so much that I went home and built a wooden magazine rack right next to my toilet for all the future issues of Headspace.” What a strange compliment! To think that someone liked the magazine so much that they would chose it above all others to enjoy during their daily duties is quite an honor for me. Well random kid with a new feature to your bathroom, you can count on one thing. You can count on the fact that we are going to do our best to make each issue better than the last. If we don’t manage to do this please call us out on it. I’d rather people be real with us so we can always work towards something better for the community. Alessandro Satta
headspace
founder / editor in chief Alessandro Satta
chief executive officer Tim Dougherty
creative director Joe Gurreri
illustrators Ross Marinaro Kate Lonigro
cover artist
Founder, Headspace Magazine
John Warner
contributing photographers Charles Mostoller Ariana Paul-Reinhard
contributing writers Mike Podlogar
Mandie Pandarella
Shawn “Fox” Rybacki Juan Vila
Harri Avalone Hassan Azeez
Andriana Gurreri Jessi Janusee
Mallory Smith Matt Jerome
Tyler Anewalt
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Rocks
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A Close Look At Selenite
hether you meditate with crystals or are just a fellow gemstone enthusiast, a must have for anyone’s collection is Selenite. One of several forms of Gypsum, Selenite is an increasingly popular mineral amongst gemlovers. Usually formed in caves by evaporating saline water, Selenite grows in big, blocky, tabular shapes. Its chemical composition is CaSO4.2 (H2O) and is a Hydrated Calcium Sulphate. It is actually a sedimentary mineral and apparently the most common of all Sulphates. Selenite has a gorgeous pearly luster and is vitreous in appearance. If it includes chatoyancy, it is deemed “Cat’s Eye Selenite.” There are many rumors that Selenite will totally dissolve if it gets wet, but in my experience this is not true at all. As an experiment I placed a small piece in a glass of water over night and almost nothing happened to it. Selenite’s durability was also tested after a rainstorm almost completely collapsed my windowsill, soaking a few specimens I had placed there to charge. In my experience I’ve noticed that the number one threat to this mineral is not water, but oil! Try not to play with your Selenite too much. The oils from our skin will destroy its fibrous surface and may cause it to yellow in color as well. I still recommend keeping it safe from exposure to water, but mind how much you touch it too. You’ll most likely find Selenite in natural formations since it is a very delicate stone. Ranking low on the Mohs scale with of hardness of 2, it is easily scratched just by a fingernail. This being said, it is no wonder that it is rarely ever found in jewelry. It’s easy to come across polished specimens such as
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palm stones or spheres, but it is not the kind of stone that can handle being faceted or made into cabochons. “Selenite” comes from the word “selene,” which means moon. There are many links between Selenite and lunar energy if you are interested in its metaphysical properties. It is suggested that, since you cannot cleanse specimens in water, you should allow them to bathe in moonlight. Selenite has long been associated with connection to spirit guides and ethereal realms, as well as opening the higher chakras including the third eye. Selenites have also acquired the nickname “scanners” because they are often used to help detect ailments in the body and the aura. Since they may help connect you with spirit teachers or ancient wisdom, Selenite makes an excellent tool to aid any Reiki practitioner. It has been considered a bringer of light, providing mental clarity and supporting meditation and focus. Candle holders made of this material have been thought to cleanse areas and placing a specimen in a crystal grid should help cleanse other stones or belongings. Without a doubt, Selenite is certainly a peaceful, calming crystal even from an aesthetic point of view. It is far from aggressive and emits the same delicate, graceful energy that it demands from anyone who touches it. Be good to Selenite and it will be good to you! By Shawn “Fox” Rybacki
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r marinaro Congratulations to Leslie O’Donnell for winning our joke competition! Headspace is once again accepting joke submissions from anyone who thinks they are funny enough! We will pick one winner per issue. Each winner will recieve a free Headspace t-shirt! For more info email us at info@headspacemag.com or find us on Facebook or Twitter.
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Ask an Old Head vending TIPS 101 featuring..
When did you start doing tour?
How did you get your collection started?
The first shows I went to were back in ‘78-’79, but I only saw a couple. I was only 15 or 16. As far as seeing several shows in a row and doing a tour kind of thing, it was probably ‘81. I saw most of the east coast shows during spring and summer tour. So yea, I’d say ‘81.
It’s amazing, ‘cause I wish I had kept 80% of what I collected through the years. I got rid of a bunch of stuff in like ‘86 when I went off tour and had the kids and raised a family. When I started going back to shows in 2003/2004 I started collecting again, just as I had when I was a lot younger. I’ve always had an eye for that kind of stuff. I’ve always liked it. I started getting stuff that I liked or stuff that I wanted. It got to a point where I had more stuff that I could even display, so I had stuff sitting in boxes or closets. Three years ago or so I decided I needed to kick some of this down to the younger generation that will display it even though I can’t. So that’s when I decided to unload of a lot of the collection that I didn’t have on display. I still have a lot of stuff at my house that I’m not going to sell, probably like 60% of it. I’ve just been whittling down over the last years.
Did you always want to vend? Actually I never really started doing that until I went to college. My friend and I helped to manage a couple bands during that time. One of the bands had a big house that I used to hang at a lot. We started laminating their speaker cabinets with this funky defraction film for their band. Somebody took some of the scraps of this defraction film and put it on one of those wizard tops. The ones where you get them started up and they spin for a while. We put some of that on and it ended up creating this wild ass imaging stuff so we ended up creating these hologram discs. We started making them by hand in like ‘84. We were like, “Man, we should sell these on tour” so that’s how the vending came into it. We would have 100 of them or so in a fanny pack, a piece of cardboard and a flashlight. We would set up wherever the show let out, spin the top, shine the flashlight on them, and sell them for five bucks a piece. That was before all the light up toys or the lasers or any of those gadgets. There was nothing like that, so this was something that filled that whole niche. People remembered you from show to show doing that. I hadn’t even thought about vending until then.
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Grateful Dead Bus Cookie Jar limited edition of 10,000. Vandor, 1998
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What does your collection consist of? I started off collecting artwork mainly. I had some posters, but mostly hand bills ‘cause they were a lot easier to collect. I even had stuff from shows in the 60’s. I have a few posters that are like large-scale holograms. So I started getting into that kind of thing too. I guess the collectibles like the cookie jars and that kind of thing have only come in the last couple years when I realized I had the ability to go out and buy some collections from other people as far as auctions and things like that. The economy was really down so people were selling off things back in 2008-2009. So I ended up going and checking out a couple auctions. I ended up getting 70% of what I’m selling from two or three auctions. The economy is still doing bad so you can still find a signed Jerry Garcia album or something along those lines for only a fraction of what you think you could get it for. So even though I’m not putting it on my wall I know I can still sell it in our store or on the road for cheaper than you would find it anywhere else and still make it worth my while.
What about your stones and gems? That is a whole different area that didn’t originally have to do with tour ‘cause I had always liked stones like gemstones and things like that. I started collecting those like eight or nine years ago, and never put two and two together that there’s people on tour and in the scene that would be into them too. I knew that a lot of people liked rocks, but they were all rough, which wasn’t what I was into. I had never really thought about bringing out some of the faceted stuff and displaying it on tour. Years ago somebody suggested that I should pull them out, so I got a case and just walked around and went person to person. But there’s a market. People are definitely interested in the higher end gem stones as well. So I started pulling a lot of stuff out of inventory and would see that I had three or four of certain stones. So I decided to put them on display. Then if I made enough money I could buy a nicer aquamarine or tanzanite. That’s how the vending part of it came into play. Originally it was just a collection.
What is your favorite part about the vendor lifestyle? 1. You get to meet a lot of people, because of all the people walking by. 2. You kind of have a home. Where everybody else wan-
ders in a parking lot or festival, you stay in one place. You get a lot of time to hang with your family, your friends, your crew if you will, which I think is awesome. It’s more homey. You know you are going to see the same people. 3. It allows you to pay for your gas, your tickets, and the rest of your expenses. This allows you to go see more fests. You’re not losing money. You aren’t thinking, “I can’t go this weekend cause I gotta do something to make some money.” If you put all that together you have figured out something you want to do and you figured out a way to pay for it.
“I’ve found that the best sales people are those who truly enjoy, appreciate, and understand what they are selling.” What is the most you can estimate to have made at one festival or show? Probably $4-5000, which was profit from one weekend. But that doesn’t usually happen. You’re usually happy if you come home with $1000. That’s normally considered a really good weekend. I just get people walking by that think, “I’m never going to see that again.” One guy bought 2 cookie jars, everything I had framed, every display. I mean he just walked away with it. This one customer spent $3-4000. It’s not something you plan on. It’s not something you expect. But sometimes you get those people who think, “I have to go for it.” People ask me why I carry around high-end stuff, but there are people who are looking for this kind of stuff.
Do you have any advice for someone who wants to start their collection and try their hand at vending? Right now is a good time to be a buyer because it’s still a tough economy. People who have big collections full of stuff and need cash are selling stuff for cheaper than they usually would. I always keep in the back of my mind that if nobody buys it then I’d be happy to have it in my collection. So don’t go out and buy a bunch of stuff that you think others might really care about but you don’t. You might end up sitting on it for a while. Go for the stuff that you know and you love because your passion will come off to other people. I’ve found that the best sales people are those who truly enjoy, appreciate, and understand what they are selling. Interviewed By Alessandro Satta
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Natural Remedies To Cure A Cold
Residents of metropolitan Philadelphia live, work, and play in a city filled with 1.5 million other inhabitants. Each individual person contains a thriving biosphere of multiple microscopic ecosystems. A typical human body harbors multiple colonies of bacteria, mostly helpful, with a few pirateous disease-inducing pathogens. These pathogens can rest anywhere, from SEPTA station rails to public restrooms, and doorknobs of all sorts. Immunity starts with awareness that pathogens can be contracted at any place or time via multiple avenues of bodily entry. Contact prevention is impossible; however there are precautions to halt the spread of infection. Maintaining a strong immune system is the first defense in the fight against infection and the key to prevention, although methods to attack foreign pathogens are also crucial once infected. Modern pharmaceutical indications have been prescribed to the general public for approximately a hundred years and the pharmaceutical drug industry is currently booming. What types of medicines were used as treatments for illness before modern science “came to the rescue” with a plethora of easily available drugs? Sleep, exercise, and sunshine help with every aspect of health and human life and should be maximized to their fullest potentials. Otherwise, the field of Complementary and Alternative Medicine uses many natural products that may not have necessarily cultivated scientific interest nor had the financial backing to be researched extensively as modern pharmaceuticals. However, nature is a valuable and under utilized resource. Plant materials have been used for 1000s of years with proven efficacy. For those who prefer a natural alternative, or even if you can’t afford health insurance, this article contains tried and true natural cures to prevent or alleviate the bacterial and viral infections which are so common in the winter season.
Break a Fever -Elderberry
The fruit of this common European shrubby tree can be simmered and strained to produce a thick syrup, administered orally in spoonfuls, during times of sickness. It’s a good source of vitamins A, B, and C as well as having anti-viral qualities. Perhaps even more importantly, elderberry has the ability to break fevers by promoting natural perspiration. Sweating is an anti-pyretic mechanism the body uses to rid itself of a fever; therefore elderberry is quite useful in this regard.
Reduce the Span -Echinacea
Ease Ear Aches -Garlic
Tame Body Pain -Tumeric
Bolster Sinus Heatlth -Horseradish
There is conflicting evidence about whether or not this herb is effective for reducing the extent and duration of cold-like symptoms. As a warning - some brands don’t actually contain the active ingredient Echinacea and some products can cause side effects such as rashes and wheezing. Many rave this herb is consistently effective, however experts continually dispute the methods and findings of clinical trials. Look for a high quality supplement.
Turmeric, an East Indian flavoring staple, has been shown to be three times as effective at erasing pain as popular pharmaceuticals such as aspirin and ibuprofen. The active ingredient in turmeric naturally inhibits an enzyme that cranks out a constant stream of pain hormones, which is especially active during times of illness. Popularly known as a cure-all, this spice, which flavors rice or meat, can be used long-term to curb chronic aches and pains.
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Scientific evidence is mounting that bacteria do not evolve resistance to the antibacterial action of the active compounds in garlic. Resistance is a common yet potentially deadly side effect of prescription antibiotics, yet the natural antibacterial toxins in garlic can be used time and time again, with equally potent results. Put two drops of warm garlic oil in the affected ear 2x/day for 5 days.
One of the leading chronic health concerns in the US today is sinusitis or inflammation of the sinus cavities and the associated consequences, manifested as facial pain and headaches. The condiment horseradish can offer relief from sinus pressure by causing blood to flow to the sinuses, helping with drainage and decongestion. Compounds found in horseradish are antibacterial so in addition to opening sinuses they also curtail infection at the source.
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Calm Your Nerves -Ginger
Traditionally, Asian cultures have used this root to cure upset stomachs. Ginger has recently been confirmed to contain a mild sedative that promotes rest and healing. During cold season it is especially useful for treating cold and flu-like symptoms such as sore throat, sinus pain, and fever.
Stop A Virus From Sticking -Green Tea
The primary polyphenol anti-oxidant in green tea has been demonstrated to stop both Influenza A and B virus particles from sticking to the outside of cell walls. Since viral entry by docking to the cellular wall is the first step during infection, green tea effectively inhibits virus particles effectiveness and therefore helps to prevent the spread of infection.
Feed A Cold -Chicken Soup
There is some merit in the old adage that Grandma’s homemade chicken soup helps in the fight against illness. Scientists have found that the components of chicken soup help stop the crusade of neutrophils- white blood cells released by the immune system that aggravate nasal cavities and stimulate the release of mucous. The battle rages between neutrophils and the yet unknown active components of chicken soup, which reduce nasal inflammation and congestion.
Sooth An Achy Belly -Pineapple
A cup or more of freshly cut pineapple every day can cut painful cramping and bloating in 3 days or less, report Stanford University research specialists. This tropical super-fruit contains digestion-promoting proteolytic enzymes which increase the speed and efficiency of protein use in the stomach and intestines, say experts at the USDA.
Brain Food -Omega-3 Pill
The essential fatty acid Omega-3 is necessary for human health, yet is not produced inside the body so it must be ingested orally. This potent immune system stabilizer can (and should) be taken daily, year-round as a supplement by those who don’t frequently consume foods containing Omega-3s, commonly fish and nuts. On a cellular level the acids take action by heightening the activity of phagocytes, key pathogen-ingesting components of the innate immune system. Purchase purified fish oil capsules containing EPA and DHA from your local health food store or pharmacy.
Adaptive Immune System -Vitamin D Vitamin D is produced when sunlight contacts human skin. Tuberculosis sufferers were historically sent to sunny places in order to produce Vitamin D and also build immune strength. Recently it has been revealed that regular Vitamin D intake also helps to keep levels of cathelicidin high, a protein with anti-viral properties. If it is too difficult to obtain enough Vitamin D from sunlight or diet (mainly available in fish and fortified dairy products) take a supplement of 1,000 IU daily. By Mandie Pandarella
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Sunlight Diffusion to Reduce Your Heating Bill
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lthough temperatures have been unusually warm so far this winter, freezing temperatures are bound to make an impact later this season. While the most common ways to stay warm are fueled by gas, oil, and coal, these fuels are increasingly exspensive and clearly detrimental to our environment. More and more people are realizing that they can significantly reduce their heating bills by tapping into the heating power of the sun. Using passive solar heating, homes can be heated without reliance on expensive fossil fuels. All that is needed is knowledge of the sun’s movements, some planning, and a few low-cost materials that help to harness the energy. There are three methods of passively absorbing the heat given off by the sun. They are direct gain, indirect gain, and isolated gain. Direct gain is by far the easiest technique to implement. Simply put, the sunlight enters through windows, is absorbed and stored by the objects in the room, and then released at night. Of course, almost all homes naturally utilize this to some degree. However, in order to truly take advantage of this technique, a few modifications are necessary. A quick solution to increasing direct gain is taking several large stones from your yard, painting them black, and placing them in front of the window in your house that recieves the most sunlight. For a more permanent solution the windows can be made into much more effective solar collectors by simply affixing plexiglass panels over them in the winter. This scatters the light, allowing the radiation to reach more mass. Then, the mass that is being heated can be modified. Instead of the light heating random objects, specific materials can be positioned in order to take full advantage of the energy. For example, any type of stone material is very effective at storing heat. Also, dark materials absorb heat, while lighter materials reflect it. An interesting alternative to stone mass is water, which absorbs more heat, but may require more planning to incorporate. Indirect gain is a more permanent technique that builds upon the principles of direct gain.
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The most popular way to indirectly gain solar energy is to position the translucent glass light collector along the south facing wall on the outside of the home. In order to maximize heat retention, the wall is usually made of thick, dark stone. The heat makes its way through the wall, known as a Trombe wall, and emerges on the other side, entering the home after the sun has set. Isolated gain is another more permanent method to capture solar energy. Most people are familiar with this technique in the form of a “sun room”. By dedicating an entire room to the principles of direct gain, a home can utilize the isolated room in order to contribute heat to the entire building. People commonly accomplish this by building an addition to their home specifically for this purpose. Whether you want to dabble in alternative energies, become more sustainable, or simply reduce your heating bill, passive solar design could help. While it is an affordable technique for beating the winter chills, it also allows us to become more in tune with our environment. Becoming aware of the sun’s movements and potential heat can be great for any individual, as well as society as a whole. While it may be too late to implement the more permanent methods of indirect and isolated gain, try spending some time experimenting with direct gain. All you need is a window and the sun. By Mike Podlogar
Marc Pressman CIEC CMR, CEM, CMA, CTS
Basement Waterproofing Environmental Consulting ~ Mold Remediation ~ Waterproofing Infrared Camera Technology Specializing in Water Intrusion Investigation & Repair Free Inspection and Estimates Certified Indoor Environmental Consultant Certified Environmental Inspector Phone: 215.913.4400 Fax: 215.826.5161 Email: moldpro@comcast.net
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Munchies
Munchies Cheddar Cheese and Beer Soup By Andriana Gurreri
Ingredients: (Serving Size 3) 4 tbsp butter 1/4 cup minced onions 1/8 cup thinly sliced mushrooms 1/8 cup rough cut celery Couple cloves of minced garlic Âź cup all purpose flour 32 fl oz Chicken Stock 2.5 fl oz beer 1/2 lb grated Cheddar 2 tbsp dry mustard Âź cup heavy cream, hot Tabasco sauce, as needed Worcestershire sauce, as needed Salt, as needed Ground black or white pepper, as needed For Garnish: Rye Croutons
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Directions:
1.In a large soup pot, heat the butter over medium heat. Sweat the onions, mushrooms, celery, and garlic until the onions are translucent. 2.Add the flour and cook about 12 minutes. Add the stock gradually, whisking constantly to work out any lumps. Simmer for 45 minutes, or until the soup has a good flavor and velvety texture. Strain and remove vegetables. 3.Add the beer and cheese and continue heating until the cheese has melted. Do not boil. 4.Blend the dry mustard with enough water to make a paste. Heat the heavy cream. Add the mustard mixture and the cream to the soup and bring back to a simmer. 5.Season the soup with Tabasco, Worcestershire, salt and pepper. 6.Cut bread into small cubes. Add butter to a pan. Once hot, add the rye bread and toast until golden brown. Add salt and pepper.
Munchies
Gooey Chocolate Ganash Mini Cakes! By Harri Avalone
Recently I came to the realization that I have a plethora of canning jars, in every size imaginable, from tiny 4 ouncers all the way up to the most ridiculous 64 ounce swing lid style, and I know I am not the only one. I’m serious, take a look in your pantry right now, I’m sure you will find at least one. Now, people make all kinds of use of these jars, from actual canning and storage, all the way down to use as a drinking vessel (with a lid). I implore you; put your jars to better use. Don’t let them accumulate dust, bake in them! The beauty of the canning jar is it is both a cooking vessel and storage unit. I have begun an exploration into the joys of jar baking, and in turn came up with this great and rather decadent Gooey Chocolate Ganache Cake, which I choose to make in 12 8oz wide mouth canning jars. Bake these at home and bring them to your friends, or to work with you for a little escape. Enjoy! What You Need: 12 8oz wide mouth canning jars (I use the freezer safe variety) 1 large roasting pan or any other deep oven safe pan that will hold all 12 jars. Ingredients: 1 box Devil’s food cake mix (and whatever other ingredients the box asks for) 1 cup heavy cream 1 bag (roughly 2 cups) semisweet chocolate chips
Directions:
Preheat your oven to 350. 1. Start by placing 1 cup of heavy cream in a microwave safe cup or bowl. Heat on high in your microwave for 1-2 minutes or until warmed. Remove from microwave and add 2 cups of chocolate chips. Stir until chips have melted and you are left with a smooth chocolaty liquid. What you just made is Ganache! Ganache can be poured hot over a cake and it will harden, stored in the fridge for spreading, or even eaten straight from the freezer with a spoon... Go wild with it! 2. Set aside 1/4c of warm ganache and place the remaining ganache into the freezer for around 1 hour. Now, grab a large mixing bowl and follow the mixing instructions on the box of cake mix, adding in the 1/4c of reserved ganache as well. 3. Carefully portion the batter into your 12 canning jars (they should end up about half way full) and place 1tbs of the chilled ganache into the middle of each jar. You should end up with a jar of batter with a hardened ball of chocolate ganache in the middle. 4. Place the 12 jars, with their lids off, into the roasting pan and fill the pan about half way full of hot tap water, this is called a water bath. Cover the entire pan with aluminum foil and bake for 1 hour at 350. Allow to cool for about 20 minutes and enjoy! Variations Instead of ganache, try adding jam to the middle of each cake. It won’t be as gooey and chocolaty, but it is moist and fruity! How about adding 1tbs of your favorite flavored liquor to the ganache? I think raspberry or orange would be wonderful! Don’t like fruity flavor? Try brandy or rum.
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Munchies
Making Kombucha: with Juan
Fungus? Tea? Fermentation? Oh my…
K
ombucha is a fermented yeast enzyme tea that is packed with probiotics and has been used by Asian cultures for centuries. It is conjectured that the earliest appearance of Kombucha was in China during the Chin dynasty in 212 B.C. Through various trade routes Kombucha spread to India and Russia, where it became known as the tea of Immortality because it was thought to provide amazing health benefits and promote longevity. Kombucha also spread to Japan and was commonly used by the Samurai. Over the years, many tales have been told about this fantastically fermented tea, giving rise to names such as elixir of life, miracle or magical fungus. Although it looks like a large mushroom floating in a pool of tea, the culture itself is actually a “Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast”, or SCOBY for short. For those of us who are already familiar with the seemingly miraculous qualities of Kombucha tea, it may come as a surprise that you can actually brew it yourself easily and for a fraction of what it normally costs. That’s right, no more $4.00 bottles of magical elixir at your nearest conglomo natural food store after a hard night of partying. You can make your own batches of Kombucha tea for pennies, through a process both simple and fascinating. By following the straightforward steps listed below, you can economically enjoy the many benefits of Kombucha.
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Step 1: Obtain a SCOBY (Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast) starter SCOBY starters can be obtained in a number of ways. The easiest is to find a friend who already brews Kombucha. They probably have an excess of SCOBY that they would be happy to share. Once you have been brewing Kombucha for a while, it begins to reproduce and fill whatever container you put it in. A long-time Kombucha brewer will periodically have to remove some of the excess SCOBY to make room for more liquid, making their loss your gain. Another way to obtain a SCOBY is online, since there are a number of websites that sell them which can be easily found through a search engine. If all else fails, you can contact me at jvila85@yahoo.com and we can arrange some sort of barter for any excess SCOBY I might have.
Step 2: Buy a large glass jar with some sort of spout to release liquid Glass is essential in the Kombucha brewing process. Never use a container that has any plastic or ceramic materials, since these can leach toxic chemicals into your Kombucha. The easiest way to brew Kombucha is in a large glass jar that has some form of spout at the bottom to release liquid. That way, you can continuously brew Kombucha by adding fresh liquid to the top of the jar and drinking the already fermented tea from the bottom. Before you use your jar for the first time, clean it out with white distilled vinegar. Never use bleach or soap to clean your container, since these chemicals can also leach into your Kombucha tea.
Munchies
Step 3: Brew some tea
Step 5: Continuous brewing
Bring about 1 gallon of water to a boil (or whatever amount your glass jar will fit). Add 1 cup of sugar to the water once it has boiled, and when the sugar has dissolved remove the water from heat. Steep 3 or 4 bags of plain tea in the hot sugar water. Black or green tea will work, as long as there are no other added ingredients such as jasmine or chamomile. Once you have steeped the tea bags in the water for a few minutes, remove them and let the tea cool down to room temperature.
Once your Kombucha culture begins to run low on liquid, brew some more tea with sugar, cool it down to room temperature, and add it to the culture. There should always be about 8 oz of liquid in your jar so that the fermentation process can continue. This way, you can easily enjoy your Kombucha for many years to come. Periodically, you should clean out the excess SCOBY which will begin to form in your jar, since it will take over all of the room in the jar and leave no room for liquid.
Step 4: Add the SCOBY and get fermentin’!
Step 6 (Optional): Bottling your Kombucha
Once the tea has cooled down to room temperature, it is safe to add the SCOBY. You can pour the tea into your glass jar and pour the SCOBY in afterwards, making sure that there is about 3 inches of room at the top of the jar. Cover the opening of the jar with a coffee filter and secure the filter with a rubber band. Then let your Kombucha get to work! You should put your jar in a place that is dark and at room temperature for about a week. After that, you can start enjoying the benefits to your mind, soul, and digestive track that Kombucha provides!
You can bottle your Kombucha to create a delightful fizzy drink. I use empty clean beer bottles and a bottle capper, since I already have the equipment necessary for brewing beer. You can alternatively use a bottle that has a sealed, hinged top to create the same effect. Pour Kombucha from your original culture into an empty bottle and seal it with either a bottle capper or a hinged lid. The forced pressure will cause the Kombucha to carbonate, in the same way as bottle conditioned beer. You can also add any sort of juice or flavoring into the bottle to create Kombucha of various flavors. Just make sure that your original Kombucha culture remains pure and unsullied! By Juan Vila
Photo By Ariana Paul- Reinhard
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tunes
The Best Of Pa New Years 2012
Headspace reviews PA’s hottest New Years shows of 2011-2012
Grimace Federation with Damn Right! at Triumph Brewery
7 Walkers with New Riders of the Purple Sage at The Silo
One of the lower key options for heads in Philly this New Years was the Grimace Federation, D.V.S, and Damn Right! show at Triumph in Olde City. Swanky not skanky, this show was solid and comfortable. It was the perfect compromise of energizing jams and a quality bar for those of us willing to skip the underage crowds or the overpriced open bars featuring low grade alcohol that you would find else where. The bar was not crowded but packed with
with superb home brews that will dazzle the palate of any beer enthusiast, and if you had too much liquid the Home Grown Menu, featuring local organic cuisine, was waiting for you until 1AM. The best part about seeing shows at this place is the stage. It’s hard to find a spot in the whole place where you can’t touch the band. The stage is so low it’s easy to pretend you’re playing. But be warned in the dim light it’s also easy to trip and fall over. If Damn Right! didn’t blow your face off, and if somehow D.V.S didn’t get you grooving, Grimace Federation definitely slammed your eardrums with their deep and freaky jams for the last few hours of 2011. The digital sounds produced were matched with quick and complex drumbeats and smothered with thick bass line after thick bass line. This Philly born electro jam band provided a stimulating balance between the digital and the live. Freakishly chill, the melodic dance grooves of Grimace Federation were the answer for me on how to bring in 2012. By Tyler Anewalt
chill people; the show sold out and went on without a hitch. No one was ignored. If you didn’t pre game, the bar took good care of you. Triumphs 9 taps flowed endlessly
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New Years at the Silo in Reading, Pennsylvania, was definitely one of the best ways to welcome in 2012. New Riders of the Purple Sage and 7 Walkers blew the crowd away with amazing high-energy sets. As usual, the Bears Picnic Productions team put together an amazing experience that was full of great people and music. The MC for the night was Big Country of Country Fried Productions. His white suit jacket, top hat, and polished shoes gave a classy feel to the night from the get go. This year’s line up also welcomed MIZ, Willie Jack and the Northern Lights, and Mystery Train to the show. These bands played on the side stage upstairs while the New Riders and 7 Walkers took command of the main stage. The New Riders of the Purple Sage put on one of their most up beat, exciting shows I have seen in awhile. This is the new incarnation of what once was Jerry Garcia’s country music side project. The long time leader of the band, David Nelson, brought a lot of passion to old classics like Henry and newer tunes like Barracuda Moon alike. 7 Walkers rang in midnight with some true funky soul. This band consists of Bill Kreutzman (drummer of the Grateful Dead), Papa Mali, Matt Hubbard, and a special performance by Kirk Joseph (Dirty Dozen Brass Band). Legendary bassist
tunes George Porter Jr. usually completes the band but for several dates on this tour Kirk Joseph filled in his spot with his sousaphone. Joseph fit perfectly. His sound added to the New Orleans swagger that made people’s booties shake. 7 Walkers creates set lists out of funky versions of classic Grateful Dead songs and original funk and blues songs. “We have a good time when we’re on stage together,” said Papa Mali when I remarked as to how genuine their stage presence was. “Take your revolution, and stick it upper class, “Be kind to one another; dip your lights when you pass.” An amazing version of their song “Kingcotton Blues,” with lyrics by Robert Hunter, gave me goose bumps. The crowd was teeming with energy (amongst other things) that gave some amazing life to the night. The party did not let out until around 3:30 a.m.! Following the show, a V.I.P. pass gave you access to a late night acoustic jam with Papa Mali and David Nelson. The jam took place in the lobby at the Quality Inn; with only a Christmas tree giving dim light to people’s smiling faces. 40 or 50 lucky people saw this interesting performance that was peppered with moonshine. This lasted until the hotel staff could stand it no longer at 7:00 in the morning! What a wild night! Make sure to check it out in 2013. Many, many thanks to Ben and the rest of the Bears Picnic Production team!
Lotus at Festival Pier Legions of dedicated Lotus fans flocked to Festival Pier for what was surely one of the most impressive spectacles of the night in Philly. Festival Pier during the winter you say? Well they thought of that; the show actually took place inside a huge heated tent erected right next to the Delaware River. Revelers were treated to quite an amazing show. Not only was the band on fire that night, but the wild crowd definitely contributed their fair share of energy to the experience. There were sparks in the air beyond the metaphysical too, as at the stroke of midnight the crowd could see the massive fireworks display put on in the Delaware River by the city. Lotus put on quite an amazing show, playing classics like “Flower Sermon” and “Shimmer and Out,” and even some covers like “Da Funk” by Daft Punk and Deadmau5’s “Ghosts an’ Stuff.” The energy was thick in the air and lasted throughout the night. Truly Lotus is becoming a New Year’s Eve institution in Philly and their hometown really shows how much they love it! By Matt Jerome Lotus photos by Charles Mostoller
More amazing New Years shows performed in the area: -Phish at MSG -Dark Star at the Wellmont Theatre -Splintered Sunlight at The Stone Pony -Psychedelphia at Pickering Creek Inn -Cabinet at River Street Jazz
By Alessandro Satta
David Nelson and Papa Mali during late night acoustic jam
Cafe
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The Keswick Smells Like The San Francisco blues band, Hot Tuna, embarked on an extensive tour on January 6th in support of their first studio album in 20 years, “Steady As She Goes” (Red House).The tour began in Santa Barbara, California, at the Lobero Theater and featured the talents of multi-instrumentalist and Philly native, David Bromberg, for the first three nights of the run. Hot Tuna’s current touring lineup consists of bassist Jack Casady and guitarist Jorma Kaukonen along with mandolin player Barry Mitterhoff and drummer Skoota Warner. Hot Tuna will be hitting loads of dates as winter turns to spring, including a North East run of Maine, Connecticut, New Hampshire and New York. Next, the band heads south to hit Baltimore and Virginia before a March 2nd date at the Keswick Theater in Glendale, Pennsylvania. The tour winds down in April and May and eventually comes to a close in August for a sold-out show in Pomeroy, Ohio, at the Fur Peace Station. Jack Casady and Jorma Kaukonen created Hot Tuna during a Jefferson Starship hiatus in early 1969. After playing some well-received hometown shows around Santa Cruz, it was obvious that Hot Tuna could stand on its own two feet independent of Jefferson Starship. In 1971 “First Pull Up, Then Pull Down” was released on RCA Records. The band subsequently released the studio album “Burgers” in 1972 followed by “The Phosphorescent Rat” in 1973. By 1974 the band had dropped their acoustic sets from their performances, instead taking an electric approach to the traditional blues they had been playing. By
(photo credit, Scotty Hall)
1977, Casady and Kaukonen had gone in separate directions, both being swept away by new wave (see SVT and Vital Parts), and in 1979 Grunt Records released the “Final Vinyl” compilation to mark the end of the band. Hot Tuna got off to a shaky start after reuniting in 1983, but it wouldn’t be until the 1986 revival of the famed acoustic sets that the band would again get the recognition it had during the Starship days. The band prevailed, and in 1989 Kaukonen and Casady joined Jefferson Starship for their reunion album tour, taking the stage in between sets to perform acoustic Tuna. The band alternated between these acoustic and electric sets throughout the nineties, collaborating with the likes of Bob Weir, singer Marie Muldaur, and ex-Rod Stewart/ Jefferson Airplane keyboardist Pete Sears for the double album Sweetwater, recorded at California’s venue of the same name. Kaukonen will be playing several solo shows during the tour beginning on January 27 in Wailuku, Hawaii. The guitarist will be joined by Mitterhoff as well as folk-blues singer/songwriter Chris Smiter for the first three nights of the run. Kaukonen’s solo run sends him from California to Japan before closing in Shanghai, China on February 12. The next chunk of the tour is entirely acoustic Tuna, beginning February 22 at the Camden Opera House in Maine, and including the March 2 date at the Keswick Theater. Tuna is playing two shows which will include both and acoustic and electric set during this time. One on March 9 at the Old Town School of Folk Music in Chicago and the other at Cedar Cultural Center in Minneapolis, culminating in a sold-out show March 17th featuring John ‘Hurl’ Hurlbut at the Fur Peace Station. One month later Tuna will be shaking off the winter blues at Wannee Music Festival in Live Oak, Florida for an April 19 electric Tuna performance on the Mushroom Stage. The remaining dates have the band alternating between their famous acoustic and electric performances. If you can’t catch any of the west coast or midwest shows, be sure to grab tickets for Hot Tuna at the Keswick as they are sure to go quick. You might want to leave your camera and audio recorder at home though. Despite the fact that the band used to promote audience recordings of their shows, they changed their policy in 2006 and now no longer permit recording of any kind, including camera phones. By Dan Newman
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Magazine’s
On March 14th and 15th, Philadelphians are in for a real treat when Melvin Seals and JGB come to The Blockley. Not only will it be a night full of amazing music, but also a night of celebration as HeadSpace Magazine rings in its one year anniversary! JGB has been keeping the flame of the original Jerry Garcia Band alive since Garcia’s untimely death on August 9th, 1995. The Jerry Garcia Band was Jerry’s favorite side project, originally formed in 1975 while the Dead was taking a break due to being bankrupt from their infamous Wall of Sound tour. Since Jerry’s death, Melvin Seals has taken over the reins and continues to lead the band with his amazing skills on the Hammond organ. Melvin Seals and JGB takes the Grateful Dead treatment of musical improvisation and applies it to many different types of music. With covers of songs by such famous acts as Bob Dylan and the Isley Brothers, to name just a few, the band explores a wide variety of musical stylings. The band has undergone many
lineup changes, that at times included various original members. The current lineup consists of Melvin Seals, Jimmy Tebeau (bass), Dave Hebert (guitar), and Pete Lavezzoll (drums). HeadSpace Magazine started last March with the launch of our website and a crazy show at The Blockley with the famed local Dead tribute band Splintered Sunlight. As anyone who was there knows, it was quite the rager. So make sure you come check out JGB and celebrate our one year anniversary with us! There’s no doubt that JGB will bring the heat with a sick show and it will be a ridiculous party!! By Tim Dougherty
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ince their original formation over two decades ago at the University of Buffalo in western New York, Rob Derhak (bassist and vocalist), Chuck Garvey (guitarist and vocalist), and Al Schnier (guitarist, keyboardist, and vocalist) continue performing their unique psychedelic rock music with the addition of members Vinnie Amico (drummer) and Jim Loughlin (percussionist and multi-instrumentalist). The members of Moe. have sincerely strived to push the boundaries of the Jamband genre, with the inclusion of such diverse influences as Americana, South African, and Jamaican music. No doubt this is a major reason for the band’s success. Yet all the while, Moe. has remained a band of ordinary, easy-going people who treat each other as equals and work largely independently and even typically manage their own affairs. The members of Moe. have remained dedicated to maintaining their personal connection with their fans while on stage. With this in mind, it is no wonder that fans from all over the east coast and even further away are hurrying to order their tickets to catch the band’s multiple appearances in Pennsylvania.
Cabin Fever from the Long Winter? Go. To. If you are an East Coast native seeking exciting and truly one of a kind rock ‘n’ roll concert experiences in your area , make sure you don’t miss Moe. on their upcoming 2012 Winter tour.
Moe.’s upcoming shows scheduled in the state of Pennsylvania will definitely be an amazing and memorable part of their extensive winter tour . First, the members of Moe. will appear at the Sherman Theater in Stroudsburg, PA, on the March 4th. The Sherman is a classy venue that offers the chance to witness the power of live music with many different bands, and Moe. is one of the biggest and most anticipated headliners visiting the Sherman during the month of March. However, if you miss this show or have some extra time to catch multiple shows on the tour, do not forget to mark your calendar for Thursday, March 8th, when Moe. will return to Pennsylvania in Pittsburgh, after a show in their hometown of Buffalo, New York. This should be an unforgettable experience as the members should be fired up and well into the groove of the tour by this point. You do not want to miss this chance to begin your weekend grooving on the right foot before you swing across Pennsylvania for Friday’s show at the Electric Factory. The March 9th show at the E-Factory will also be the band’s follower’s last chance to see the band play in America before they kick off their spring tour in Europe. So make sure to make it out to at least one of these Moe. shows, they are guaranteed to be a great time with one of the most esteemed Jambands on the scene. By Mallory Smith
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The Quadrantids [kwo-dran-tidz]
Meteor Shower Lights Up PA Sky
Traditionally U.S. residents ring in the New Year beneath a sparkling sky. All man-made pyrotechnics aside, the Quadrantid meteor shower is a natural light show that drizzles down from the heavens, extending throughout the first week of January. This astral phenomenon is a yearly occurrence with a high rate of visibility. 40-80 meteors per hour were expected for the duration of the meteor shower. The Quadrantids derive their name from Quadrans Muralis, an obsolete constellation now part of the newly named star system Boötes. On a clear night in Brussels, Belgium, on January 3rd 1825, astronomer Adolphe Quetelet first observed what we now know as the Quadrantids; therefore he is credited with their discovery. In 2012, amateur observers were lucky enough to spy Quadrantid meteors throughout the span of Jan 1st - 7th. The peak was observable in the wee hours of the morning on Wednesday January 4th. A distinguishing feature of this shower is its sharp peak intensity, which rises
swiftly and diminishes equally abruptly within a 4-6 hour period. Purportedly the steep nature of the Quadrantid’s peak intensity is an effect that stems from the morenarrow-than-usual stream of particles that cause this shower. That observation leads scientists to assume the Quadrantids were born within the past 500 years, stray objects originating from an orbiting body, which wasn’t identified or named until 2003. The premiere array of starry Quadrantid delights was the perfect preamble to a new season of astrological events occurring within the inner solar system. Namely, the fact that Mars is in opposition in March, and the transit of Venus across the sun in June. The wintery astrological fluctuation dubbed the Quadrantid array was the crowning glory of early 2012. The high-frequency meteor shower allowed us to celebrate the change of our calendar year under a visible celestial veil of cosmic debris. By Mandie Pandarella
“20 Standing Under” Corey Fox coreyfoxsculpture.com
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Van Gogh Up Close spaced out
Exploring the new exhibit coming this February to Philadelphia By Jessi Janusee
V
incent Van Gogh is one of the most prolific and renowned painters of his time. Even if you’ve never taken an art history course, visited many museums or have a profound interest in the arts, chances are that you’ve heard of Van Gogh or at least seen his painting, Starry Night. A new exhibit on Vincent Van Gogh entitled Van Gogh Up Close has been organized by the Philadelphia Art Museum and The National Gallery of Canada. The Philadelphia Art Museum will be the only U.S. venue to host this rare and innovative exhibit focusing on Van Gogh’s close-up perspective. Despite Van Gogh’s current notoriety and influence he was relatively unknown during his time and didn’t even become a painter until the end of his life. Van Gogh spent the majority of his late teens and twenties searching for his calling. He became an art dealer, a boardingschool teacher and even a pastor, but none of these careers seemed to suit him. Finally, at age twenty-seven Van Gogh went to art school in Brussels, where all of his sketches from childhood blossomed into a true passion for painting. What does it take to actually create an exhibit of this magnitude featuring such a famous painter? Jennifer Thompson, co-curator of the Van Gogh Up Close exhibit, described the entire process behind Van Gogh Up Close. In the Spring of 2008, Cornelia Homburg, an independent scholar, contacted the Philadelphia Art Museum and The National Gallery of Canada with a proposal for a special Van Gogh exhibit. Both museums were eager to develop an exhibition that would delve into Van Gogh’s works from a new angle. Creating the thesis and finding the right museums was the relatively easy part of forming the exhibition. The next and most arduous step was securing all of the loans from various museums across the globe. Most museums are loathe to part with Van Gogh paintings which draw
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in a great number of visitors yearly. Besides the negotiation of loans, there are many other steps that need to be taken to get an exhibit ready. The team behind the exhibit need to create the catalogue, the website and the brochure, paint the walls, fundraise, and design graphics and the audio tour. Many exhibits can take up to ten years to organize, so the four year prep time of Van Gogh Up Close is actually on the shorter side. Thompson had a very good comparison for preparing a mammoth exhibit like Van Gogh Up Close, “It’s almost like a stage.” The finished product that museum goers see is just a small fraction of the real work done behind the scenes. Van Gogh Up Close, in Philadelphia from February 1st-May 6th, will feature over 70 works including 45 paintings by Van Gogh as well as 30 comparative works. This exhibit will allow people to see Van Gogh’s close-ups in one single venue for the first time. Van Gogh spent four years of his short ten year art career creating “close-ups”, yet in all of his letters to friends and family he very rarely discussed this painting style. This has created a bit of mystery surrounding these paintings, which relay Van Gogh’s passion for nature in their intensity. Timothy Rub, the George D. Widener Director and CEO of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, eloquently states Van Gogh’s intention, “In seeking to share the intensity of his emo-
spaced out tional response to the world around him as directly as possible, Van Gogh took the traditional methods of making pictures and changed the rules.” Jennifer Thompson’s personal favorite in the exhibit, Almond Blossom, is a beautiful example of both Van Gogh’s close-ups as well as his love of nature. Almond Blossom was created in 1890 on the day after Van Gogh’s nephew, named Vincent after him, was born. The painting is from the perspective of someone lazily sitting underneath an almond tree, their gaze only taking in the intricate branches, tiny white blossoms and the blue expanse of the sky beyond. The painting has no true sense of space but it encapsulates the peaceful, serene feeling that Van Gogh himself must have had on that wonderful celebratory day. To Thompson, creating an exhibition of such a talented and well-known painter as Van Gogh, the experience is not just fame, glamour and lots of hard work. It’s a special moment, one that may not happen again. Most curators will only create a Van Gogh exhibit once or twice in their entire career. Fortunately, Thompson’s Van Gogh Up Close will allow for a whole new approach to the artists later works. Skull of a Skeleton with Burning Cigarette Oil on Canvas 32 X 24.5 cm 1886
The Ravine Oil on Canvas 73 x 92 cm 1889
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Local Guitar Maker Goes Retro
Chris DiPinto puts his spin on classic guitars Passion has a multitude of unique meanings and incarnations for every person. For Philly native Chris DiPinto, passion is making guitars and basses. This year DiPinto is working to reissue his 31st self-made guitar, which was not available to the public before. “Now, I think the world is ready for it.” This spring his store will also be hosting Master Classes taught by native Philadelphia bassist, Jamaaladeen Tacuma. Inspired by sounds from bands such as Boston, Cheap Trick, and Van Halen, DiPinto became fascinated by guitars at an early age. Being left-handed, it was much more difficult to find affordable guitars, but this didn’t stop DiPinto. Instead, it inspired him to start making his own guitars in 1994. The first DiPinto guitar boasted ten strings that were double strung and tuned in fifths like a mandolin. His first guitar also had a keychain attached to the pickups that made laser sounds when pressed. When asked about his guitars, Dipinto explained, “I never really liked the idea of a hand-made, one-off, fancy instrument. But rather, I am more about producing a lot of consistent instruments to make them available for everyone at affordable prices. I don’t consider myself to be one of the high end snobby guys [Luthiers] that will make you a $10,000 guitar.” In 1995, a year after beginning to craft his own guitars, DiPinto opened up his first Guitar Shop in a warehouse space in Olde City at the intersection of Market St. and Strawberry St. Olde City became more gentrified and the property values
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increased to a point at which DiPinto was forced to move his business to Northern Liberties at 2nd St. and Fairmount Ave. In six years Northern Liberties underwent the same transformation as Olde City and DiPinto was pushed to find his current and hopefully final location in Fishtown (417 E. Girard Ave). Throughout its 17 year existence DiPinto Instruments has created its own place in the music world, appealing to a variety of Artists including Lil Wayne (Belvedere Deluxe), Jack White of The White Strips (DiPinto Mach 4), Elliot Easton of The Cars (DiPinto Galaxie 4), and talk show host Conan O’Brien (DiPinto Galaxie 4). Currently their production line consists of seven guitars and four basses, which all exemplify DiPinto’s vintage look with modern vigor. DiPinto commented, “The original idea was to take those great looking 50’s/60’s vintage guitars and try to make them sound just as great as a modern guitar. Many of the early model guitars did not play very well. So we tried to take that look and make it into a solid instrument. You know, like taking all the modern ideas and adding them to the old look. This was a fairly new idea at the time, but now they call it Modern Retro. We were really one of the first to do it... Now, you’ll see more and more companies going down the same path. And, you say to yourself, ‘they are copying you,’ but that’s a good thing because it means you are getting out there. ” Be sure to stop by the shop for any and all of your Guitar or Bass needs. Chris DiPinto still offers hand-made custom instruments starting at around $2,000. Besides being the home of a unique Philadelphian line of instruments, the shop also buys and sells used instruments. By Hassan Azeez
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A left handed DiPinto Galaxy 4
DiPinto’s remake of the 10 string, his first model.
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Artist’s Showcase with
John Warner
From tour kid to working with nationally touring bands, Warner is only getting more popular entering 2012. HS: Where are you from originally? JW: Binghamton, New York HS: How did you get started in the art business? JW: When I was young, I always used to screen print, made my own t-shirts and stuff like that. In the early 90’s with the Grateful Dead I used to make lot shirts. In the mid 90’s I got into the management end of the business. You know I was working with a couple bands when I lived out in San Diego. One of the bands I worked with decided to get rid of the middleman because we were selling so much merchandise. We bought our own screen printing press, and started producing our own merchandise. I picked up a lot of local band clients and that’s basically how I got started. By the time it was like 2000 I was basically out of the management part of it and just doing art and printing, there’s a lot more money in merchandise. So after a lot of thought I was like, “well I’m going to take a crack at this.” HS: What are some past works or projects that you are particularly proud of or were successful with? JW: Well all the recent work I’ve been doing ‘cause I’ve been doing official work for Furthur and Gov’t Mule. I did a poster for their two nights at the Beacon for New Years. I did the 7 walkers one for New Years. I did Cabinet at
the River Street Jazz Café. I didn’t end up doing the poster for Furthur New Years, but I did design several commemorative t-shirt designs for that. I’m getting hired by a lot of high profile clients. I did a lot of work for Warren Haynes this past fall. I did the poster work for his solo tour and I did all the Christmas Jam Merchandise. So that was pretty cool. My business itself has grown in the last 3 years. That’s when I really started working with some of the major labels. I’m also the resident poster artist over at Havana in New Hope, PA. I get to work on a lot of interesting projects over there. Havana is a like a club so I get a lot of random work. Like cool, I’m doing a poster for Eddie Money. These are customers and clients that I would never get a chance to work for. A lot of stuff that I’ve done in the more distant past was from when I lived in Austin, ‘cause I did a lot of South by Southwest stuff. I got a lot of interesting jobs out of that. I did a lot of metal posters and stuff when I lived in Austin. I started doing a lot of my own shows in Austin too. Everything I do is pretty much “do it yourself.” I would
“Everything I do is pretty much ‘do it yourself.’ I would book the bar, come up with my own merch for the shows, and do my own promotion.” book the bar, come up with my own merch for the shows, and do my own promotion. I made my name doing it that way because every time there was a “J Dub Allstars presents” event people would come to see music and get the poster. Kind of do it in the Bill Graham way. I do a showcase in Austin every year. That’s called the J Dub All Stars South by South West Sunday Throw Down. This is the 8th annual one that’s going on. I do like 25 bands and everybody gets a poster at the end of the night.
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spaced out HS: So Austin had a big impact on you? JW: Very big impact, I moved there in 2003 and just got really immersed in the music scene. It was alot cheaper to live there than California, where I was living prior to this. Basically, the lower cost of living gave me the means to just go and seriously do my own thing without having to worry about having a day job, which was awesome. I bartended, made art and screen printed in a storage unit. That’s kind of the roots of the whole business and what it is today. HS:What do you have coming up in the near future? JW: Furthur just hired me for some projects that I’m not really at liberty to talk about. The cool thing about Furthur is that they don’t want to publish anything until people come to the show so if there is a design for a particular show, nobody sees it, so it’s kind of a surprise. HS: Do you have any projects coming up in the near future that you can talk about? JW: I got asked to work on some t-shirts and possibly a poster for Mountain Jam. We got the Winter Jam coming up. This is going to be a really good show that I’m helping to do the promotion with. HS: How do you make these posters? JW: It’s a lot of mixed medium stuff. Sometimes I’ll do a photograph and do some Photoshop filter work but a lot of times I’ll just sketch them out in pencil. Some are completely hand drawn. It just depends on what the band calls for. I’ll draw it and then trace it into Illustrator. HS: Anything else you would like to add? JW: There’s http://www.doctorflufftees.com. This is all my lot merchandise. So that’s a whole other aspect. Our big- ass store! We sell online but in the summer I go on tour.Touring season starts in March for us so we set up on shakedown. All of our merchandising is non-copyright infringing artwork. So we try and keep everything on the up and up. You can reach John Warner at: http://www.jduballstars.com http://www.jduballstars.net http://www.doctorflufftees.com http://www.facebook.com/jduballstarsdesign http://www.facebook.com/doctorflufftees
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John Warner Art
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