Klik here for . . .
818 Kudos
Keep818 Alive!
818 Press
818
Thanks to the thousands of you who have shared your lovely Selves, and your comments, with the rest of us. And still do!
- Emily & Preston
"Music is the highlight of 818. Gives everyone room to explore dance, healing, being, etc. Love that it attracts all ages... seeing kids, young and old really is a marvelous thing. Also, love the video, tarot readings, puppetry, the musicians / singers. VERY SPIRITUAL / creative and effective. Keep exploring." - Cynthia
"High energy and vibrant... I connected with some amazing souls." - Chris
"I wasn't sure what to expect but I certainly didn't expect a full on "something for everyone" kind of thing... it was like a sober rave. I was amazed at how much was going on. I loved the projections! Parents could rest assured that their kids were having a safe, fun time. Rock on with your amazing, giving selves!" - Chaka
"I never thought this sort of thing was happening, but it is! - and everyone is catching onto the fun. Including me. This is how we help the world, by giving of our true nature and letting people feel love and kindness is real and possible in their lives. I really love 818." - Adam
"A brilliant explosion of spirit and creation. Yes!" - Ben
"What a stellar testament to community this event is. I always give the night a 110% of my soul spark. Every month the energy has it's own beautiful unique character & love vibe forever surprising & delighting me, profoundly touching many spirits, opening our sisters & brothers to a *circus* of joy & deep connection. Long may this flag of diversity wave." - Hazel
"One of the most awesome nights I've had in a long time! Terrific energy." - Elias
"Really high!! Really beautiful vibe - a great time." - Dearbhla
"Scrumptious... the dancers blew me away." - Stacey
"Fabulous. : ) I was really tired when I arrived, wondering how I'd have the energy to dance. But I rocked out hard in the drum circle. Then I thought, that's it - I won't have any energy to dance upstairs - but whooeeeey! Guess I underestimated the rejuvenating qualities of the fabulous energy of 818. What a great night! : ) I really appreciated the separate room for performance arts. 818 is an ambitious undertaking, and a glorious one. I am deeply grateful that Unity provides this for us." - Louise
"I love the world music inside and the drums outside. I am amazed that this is a family event. I love dancing with spiritually like-minded people but do not want to go to dance clubs / "meat markets". Thanks for an awesome event!" - MC
"You've created a happening for young and old!!!" - Freddy
"818 was sooooo awesome! An uplift of spiritual energy. An exceptional job on music and decor - and the people were phenomenal. Your spirituality and energies made it an evening of positive power. I was totally mindfully and spiritually impressed. A wonderful place to be." - Lu
"Thanks for being so flexible, for all the work you do, and opportunities you make for us artists and healers." - Vivian
"Circus of the Spirit was AMAZING. Whether it was the drum circle, the massage table, or the dance party, all were exhilarating and very healing: a means to explore and experience different ways of expression / creativity, leading to wholeness / integration. A common link in each room / segment was a path to light and love, and a means of expressing it. For the first time in months I awoke the following day with no pain and with a strong sense of well being; and I know it was connected to my experience of 818. Thank you for putting together such an incredible program!!!" - Kathleen
"I loved the vibe, it took me back to the small collectives in California and Oregon." - DJ Scorpio
"The environment was AMAZING and it felt so good to be a part of it. I am so happy. I have blisters on my fingers from drumming so hard and so long! It was so incredibly liberating and healing. I also enjoyed the massage. Awesome DJing!!! What an incredible evening! The entire set up is just amazing!!!" - KaLi
"the show we did at 818 was so fantastic. the appreciation the audience gave to us made my heart swell up out of my chest. it's times like those that i remember why i do what i do." - KC (bellydancer)
"What a great party you throw - it's the best in the city. Incredible, unique - really moving. The lil' children were THRILLED!" - Debi
"I'm really happy from last friday. It's make me so relax and comfortable, I really think I can have more focus on my work. Keep warm in your heart." - Loo
"818 is a lovely way to have the experience of meeting so many different worlds. Every head is a different world and 818 attracts a magical collection of very nice and different worlds." - Holly
"Thank you and Preston for an AWESOME 818 last Friday. It just made my month! I have a good experience everywhere I went, and was really fed and filled with joy, wonder, and Light." - Paula
"It's really remarkable to see 818 unfolding and manifesting as a bright, multi-colored beam of possibilities in a world of much darkness. NOW thirsts for events such as these." - Amy
"It is an honor to me to be able to participate in making Circus of the Spirit possible, by any means that I can. It has been an honor to me for almost a year now, to show my spirit on the dance floor, in the drum circle, etc. I know that it somehow has a positive effect on SOMEONE. And now to be able to actually DIRECTLY assist you and Emily in the duties that need fulfilling at Circus... it just brings me to tears. I love the both of you and the community that WE have created from the very depths of my heart... I am overjoyed to do anything that I can for the community, even if it only benefits one person; it's just such an amazing feeling, to be part of something that I stand so strongly for. So as usual, the thanks is to YOU and EMILY for creating and having the heart to continue something that so many people find so beautiful, so healing, and so valuable.
I am so proud and honored to know you, to be friends with you, to love you, and to be so involved with something that you take such a stand for. I love you, Preston; your happiness and well-being are just as important to me as my own, and I will do all I can to show my support for you and our chosen and loving community.
One day, I'll actually find words that will genuinely express how much you guys mean to me, how much just thinking about you leaves me overjoyed and on the verge of tears from sheer overwhelming happiness. Out of the darkness and into the sun, friend. Huge things are awaiting us, as long as we keep plodding forth." - Vitamin D
"It's hard for me to go to Unity and NOT have a magical time. There is a lot of powerful and positive energy all around there." - Jill
"When you throw down, you really throw down! What a fabulous party at 818! The people were so lovely, so diverse in so many ways... the most beautiful people I've had the pleasure of dancing with in some time. Good Vibes All the Way Around. BRILLIANT! Energy Clear and Connected. I'm off to practice my Bhangra Moves!" - Debi
"I was feeling very strange this past week. Closed off... non loving, and totally an introvert. I wasn't myself. I needed 818 last night. The first couple hours I spent in the library/bookstore just reading... waiting for something to pop out at me and say, "Kaurina...this is what you need to do". But no matter what I read... I knew what I needed to do. I just didn't feel up to it. And then, as if my prayers had been answered (lol) Preston! You put on that song that you always play at Syn. I was IMMEDIATELY launched back into reality... of unreasonable happiness. I love you both so eagerly. So very very much.
I kept walking around hoping that I wasn't disappointing you for not being myself...and then I realized... it doesn't matter. I am safe here. You both have created this safety blanket, and no matter what any of us are feeling, it's okay, because we're all humans helping each other out. Emily, thankyou for sharing with me that you had been going through something. It meant so much to me to know that someone I adore and look up to is just as human as I. And to be able to handle it, come out of it, and tell everyone you know that you made it through... ahhh... such a journey, such comfort it brought." - Kaurina
"818 people were full of energy... joyful, loving their lives, and they all spoke of admiration and devotion. It's a Phenom! True spirituality and insight can come only from within; 818's shown how to open the door." - Annie
"818 could not have been a more beautiful celebration of Mother Earth! Your images, the world music, those fab dancers, our earth-concious meditations, the inspired banners... There was so much going on it made you want to be in every place all night. But I guess that richness is the point. Your brilliant idea of introducing this WONDER/JOY -FULL event is a great gift to our community. Blessings!!!" - Mother Earth Team
"Unity is definitely an energized space filled with lots of love and light. The building itself feels happy and the people make it even more highly energized!" - Tiombe
"818 is a warmly developing community. I loved the diversity in the participants - age, shape, color, and dress. Loved the music, candles, variety of activities / areas. Tatiana's version on Yoga was a hoot - I loved it's mix of dance moves and traditional postures. Interesting to watch the body / energy work sessions, I was glad to see they were available and observable by non-participants. Keep up the important community-building work!" - Cheryl
"Wow!!! You truly emancipate the spirit. God bless your vision, courage and passion." - Amy
"It was sooo wonderful to meet you and Emily. I LOVED 818! I loved working with you and feeling the connection of the people to the music, to the energy, and to themselves. It was incredible! I could see how the energy created a vortex that went into each person and moved in a way that brought huge openings for everyone even if they did not see or know it.
I truly feel this ought to go to all Unity Churches. What you do there is a gift. The highlight of my visit in Chicago - I am SO looking forward to returning that I want to schedule my trip around 818. Big Hug and Much Love." - Esateys (author of Help I'm Trapped In a BODY - The Power of the Total Body Matrix www.helpimtrapped.com)
|
| |
|
|
Kudos for
"818 - Circus of the Spirit"
"818 was a coming home to the Shire and we all were Hobbits. The sense of peace and contentment was clear and everywhere present the instant I stepped through the doorway. All smiles were genuine, full-faced and innocent. The celebration was fresh, like it was the first party ever held. I found a new sway in my dance, and my own central beat with the drum circle. The children, oh the children! - they knew what it was all about with their flourishing flips around the floor. Next time I will check my ancient city ruins at the entrance, and step through the magic portal again. Just remembering 818 makes me feel it all over again." - (Grandmother) Jean
"I am SO incredibly impressed by the crowd you turn out for 818. So diverse, so cool, so interesting... one of the best scenes in the city, bar none. Something really special! You should be very proud." - Kevin
"Amazing... the music, the positivity of the people, the artists, the energy was nothing short of magical. A uniquely inspirational success story." - Steph
"818 elevated my circuitry and enabled the caterpillar of my heart to blossom into its winged counterpart. You guys rock!!! Bravo for setting a stage for experiencing the soul of the universe." - A
"818's unconditional love light lit up my heart, melting and softening some old scars. The safe space to be just as I am is priceless. Thank you, for now I know it is part of my beauty too!" - Laura Rose
"I loved doing yoga to the dance music. We just bobbed our heads as I stretched. HA HA!!! ALL the music is a delight to move to. Oh! What an impressive evening, spectacular, abundant in every way. The energy keeps escalating. Eternal thanks to the universe for freeing spirit to express in time and space with such communic magnitude." - AmyNow
"It was an incredible experience to dance totally sober. 818 has contributed a lot to my new ability to be a dancing fool in a public space without the "help" of alcohol / other foreign substance. Thank you for that." - anon
"Nothing could have prepared me for the surreal sensory experience. The creativity behind 818 is out-of-the-box thinking." - K
"It was a great time and I loved being part of it." - Sonia Choquette
"Joyful Noise : I recently realized how much time I was spending in smoke-clogged bars surrounded by half-drunk jerks. Music, live or recorded, is my primary method of spiritual communion: some people pray, others meditate, I listen to music (David's "joyful noise", I guess). Sometimes I go to shows to dance, sometimes to listen, but it all comes down to the spiritual high. I haven't been getting enough of that at bars, which is why I stopped show-going for a couple months. I wasn't getting that spiritual high, so I became jaded and cynical.
So I went to Preston nd Emily Klik's to-do at Unity Fri night. Had a great time. There was a lot of stuff going on everywhere. I saw Preston's sets (PK's Ritual, his DJ work, and a mini-Karma Sutra performance) and the drum circle. The psychedelic happenings of the '60s might have been a lot like this, except this was without the drugs.
(P)Unity is a is a beautiful, big building with a lot of wide, open space. The grounds are well kept. The It is a place of celebratory spiritual communion as opposed to the solemn fire-and-brimstone-you're-going-to-Hell old-time-religion sermons I remember so well from my upbringing. It's a great place for Preston's stuff. There's been a developing spiritual growth in his music. It seems to be coming front and center with Karma Sutra and PK's Ritual. I really like this direction." - Daniel
"My 2 yr old daughter loved 818! Everybody loved it, dancing like dervishes. She danced all night! She was at the drum circle. Amazing!" - Scorpio
(The letter from a "Danny" ) - (D) "I read an article about your "christian rave" I was very shocked. I was just wondering if it is christian... when do you take time for God? When do you witness to these people? When do you ask them if they are saved or lost? When do you ask if they died would they go to Heaven or Hell? It is good that you get people to church... but as mentioned anyone is welcome. So that means there are ALOT of lost people there. If they died they would bust hell wide open. When do you tell them about Calvary and the blood of Jesus? By the way...Are any of you saved? Are you 100% sure that if you died you would go to Heaven? For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life. Are your sins worth dying for? For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. Romans 6:23 and Romans 10 King James Version. John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son. I pray that you will find God if you are not saved. Also read Luke 16, about the rich man." - Danny
(The letter to Danny) -(P) "Danny : I got your message. You start out with a huge misconception of your own making. (Or at least not of my making.)
(D) "I read an article about your "christian rave"..."
(P) ---Hmm. Not ONCE have we called ourselves a "christian rave". Not ever, never. I think you made that up. Not sure why you did that.
(D)"I was very shocked."
(P) ---I'm sorry we shocked you, that was never our intent. Our intent is to create more Love in the world, not to shock those who don't understand why we would create a community of Love. Perhaps you would not have been shocked if we were not a "christian rave", which we NEVER claim to be. (Nor will I claim that description now.) In which case you are shocked by a misguided claim. If that's the case, you can stop reading this email now and put it all to rest: We are not / were not / will not be a "christian rave", and you may rest in peace.
Still reading?
(D)"when do you take time for God?"
(P) ---I don't "take time" for God. Nor does God "take time" for me. God is with me in everything I do, all the time. God is not "over there" (therefore not here), not "then" (therefore not now). God is not "more" in one land than another, nor one building than another. God is not "more" in the front part of the building than the aft. God is here and now, in every moment, ever-present. As I'm sure you know, God is omniscient and omnipresent. God infuses my life, and all the activities thereof. Simply put, Life is the activity of God. There is never a time or place when I am without God. I hope the same can be said for you. And I'm sure it can. : )
(D)"do you witness to these people?"
(P) ---Probably not in the way you would like me to. But I imagine the way a lot of people witness - or do not witness - to others upsets you. That's just a guess. If I am wrong, I apologize. But my guess, from what you've said, is you like witnessing to be done the way you would do it, not some other way(s). Sorry. You witness your way, I'll witness mine. Speaking of... In every moment I witness Love, the fundamental prinicple and teaching of Christ. I don't "witness" dogma, or doctrine, admittedly. I don't "witness" 2000 years of encrusted and fractious (re)interpretations of Christianity. I don't "pick one" way (Lutheran, Baptist, Catholic, Gnostic, Essene, Santerian, Morman, Episcopal, Calvinism..., nor Hinduism, Budhism, Taoism... ) and say "THIS one version is The Truth". That may work for you, but it does not work for me. I think God is larger than that, and cannot be contained within any one dogma. One the other hand, I believe that ANY doctrine holds at least a kernal of truth, and has something to teach us about Love, and about ultimate reality, and about God as Light and (unconditional) Love. And how to live with other beings in this precious human birth. A birth I am so grateful for. After all : "If the only prayer you say in your life is 'thank you', that would suffice." - Meister Eckhart, Christian mystic
As for witnessing... I merely witness the fundamental, bed-rock basic teaching of Christ : Love one another. There is no greater teaching. I do this to the best of my ability. In fact, Love is what I have dedicated my life to. (Not The Church, but Love.) And I am ALWAYS working to fulfill on my promise - with God's ever-present companionship and assistance -
to manifest and be ever more Love.
All that said : Thank you for your concern, Danny. I'm sure you mean only the best for every living being. I know bringing unconditional love, or Love, to the world may not be your highest priority, but I hope you understand : It IS mine. I know your message and your path may be the message of most traditional Christianity. But there are alternate Christian paths,
- and alternate OTHER paths - that some of us choose to follow. Life is choice, growth, and a slow unfolding, a blooming. Danny, may your path lead you to a full, glorious bloom! May you share Light and Love with all those you meet. May they be blessed and graced and healed by your very presence as you embody, ever-more, Love. Yours in Christ's profound Love, Preston
("Humans are the cutting edge of God's creative expression." - Reverend Ed Townley)"
"818 has really struck a chord with lots of people - an answer to some spiritual hunger that isn't satisfied elsewhere... so many wonderful people, creative ideas, and boundless energy. You are onto something universal, and nothing can stop your unique kind of intensity. Phenomenal!!" - Ann
"Fa-bu-lishus, lots of way cool folks and tight music. A great spirit and yes, pretty close to heaven on earth." - Kris
"Outstanding. I LOVED the drumming, dancing, the belly dancers! The visuals were facinating and the music was so creative and easy to move to. The "massage guy" worked miracles. I've been telling everyone about 818." - Reverend Geraldine
"818 is my communion with the Spirit." - Daniel
"Thanks for the chance to pray for hours and channel a difference and higher level of existance into so many lives. I had 14 individuals and the trainee had 7 to match last months 21. More importantly by haing 2 chaplains one could catch people who would otherwise walk away while the door was shut. Even more importantly the powerful energy was still there if not better so it was a hit." Jeff (prayer chaplain)
"When there is music of the spirit, no choice but to dance." - Tracy
"Congratulations on creating a new space for worshippers of all kinds." - Cin
"WHAT A RUSH!!! Last night was fantastic! I had THEE most wonderful time! I danced to my heart's content... spent time with people I loved. Actualized my new self. Realized how much I really have transformed. Spent quality time with my family. Gave them a glimpse of why I've become a better person. And!!! Ended the night with a blessing! That was truly momentous. And I loved it! I felt at home standing up there and telling people to love each other. It made so much sense for me to get on that mic and let them know how important they were to me, themselves and each other. THANKYOU THANKYOU THANKYOU! I don't really think you know how much that meant to me. I'm such a speaker, and I have a way with words. But rarely am I given the opportunity to use that gift in it's highest way. In the way it was meant to be used. Last night was amazing. And I really am still reverberating from all of it. I HAVE been filled with white light and love. I love you both SO SO MUCH!!!!" - Turbo
"Congratulations for putting on a remarkable event in a beautiful space. 818 helps me drain & defuse tension and swing my mind & consciousness back to positivity & communion with the Spirit. I started grooving the minute I got there. Unity's got a very open vibe, so it had me going immediately. You get a hundred people all doing their own thing and yet moving as one communal organism, that's a beautiful thing. Also a very spiritual vibe, which helps a lot because music is my prayer, my meditation, my communion with spirit. (The lack of smoke is one of the best things about the event!) My heartfelt thanks to you." - Daniel
"It was my first time at Unity. First Impression : Wow! What a diverse collection of individuals. And yet there was a community. It's not like a typical 'church-like' gathering where there seems to be a quota for getting new members. Everyone respected everyone else's space and there wasn't drama in meeting people. Those who were open to meet people made it clear that they were open. I liked the yoga warm up. I was struck by the many generations - grandmas and children. It seems like a great place for high schoolers to get the cool scene aspect of music without the distractions of bars. A really good gig.
It seems that there is so much space to expand, and yet it feels like a good size. I have blisters on my feet which I hope will be healed by the next 818! The whole night really flowed like a professional show. It had an ebb and flow that didn't seem forced. No one was caught in a rut of 6 hours of dance music. The activities were great. I will attend again soon. btw : Very good bellydancers and great costumes." - JLK
"The music was fantastic... the visuals were just right. I was very pleasantly struck by the vast age difference in folks 818 attracted. One of my best memories is of watching a 50-something woman strut her stuff to "What Lola Wants." She had shining eyes and a huge grin. Watching her play was priceless! The bodywork was great, and the yoga warm up was excellent. My eyes saw something fresh all right!" - Annette
"We enjoyed the music, the people, the drumming, the dancing, the bellydancing, the booths, the tarot readings, everything!!! Preston's an awesome DJ. It has such a wonderful atmosphere and encourages people of
different personalities and nationalities to come together and enjoy something special. A wonderful, wonderful event." - Jatare
"Fantastic! I was blown away! ... alive, free, happy and charged with energy. I honor the delightful creative, cultural and spiritual cornucopia you have created and maintain every month. I'm so proud to be a part of this incredible community. Just amazing! Bless you". - Paula
. . . home/events/more . . . contact . . . cart . . .
| |
|