On January 12th I once again escorted my friend Elisabeth of Move2Hungary to the Dutch New Years Party at the Ambassador's Residence. It is a beautiful building with an even more beautiful view across Budapest from the balcony. With Monarchia Cabernet Sauvignon and Heiniken beer on tap, and lots of Dutch finger food, we were well taken care of. My favorite finger food was the Indonesian spring rolls, while my Dutch friends waited all night for the bitterbollen (a kind of savory mince ball) to be brought out. My friend Lennard told me it was tradition to attach a small orange (though I swear the thing was pink) Dutch wooden shoe to my suit lapel, but it seemed our small group were the only ones in the know.

The following night brought the long-awaited (since summer) Community Education hip-hop/funk concert from the US via Germany. Community Education is a worldwide hip-hop, funky soul collective. The members each bring a different perspective to the creative whole. The group started in the late 90's as a college work study and evolved over time into multicultural network of singers, musicians, poets and emcee's. This also marked the first time Baby Blue Banana and Treehugger Dan's co-promoted/co-hosted an event. A select audience gathered at Becketts, rather than Treehugger Dan's or some regular Baby Blue Banana venue due to the strong bass line and not wanting to disturb the neighbors. I am the farthest one can get from being a hip-hop rap music fan, but I did enjoy the gig, especially when Dusky Diana's voice soured on the funky bits. It was also the first time I had ever seen anyone actually scratch records, and was fascinated. The DJ played a great first set of very danceable funk music. Thanks to Richard for manning the door and Gergely for doing the sound and providing the sound equipment (as he did at Red Mud Aid)

Treehugger Dan's hosts the Poosta Ramblers next Thursday the 20th at Lazar u. 16 behind the Opera House. It is sure to be a fantastic gig featuring heart-felt old country tunes. The Poosta Ramblers are an opportunity for our country and folk sides to have their day in the sun, and to enjoy some music that we just wouldn't hear here otherwise. The band consists of Beaux Jaxon (guitar), Bob Pike (guitar), Michael Kentish (bass), Mookie Brando (guitar, banjo, harmonica), Greg Zeigler (percussion), Jerome Li Thiao Te (fiddle) Come out to THD's and help us turn the joint into one big family porch.