DJ Prashant’s Birthday Bash! Block Party + Fundraiser
Will love to see you @ my FREE Birthday Block Party & fundraiser for Dance United! There will be DJs, Henna, Good Vibes & CAKE.
🙌🏼 DJ PRASHANT’S BIRTHDAY BLOCK PARTY + FUNDRAISING BIRTHDAY BASH 🎂🎉
By Dance United.
🎉 Hi there, Dance Party Fam! It’s Prashant here, and I’m absolutely thrilled to invite each one of you to my Free Birthday Bash – Block Party and Fundraiser!
Check out this recap video from past Birthday celebrations and get a feel for how much fun we’re going to have!
I can’t believe another year has passed, and it’s that time of the year again when I get to celebrate with all of you – my incredible friends, family, and fans. It’s MY BIRTHDAY, and I can’t wait to make this day unforgettable for you!
You all know how much I live for music, dance, celebrating diversity, and spreading as much light as possible wherever we go. Well, this time, it’s going to be even more special because we’re going to turn the streets into a dancing paradise! 🫶🏽
With 5 DJs, a 🔥 rapper, dance instruction & performances – the energy is going to be out of this world!
🎂 And yes, THERE WILL BE CAKE!
But wait, there’s more!
This birthday bash isn’t just about me, it’s about giving back to the community too.
We’re turning this party into a fundraiser to support a cause that’s close to my heart. So, while we dance the night away, we’ll also be making a positive impact on the local dance and arts programs. 🎵💃🕺
Let’s party with a purpose & dance the evening away with special family members who also celebrate their LEO birthdays around this time: Mini (we are Birthday twins), Lisa, Jasmine, Sarah… and really, ALL LEOs in the house! 🦁🫶🏽 🦁
✨ Make sure you save the date, bring your dancing shoes, and let’s light up the night together. This party won’t be the same without each and every one of you. Let’s create memories! 🎂🎈
🎵Five DJs, One Rapper, Dance Instruction, Dance Performances & more entertainment.
✔️ Several non-profit environmental and outdoor organizations will be at this World Music Block Party.
🔵 EVENT DETAILS
- Monday, July 31, 2023
- FREE Entrance
- OPEN to ALL AGES!
- Everybody is welcome!
- From 6 PM to 9 PM
- Henna by Lisa @sparkstudios
- (Registration welcome but not required)
🟡 VENUE
ST. JOHNS PLAZA
Intersection of N Philadelphia & N Lombard St, OR 97203, USA
PS: You are most welcome to donate to the causes even if you are not based in Portland &/or not able to attend. 🌹
✔️ Take note of our upcoming events that will make your summer groove like never before! All of them FREE -and open to ALL AGES.🎉
- Aug 10 📍 Peninsula Park
- Aug 26 📍 Lents Park
- Aug 31 📍 St John’s Plaza
- Sep 28 📍 TBD
🔵 YOUR BIRTHDAY BOY
DJ PRASHANT
Prashant is an ex-Intel engineer turned DJ, choreographer, singer, and community organizer in Portland, Oregon. His personality and charisma instantly strike a chord with audiences of any age or background.
He is known for an enthralling DJ set with interactive dance lessons and performances seamlessly woven into an irresistible blend of the world’s greatest dance music. His agenda is simple – bring community and cultures together to create connections on the dance floor, and get you dancing longer, and harder than you ever thought possible!
TEDx Talk, The Story of DJ Prashant, New Music, and Dance Videos at https://linktr.ee/dreamprashant
🎵 SPECIAL GUESTS
DJ ASHÉ
Music that brings back to our body the feeling of power, authority, & sovereignty —the Spark of Life. In honor of the Yoruban tradition.
▶︎ @djashe_ashe
SLIMGUINI
▶︎ @slimguini
ODUB
▶︎ Special guest
PERREO PRINCESS
GABRIEL FERNANDEZ
Coming all the way from Florida showing his love of old/new school reggaeton. Trying to sprinkle that Puerto Rican sazón anywhere he goes!
✨ SPECIALS
HENNA BY LISA
Liesel lives and works in Portland and has recently been exploring her artistic talents through henna and pyrography. Her intricate designs are inspired by the symmetry of nature and everyday patterns we see around us. Liesel is honored to participate in the tradition of henna and makes it a priority to be educated about multicultural henna studies, the long history and culture. The highlight of her work is feeling the deep and magical connection between plant and person while providing exquisite designs. Liesel truly appreciates the ability to participate in the connection and joy that henna brings to people.
All proceeds are donated to Dance United.
▶︎ COMMUNITY PARTNERS
Several non-profit environmental and outdoor organizations will be at the World Music Block Parties who will provide fun kids activities and information for the entire family.
· Portland People of Color Outdoors:
Seeks to provide an inclusive community for people of color that is safe, healing and fun! Activities include hiking, picnics, and more. Learn about activities happening near you where Black, Indigenous and all people of color can enjoy nature in a caring community.
Website: https://pdxpocoutdoors.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1035388350171754/
· Portland Fruit Tree Project:
Our mission is to increase equitable access to healthful food and strengthen communities by empowering neighbors to share in the harvest and care of city-grown produce.
We envision joyful communities that see every fruit tree as an abundant resource which contributes to a just food system and enhances the well-being of people, community networks, habitat and our changing climate.
· Forest Park Conservancy
Guided by the Greater Forest Park Conservation Initiative, the Forest Park Conservancy maintains trails, restores native habitat, and inspires community appreciation and future stewardship for generations to come.
▶︎ ABOUT DANCE UNITED
MISSION STATEMENT
Dance United’s mission is to celebrate the lives of immigrants, the BIPOC community and all people by spreading the electrifying energy of love, unity, happiness and diversity across cultures through music and dance.
OUR GOALS
-Create multicultural events that bring participants together to celebrate our diversity through the universal language of music and dance.
-Connect people to nature through music and communal dance events that provide a safe and inclusive space for all participants.
-Inspire young learners to combine science, music and dance by providing educational opportunities for students that grow their artistic abilities together with their scientific understanding.
-Facilitate events that encourage dancing as a way to elevate confidence and improve mental and physical health.
▶︎ MEET THE TEAM
Prashant Kakad, President
Prashant is a multi-disciplinary artist and cultural bearer living and working in Portland, Oregon. He has worked relentlessly to create cultural music and parties for thousands of people all over Oregon and beyond through his for-profit business, Bollywood Dreams Entertainment since 2009 and now through his non-profit, Dance United.
In 2018, he launched Dance United to create a mechanism to focus on producing events that are free and open to all ages, increase the visibility of South Asians and give Oregonians a taste of Indian music and dance, provide opportunities for immigrants to break free from oppressive social and career expectations and occur during daylight hours to provide access to many people. This initiative comes from his deeply held belief that creating a safe and inclusive space for music and dance can bring together people from every background and culture to celebrate our unity in diversity. In 2022, he officially established Dance United as a non-profit.
Lisa Cox
Dance United is a passion project where Lisa combines her love of art, nature and science while supporting all communities in Oregon. Her work focuses on building partnerships and improving access to the arts by connecting people to nature and science through movement and hands-on activities.
Snehal S. Bodke
Snehal is a passionate IT professional who loves contributing to building community. She is an artist and dancer who was inspired to explore artistic endeavors by her mother, aunt and older sister. As a recent immigrant from India, Snehal is adapting to a new life in Portland and loves spending time running in local parks, visiting the Rose Garden and riding her bike over the Tilikum Bridge. Her love of music, sharing the joy of dancing and educating kids fuels her to support Dance United’s mission and projects.
▲ PHOTOS & VIDEOS DURING THE EVENT
By purchasing tickets to our events, you acknowledge that there might be photographers and videographers and that these photos and videos could be used for promotional purposes on our platforms.
▲ LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
We at Dance United seek to practice deep regard and respect for the Indigenous Peoples on whose lands we have the opportunity to live, work, and play.
We acknowledge that Dance United in Portland takes place at the unceded ancestral lands of the Multnomah people, a tribe of the Chinookan people.
FAQs:
Are there ID requirements or an age limit to enter the event?
All ages welcome to attend.
What are my transport/parking options getting to the event?
Plenty of street parking available.
Are tickets refundable?
FREE Entrance (registration welcome but not required)