A graffiti artist is a writer. A break is a dance move. And a breakdance party is a cypher, where b-boys and b-girls can drop, spin, strut, step, freeze, flare and float in a frenzy of fitness and finesse. The language of hip hop is a study of words in action and high-energy self-expression.
A graffiti artist is a writer. A break is a dance move. And a breakdance party is a cypher, where b-boys and b-girls can drop, spin, strut, step, freeze, flare and float in a frenzy of fitness and finesse. The language of hip hop is a study of words in action and high-energy self-expression.
“Graffiti is a label,” said Michael Sato, one of the founding members of Ride the Breaks, a community celebration of hip hop culture, happening this weekend in Kona. “In the true true hip hop culture, they call themselves ‘writers.’ There is a meaning to it.”
“They spawned a culture from that with letter styles like ‘Wild Style’, the distinctive one with all the jagged lines,” Sato said. “It’s sort of like calligraphy. There’s a certain way the letters flow, the letters are shaped. There are rules and guidelines to it. The letters are the most important thing in writing. The letters inspire us to move in a certain way, and then the b-boys inspire the writers.”
Taking place in Kailua-Kona and Kealakekua Friday through Sunday, Ride the Breaks gives writers, artists and dancers — and the curious who’d like to learn more — a chance to practice with top hip hop performers, battle on the big stage, and community doodle on huge open walls. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Innovations Public Charter School.
Unlike mainstream rap that often deals with gang violence, sex and poverty, Sato said that hip hop is a type of rap that promotes a more positive message. A breakdancer himself, as well as spray can artist, deejay, independent photographer and father of two girls, he’s also member of the dance group, Floorox, which hosts free cyphers at Lanihau Shopping Center on the second Saturday of every month from 6 to 8:30 p.m.
Ride the Breaks began seven years ago as community give-back, as well as a way to re-educate the public and help clear up misconceptions about hip hop. Originators Sato, Joe Baxter, Yarrow Osofly Lutz, Ken Swift, Chuck Tanaka Peterson and others created events around the things they loved: dance, music, and high-energy expression with a positive vibe.
“It’s so progressive; such an innovative art form. There are no restrictions,” said Sato. “It’s wild to see how it grows. It gives a whole new outlook to art.”
Sponsors of the weekend’s events are Kona Brewing Company, Donkey Mill Art Center, Osofly, Breaklife, KTPS, BossCutz Barbershop, Home Depot Kona, All Kine Pools & Spas and Big Daddy’s Bar & Grill.
For more information, visit www.facebook.com/ridethebreakskona.
Ride the Breaks schedule of events
Friday
An art showcase and artist talk will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. at Donkey Mill Art Center in Holualoa. Potluck and pupu welcome. Featured artist Zulu Gremlin is a veteran breakdancer and dance judge, who has choreographed for Justin Bieber and Rihanna.
An open dance party will be held at Big Daddy’s. All ages are welcome from 8 to 10 p.m.; after 10 p.m., the party is open to ages 21 and older only. Open mic and open dance cyphers, special guests Tonicshotz, Zulu Gremlin, Sapience, Scottydoo.
Saturday
Workshops will be held at KTPS (Kona Theatre Preservation Society) dance studio on Halekii Street in Kealakekua. A $5 donation is requested.
– 11 a.m. to noon: B-Girl Snapone will offer a workshop on breaking
– noon to 1 p.m.: Zulu Gremlin will offer a workshop on strutting and stepping
– 1 to 2 p.m.: Kaleoten will offer a workshop on house
– 2 to 3 p.m.: Circa ‘95, Rephstar, Patty Dukes, MC workshop; includes rhymes and poetry
Breakdance Battle, the festival’s main event, will be held during the Kona Town Night Market, which runs from 6 to 11 p.m. at Brewery Block in Kailua-Kona. The event will feature a community wall, live hip hop, painting, a beer garden benefiting Innovations Public Charter School and Ride the Breaks, food vendors and more. Breakdance Battle judges are Ken Swift, Zulu Gremlin, and Kaleoten. Performances by: Pana Jones with Nowelo, Circa ‘95, Fyah Reddbeard, Amber Polland, Te Ea O Te Turama, and Zulu Gremlin.
Sunday
A potluck barbecue will be held at noon at “Pine Trees” in North Kona.