During the holiday break I headed home to see friends and family.
While I was in town Ronnie Rabena of Ronnie Robena Photography did a photo shoot with me.
Check out the album on facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=153952&id=20865777076

The grand opening of 2nd level and the break-beat dance party starts TONIGHT!
All confirmed guests are already on guest list! (I’ll check again at 7:00pm.)
FREE beer for anyone who arrives before 11:00pm!

Local beat boxer Nomadic Reptile will be shocking you all with his SKILLZ.
Breakers from Van and Japan should be keeping the dance floor going!

Sunshine tanning is coming in to give away free tanning cards!
Cotton mouth smoke shop is bringing in some prize packs.

Something for everyone and a FREE price!
Come support SpandyAndy and show Century House we know how to PARTY! ;-D

Confirm guest list here:
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=249542709659

I’ve spent the last week thinking of ways I can make Thursdays at the Century House the best night of the week. I think I found the PERFECT COMBO.

The reason this night is so important to me is because I want to make a place where people can have a genuine fun time. Something different from what I usually see in Vancouver. When I go out to dance and pay the $15 cover I don’t get much. You get to dance, but the vibe of the people and the energy in those clubs is the problem. What I have learned with SpandyAndy is how much fun you can have and how much energy a person really has. If you get that in a room and spread it with good party jams and friends, how can you go wrong!?

One of the times I experienced this was when I danced at EDIT break-beat cultures Tuesday at the Cellar. Franzterdam had organized a night where break dancers would come together and REALLY dance. It was a great place to practice as well as a great place to be entertained. Once the breakers were done everyone would be all hyped and it was an all out DANCE PARTY.

Now I’ve teamed up with Franz and it’s the perfect combo. I’ve got lots of new ideas, good friends, and dancing experience , while Franz has worked the clubs for 10 years, books awesome artists & DJ’s, and is an old skool breaker himself!

Tomorrow night is going to be a new experience for everyone, hope to see you out!
SpandyAndy

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Confirm as a guest on facebook or by email and you will be on Guestlist;
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=249542709659
event(at )spandyandy. com

I was informed on my facebook wall and fan page that I had an awesome interview air on CBC radio today and that I was was on GlobalTV.
During the auditions the media noticed I wasn’t being given the opportunity and wanted to report the story.

Check out the Global story I caught later at night. The way they end the story and the news anchors response is priceless.

Full Story: http://spandyandy.com/2010/01/14/transtink/

I’m sitting here still in my TIGHT BRIGHT uniform after spending the last few days getting ready for my audition to pay Translink for a busking permit. Not only did I have to drive out to Burnaby with all my gear and book work off, but I didn’t even get an audition.

Audition times were posted as follows:
When: Thursday, January 14th 2010 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Where: TransLink Head Office

Once I had finally found the head office it was 10:15am. Since the auditions were open until 3:00pm you would think that gives me lots of time. Nope, as soon as I walked in I was turned down. They told me all the spots were filled. They didn’t even want to give me a shot. I told them I would wait for a spot to open and she told me not to bother. I wouldn’t take no for an answer and sat around watching some of the auditions. Then another busker arrived that I recognized from downtown and they turned him down as well. He put up a fight and voiced his opinion which was nice to see, but they still said NO.

The TranSTINK offices are connected to Mertrotown Mall. One of the biggest malls around here. I decided while I wait I would head to the food court and bust a move. Within one song security was on my BRIGHT tush. Everyone watching booed. Once I got back to the audition room it was 5 minutes to lunch break. Right when lunch break started I cranked the boombox and performed right in front of the judges. They were captivated/stunned. After my dance everyone cheered and they told me they can’t accept me. Then I was told they are only allow musicians in. SOOO FRUSTRATING!!

Why am I such a security threat? Several foreigners can’t understand these laws. Everywhere I go I make people smile. They want me there and feel obliged to voice there boos if I am removed. I CANT EVEN DANCE ON THE STREETS LEGALLY… THE STREETS!! think about…

If I have to spend everyday fighting this I will. VIVA LA DANCE REVOLUTION!

Starting Jan 21st!!
http://www.clubvibes.com/events/Vancouver/138408/HIP-HOP-Dance-Party-_-DJHero_Break_Beats-and-MORE!.html

Hey party people!

Thank you for all the comments on my site and messages. Lots of cool ideas, and great information. I think I have it figured out.

I’m going to be auditioning for Translink January 14th to busk at train stations during the Winter Olympics. If I am chosen I will still have to pay $50 for a permit, but then I would be able to perform SpandyAndy without a problem!

Another awesome opportunity came up as well. The Century House is just finishing up renovations and wants me to help head Thursday nights with Franzterdam of EDIT break beat. We are going to be having our first night Thursday, Jan. 21st. I want to make it a fun night where everyone can just be themselves, have a good time, be entertained and bust loose if need be! It’s going to be a Hip Hop dance party!! Here is what we have roughly in the mix;

DJHero on the new projector screens with free drinks going to the top players. (8pm-10:00pm)

Some form of “EDIT Breakbeat Culture” Entertainment. (11:00pm) – bboys, beatboxers, DJs, MCs, artists

Breakbeat, Hip Hop, Drum n Bass, Dance, Electro, Dub Step, and Glitch DJ’s getting the dance floor grooving. (11:30pm – 2:00am)

All by donation and hosted by SpandyAndy
You heard that right, FREE!!

I know how it is with $$ and understand if you can’t afford cover charge. We want to prove to The Century House that we can bring good people out for a good time. They were renovating and looking for some new ideas for the Second Story club when it opens its doors.

We are still working with the exact times but think 11:00pm would be a good time for performances/entertainment. It isn’t too late if you have to work the next day, but if you don’t you can stay dancing all night!
Let me know what you think of the concept!!

Also I am going to be helping Franzterdam on Friday the 15th when EDIT Breakbeat hosts “The Break-Beat Olympics”. It’s kick starting the opening of Second Floor at Century House and will be a very similar style to the nights we are going to be running on Thursdays. If you want tickets let me know.

I have to get practicing DJ Hero!!
SpandyAndy

I went into City Hall today to renew my busking permit. The permit is now useless.

Not only am I not aloud to perform at places like the Vancouver Art Gallery or any areas near big crowds during the Winter Olympics, but now they have decided not to allow amplification, PERIOD. This means no guitar amps, no performer mics, and NO SpandyAndy dance music coming from the Boombox.

Art funding has been cut and buskers are now being strangled. Just another brick wall to climb over to follow my goals/dreams. You always get brick walls in life. They come in different forms, but you just have to be creative and persistent. GO FOR IT.

This law of ZERO amplification has already taken effect and will stay in effect after the Winter Olympics. This means I cannot perform SpandyAndy anywhere in the City of Vancouver with my Boombox playing music… legally.

Been talking and brain storming with a cartoonist friend about a SpandyAndy comic.
Check out Babak Demented Leon Valizadeh’s awesome work!

I spent the last couple days busy working. Still have to pay rent.

I also tried out laughing yoga. It was really cool and I support there cause. They try to bring out the inner child and just remind you to have a good happy smiling time.

Here is another video that surfaced on YouTube of me dancing to Xmas remixes.