All too often, most of us talk about what we are going to do with our lives...what we plan to do next; what the planned life objective is at the moment in time we are having that conversation with someone else. And unless the world has changed and tipped off of its axis, I suspect our meanderings, no matter how well-intentioned, remain just that, idle wanderings of our restless mind for the overwhelmingly majority of us. Yet, some people are fortunate and courageous enough to step off of that hustle, that grid, and venture into an experience that changes them forever. For those folks, the world then opens its majestic charm and offers unique experiences that can only be achieved in a specific place, at a specific time. The photo taken at Lion Encounters, Zimbabwe, Africa C. Evans Mylonas journeyed from Texas to Namibia and back to Arizona, and I am willing to bet “the farm’ that because of these experiences, especially the ones on the continent of Africa, her decisions ...

S undays evoke a variety of meanings for different folk, but it is singularly the day for praise, celebration, and recognition of a force larger than humans. In the African-American community, Sunday is the day for worship, testifying, fellowship and prayer.  Duke Ellington’s sacred jazz piece “Come Sunday” from his instrumental jazz suite, Black, Brown and Beige, that premiered at New York’s Carnegie Hall in 1943 weaves a hymnal quality offset by a majestic “use of dissonance” as the Duke examined the celestial nuances of praising the Lord through music.  Decades later on a Sunday, aaduna celebrates the vitality of this day by launching its spring 2016 anniversary issue featuring a diverse array of poets, writers and visual artists.  And keeping in the realm of Ellington, Jacques Wakefield delivers his poem “ Harlem Morning” evoking the same contextual feel Ellington {who lived in Harlem up on Sugar Hill} brought to his musical piece. Here is the openin...

Peter Nakhid, Photographer, New Orleans, LA   There are certain world-class cities that intrigue and captivate people’s spirit around the globe.  New Orleans is one of those places.  Recently, at least in the United States, cable station, axs.tv presented excerpts from the 2016 New Orleans Jazz Fest, which once again highlighted the vibrancy and vitality of residents and visitors.  New Orleans is a magical place that values culture, people, and possess a determination to challenge, move past, and find solutions to its often uncontrollable dilemmas.  Peter Nakhid, Photographer (photo provided) Peter Nakhid captures that vibrancy, poignancy, and spirit of New Orleans in his photographs and videos.  Returning to aaduna for his follow-up exhibition, we welcome the Griot of New Orleans as he presents another series of images that will lodge in your memory.      Peter's work will be featured in aaduna's Penalver...

How often have you had to tell someone that it was a “D” and not a “B?” While some of you may know Mel B (Melanie Janine Brown) from her Spice Girls involvement, as well as her judging on America’s Got Talent television show, Melvin Douglas is crafting a name for himself in other creative endeavors.   A former aaduna contributor in poetry (fall 2012 issue,) he returns to aaduna with an exhibition of his photographic work in the forthcoming spring 2015 5th anniversary issue.   Melvin has a keen “eye” for the nuances of the urban landscape and captures the essence of words through a different medium that prompts reflection and questions from the viewer.   Here is an image from his pending exhibition in aaduna : "Red Doors" by photographer, Melvin Douglas (c) 2015 Melvin Douglas, who in aaduna staff circles is graciously referenced as “Mel D” causes no confusion for us over whether it is “D” or “B”.   You will see why in a few days....

Back in the Eighties, Kool & The Gang taught many people how to party with their song “Celebration.”   How and when to celebrate has been a rich and dynamic ancestral tradition among many people and cultures worldwide. aaduna will give you a glimpse of one aspect of that rich tradition through the eyes of Peter Nakhid .   A multi-faceted New Orleans based photographer and documentarian, Peter will exhibit his work that centers on celebration, legacy, and tradition.   Here is one visual image from his exhibition featured in the forthcoming spring 2015 issue just to get you curious.     (c) 2015 Peter Nakhid, Congo Square, New Orleans See much more of Peter Nakhid’s photographs…soon in the spring 2015 issue of aaduna . Help us build community... aaduna-Inc  Visit regularly for updates ! @aadunaspeaks