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Speak Life.

On Wednesday, February 19, 2020, the family - by blood and by choice - of Ronny Drayton gathered together to celebrate his life and the impact that he has forever left on all of us. 

I got to know Ronny through Black Rock Coalition events and benefits that we have done through the years.  It was at a benefit for Funkadelic graphic artist Pedro Bell, when Ronny told me about the arrest of his son Donovan and the grinding web of red tape that he had to deal with to get him a bail hearing, much less a fair and speedy trial.

Out of that conversion and others within the organization, birthed the Million Man Mosh concerts, which raised money for his defense, and raised awareness of how prosecutors were using delay tactics, unreasonable bail demands and other wack tactics to get defendants, regardless of innocence, into taking plea deals.

Long story short, Ronny wasn’t having it.

It took five years, but Donovan was cleared of all major charges, a free man, and, a father of two.

The first two shots represent the end stages of the long, legal nightmare:  the first was taken during a production meeting for Million Man Mosh 2 after Donovan was finally released on bail and awaiting trial.  It says EVERYTHING about their bond.

The 2nd shot was taken shortly after Donovan’s defense team made the lights out closing arguments calling for his acquittal.  Big up to Kim Lesley, whose love and support for Ronny and Donovan was invaluable.

The third shot features Ronny, Vernon Reid and Jimi Hazel during another, if I’m not mistaken, the first Million Man Mosh production meeting.  Three amazing guitarists, three fathers, three beyond cool human beings.

The last set of shots are from the BRC’s ‘History Of Our Future’ show at the Met in the fall of 2019.  As you can see, there’s a lot of love in the room.  At one point, it was me, Ronny, Vernon and Carl Hancock Rux in one dressing room talking about, well, everything.  Ronny was, as always, on point, serious as a heart attack, and yet, peppering all with humor.  Sadly, it was the last time I would see him.

I can go on and on about Ronny, but I would suggest that you go out and listen to his work that he did with Nona Hendryx, Defunkt, James Blood Ulmer, Edwin Birdsong, Burnt Sugar, 24-7 Spyz and the other extraordinary recordings.

Much love to Ronny’s son Donovan, his grandchildren, family, friends, and all that knew and loved him.  

Speak Life. 

It was an affirmation, a rally cry and a declaration.

Thank you Ronny Drayton for making all of us part of your life.

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Bill Graham’s open letter to President Reagan urging him not to visit Bitberg.  His office was later firebombed and he lost most of his professional effects.

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Bill Graham’s watch - each side repping both coasts, on display now at the New York Historical Society. 

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Fillmore shirts now on display at the New York Historical Society’s exhibit honoring Bill Graham.

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Some of the classic artwork that promoted Bill Graham shows that are up now at the New York Historical Society.  

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Here’s a great re-creation of the barrel of fresh apples that were offered to anyone who attended the Fillmore East/West.  It’s part of the new Bill Graham exhibit that’s at the NY Historical Society.  

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Here’s some shots from the AMAZING ‘Bill Graham & The Rock n Roll Revolution’ exhibit at the New York Historical Society.  Done with full cooperation with his estate, it features classic Fillmore posters, personal and professional photos, music and much more.  Graham was a true Yorker and elevated the arts in every step of his journey.  It’s up through August and I can’t recommend it enough!

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A couple of stray street art pieces I saw wondering along the Lower East Side.

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A killer Alphabet City street art piece honoring the notable Black women who have elevated art and culture!

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A crushing mural saluting True Yorkers which can be found on Grand and Essex on the Lower East Side.  Big up to the True Yorkers crew for tipping me off to this!

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Run, don’t walk to the International Center Of Photography - with its spacious new digs on Essex Street on the Lower East Side - to see ‘Contact High: A Visual History Of Hip Hop’.  It has KILLER shots by Jamal Shabazz, Janette Beckman, and, of course, The Real King Of New York, Ricky Powell, among many others.  It’s up through May 18th and, if you love music, photography and the arts in general, it’s a must see.  Go to icp.org for all the details.

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Shot this while waiting - and waiting - for a bus at Jamaica Center.  The Nikon KeyMission 80s is the size of a pack of gum, but it takes killer shots!

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More subway philosophy....

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Someone clearly isn't happy with the deployment of more than 500 cops to patrol New York City subways....

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If you are looking for a gallery that is devoted to the essence of the Bowery and all things True York, check out the Good Luck Dry Cleaners on 3rd and Bowery. Killer art work - including a giant photo mural done by the one and only Ricky Powell - and parts of the late, and sadly missed CBGB.  Super cool vibe, great staff (what up Phil) and just a good hang.  Check out their IG page (@goodluckdrycleaners) to make an appointment.  

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Honoring JMB...the G.O.A.T.

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 A tagged up trailer on the Bowery.