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That’s right all you Kensington folks – get out of the open air drug market for two hours so the city can finally redevelop it for condos – get those needles out of your arms – scarf down some Suboxone to help with opiate withdrawal of leaving the wagon behind, and get DOWN to what is going to be a really heady event.

(Sorry for making jest about opiate addiction. For those of you unfamiliar, Kensington – particularly what is called “McPherson Square” is home to one of the world’s largest open air illegal drug market.  I was having trouble starting the post so I opted for poor humor. July 4th is coming up, and boy do I love my country whose approach to addiction, homeless, and poverty wrapped in one is to clear out encampments as soon as people leave, arrest them upon return, just to redevelop some shit, rather than just providing some public housing for these people – oh I don’t know – maybe the cost of policing, lost drug revenue, public health costs — all adds up to more than just building some free fucking housing? Well yeah but this is Merica so fuck the poor and especially now – the migrants).

Don’t worry though out of towners, this show is two miles away from the fun at McPherson Sq at a newer bar (translation – I haven’t been there yet) + restaurant + venue called Say No More. It’s located 1647 N. 2nd St., which on the map looks like it’s more in Fishtown than Kensington. Maybe the bar self describes itself as “Say No More Kensington” on its website because it knows that Fishtown is mid.  In any event, it looks like a cool space – a three floor funhouse with a Cape May crab-house white and black tiley-prohibition vibe going on the lower floors and featuring “live jazz and dj events throughout the week,” on the upper floor.

Anywhoo – Flamingosis is playing there Saturday night June 14. Tickets are under 20 bucks. Flamingosis is one of my favorites. Born in New Jersey, currently based out of Brooklyn, he is one of the most gracious and approachable musicians in terms of his music, and his sensibilities, that you’ll ever have the pleasure of experiencing.  In various media, he has been open about dealing with issues of negativity and self esteem. He never outright said “depression” but he was open about how you need to be self aware, have a healthy mindset, be open about your needs and seeking help, and not being ashamed with “instrusive thoughts.”  He just came out with a new album that is about renewal, faith in the self, keeping a positive outlook, being present and aware of how your actions affect others. Often, fears we project upon others, are actually fears we hold ourselves. It’s because we often see ourselves in those we love. Not being aware of your own fears and faults, makes you vulnerable to mistreatment of others, as it is easy to project those feelings on to loved ones.  These are all concepts explored in the meaning of music, particularly Flamingosis’, because music helps unlock the keys to the soul.

The new Flamingosis album is “Better Will Come” and you should check it out.  There’s a nice poppy number feat. Marc Rebillet called “Feel Yourself.”  I usually don’t geek out on Marc Rebillet but this song has greatly increased my appreciation of Marc Rebillet. I dig Rebillet’s lyrics “Nobody’s feeling you, gotta feel yourself.” It’s not NECESSARILY about being self assure.  It could be more about self awareness. Knowing when you need help because you need to know yourself better than anyone else does, your needs, your limitations.

Flamingosis has many other classic albums too. I got started on Daymaker which is the one with a frisbee on the cover. It’s mostly trip hop style (also dubbed “lo-fi hip hop”) beats with harmonic and catchy sampes. Original twists. Very obscure and jazzy samples. Flamingosis is part of the 2nd gen movement of DJ Shadow.  I’d lump him in stylistically with Pretty Lights, with less BPMs and less dub-steppy – so no major bass drops. It’s more like stand up bass drops with a danceable groove.  Definitely has an 80’s Miami vice-style feel.  Fun Flamingosis trivia – his dad and uncle are 5 time frisbee freestyle world champions, inducted into the Frisbee Hall of Fame, and Flamingosis comes from the name of a trick they used to perform (a backwards spinning catch between the legs that looks like … you guessed it … a Flamingo).

Flamingosis’ music has helped me out of some rough times. Most recently, I saw him the night of the election. What would otherwise have been one of the worst night’s of my lift, he pulled us right along and kept us out of despair – reminding us we will get through this together. Whenever I get really upset about politics in quiet times, mentally I think of that moment. (Plug: There’s a review of the show on my IG account @partyboygeezy that Flamingosis liked – I’m still stoked about that).

Flamingosis is sharing the 1s and 2s with a frequent collaborator – Sky Society. On Sky Society’s website they drescribe themselves as a “community of individuals united as one, creating higher ways of thinking, living & connecting via music, arts & culture.” To be honest, this is my first dib into Sky Society’s proverbial musical pool, but there are some bangers for sure.  I don’t want to bullshit about who or what Sky Society is so I’ll hold off on saying anything untoward.  I will say that the song “Laid Back Coolin” with Flamingosis is a real banger, and it’s definitely going on some summer time playlists (I’m only 4 years late to the party – better late than never).

In any event, it’s going to be a great event. The party starts at 10 PM and goes Philly late until 2 AM. I wouldn’t be surprised if there is some support or special guests, as Sky Society appears to be a collective, oops, bull shit alert – I really don’t know. What I do know is this gets the Party Boy Geezy 5 Star stamp of approval of a show to go check out.