Free Fair Trade Chocolate Tasting

One World Market, a non-profit, Fair Trade store here in Durham will hold a free chocolate tasting on February 9th from 10am-6pm featuring more than 40 different kinds of Fair Trade chocolate. Fair Trade chocolate means that no slave labor was used to grow the cocoa.

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, this event has something for all the chocolate lovers in your life. From the purist who might enjoy the 85% cacao bar from Panama, to the adventurer looking for something exotic like salt and pepper chocolate from the Dominican Republic, their chocolate selection is vast!

What is this One World Market, you ask? It is a fair trade, nonprofit store that has been serving Durham for 20 years. Their mission is to alleviate poverty in developing countries around the world, and they do so by offering artisans a marketplace to sell their crafts.  It is mostly volunteer staffed and offers an eclectic selection of jewelry, accessories, décor items and crafts from 60 different developing countries.  The staff and volunteers will be on hand to answer questions about the origin of the chocolates and the principals of Fair Trade.

Defacto Thezpian's Album Release

On January 18th, Durham's latest up and coming Hip Hop artist Defacto Thezpian will be holding an event at The Pinhook from 8pm - 2am, with the show starting promptly at 9 p.m.

This event will be the official physical release of his first album, Adolescent Thoughts. On the marquee he has local curate Bishop Omega hosting, along with artists The Real Laww, Azon Blaze, Skyblew and The Koolest performing.  Defacto Thezpian's set will include a live band consisting of a lead guitarist, bass guitar, saxophonist, drummer, and DJ Johnny Storm.

Here's the music video for the first single off the new album:

New Exhibits at the Durham Arts Council

Half-Awake Dream Series
Photography by Chung Chak, in the Allenton Gallery.

Platonicz
New drawings by Wendy DesChene, in the Semans Gallery

With These Hands: Quilting as a Spiritual Journey
Art quilts by Sauda Zahra, in the Ella Fountain Pratt Legacy Gallery

Exhibits open January 18th and run through March 3rd. A free opening reception will be held January 18th from 5-7pm at the Durham Arts Council building, in coordination with Third Friday.  Exhibits are free and open to the public during building hours, 9am-9pm on Monday through Saturday and 1-6pm on Sundays.  The DAC is located at 120 Morris Street in downtown Durham.

New Year’s Jazzin’ Eve

The Art of Cool Project (AOCP) has joined forces with The Cotton Room to bring a NYE celebration of epic proportions to Durham, New Year’s Jazzin’ Eve! The event will take place at The Cotton Room, 807 East Main Street Room 350, Durham, on New Year's Eve beginning at 8 PM.

Tickets are on sale now, and feature different seating and drinking options at various price points. The musical line-up includes:

• The Foreign Exchange (Phonte and Nicolay with a live band)
• The Al Strong Quintet
• Marcus Anderson
• Yolanda Rabun
• Guest DJ Apple Juice Kid
• Two of the coolest MCs in DURM - Toon and The Real Laww

In addition to this incredible line up of talent, Jazzin’ Eve will feature a chicken and waffles, buffet along with a cash bar and general admission seating. VIP and cabana seating options will also be available, along with the opportunity to purchase a wristband for open bar.

New Year's Jazzin' Eve
The Cotton Room
807 East Main Street Room 350, Durham, NC
8pm-until, $70+

Here's a promo video, put together by the talented Saleem Reshamwala:

Third Friday Holiday Edition

Tomorrow is this month's Third Friday Durham! For those of you that are still in town, or even more for those that are visiting, 3rd Friday is a great evening to be out and about in the Bull City. This is also a great opportunity to snag some holiday gifts, as there are many great local arts and crafts available for sale, directly from the artists themselves! Here are some highlights:

Third Friday Art Walk & Holiday Cheer @ Urban Durham Realty:

• Mara Bishop – Fine Art Paintings
• Alicia Ortiz – Mosaics, Stained Glass, Bottle Art
• William Parker – Wrought Iron Sculptures from Scrap Metal
• Greg Pattison – Natural & Urban Landscapes Photography

Holiday Party and Green Gallery Opening "Living Wage Art"@ The Scrap Exchange:

• Features the work by Dan-o Parrish, a local artist whose “Living Wage” series of artwork features spontaneous pop-art illustrations and images drawn or painted on cardboard. Most pieces are then priced at a minimum wage labor rate plus the cost of materials.
• Festivities throughout the evening will include a Cupcake Walk, free art-making, a Swap-O-Rama-Rama community clothing swap, and an Iron Crafter competition.
• Entry is free, and the event is sponsored by PBR!

Last Party on Earth @ Motorco Music Hall:

• Once you've had your fill of art, wine, and walking, head on over to Motorco to take the Mayan route and dance like there is no tomorrow!
• With DJ Stryder and friends, starts at 9pm
• $5 cover / first 21 in free