Hopper`s Hippie Art: The Road to Paradise

Hooping It Up:
Mind|Body|Spirit
New Tricks
DJ Slim
-The Interview-
Hopper’s Hippie Art:
The Road to Paradise
Festival Tales -
LA to Montreal
Far Out Magazine Vol 2 Issue 3
In this issue...
Hopper and Dubie: Hippie Art Leads
to Paradise
Hippie artist, Hopper, and her van, Dubie,
and the journey to Paradise (aka Big
Island Hawaii)
by S.A. Stepford........................page 16
Music DJ Slim: Performer from Boston Spills
his Musical Beans
DJ Slim talks about music and activism
Interview with Travelin’ Dude....page 22
Lifestyle Healing Yourself in the Hoop:
Mind|Body|Spirit
and more Hoop tricks
by Andi Epstein...........................page 7
Was your festival a Woodstock-like
“Miracle in the Mud?” Was it all fun,
games and music? Email us your story
We’re looking for the “Best of...2009”
[email protected]
Festival Tales -
Toronto’s Freedom Fest
Lots of pics - were you there?
Review by Travelin’ Dude...........page 12
THC Expo
Held in LA the THC Expo drew an
amazing crowd for a first time event and, for good reason
Review by Travelin’ Dude.........page 27
Festivals and Events
by Hikara.....................pages 6, 21, 25, 30
Publisher: It’s News Dude Productions
Editor-in-Chief: Bill Trogdon
Editor, Writer, Design Layout: S.A. Stepford
Festivals/Events Editor: Hikara
Staff writer; Photographer: Travelin’ Dude
Contributing writers: Andi Epstein
Copy Editor: Roxanne Munksgaard
Graphic Artist, Cover: Justin Deltuva
Far Out Magazine Volume 2 Issue 3
Sign reads:
Mud Walk
Judging
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September
8/31-9/7 Burning Man, Black Rock Desert, NV.
Lots of art and entertainment, come see it all
and don’t be afraid to participate!
Join in the fun and say hello to our friend,
Andi of Hoop Habit (See article this issue!)
www.burningman.com
9/4-6 Fall Hookaville 2009, Pataskala, OH
Another Hookaville event - you KNOW it’s
going to be good! It’s Hookaville - need we
say more?
www.hookaville.com
9/5-7, Yellow Daisy Festival, Stone
Mountain Park, GA. Artists, crafters, live
entertainment, Children’s Corner activities,
check it out!
http ://www.stonemountainpark.com/minisection/default.aspx?id=14
9/5-10/25 Kind Richard’s Faire, Carver,
MA.
Every weekend, including Labor and
Columbus Day Mondays! Jousting, plays,
magic, knights, wenches, royalty, and beggars, come see all that and more!
www.kingrichardsfaire.net
9/6 Kapolei Summer Sunset Festival, Kapolei, HI. Enjoy the day with rides, games,
information, food, and live entertainment.
There is fun and excitement for all! www.
gohawaii.com/event?id=12095
9/11--13 Webejamin Fest (Reggae), Harmony, ME This themed event really rocks.
www.mainevocals.net/festivals/09__index2.
htm
9/12 Cannabis Revival, Joplin, MO Music-Law Reform-Education. We bring great
bands, high profile speakers, and regional
NORML groups
www.cannabisrevival.com
9/18-20 Wormtown Music Festival 11,
Greenfield, MA The River Worm Cafe, An
Expanded Family Camping Area, Vernville’s Earth Stage, Communtiy Bonfire,
Artist Demos, Rock Gardens and plenty
more taboot.
www.wormtown.com/wormfest/
9/19 MassCann /NORML Boston Freedom Rally, Boston, MA. Bands and speakers, for more information check out the site.
www.masscan.org
9/19-21, Common Ground County Fair,
Unity, ME. The Maine Organic Farmers
and Gardeners Association (MOFGA) fair
in Unity, it has lots of great entertainment,
an area for children, and too many other
great things to list!
www.mofga.org/TheFair/tabid/135/Default.aspx
9/25-27, Earthdance, Laytonville, CA. A
large festival celebrating peace, come see all
the amazing artists and hear the speakers!
This is a really great festival to check out!
http://earthdancelive.com/
9/23 The Autumn Equinox (Mabon)
Northern Hemisphere, Earth.
Give something back to Mother Earth and
remember to say thank you for all she’s
given. It’s time to start preparing for the
colder months ahead, but for now we still
have some time to have one more dance.
9/24-26 NORML Conference, San Francisco, CA. This year’s theme: YES, WE
CANNABIS: Zeitgeist of Legalization, Pot
Politics, a special day discussing medical
cannabis and so much more. Check it out at:
http://www.norml.org/index.cfm?Group_
ID=7877
cont. on page 21
ego – allow the hoop to guide
your inner mascot out- become
your own liberated cheerleader; it
changes your perspective, reminding you that the world is deep
and full of abundance. Free the
childlike frolic in you. Enjoy the
laughter of hooping as the mind
surrenders to the movement. Let
the projections of others melt away
any physical, emotional or third
dimensional weight.
With the Burning of the Man
celebration
approaching,
excitement is
running high
this month.
The Playa
experience is
the highlight
of Ravers &
Festival Season
goers around
the world.
Black Rock
City (BRC),
Hoop Meditation: Shari James
NV- USA
becomes the 3rd largest city in the state of
Nevada and it’s only in
existence for one
week.
“Feed the craving… Get into the
Hoop Habit!” ™
Healing yourself
In The Hoop ~
MIND|BODY|SPIRIT
(Part 1)
By Andi Epstein
Summer is in full bloom with the first
Harvest Moon approaching… its playtime folks! Music is off the hook this
year as creative juices flow during times
of change. That flow takes us to many
adventurous moments, introduces us to
new relationships all while the common
denominator = freedom! What a wonderful world we live in where it is our right
to speak our highest truth anytime/any
place. Considering its time to grow and
change with the era, what if we all decided to become super heroes? The word
on the street is that Sponge Bob is permeable… constantly altering his shape to fit
into any situation. In this universe we use
the shape of a circle for our most precious
sources- clock, compass, apple pie, balls
and my favorite tool ~ the HOOP! This
circle welcomes you to the center of your
life.
Step into the Hoop Habit ™, heal
yourself; it is time to be the person you
have always wanted to be. Create an alter
Photos provided by author
7
cont. on next page
Cont. from page 7
Love-Granola Hippies ~ Tribal Law ~ and
basically the most liberating FREEDOM
offered anywhere in the world! Anything
you have ever fantasized about is reality
on the Playa.
The Hoop Experience there invites
you to live in the center of your life. This
creative space frees anyone to wake up
and see the other souls around allowing them to affect you. It’s called “Playa
Magic”. Each experience is unique as is
each soul offers a unique form of creative expression. The Hoop Community
on the playa is world-renowned. It is on
the Playa where many hoopers got their
start and the vision of Modern Day
Hooping was born thanks to Hoopalicious (Anah of Hoop Revolution) This is
a welcome home party as the hoop world
reunites as one family. This hoop family
lives by their alter egos. Aliases & Avatars
are created and in some cases re-created
This 10 story city is literally built on a
dried lake bed, called the Playa. BRC is
structured in the shape of clock. The Man
is the center – The Temple at 12:00 –
Center Camp at 6:00 and the city streets
are structured from 2:00 – 10:00 in a
horseshoe shape offering the main drag
called “Esplanade”. Broken down into
15 min city blocks – the Esplanade starts
the outward spinning of more city streets
starting with “A” all the way to “M”.
(The street names change each year
Hooping on Playa
with the theme change.) In total the
circumference of BRC city clock
is approximately 6 miles. BRC’s
Center Camp offers much of the
same resources’ as any other city;
Library, Post Office, Fire Department, Rangers, Medical Teams,
DMV (Department of Mutant
Vehicles), and the BRC Airport is
on the out skirts of the city. The
remaining open space in the center
of this circle city is for art installations, fire projects, creative movement and sole purpose of experiencing the to transform our minds through the Hoop
extreme elements the playa has to offer…. Movement.
MIND
Playa dust!
The
mind
has
a
funky way of coopOn the Playa the reality is mind
erating
with
what
our
thoughts create…
altering. The best description & percepthus
becoming
words
then
actions then
tion heard thus far is a mix between the
habits.
This
spiraling
effect
multiplies in
following: Mad Max Movie World ~ brilour
physical
body
with
every
heartbeat.
liant artists & creative’s ~ Las Vegas 24|7
Spreading
out
over
the
entire
molecular
lights/sounds/action ~ The Gong Show/
system with the repeat button on. HoopDoodah Parade ~ Cirque/Vaudeville ~
ing offers a natural high full of amplified
Scientific Intelligence ~ Cosmic Peace-
Article cont. with the TRICKS OF THE ISSUE:
Hand Hooping & Lasso” on pages 9 & 10
Hand hooping
endorphins, guaranteed to generate
laughter. Attaching a sound to each movement teaches the sensation to create a
neurological connection with the mind.
As if the body is being used as a drum,
the hoop beats against the skin cells.
Penetrating healing energy throughout the
system all while crossing the left and right
sides of the brain. After 15 minutes in the
hoop one feels refreshed, regenerated and
reminded that it’s the best meditative drug
on the market. The blood flows through to
spine upward pumping to the brain immediately increases productivity in your day.
H
o
o
p
a
l
i
c
i
o
u
s
TRICKS OF THE MONTH:
“Hand Hooping & Lasso”
“HAND HOOPING”
First one must pay attention to the direction they hoop on their waste. (Clockwise or counterclockwise) If you hoop
to your left, you will start in your right
hand- if you hoop to the right, you start
with the left hand. Now start turning your
feet in the direction you hoop while your
hand is placed inside the hoop facing the
palm upwards- with the thumb out facing
the body. As you continue to turn- extend
your arm outward and allow the hoop to
rise over your head like a halo. To keep
the hoop in constant movement, keep the
thumb out- relax the hand and allow the
hoop to pump forward and back over your
hand horizontally overhead (like halo)
with a micro movement bend of the elbow. Keeping the thumb out and the hand
supple is the key to embodying the hand
hooping movement. The elbow should
always be near your ear- if it moves lower
the hoop moves lower towards your head/
face. (Note: The spiraling force of the
hoop’s energy will increase resistance and
the hoop will feel heavier.) When you are
ready to switch arms- simply place your
free hand into your hooping hand- palms
together in prayer position. This twohanded movement becomes one as the
point of contact on the hands shifts from
the palm to the sides of hands. When the
hoop makes contact with hand #2; remove
hand #1 from hoop contact. Get comfortable switching arms, turning the body/
feet the same direction as the hoop while
exploring your space and timing.
“LASSO”
The Lasso has the exact look and feel
of the Hand Hooping move. Begin with
arm #1 Hand Hooping – now with your
free hand look up at the space inside
the hoop as it spins around and when
the open spot appears, pop your hand
upwards into that space. This is called
the “Now Factor”. Every time you pop
your hand in, say out loud “NOW!” (This
thought of movement is validated with
sound = a direct mind connection. Reminds the body that when you so NOW,
the timing is clear for movement.) This is
your time to move the hoop up and down
the body, aka “changing planes” from a
high halo plane to waist plane. To com-
plete the Lasso, the following components
must be completed at the same time:
turning the same direction as the hoop
while the freed “now factor” arm #2 goes
up and hand #1 with hoop contact guides
the hoop from halo plane to waist plane
– while hoop makes contact with leading
hip. Keeping the feet and body turning
the same direction of the hoop will keep
the hoop balanced during transition and
placement onto the body.
Healing in the hoop created a form of
Play Therapy that she likes to call “putting the FUN into FUNctionality”. Using
her Laughter Yoga skills, she guarantees
an instant face-lift in every spin. Andi
loves being a part of the Certified Hoopgirl Inc. ™ team of International Hoop
Instructors and travels around the world
sharing the Hoop Habit as a one-stop
source in play therapy and motivational
movement. Check in regularly to www.
HoopHabit.com for event updates.
Andi Girl founded Hoop Habit ™ by hooping her
way back to health. Hooping for the first time ever
in 2005, she went from a size 20 to a size 12 in six
months!
Email: [email protected] Please give us your
name or alias and contact information.
NEXT ISSUE: “Feed the craving…. Get
into the Hoop Habit” ™ will feature “Slinky
& Rock-N-Roll” as the tricks of the month.
Also the second of three part “Healing yourself in
the Hoop – MIND|BODY|SPIRIT” series.
Find Andi’s first piece for us in Far Out Magazine
v2i2 or at www.FarOutMagazine.com
Toronto
Freedom
Festival
- 2009
photos & story by Travelin’ Dude
families, couples and folks who arrived
on their own. Soon the few hundred
The sky was mostly cloudy, there was
a slight chill in the morning air, the trees
were budding, and there was the scent of
another kind of bud burning all around; it
was spring in Toronto and the thrid annual
Toronto Freedom Festival was coming to
fruition with revelers and activists began
to gather at Queens’ Park in Toronto.
The college area
also known as
“Yongesterdam”
promised to
produce a large
number for the
turn out
along with people from
across
Canada,
plus a good number from “south
of the border” to
show their solidarity in the desire to “free the weed” (aka
the repeal of cannabis prohibition), hear
some awesome music,
enjoy good eats and
support like-minded
vendors.
The steady streams
of people entered
from all directions
and included all age
12
groups, ethnicities –
became many thousands
– they estimate more than
25,000 came and went
through the day – and
no one had to feel alone.
People felt free to protest
- by dress, word and/or
deed - the repression of
cannabis and the folks
who extol its virtues.
Within hours, and
despite the threat of
rain, the park became a
small festival village.
Soon Raggae tones
and Rasta lyrics, as
well as folk, rock and more, floated across
the park. One group that stood out called,
Kid Rasta and the Peacemakers, sang out
with a great tune with the refrain, “Hear
His Spirit Call You,” connected with the
crowd at the main stage with their clear
vocals and well-honed talent; the words
and melodies echoed in the head and heart
making listeners want more; and other
groups like House of David Gang made it
a fantastic day, too.
The food vendors
ranged from Jamaican
(which was INCREDIBLE) to delicious
roasted corn, yams
and fruit smoothies
to the perennial Stoners’ stand-by
– pizza, and so much more. There
was clothing, jewelry – just about
anything the hemp/cannabis enthusiast could want all in one place;
and, despite the small geographic
area of the park, it was so filled
with people and things to see you
could forget where the vendor was
you planned to “get back to” very
easily – even if you were straight!
Cell phones were in heavy use
with people asking, “Can you see me
now?” and many using the statue of King
Edward VII on a horse as a rallying point
to find lost friends.
From socially conscious businesses like
Fairies Pyjamas to spiritual folks
article cont. on page 14 more pics - find yourself!
cont. from page 13
such as the Church of the Universe and
the wandering
“Stoned Monk” to
clever inventor/
entrepreneurs like
“Roach Ring”(www.
roachring.com) and
the Medical Cannabis groups, one
thing was clear – to
quote 60s’ icon,
Bob Dylan: “The
Times They Are AChangin’.” Far Out
Magazine gave out
over 3,000 copies of the magazine/festival
and event guide; representatives spotted
handing out the free issues were swarmed
by people looking for something new and
were treated playful comeback comments
of “Far Out” as people read the title and
the articles inside from travels in Maui
to Dennis Perons’ (subject of the movie,
“Milk” and posthumous recipient of the
Medal of Freedom). Even members of
other magazines who were there took a
few of our “mini-mags” and tucked them
in their pockets.
Yes, those are a couple
of Far Out Magazines
Even the brief rain didn’t dampen the
spirit of this upbeat crowd; and, throughout the day it was clear that the people
who have taken the time to learn about
and embrace the opportunities and benefits of their beloved plant are trying to
make more than just a statement; they are
trying to change lives.
While there is a risk of “preaching
to the converted” at these events, there
is still a massive need to educate and
stimulate those newly entering the culture
of this community. One sad note on this
was expressed by a man who has been
following the Movement and chronicling
it in documentaries for a long time; he
lamented that even though people kept
coming to these events, “every year, if
you stop and ask attendees, it seems like
fewer and fewer of them know what it’s
really all about.” That
is why organizers and
promoters know they
must keep the events
going, even if some
feel the tide has shifted
to their side of late.
Still, it’s an uphill
struggle for their cause and it might not
hurt to have some dynamic, articulate
speakers take the main stage – or a stage
adjacent to it - while the musicians are
switching over and setting up their gear.
There were a few brief
appearances on the main stage by the
likes of Marc Emery, who is still looking
at the probability of being tossed to the
cont. next page - more pics
US court system for his financial support
of the cannabis legalization movement in
the US via the proceeds of his seed selling
business; he is looking at the possibility
of doing “Drug King Pin” hard time, due
to the political hit on him from folks US
DEA Tandy who outright said by stopping
Emery they were trying to hurt the flow of
funds for changing the laws in the United
States, even through the act of working to
change laws is a perfectly legal activity.
Most of the speakers found themselves
on the “Eye Weekly Speakers Stage”
which featured Alison Murden who is a
long-time medical cannabis activist and
MS sufferer,
LEAP (Law
Enforcement Against
Prohibition
member, Dana
Larsen, Marc
Emery as
well as others.
We send Far Out
kudos to Nev and
his crew who did
a great job with
this event. There
were people handing out well done
programs, a plethora of trash receptacles
for waste (and folks to clean up what
didn’t get there), adequate toilet facilities so there was never a long wait, and
ATMs all around for those who needed
cash, but didn’t want to leave the grounds
(except for the thousands who joined
in the Global Marijuana March at one
point in the day, but returned thereafter)
– and who could blame anyone for not
wanting to leave this colorful, energetic
mini-world that created at Queen’s Park,
Toronto 2009.
We hope to see you all there next year!
Hopper & Dubie:
Hippie Art Leads
To Paradise
by S.A. Stepford
Hopper and her
husband, Harley,
had a restaurant
bar as well as a
bed & breakfast in
the desert above
Los Angeles. It
attracted 100’s
of Harley riders
every week due to
the great biking
spot, but it had its drawbacks. Hopper explained. “It was 24/7 literally… the week
days were so slow - due to location - that
YOU had to be there to save money…
and on the weekends were so busy – and
demanding – YOU had to be there to sure
the money got in the till, that nobody got
in altercations with local police and to
control the liquor, the loud bikes, etc.”
Lost
After a few years she felt lost, “seriously lost.” She had always loved to
paint things – and she liked to paint BIG.
She painted windows for holidays, murals
and signs and when a rust free ‘71 VW
van in good condition inside and out became available in 2002 her husband, Harley, bought
her the bus
as a canvas.
The old van
and Hopper
connected
immediately.
Soon the work began transforming the
humble grey and white van into something spectacular.
16
She’d always been a fan of “old school
rock ‘n’ roll… stuff from the 60s, 7s0s,
and 80s” and she drew on that to make
a sort of collage tribute to all her favorites things past, present as well as future
dreams. Quickly, the van was expressing
a retro psychedelic personality and was
named “Dubie.” After long hours, many
Photos supplie
into the night, the Dubie evolved. And,
as this new canvas developed so did a
dream.
They realized that the life they were
living wasn’t the way they wanted to
spend their lives; no, life was too short;
as Hopper put it, “Harley said Hawaii.
I said, ‘Why not?” Thus, they decided
would live their lives in paradise. They
made many trips looking for the right
place and finally found “some untouched
paradise on the big island of Hawaii…
jungles and rain of over 128 inches a
year… but mostly at night… and amazing
weather.
FEW tourists and a
simple,
quiet
and slow
way of life… kind of like leaving it all
behind… you can live simple here… you
can be inspired.” But, with a business to
sell, twin 10 year olds, a cat, a “couple
of really big mascot turtles” and a bus to
ship it wasn’t going to be easy.
Hopper had poured her heart and
soul into the bus. When it was done in
where the brake fluid had stripped it,
new primer was put on and work began
slowly, the business sold, they packed up
the family and soon the dream of “Hawaii
or Bust” became a reality.
Hawaii or Bust
After Dubie
had month
long trip to
Hilo, HI he
rolled off the
ship and one
can only wonder what the residents of the Big Island
thought of Dubie, covered with paint here
and primer there. Hopper began painting
Dubie again and, Hooper said, “This time
it really represents me, and it does what
I intended it to do – bring smiles to those
ed by Hopper
2004 they put it on display in front of
the business and that very day someone
vandalized it. Completely and totally
vandalized – brake fluid on fresh paint within 5 minutes there was very little of
the original paint; it was gone - a year and
a half of work - all those hours pouring
herself into it – gone.
Hopper is one of those people that
believe that everything happens for a
reason. She wasn’t going to let this be the
end. No, it would be a new beginning.
The magic bus would live again, and they
would begin living the life they would enjoy. With
the help of
Harley and
friends the
bus was
sanded
who see it.”
So, what did Hopper find after the
move, when dream met reality? Well,
Hopper explains it best on her website
www.HoppersHippieArt.com, “Living on
the island is a magical experience.
Story continues on next page
Cont. from last page
Natural beauty is everywhere you look.
Art and music are all around you. There is
an element here that I have not found on
the mainland. Time moves more slowly
here. People have a much more easy going attitude and are much more receptive
to creative and different forms or art. The
artist community is large, welcoming
and filled with a wide variety of unique
and sometimes very different souls. This
wonderful environment, has given me the
freedom and confidence to experiment
with my own designs, allowing me a feeling of added freedom in my creations. In
other words…it has allowed me to be the
little hippie chick I always wanted to be.”
Yes, going from a 24/7 business to the
Big Island, was moving from “stress into
Paradise.” Hopper describes it as “beautiful and largely uninhabited… the sea, the
waterfalls, the jungle… inspiring.” One
of the first things she noticed about her
new home was that she felt like she “fit.”
It seems that artistic people are valued
there and it’s okay that people come looking for their own version of the dream.
In the early days there they got by doing
odd jobs when and where they could
and doing without. She says that living
in paradise you really don’t need much.
“You live a lot outside here, and a few
pairs of shorts, a pair of slippers, a couple
of t-shirts and you’re good to go. You
can live off the land and plant almost
everything you want or need to get by…
fruits, veggies…” The natural wonders
are everywhere: the geckos, birds, fish
and turtles… the flowers… everything
is amazing and colorful.” And,
if you’re coming to Hawaii she
highly recommends the Big Island
to get “nature, volcanoes – and
everything BUT tourists.”
And, Dubie? He is “VERY
loved here… and even a little
famous.” He is her calling card and
her “work mobile” as he can carry
10 foot ladders, long boards, short
boards, signs, etc; he gets great gas
mileage and she can use it for local trips
to sell her merchandise as he can carry all
my inventory and four people.
Hopper’s Hippie Art
Hopper expanded her repertoire as, “new
t-shirt designs, paintings, murals and such
started to appear. That is when, things
had to change and I guess that is where
everything just kind of started to focus on
my art. As, I did more creative design; it
became very clear that my love was definitely in that direction…” She has her
own line of tees called “Hopper’s Hippie
Art” and loves to do “recycled art” using
old surfboards as bar tops, head boards,
signs and wall art – anything is fair game.
Even shoji doors (editor’s note: they’re
made of translucent paper over a frame of
wood which holds together a sort of grid of
wood or bamboo that slides or folds) that
were discarded become hanging wall art
and more. She says she just loves reaching out to people.
Her art Hopper explains “has now
taken on a much more focused message. I
believe that our world is much to stressed,
hectic, dog eat dog, if you know what I
mean. So, my art is very focused on peace
and love and creative freedom for all.”
Now Hopper finds time to volunteer
and give time to folks like “Habitat for
Humanity” making projects locally for
them. Her newest venture is a
grant that she was
awarded through
a local group to
create a coloring
book for kids. She
is working a program called “ART
UPRISING” that
will be a mobile
art enrichment program
where where,
art classes will
be offered to area schools, youth groups
etc. Each child will be able to then attend
a “make” and “take” class and recieve an
original art coloring book as well, funded
completely by Hopper’s Art and the Healing Our Island Grant of the Big Island of
Hawaii.
. Of course, Dubie, will be the MOBILE
part of that mobile program.
She is also a founding member of a
local artist group, Paradise Studio Tour,
Artist Collective. This is a group of local
multi media artists joining together to
bring art to the community and art awareness, mentoring and funding to area secondary art education. This group holds a
yearly Open Studio Tour the first weekend
of December. 10% of all proceeds go to
a local secondary school’s art education.
(For more information about these programs,
please email [email protected])
Hopper’s advice to those who are
hesitant to make the jump from making their dream their reality, “I strongly
believe that we all have the right to shine
in which ever area we can. If that is drawing, or painting, or singing, or whatever…
it really doesn’t matter, It is just, that no
one has the right to discourage you, to
stop you, or to intimidate you into not
pursuing your creative dream.”
Check out her websites: www.hoppershippieart.com,
www.hoppersart.com, and her online stores: www.
carepress.com/dubie, www.zazzle.com/hoppersart,
www.artistrising.com/galleries/hopper
If you are lucky enough to find a way of life you
love, you have to find the courage to live it.
- John Irving
cont. from page 6
(September continues)
9/26 WAMMfest, Santa Cruz, CA “Love
Grows Here” This fest is a free celebration
of gratitude to area residents and local
politicans who stood up for the WAMM and
patients civil liberties. Check it out: www.
WAMMfest.org
October
festivals/09index2.htm
10/17 Keene Pumpkin Festival, Keene,
NH Be there for the pure spectacle of seeing more than 25,000 lit jack-o-lanterns all
around you, plus endless activities all day.
The Keene Pumpkin Festival is a non-stop
sensory overload extravaganza from morning until night then fireworks explode high
above all those pumpkins! And, it’s FREE.
10/19-25, Bluffton Arts and Seafood
Festival, Bluffton, SC. Boat tours, magic
shows, fireworks, loads of great food, and
much more!
www.blufftonartsandseafoodfestival.com/
10/31, 2009 - Lahainatown Halloween
Banyan Tree Park. Lahaina, Hawaii
Event features a children’s costume parade,
crafters, food booths, live entertainment,
and the Maui Taco’s Halloween Costume
Contest.” www.visitlahaina.com
10/1-4 Harvest Fest, Harmony, ME
Autumn in New England. Come for the
music, camp amoung the changing leaves.
www.mainevocals.net/
festivals/09__index2.htm
10/2-4 Harry’s Harvest Ball, Starks,
ME (see ad inside front cover) Be ready to
dance the days and nights away during this
weekend bash. Camping available.
www.mainecommonsense.org/
harrys_hill/newsite/
10/9-12, NY Harvest Festival & Freedom
Fair / Political Rally, Hancock, New York.
A freedom fest and political rally, live musicians, speakers, poets, and others. www.
damnsam.com
10/10-12 Oktoberfest, Newport, RI.
Bavarian music, marketplace, lots of great
food, come see!
www.Newportfestivals.com/oktoberfest/
10/16-18 Harmony Harvest Fest I, Harmony, ME Come share in the bounty of the
Harvest in Maine!
www.mainevocals.net/
10/1-31, Haunted Happenings, Salem,
MA. Psychic readings all month, there are
plays and so much to do and see! Tour the
notorious Witch House, visit the House of
Seven Gables for a candlelight tour. This is
a month full of things to do!
www.hauntedhappenings.org/
10/31 Samhain (Halloween), North America, Earth. Last of the harvest festivals; it
marks both a time of ending and beginning
again. Take a moment to see where you’ve
been and think about where you want to be.
Tonight the veil between worlds is thin and
magic may well be a-foot; so if you think
you see something out of the corner of your
eye-well, you just might have. ;)
cont. on page 26
TD Note:: Information provided by websites and
organizers; every attempt was made to be as
accurate as possible. Please check offical websites
for details on camping, amenities, entertainment,
prices, etc. As last minute changes
do happen, keep yourself informed.
You are responsible for verifying and
planning your trip. Make it a good one.
DJ Slim The Man
from Boston
Spills His
Musical Beans
An interview with Travilin’ Dude
Music generally reflects the culture,
the community and the times that gives
birth to it; you can feel the hard inner
city beat of rap, the soulful pain of the
blues or the anti-establishment, limitpushing of rock ‘n’ roll. So, when I had
the chance to talk to this artist he wanted
to know more about his music and his
activism, and what keeps him going.
TD: How does your hometown reflect in
your music? What are the best things and
hardest things about it?
DJS: My home town is city of Boston,
MA..Dorchester..4 Corners, to be exact. i
like to call it the forgotten city. 617 is the
area code I’m repping. Boston is what I
know. My friends and family are here. There is a lot of talent here. There are
also a lot of people that supported the
cause to legalize it. As a performer from
Boston, one of the hardest things is to
see many of the local, young cats that rap
about coming from Boston but they don’t
live in Boston. they only drove through as
kids and talk about things they don’t really know about or read about in the news
papers. It’s something that they want to
be a part of, but they just don’t understand
it, so, you end up with mediocre rap and
without a true understanding of The Bean.
TD: Where do you find the inspiration for
your sound and lyrics? What do you want
to touch inside your audience?
DJS: The inspiration for my sound and
lyrics came from living in a major city
during the early years of the rap game. Much of what was going on, how rappers
expressed themselves came from what
they were seeing in the streets. I was one
of those that was exposed to the streets. I always had hope, though, from all of
the positive people around me. Friends,
family, teachers, etc. They all supported
my goal to make good music and express
whatever I was feeling.
I think that most people who would
listen to my music are just like me. Hard
working, creative, like to smoke and
do whatever they have to do to “keep it
movin”
TD: How has your music changed or
evolved over time?
DJS: I have been a part of hip hop for
years. I like to focus on what is currently
going on in my life. I think I’ve always
keep my music real. Making music about
how I see things around me.
TD: You’ve got a new CD out. What is
your favorite track on it?
DJS: That’s a hard question
to answer, but I guess I’d
say the song “I Wonder.”
TD: Is there a story behind it
cont. on next page
that you can share?
cont. from last page
DJS: Well the story behind that is, I’m
what you would call a “AMW” (America’s Most Weeded) and after I finish a
long day of working I like to unwind
with a few Gravity Vortextm hits or my
“Helix” Texas blown glass pipe. I like to
just sit back and I wonder about everything from a to z.
TD: What are your plans for the near
future?
DJS: I Will be performing once again
at the Boston Freedom Rally being held
on September 19, 2009 http://bostonfreedomrally.com/ right now I’m working on a new ep and full album called
“the Gardener”, with tracks featuring r&b
artists T-Hall, Manny the Artist and Lee
Wilson,Canadian group The Tall Brothers, local artists, McCrazyie, The Bawston Strangla, and more. TD: Do you still have to have a day job”?
DJS: Yes I do have a day job. The music
industry doesn’t pay out like it used to.
I have a wife and 2 kids to feed, so I
need solid pay and benefits. TD: If you were doing over again - would
you still take this path in life?
DJS: Yes I think if I had to do over again
I would. My family is healthy and I’m doing something I’ve always wanted to do:
perform in front of hundreds or thousands
of people performing what
i believe to be great weed
smoking music or even if
you don’t smoke you can
still relate to the words and
the beats.
TD: Who are your heroes,
musical or otherwise? What
makes them special to you?
DJS: B-Real from Cypress
Hill, Bob Marley, Redman,
Method Man and Biggie
Smalls. Each one of them has something
to say that is worth hearing. The smoking
too!
TD: What would you tell others who are
dreaming of becoming performers?
DJS: I would say to any one that wanted
to become a performer to follow their
dream: to be a singer or a hip hop artist: try to bring something original to the
world of hip-hop: don’t be a follower. Don’t let haters or nonbelievers hold you
down. Like the title of one of my tracks:
Do You Player. Just handle your business
and work hard.
TD: How did you become an activist?
DJS: I have been a avid follower of the
legalization movement, especially here. Being someone who attended almost all
of the Boston Freedom Rally events in the
last 20 years, I came in contact with many
of the people involved. Especially MassCann’s Keith Saunders, Mike Cann and
Scott G. They have always done things
in the right way by trying to educate all
that would listen about the importance
of legalization. When I began thinking
about what I could do to help, I knew that
my music was my way of expressing the
positive things about weed. TD: Do you have a message to the other
activists or would-be activists?
DJS: Give of yourself whenever possible. Everyone is needed.
Photo by
Scott Gacek
Ask for us at your favorite shop
If they don’t carry The Patient Handbook
have them email
[email protected]
or call 1-415-704-5020
cont from page 21
November
10/30-11/1 Expocannabis
Madrid, Spain Trade fair dedicated to
cannabis in all its applications, whether
direct or derived. www.expocannabis.
com/en/general.htm
11/6-8 The Antigua & Barbuda
International Literary Festival, Jolly
Beach Resort, Antigua, West Indies
A celebration of literary arts, with
workshops, author readings, book signings and special events in a beautiful
tropical setting.
www.caribbeanliteraryfestival.com
11/6-15 Kona Coffee Cultual Festival, Kona, Hawaii - This year’s
theme: “Kona Coffee – Aroma of
Aloha” Preserving, perpetuating and
promoting Kona’s unique 181-year
coffee heritage. Ten days of festivities
honoring pioneers, farmers, artisans &
coffee www.KonaCoffeeFest.com
11/7 Pecan Festival, Florence, SC The
festival will offer nearly 200 food, arts and
crafts and nonprofit vendors as well as an
arts and crafts show Not to mention the
“Run Like A Nut” race! www.florencedowntown.com/pecan-festival.aspx
11/10 San Francisco Cannabis Cup
Check out the link for details!
www.sanfranciscocannabisclubs.com/
medical-marijuana/activism/san-francisco/
events/2009/cannabis-cup.htm
11/22-26 High Times Cannabis Cup Amsterdam, The Netherlands
It’s a classic!
http://hempfest.org/drupal/node
11/27-29 Apple Butter Festival, Oak Glen,
CA We’ll have a hands-on demonstration of apple butter making the old-time
(and slow!) way - outdoors in a big copper
kettle. Come learn how to “start the snitz”
and “add the money”, plus enjoy pioneer
crafts and games, music, carriage rides, and
lots more. www.losriosrancho.com/publiccont on page 30
events.php#butter
New Event
THC EXPO
Premiere Event Flyin’ High
say we’re here and going mainstream
from the start is a bit of a gamble; having
it on the same weekend as the Adult expo
guaranteeing lots of exposure and cross
over traffic is smart.
A review by Travelin’ Dude
Any time you attend a new event …
well, you just don’t know how it will turn
out. Some events grow over time allowThis event was attended by
a huge range of celebrities as
well as the largest crowd at a
indoor 420 event I’m aware of,
with Saturday numbers ranging from 14,000 to 35,000 and
Sunday numbers 14,000 - the
official counters gave it a higher
tally than the ticket sales due
to the very not cool emergence
of counterfeit tickets; while
ing them to evolve and change to meet the
needs of the attendees. Anyone having
a event in LA should know from the start
that the expectations will be high as well
as the fallout if things
go poorly. With this
in mind having your
first expo at the LA
convention center
was both a way to
one could argue that it was a good sign
of the demand to get into the Expo, the
tickets were only $10.00 with Far Out’s
magazine coupon discount and it was well
worth it, so buying legitimate ones supports community
growth and buying
the other ones just
hurts the Movement.
Continues next page
Continues from last page
Still, no matter how you
look at it, the event was
attended by well over
30,000 people. Ironically, while the Expo hoped
to draw some folks off
of the neighboring event
and it seems to have
worked the other way
around – some folks got
one hydro company that;
would say the words,
“Marijuana” or “Cannabis” out loud. They
were the in-your-face
guys of hydro, then they
shut down their medical marijuana site and
acquiesed to the hydro
industry’s ban on green,
now they were showing up at the THC Expo
with a no-doubt what it’s about display.
Far Out Magazine was there with
t-shirts, advertiser merchandise to show
and, of course, FREE magazines, and
even held a raffle for product from Quick
Grow. continues next page
into the wrong line by accident apparently
the adult expo line was shorter and people
weren’t happy when they wound up at the
Adult event instead of the THC Expo!
The mass of companies were like a
who’s who list of movers in the industry
plus a lot of new faces. Arjan of Greenhouse, and MediCann, as well as, DNA
Seeds and Davyd from Gravity Vortex;
the other hand Jack Herer (The Emperor
Wears No Clothes: The Original Hemp
Bible) and Dennis Peron (the “father” of
Prop 215, California’s medical marijuana
law) were conspicuous by their absence.
Advanced Nutrients’ Big Mike was
there with their bold display that gave one
hope they were back to their roots as the
A
Far Out
Winner!
continues form last page
Photos by Travelin’ Dude
The only drawback at the event
was the inability to
smoke inside -even
medicially (CA
law, not organizer
choice); vendors
were still able to
cretatively demo
their wares as aromatherapy devices.
We’ve been told it will be held in April
for three days, then they are tak
ing it on the road to New York amomg
others locations, but is the big apple ready
for them?? We’re looking forward to it
seeing how this show goes. We give the
LA event our Far Out Seal of Approval,
and we’re looking forward to seeing
how it plays on the road; Todd and Brian
should get credit for doing a great job.
11/28-12/6 Pirates in Paradise in Key
West, FL. - "Raise Yer Flag, Grab Yer
Mate and Join Us in Celebrating the
Golden Age of Sail & Seafaring Adventure!" http://piratesinparadise.com/
12/11-19 Hannakkah, Earth. The Festival of Lights. Sing, dance, and munch
on chocolate money by candlelight. The
Maccabees won back the temple, but it
was the the miracle; the temple oil meant
to last one day, instead lasted eight.
“Great Miracle Happened Here” are
the words symbolized on the dreidle. It
wasn’t about the war; was about the light.
Celebrate the good things in your life make them last. Shalom (it means Peace)
Wherever you are, whatever you’re doing.
be good to yourselves and each other.
Peace, Joy and Love and all that Hippie Jazz - From our Far Out Famiily to
yours! See you next issue - until then...
12/21 Yule, Northern Hemisphere,
Earth. Ending of the growing night.
Dawning of the growing light. The world
is turning - rock the night away! Stay up
all night and party with your friends by
a yule log fire until the earth starts it’s
tilt back to the sun. Deck your halls with
whatever’s handy. Add a little mistletoe
and things might get randy. Celebrate being alive. Blessed Be!
12/25 Christmas, Earth. Peace on Earth,
Goodwill to men. Sounds like a plan Let’s do it! New baby, new life = hope.
Hope for the future, hope for the world
and hope for ourselves. So, find room
at your inn or in your heart: volunteer at
a soup kitchen year ‘round, donate old
clothing and blankets; grow some extra
veggies for someone who can’t. One
person can change a world. Merry Christmas!
Was your festival a Woodstock-like
“Miracle in the Mud” or all fun and
games? Email us your story We’re looking for the “Best of...2009”
[email protected]
Sign reads:
Mud Walk Judging
Strut your stuff!