NO RSVP NECESSARY
October 2017 marks the 50th anniversary of the Sister City Agreement between Los Angeles and Berlin. If you look at their history, architecture and climate, these cities are unlike sisters. But there is a common denominator. Both cities cherish freedom, diversity and tolerance. And, the city of Angels and the German capital are home to the arts and creative industries.
As part of the programming and festivities marking the occasion, the Goethe-Institut presents performances by two outstanding Berlin-based artists, Simonne Jones, and Black Cracker. The evening concert will be preceded by sets of Rumba and hip-hop tunes from DJs presented by the KAOS Network.
Black Cracker combines elements ranging from Hip Hop, Soul and Jersey Club. After a string of collaborations with artists such as Cocorosie, Creep, LCMDF, and being a key member of the NYC scene paving the way for peers Le1f, Zebra Katz and Cakes Da Killa, Black Cracker moved to Berlin to explore new horizons. He can also be seen performing alongside Blixa Bargeld in the project Kiku as well as in theater and dance projects received with high acclaim and premiering in venues such as HAU, Berlin and Kampnagel, Hamburg. He has recently opened for G-Easy, FKA Twigs, Big Freedia, and My Brightest Diamond; he has also been feautured in Vice Magazine, The Guardian, Art Forum, Dazed and Confused, and the New York Times.
Simonne Jones
“Born in L.A., creating in Berlin. I'm in love with the universe” is how multi-instrumentalist
Simonne Jones introduces herself. Established in the experimentally charged atmosphere of Berlin, Simonne creates introspective electropop, pushing the boundaries of the genre. Her scientific background remains a touchstone in her creative process. Simonne’s synth infused tracks create a magnetic intersection of science and the arts, while simultaneously grounding the listener in the human experience and launching them into space.
Lyrics present a dichotomy between fragility and fierce confidence. With her emotive depth, vocal range, and commanding stage presence, it’s no surprise she’s been tapped as Peaches’ new protégée.
KAOS NETWORK
is a community media lab and a meeting ground for local rappers, DJs, bands and out-of-town acts. It was founded by Ben Caldwell in 1990, a time when Black culture was thriving in Leimert Park. Project Blowed - an open mike workshop for young hip-hop artists, rappers and graffiti artists - was one of Kaos Network's biggest successes. Artists and groups such as Aceyalone, Ava DuVernay, Abstract Rude, and several others gained global popularity from the Project Blowed showcases. Caldwell keeps on hosting workshops and promoting cultural and artistic activities for the local in the Kaos hub, and organises events such as the Leimert Park Art Walk or open air concerts.
Your Mom’s Agency
works in the fields of music, new tech, fashion, art, and lifestyle. YMA has a solid footing in Berlin with shows such as their yearly live music and art exhibitions including two at Berghain, plus regular industry panels and workshops.
Together with the Goethe-Institut, YMA pulled off two festivals under the title “From Berlin to LA" featuring artists from both sides of the pond.
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