Kai Altair: Dreams

Emergence

2012-01-26T16:29:00.000-08:00

"There is nothing in a caterpillar that tells you it's going to be a butterfly"
-Buckminster Fuller

These are the first official images from 'Dreams of The Last Butterflies,' a film by Zina Brown & Thousand Names Productions that I will have the honor of writing the musical score, and performing in this summer. I will join 7 other 'Butterfly Queens' to tell the tale of the loss of butterflies in our world, and why they are disappearing in this mini-epic, live-action “Dark Faerie Tale” with a unique vision, full of wonder, dreams, and otherworldly performers that will be shot in 3D. Check out the blog Thousand Names has started abut the film to see sketches, pictures, and track the progress as we count down to the release later this year.

As winter winds away, parts of my spirit are emerging from deep within the cocoon of time as well. As I take time away from parties, shows, and promotion, the music of my heart is being born out of long moments of solitude and surrender. Writing my first full length album, I have been blessed by the muse as I go deep down into myself to bring back jewels from the depths. You can read about my journey here on my new Tumblr blog called 'Night Vision.' It is an online 'dream journal' where I will chronicle my experience of writing, and also a place for images, and past journal entries from blank books that I have been filling since I was a young girl. I hope you will join me in this other little innerspace portal to swirl around inside my dreams with me.

Long dark nights. . .

2011-12-26T13:25:00.000-08:00

"Winter has arrived. The long nights unwind beneath my fingertips, and the songs sing out. I call upon the wisdom of oak & birch, and whisper rhymes on the midnight air. This is what it is to let go of the outer world. This is how it feels to turn down shows, parties, and New York City's constant advances. I am free, flying, flown. No tethers, no obligation to the world but to play my guitar, shake my rattle, and record where they take me. I rhyme out incantations of gratitude, passion, joy, and love, but there is more-- for I am writing during the deep, dark dream of winter, and during Earth days that test the spirit, and stretch the soul. I am diving down into the darkest parts of the swirling, singing waters to bring back charms & treasures, tales & testimonies of the things that I find there. And so tonight I sit by the light of a single candle with half of an album written, and the other half skittering along the edges of my world like a half-remembered-yet-to-be-dream. In the shadows I can see the lights of other worlds, and hear the voice of inspiration, and creatures of the night. I surrender to the winter, and the tale she tells."

**Coming Soon**
Tumblr blog documenting Kai's personal thoughts & photos of her journey as she creates her first full length album due out in 2012.

Flames

2011-11-27T14:15:00.000-08:00

It has been just over a week since my fire initiation with Flambeaux Fire LLC at the Gowanus Ballroom. After 2 grueling & inspired weeks of production, 'The Calling' came to life in a whirl music, dance, and transformational flames. In a show complete with a flaming horse, a fire faerie, and Medusa, I stepped into the land of imagination and dreams. . .

While working on the show I was inspired by the words of my friend, and prolific artist Katelan Foisy in her recent blog entitled 'Fire Muse':

"I’m soft again and using the fire muse for light rather than cleansing. The fire muse helps those in darkness move forward. Fire is passion and creativity, it is language and education, light and life. I’m preparing myself to make magic. To go into the depths of my paintings again. Time becomes a blur once more.
To the practicing alchemist fire is a catalyst. It initiates and completes metaphysical evidence while signifying progression passageways to the higher self, and goals to attain solar embodiment (in both literal and philosophical senses). By accepting and becoming intertwined with fire is to be transformed, cleansed, consumed and elevated out of limitation. By working with fire, we become the Phoenix."

photos by RoMo

Calling of the Fire Spirits

2011-10-25T18:26:00.000-07:00

I am still pinching myself to be in production with Flambeaux Fire, on what seems to have turned into a bit of a fire musical. In less than 2 weeks The Gowanus Ballroom will host 'The Calling,' a Flambeaux Fire show with all the trimmings set to my music. In a mythical landscape where fantasy meets faith, we will tell an ancient tale with fire and song. The space is deep, dark, and cavernous, and the talent of the fire performers who will be making magick to my music is off the charts. Expect a show filled with breathtaking flame effects, tribal fusion bellydance, and ritual shows that will leave you wondering if you have walked into a dream. . .

****ONE NIGHT ONLY******
****ALL AGES SHOW!!! TICKETS ON SALE HERE. ****

With ritual shows by:
LADY C
SERAFINA
FAYZAH FIRE
ALI LUMINESCENT
MASAE
FLAMBEAUX

Tribal Bellydance by: Angelys & Serena Spears
Doumbek by Natalia Perlaza

. . . and a cast of witches

Featuring the sculpture art of ADRIAN LANDON

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4th, 2011: 9 PM
Gowanus Ballroom
55 9th St at 2nd Ave, Brooklyn

Innerspace Faerie

2011-10-09T11:23:00.000-07:00

Come away with me HERE this Saturday, October 15th @ 7:30PM EST. The fifth edition of my 'Live in Innerspace' webcast will take place at The House of Collection, one of my favorite places in all the worlds. The House of Collection is a faerie-land full of 'Collections of Collections', an art & performance purveyor's palace. It is also a home & haven to many of the magical creatures in my artist family collective. I look forward to introducing you to Ahnika Delerium: musical-gypsy-fire-faerie extraordinaire, and creatrix of Faey Kitsune.

2nd Annual Mermaid Lagoon:

2011-07-14T21:39:00.000-07:00

It has happened before, and it will happen again:

Once upon a time, in a blue lagoon not so far from New York City, there lived a village full of beautiful Mermaids. Famous for their dangerous beauty & bewitching talents, these mermaids were known the world over for their charms and songs used for luring sailors to their doom beneath the waves. Legend tells that for one night in the deep of summer their lagoon is safe for mortal
travelers. They ask only that you make an offering to The Sea, and dance with them...

The Second Annual Mermaid Lagoon will be held at The Red Lotus Room on Saturday, July 23rd, and will be an even bigger, brighter, and more abundant treasure haul for Mamma Ocean than last year. We will again be sending money to the still-oil-slicked Gulf of Mexico, which is in dire need of our help one year after the spill. 100 percent of the proceeds from the evening will go to The Waterkeeper Alliance, and their SaveOurGulf.org campaign focused on restoring the Gulf Of Mexico and the communities that rely in it. Join the ocean's most alluring mermaids and sea creatures for a night of music, aerial & fire performance, dancing, and revelry in a Lagoon of lights & rhythms.

Mermaid Mistress of Ceremonies:
Kae Burke

Performances by:
Kai Altair
Dame Darcy
Bambi The Mermaid
Anya Sapozhnikova
Christine Geiger
Debra "Dr. Mermaid" Tillinger

Music by:
DJ Joro Boro
DJ Joey Nova

Visuals by:
VJ Masha

Bio Luminescent Sea Life by Greg Skolozdra in a Nighttime Lagoon of Live Mermaids!

Tropical Fruit Drinks & Mermaid Treats By Love Girl

Buy tickets here: $20 Now, $25 @ door

Saturday, July 23, 2011
Doors at 9, Show at 930
Red Lotus Room
893 Bergen Street, Brooklyn
ALL AGES

DONATE NOW and enter into the raffle!

Donate to Mermaid Lagoon from anywhere in the world and be entered into the Mermaid Treasure Raffle! Donations of $10 and over will receive 3 raffle tickets & help finance venue and production costs for the show. Prizes include:

One of a Kind Mermaid Necklace by Sarah Sparkles
90 minute Tarot reading with Kai Altair
Mermaid Mask by Stephan Keating
1 Hour Massage by Kathy Queen
Private aerial silks class with Anya Sapozhnikova
Award winning 8X10 ocean prints by oceanographer Debra Tillinger
Signed Copy of 'Lost Voices' a mermaid novel by Sarah Porter
Gift pack from Lola Star's shop at Coney Island
Autographed poster from 'The Wonderneath'

**Mermaid Lagoon is not affiliated in any manner with the Waterkeeper Alliance or any of its programs, projects or websites.

Season of The Mermaid

2011-06-30T10:41:00.000-07:00

What is summer without Coney Island?? It is not summer at all. I am a Coney Island Mermaid. I swim the streets, sand, and sea every year in the parade with all of the most wild, colorful sea creatures in the world. I spend my summer days on the beach, and the boardwalk, and nights with on Wonder Wheel with the Freaks. This year, I even swam in the sea lion aqua theater at The Coney Island Aquarium during the Mermaid Ball with some of the most beautiful mermaids in all the sea: Dame Darcy, Bambi The Mermaid, Julie Atlas Muz, and Sasha The Fire Gypsy. Welcome to summer. Get your fins on and go make out with Mamma Ocean. Check back soon for more on my other favorite way to love the season: The Second Annual Mermaid Lagoon Ocean Benefit to be held July 23rd @ The Red Lotus Room!

Gabriel

2011-06-14T19:47:00.001-07:00

here's a demo style summer-storm-version of 'Gabriel' for you to dance to as the season turns to red. enjoy, and throw some coins into the gypsy's bucket as she twirls slowly in the rain:

Gabriel by Kai Altair

We're All In This Together

2011-06-01T18:00:00.000-07:00

Song for Japan: We're All In This Together is now available on iTunes!
I honored to be asked by my friend Gabby Young to take part in the re-recording of her song as a benefit for the Japanese Relief Fund. Gabby says it best when she describes why we all came together for the project:

FROM GABBY: "When I discovered the news about the earthquake and ruin in Japan I felt what most of us felt- useless… But in the aftermath there is one thing that Japan needs a lot of right now… MONEY to rebuild, support and encourage them, and I realised that as a musician, I might be able to help afterall — but I’m going to need YOU and a lot of help! So what we did is re-recorded the vocals of our single ‘We’re All In This Together’ using singers/ musicians from across the world who are willing to give up some time and talent to help Japan with me."

Watch the creation of the song here (double click for full screen):

Please help us by downloading the song, and spreading the word about it to your circle of friends. Japan has dropped from media coverage, and many feel that they are being forgotten by the world. Let's show them that we are ALL still with them.

Hudson River Mermaid

2011-05-15T11:54:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, May 21, 2011 (raindate: Sunday, May 22), Kai will perform 'Mamma Ocean' in Earth Celebrations' Hudson River Pageant accompanied by a band of sea creatures and dancing mermaids. Come play mermaid on the Hudson at 3PM at this FREE all ages event!

The Hudson River Pageant a magnificent parade of giant 15-foot river species puppets, spectacular costumes representing oysters, sea horses, blue crabs, wetlands, river grass, alternative elemental energy spirits, and over 70 species of local fish. Music, dance, performances, songs, and poetry, including an Oyster Garden Planting Ceremony, Live Fish Release, River Cleansing Ceremony, and a Boat Dance, highlighting the river, and its’ species, habitats. The parade is from the Mercy Corps Action Center, moving north to Gansevoort Street, in the downtown portion of the Hudson River Park from 1-5pm.

Don't miss this rare chance to see Kai singing and dancing on the Hudson river, and take part with other mermaids in the closing ceremonies of the parade.

Live in Innerspace IV: Dreamcast

2011-04-11T17:34:00.000-07:00

In case you missed it the other night. We made music in Innerspace for people around the world for 2 hours the other night. Thank you to all who stayed up late, and sang along deep into the night. You are beautiful sparks in the dark, it was so nice to 'see' you. . .

Watch Live in Innerspace IV: Dreamcast

Springtime in Innerspace

2011-04-04T09:31:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the new KaiAltair.com. The sky is full of stars, and wishes, and there are new videos from Innerspace uploaded to the site so you can keep coming back 'home' from anywhere in the world. You will also find a link to a free download of my new song 'Shine,'new photos, press section, and more...keep looking, keep coming back, Innerspace is always changing like the seasons.

Speaking of the seasons, HAPPY SPRING! I hope you will join me for the latest edition of "Live in Innerspace," this Saturday, APRIL 9th at 7PM EST. This time I will be joined by Dead Till Tuesday's Joe Pepitione. Joe and I go way, way back as musicians (and magicians) together, and have an endless collection of songs that we have written, and or love to play together. This could be a longer broadcast than usual, so get ready to stay up till morning depending on which side of the globe you are on. You will be able to view the show RIGHT HERE on KaiAltair.com.

As spring unfolds I promise to keep the Kai-creations coming. A new iTunes single is on the way, along with a new merch section, and bigger better shows including more musicians, magicians, and dancers on stage with me. Keep checking back here for more updates, they will be coming up along with the flowers of springtime. Wishing you rainbows and effortless new beginnings.

Love,
Kai

Updates & Love

2011-02-25T06:24:00.000-08:00

Here's a little note from Kai-Land to tell you about some of the things that will be coming your way soon:

First off, I am INSANELY excited to announce a show with the talented, beautiful rising UK Star Gabby Young on March 14th at Southpaw in Brooklyn. I met Gabby a few months ago, and am so pleased that we will be re-united in Brooklyn for a show together next month. She is currently on a whirlwind world tour that will bring her through NYC, so don't miss your chance to see and hear this singing siren from across the seas. Her style, sweetness, and GORGEOUS "circus swing" music is sure to win your heart as it did mine. Check her out here. I've included one of my favorite pictures of her too, because she is so nice to look at:

In other news I have confirmed 2 performances with Earth Celebrations in April and May. Earth Celebrations is a non-profit organization in New York City, dedicated to fostering ecological awareness through the arts. Their programs address and effect change on issues such as: climate change, river species and habitat restoration, and the preservation of community gardens, parks, and a healthy urban environment in New York City. I will be performing at ACA Galleries at a benefit party with my dancers on April 23, and at the Hudson River Pageant on May 21. The pageant is a moving parade of marine beauty down the Hudson River, and an ongoing ecological community arts/theater project engaging youth and community to highlight restoration of the Hudson River Estuary’s native species and habitats. I guess I don't need to tell you that I'll be performing "Mamma Ocean" on this day. So plan on a parade for the waters of NYC with me, and wear your finest fish scales!

More updates coming VERY soon including: website revamps, new single on iTunes, Innerspace webcast date, and info about my GORGEOUS new backup dancer named Serena.

Love to all of you as the season slowly turns,

Kai

2011 Dreaming

2011-01-03T11:31:00.000-08:00

Happy new year to everyone across the world, and universe! May this year be full of new beginnings, and dreams come true...
I hope that you will all join me this Friday for my first performance of 2011: Join the growing audience of viewers across the globe as we gather together for a little window of time in a little pocket of Innerspace to sing, whisper, and dream together. I will be joined again by my intergalactic drummer Natalia Perlaza on doumbek as we bring in 2011 with rhythm and sweet melodies. You will find us HERE on my Ustream.tv channel on Friday, January 7th at 6:30 EST.

Shine On

2010-11-15T10:13:00.001-08:00

On Thursday, December 2nd The House of Yes will host a luminous gathering of musicians, dancers, fire, and aerial performers. The night is a celebration of the bright stars of the Brooklyn arts community, and the release of "The Hidden Sister," a sultry and mysterious short film by Director Zina Brown which featured many of their talents, and was filmed at the House of Yes. The short also features a new song from mystic-electro singer/songwriter Kai Altair called "Shine." This is the third collaboration by Altair and Zina Brown's Thousand Names Productions.

Musical Performances by:
Kai Altair
Dead Till Tuesday

Featuring:
Ali Luminescent
Danielle Hutton
Renee Renata Bergen
Anya Sapozhnikova
Claire de Luxe

Music by:
DJ Joey Nova

Visuals by:
VJ Masha

Refreshments by:
Love Girl

**Plus a screening of "The Hidden Sister" on the big screen!**

Price: $10 in advance $15 @ the door
Buy Tickets: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/138476
ALL AGES

The Hidden Sister is Unveiled!

2010-10-15T09:51:00.000-07:00

I am so proud to announce the release of 'The Hidden Sister': the new short film/music video by Director Zina Brown. I was privileged to be a part of this magical project, and composed a new song, 'Shine' (Produced by Dead Till Tuesday) which is available in a special 'Hidden Sister Version' download for the next 3 days only. I will be releasing a single on iTunes in the coming weeks. For now, feast your eyes and ears on a masterpiece of beauty and mystery. Share it, link it, tweet it, spam it. Every time the video is played the spell is cast again:

The Hidden Sister from Zina Brown on Vimeo.

Download the 'Shine' now!!

Look, Listen, Dance

2010-09-27T12:44:00.000-07:00

Happy Autumn! The harvest is coming in, and I am happy to report that you'll have lots of chances for Kai-time this season. Did you catch my first innerspace webcast last month? It was so much fun I am going to do it again on Saturday, November 13th at 6:40 PM (EST) You can watch a recording of the last webcast here to relive the magick. I do hope to see you in inner & outerspace sometime while the leaves are falling....

Next week (Wednesday, October 6th) you should be sure to come by Public Assembly to see me play at Dead Till Tuesday's launch of their new record "What's That Sound?" produced by Mark Saunders (The Cure, Depeche Mode, Erasure, Shiny Toy Guns.) I'll be joining DTT onstage for a few songs that I helped to co-write, and there will be a $5 open bar from 8-9PM. All proceeds from the show will benefit Right Rides NYC, who offers women, LGBTQ and gender queer individuals a free, safe, late night ride home on Friday and Saturday nights.

The following week, be sure to come down to see my showcase at Arlene's Grocery on October 14th at 7PM for the AMCON 2010 Management Conference. Help me show perspective managers what a beautiful family of New Yorkers I have supporting me in my art.

Finally, starting today, my song "Long Ago & Far Away" will begin airing on here on Women of Substance Radio for the next 3 months. Listen from 8-9PM(EST) everyday, and give me a 'thumbs up' when you hear the song played.

OOOh, and we're days away from announcing the release of the short film/music video for my new single, "Shine." Can you stand the excitement? I do love the fall. AAAAOOOOwwwww...what will you be for Halloween this year? :)

the last whisps....

2010-09-09T12:24:00.000-07:00

the season turns on its head. tumbling down the hill we roll into fall, and you will get a chance to come see me many times here in NYC (and the interwebs) as the leaves fall and dance together in the darkness. come celebrate autumn with me at Rockwood Music Hall on September 22nd at 10:30 PM for an intimate evening of song and dance. wear fall colors, bring skeletons, bats, baby gourds, and get there early for a spot as the venue is small. you can also catch me on October 6th at Public Assembly, and October 14th an AMCON 2010 Management Conference showcase at Arlene's Grocery. expect another webcast concert on Ustream.tv to be announced soon as well. Below you will find the last whisps of summer waiting for you...

remember mermaid lagoon? here's a beautiful review from Rena Finkel at Auxilliary Magazine to take you back to dreamland:

in attendance : The Mermaid Lagoon at House of Yes

Brooklyn NY, Saturday, July 21 – The Mermaid Lagoon, a benefit party for the Oceanic Preservation Society and the Gulf Coast cleanup efforts took place at the House of Yes in Williamsburg. The House is a school of aerial arts so full of personalities and stories that is deserves its own book, but on Saturday night it served to host a gathering of angry mermaids. The conceit of the evening was that the ocean home of these mermaids had been gravely threatened by the BP oil spill and they want it fixed. The decor worked with what it was given, an air conditioning-less warehouse crowded with trapeze artist junk. Blue fabrics were draped and twined, lights strung, and a local sculptor contributed large-scale UV reactive foam sea creatures that had an ethereal, if day-glo, effect. The bar was serving alcoholic fruit smoothies, which were reported to be perfect for the temperature indoors.

The “mermaids” of the lagoon, that is, the performers and staff, presented a broad spectrum of entertainment. The night’s opening act was Desert Sin, a non-traditional bellydance group in elaborate costume. The performance seemed to interpret the darker power of the sea, intense stares and rippling arms abounded. Then came a fire-palm dance by burlesque performer Veronica Varlow. Kai Altair, Varlow’s sister and the MC for the night explained that mermaids are famous for seductive dance and song that lures men to their doom and that this particular one was intended for the BP executives. Altair herself performed her mystical/tropical music with great warmth and enthusiasm later on that night. Other entertainment included Cassandra of Lady Circus in a breathtaking glass-walking performance inspired by the Little Mermaid, and Ali Luminescent (Coney Island’s Mermaid of the Year in 2009) on trapeze. To tickle more academic fancies, a doctor of oceanography gave a lecture both on the ramifications of the oil spill and Japanese dolphin fishing in full mermaid attire. Among other prizes, love letters from Ms. Varlow and prints of the resident oceanographer’s photography were raffled off as further fundraising.

All this was well-executed, well-planned, and interspersed with a DJ and dance floor. In terms of value, a science lecture, a dance performance, a dance club, and a concert in one night was more than worth it. But the real culmination of the event came at perhaps 1:30 AM, after all the performances were over. Most attendees were on the sidewalk outside of the club, which is situated in the middle of an industrial park, virtually empty on a Saturday night. While no one seemed quite ready to go home, it was simply too hot to stay indoors. Then, within a minute of the first rumble of lightning, the skies opened up to gave us a flash flood. Everyone indoors, performers included, poured out onto the street and gave up to those screaming laughing, dancing moments summer storms bring. About ten minutes into the storm, Kai Altair came out and ran to her sister who was already reveling in the downpour with her fans. She pointed to the sudden river of rainwater running down the gutter of Maujer St. and said, “Look! She heard us! It’s her, Mama Ocean!”

- Rena Finkel

"Kai Altair Modern Day Mermaid," says CBS News NY

2010-08-05T16:19:00.000-07:00

I was lucky to be interviewed this week by Kimberly Rae Miller from CBS New York for the "Best of NY" Style section. I'm proud to be representing for all the modern day faerie-mermaids out there. Read the full interview below:

By Kimberly Rae Miller

Name: Kai Altair
Borough/Neighborhood: Brooklyn/Sunset Park
Profession: Singer/songwriter, dancer, performance artist

Since launching her solo career last year, Kai Altair has already become one of New York City’s most sought after performers. Bursting onto the Brooklyn music scene with the release of her debut EP Star of The Sea, the one time opera student turned New York City stage-siren has electrified audiences with a packed performance schedule in 2010. Often seen belly-dancing barefoot on stage, Kai’s music is a timeless tale of primordial magic. Her heartfelt songs lead us happily into temptation, while exuding the strength of femininity. With her siren’s song and hypnotic videos already spanning the 7 seas, Kai’s ethereal, spellbinding voice and mystical lyrics are building a devoted international fan base. From Norway to Egypt, Oklahoma to the UK, Kai is weaving a spell that few can resist.

How would you define your personal style?

Old-time-glamour-gypsy-faerie-mermaid-chic

How would you say your style differs between your personal life and professional persona?

Day to day I tone down my over all stage-wild style. When I am performing I wear fake eye lashes, hair extensions (because all mermaid-faerie queens have VERY long hair), lots of shells and bangles, leather halter tops, feathers, and as many layers of glitter as I can coat myself with. Day to day I still hold onto a lot of that whimsical feeling, but scale it back a little. I wear lots of long colorful gypsy skirts, billowy scarves, chunky jewelry, and iridescent makeup around my eyes. On stage or off I like to feel like a storybook character to keep my creativity flowing…

Favorite item in you closet?

A custom made red velvet gypsy skirt with layers of sari fabric & red & white striped lining. It is HUGE. Yards and yards of twirly fabric.

Are there any trends that you wish would just go away already?

Suits, ties, and “power suits.” Please bring the individual back.

Favorite Five in the Five Boroughs:
ENZ’s on Second Avenue in the East Village. I have always shopped at this store when I am in the market for an awesome dress that no one else will have. The style is vintage, pin-up, old Hollywood, rockabilly awesomeness & they have lots of exclusive designs made by locals. They always take very good care of me as soon as I walk in the door. LOVE the owner.

Beacon’s Closet: well, this one’s probably obvious. Great clothes, great prices. I can always find weird stuff there thanks to all the other crazy New Yorkers that take their clothes in.

M&J Trimmings (in the garment distict) + Make Fun @ The House of Yes: This is kind of 2 in one, because they both need each other. I love to make my own clothes (or have my friends at Make Fun make them for me,) so I go to the garment district to pick out my dream fabrics, sparkles, and trims, and then head over the Make Fun. There are rows of sewing machines, supplies, and very helpful & skilled designers there who help me turn my imaginings into reality!

Ricky’s NYC: Can’t live without Ricky’s of course. Glitter, hair dye, eye lashes, cheap jewelry, bindis, body paint, and costume pieces year round. Yes please.

Jurlique in Soho: I try to use all natural and organic skin and hair care. Jurlique is the best of the best when it comes to this. All of their products come from organic wild crafted fields in Australia, and they smell and feel soooooooo good on my skin.

Sea of Love

2010-08-01T09:40:00.000-07:00

Today I send my deepest gratitude and thanks to all who attended, performed, volunteered, and donated their time and money to Mermaid Lagoon. In one evening (in a small 150 capacity venue) we were able to raise over $2,000 for the Ocean & her creatures. Under a nearly full moon surrounded by thunder clouds, we danced, sang, and pounded our hopes and dreams into the earth and sky. We remembered the things that tie us to the sea and celebrated them: the sirens' call, the friendship of dolphins, the ancient mysteries of the deep, and the salt water pumping through our veins. We ARE the ocean caught up in little bags of flesh. By saving the sea, we save ourselves.
Along with two big checks that will be sent to The Oceanic Preservation Society & The Defenders of Wildlife, we also raised a boatload of awareness across all of New York City. Time Out New York featured us in print with a big picture & write up, and Veronica Varlow made the cover of The Williamsburg Courier with an article by The Brooklyn Paper that went out to every local newspaper in the borough. Bust magazine featured us on the front page of their website, and there was even a mention in the New York Post a few days before the show. In short: everyone in New York City knew that there were mermaids gathering at the House of Yes in solidarity with the sea. The word got out that even here, in a concrete jungle of iron and steel, we will not sit idly by while the lifeblood of our planet is decimated and destroyed.

For those of you that missed the show, it was covered by The New York Examiner, with lots of beautiful photos. Also, thanks to my friend and awesome camera man Ben Cain, parts of Mermaid Lagoon were captured in HD. Enjoy, and when you watch Mamma Ocean, please sing along....

Mermaid Lagoon: a benefit for Mamma Ocean

2010-07-05T13:59:00.000-07:00

Mermaid Lagoon: A Benefit for The Oceanic Preservation Society & The Gulf Coast

Once upon a time, in a blue lagoon not so far from New York City, there lived a village full of beautiful Mermaids. Famous for their dangerous beauty and bewitching songs, these mermaids were known the world over for their charms and talents used for pulling sailors to their doom beneath the waves. Legend tells that for one night in the deep of summer their lagoon is safe for mortal travelers. They ask only that you make an offering to The Sea, and dance with them...

On Saturday, July 24th, an alluring and eclectic group of all-female performers will come together for one night only at The House of Yes for the "Mermaid Lagoon" ocean benefit. Funds will go directly to The Oceanic Preservation Society (creators of the Oscar winning documentary "The Cove”) and to Gulf Coast clean-up efforts.

Kai Altair will perform songs from her solo EP release: Star of The Sea, and the night will also include spellbinding performances by burlesque beauty Veronica Varlow, Ali Luminescent (Coney Island's Best Mermaid 2009), haunting theatrical dance by Desert Sin, and sea-themed aerial & fire, and glass walking performances by members of Lady Circus. The evening will feature a bio-luminescent lagoon full of bellydancing mermaids and handmade tropical drinks, with DJ Joey Nova spinning a special cocktail of new wave and electro-bellydance all night long.

Those who cannot attend are encouraged to send donations HERE.

Donations over $10 will receive 5 tickets to the night's raffle.**

Date:
Saturday, July 24, 2010
9PM
ALL AGES

Venue:
The House of Yes
342 Maujer St.
Brooklyn, NY
Subway: Take the L Train to Grand St.

Performers:
Kai Altair
Veronica Varlow
Lady Circus
Desert Sin
Luminescent Underwater Life Installations by Gregory Skolozdra

Music by Joey Nova

Tropical Mixology by Love Girl

Dress: Sea Siren, Pirate, Glow-fish, Water Nymph, Sea Captain, Dolphin

Tickets: $15/advance $20/door: Buy Tickets

**Mysterious & Fabulous Raffle Prizes to be announced shortly.
**Mermaid Lagoon is not affiliated in any manner with the Oceanic Preservation Society or any of its programs, projects or websites.

Almost Summer at Coney Island:

2010-06-06T11:45:00.001-07:00

The heat is here, and the sea is calling. I went down to Coney Island to shoot a new set of photos with photographer Zina Brown last weekend, and I've been shining up my mermaid scales for the Coney Island Mermaid Parade on June 19th! I am also gathering a wild group of glimmery performers & sea creatures for a "Mermaid Lagoon" ocean benefit on Saturday, July 24th at The House of Yes. It's summer, and time to give some love to the waters. I hope you will all come out in your finest sea-faerie glow gear to support our Mamma Ocean.

Here She Comes (Star Nation Mix)

2010-06-01T14:20:00.001-07:00

You can now find a new remix of "Here She Comes" here on my Bandcamp Site by Dead Til Tuesday. This one's called the Star Nation mix -- inspired by the beeps, whirls, and other sounds you hear flying through the cosmos. . .

Happy June my loves...if you live near the sea or a big field, take this song there with you at night, and look up.

Sunken Treasure

2010-05-20T07:45:00.000-07:00

More Sunken Treasure has arrived on KaiAltair.com. Many of you have asked when the jewelry would be coming, and the day is here! I am proud to introduce my good friend (and member of my NYC dream-family) Sarah Sparkles, and her beautiful jewelry line: One of a Kind Creations. I have hand picked and commissioned pieces especially for all of you to wear for glamour, inspiration, protection, and connection to your deepest dreaming. Each piece is created with magical intention, and all are completely one of a kind. I wear one of Sparkles' pieces almost everyday, and always feel glamorous and magical all at once when I am in one of her One of a Kind Creations. I hope that you will join me in my obsession, and enjoy wearing this sparkling mermaid & faerie bling!

May: Behind The Scenes

2010-05-04T07:44:00.001-07:00

May is here, and I am tinkering away in my workshop with friends, faeries, and co-conspirators in behind the scenes world. By month's end I hope to have lots of new sites and sounds around here for all of you. New music, videos, photos, and live shows are all in the works. I hope you will all bear with me, as May will probably not include any live shows, but you never know, things turn up that I can't turn down all the time.

Below you will find a screen shot of my sister Veronica Varlow in the short film/music video "The Hidden Sister." I was on hand last week for the filming, and was totally mesmerized by her spellbinding performance. I don't want to give away the film, but I am happy to share this little snippet of beauty with you:

Today I will be heading over to Joe Pepitone's studio to work on songs for the single. Joe is an old friend of mine from the Circles for Hearts/The Switch days, and he will be working to help me put the final sparkles in place before mix down. I thought you might all be interested to know that he just released a new EP called What's That Sound?. I wrote 2 of the songs for it with him ("Trini" & "Driving Ferraris,")and I know you will love the entire recording.You can buy it here,and find out more about Joe and his project Dead Til Tuesday here.

Finally, I would just like to add a small note of celebration to this post: There are now over 100 members sailing together on the Ship of Dreams Fan Forum! I am so happy to be able to share cyber-space with such a cool crowd of dreamers, and I am sure that you will be too. So if you aren't already, please come aboard!

Music Video/Short Film Magick

2010-04-08T06:26:00.000-07:00

I had an amazing time on the set of Director Zina Brown's new short film "The Hidden Sister" this weekend. The film is also going to double as a new music video for my latest single, "Shine." I did my work of writing & recording the song before the shoot, and got to relax and watch the movie magick happen at The House of Yes on Sunday. I am used to being the one painted and panting for the camera, but this time it was 5 talented Goddesses from all corners of NYC's performance world. Seeing such insane talent perform to my music was a waking dream. From Lady C dancing like Kali on fire, to Sera Solstice sliding like a snake to my new beats, I could not get over the fact that the song I had toiled on all week was now inspiring these beautiful performances in front of the camera.

I want to thank the fantastic production team that came together to shoot and create everything in one day. From cameras & lighting to the huge hair & make up team, we all got along like a happy family, and actually wrapped on time! I can't wait to share this latest creation with the world. I feel like I say this all the time, but the artists in my life really are the best in the world. You are the reason that I moved to NYC. You remind me everyday that I am totally living the dream.

Ali Luminescent: Earth

Anya Sapozhnikova: Air

Nicotine: Ice

Coming Soon: Mystic Charms are here! Next week you will be able to purchase mermaid and faerie bling created by the ever sparkling Sarah Sparkles in the Sunken Treasure section of this site.
Also, don't forget about my show next Friday, April 16th @ The Red Lotus Room. I'll be performing with Vivi & Angelys as well as a new line up of musicians for the evening. Can't wait to see you there. . .

Spring Spell. . .

2010-03-23T06:14:00.000-07:00

I am watching the magnolia tree in my back yard wake from it's winter slumber, as I work long hours on a new song for Director Zina Brown's short film debut. You all know Zina's work from my music videos for "Here She Comes", and "Marilyn," and now you will know him for the bewitching spectacle that he is about to shoot in 2 weeks at the House of Yes. He tells me that the film will actually be a spell performed for the cameras by a cast of talented, beautiful, nymph-like women including: Sera Solstice, Ali Luminescent, Anya Sapozhnikova, Abby Hertz, and Nicotine.

For my part, I have written a new song called "Shine" that will be released along with the film, and feature vocals, and voice overs by my sister Veronica Varlow. I am once again honored to be a part of another group effort with the creative magicians in my life, and I am especially excited to share some new music with all of you! I promise to leak out some other demos and other little treats for you as the weather warms, I have been doing lots of writing.

Upcoming in Spring: Artist benefit @ Red Lotus room April 16, Variety Show @ The Players Theatre in May, "Mermaid Lagoon" Ocean Benefit, new single: "Shine," Performances with Veronica Varolow, Dead Till Tuesday, Solstice Dance Ensemble, and more.

Sending spring faeries, and wishes come true to all of you. . .

How I Won Over The Queen of The Underbelly:

2010-03-08T08:14:00.000-08:00

The Wonderneath has come to an end, and I give you this final gift from the other world. Today I am scratching my way back to the surface of "real life," but there is still a part of my heart beneath the city streets among the crystals and the Pixie Steam Rats. I send up a little wish to the sky that we will bring The Wonderneath to other venues sometime very soon. There are lots and lots of people who still want to come away with us to dreamland...we have not vanished into the mist forever. Or should I say, steam?

Double click to watch large in full HD.

Enter The Wonderneath

2010-03-05T13:31:00.000-08:00

With the weekend sold out, and only 3 shows to go, I thought that I would share a few of my favorite pictures from The Wonderneath so far. I promise to add a proper Wonderneath section to the photo section of the website soon, right now my head is full of flowers, fire, and sparkles. Life is a dream.

Thanks to Jeff Kravitz, J.B. Nicolas, Blake & Becca, & Gregory Skolozdra for the great shots

And then there was fire. . .

2010-02-22T06:31:00.000-08:00

This week when The Wonderneath opens, my beautiful tribe will share our creations with hundreds of people over the course of 7 crystal entrusted performances. Armed with little more than glue guns, determination, and the timeless tale of the hero's journey, we have brought forth an offering from The Dreaming that will transport and bewitch you.

I am so, so happy to be working with my dear friend, and fellow mermaid Ali Luminescent. Her vision of The Wonderneath has allowed me to perform with people from every corner of my creative world. From fire, to aerial, to silly pixie hoola hoop, I have been inspired to a new height of fantasy and imagination. The excitement of collaborating with so many talented performers and makers is beyond description. I have never enjoyed a sewing machine so much, or talking long hours into the night about what it would really be like to fall into the underworld.

So when the curtain rises on us in all of our CRYSTALIZED (TM) glory on Friday, know that you are getting to see a little piece of my heart made real. The Wonderneath is an ancient tale retold for our time, and it is my story as much as it is Alice's (or in this case "Hailey's.") I have fallen into the dream of living as an artist and creator in the magickal land of New York City with the most extraordinary people in the world, and I am never ever going to wake up.

Buy your tickets here NOW!!

AaaaaOOOOoooooo

2010-02-16T18:28:00.000-08:00

Thank you to everyone who came out to the show this weekend. It was a great crowd, and lots of fun. Here's a little treat if you missed it! Double click to watch large in full HD.

Sparkling Swarovski Winter Tea

2010-02-08T16:52:00.000-08:00

Winter goes on and on, so the faeries of NYC keep an enchanted garden called The House of Collection to keep us warm through the dark-cold times. They welcomed The Wonderneath for a High Tea fund raiser on Sunday, and we were whisked away to a lavender scented dream land of hibiscus tea, fresh flowers, and dreamy melodies. We sat in the rainbows cast by a group of dangling Swarovski crystals that will soon decorate our costumes and sets by the thousand.

We have been dancing, and flying, and singing, our hearts out over at The House of Yes, and soon, thanks to Swarovski Crystal Crystallized(TM) - Swarovski Elements:

Everything. Will. Sparkle.

I've gotten a little taste of the circus over the past few weeks, and I have to say...it's delicious.

Sweet Sister. . .

2010-01-26T07:05:00.001-08:00

Dear Veronica,

Today you will get on a plane to London, and walk a winding path across the globe. Your travels will lead you down ancient walkways, and over babbling rivers whispering tales from the past. They will all remember you, and call out to you as you pass by them, for within your body, you carry the spirit of a divine Goddess of Old. The people who meet you will see your light, and be touched by the love that you offer to them. The oceans will roar in greeting to you, and the trees will bow in reverence as you pass beneath them. And I will keep the home fires burning for you my love. I am so proud of you, and the dreams that you are bringing through to the waking world. I remember the promise that is already being fulfilled. . . and so today I am not so sad to see you go. Today you fly into the sky to meet destiny. When you come back to me the dreams will be even stronger than before, and the spirits will speak even louder. The world is waiting. Go give it to them.

For all time, in all worlds,
Kai

Tonight: We almost burnt my building down.

2010-01-24T20:30:00.000-08:00

I am happy to report that my apartment is still standing after Vivi, Angelis and I scorched the floors with our shimmies. Today was our first rehearsal together, and the room was on fire. We slithered like snakes, howled like wolves, and moved like a single unit of wild, coiling energy. All of those hours spent at Solstice Studios is already paying off, and the world had better look out when we perform for the first time at Galapagos on Friday, February 12th. If you haven't bought your tickets yet, get them now. You can get them here. We will be performing at the after party of "Sex Crimes Cabaret," so start your Valentine's weekend right and come dance with us. We promise to sprinkle our special brand of Triple-Goddess-Pixie-Dust on you for luck and love. . .

All Aboard The Ship of Dreams!!!

2010-01-18T12:07:00.000-08:00

Welcome aboard The Ship of Dreams. You are about to embark on a grand adventure with me past the stars, and beyond the seas, are you ready? You are joining me at the very start of a journey that I am creating through music, words, and images that will be shared with all of the world before long. The tide is high, and there is a wind from the stars filling our sails. The spirits are whispering off the starboard bow, and I am ready at the helm to steer our ship into the great beyond. Let's cast off, and find the things that are waiting for us. . .

I am so proud to announce the launch of KaiAltair.com today, a liminal world beyond time and space. Here people from all over the planet can dream, connect, and take part in a land of music, imagination, and desire. KaiAltair.com will be an ever shifting reality for you to come to over and over again to experience. So, take a look around, and enjoy the view!

While you are here, please be sure to take advantage of the FREE DOWNLOAD of my single "Here She Comes," sign my mailing list, and check out the Ship of Dreams Fan Forum. There are also fan-made banners to download, and T-Shirts for sale. Finally, if you haven't done it yet, BUY Star of The Sea, turn your stereo up and dance!

From my heart to yours,
Kai

Winter Wonder. . .

2010-01-08T14:46:00.001-08:00

Winter is looking just beautiful here in Kai-land.

Snow keeps on coming to us here in Brooklyn, but I am snug as a bug in a new winter coat with new winter dreams.

I will have the opportunity in the next 2 months to dance, sing, and make magick with my crazy-talented NYC family all over town, so don't miss us!!

First off, I will be dancing in "Sex Crimes Cabaret" for one night only at Galapagos Art Space in DUMBO. Not only that, but I will be performing 2 of my songs at the aftershow party with my two new backup dancers Vivi & Angelis. We plan on melting you straight to the floor, so bring something to mop yourself up with when we are done. Here's a link to the event.

Second, I am SOOOO excited to announce that I have been asked to star in an amazing new production called "The Wonderneath" created by my good friend Ali Luminescent from Lady Circus. I will be playing an "Alice-like" character in this musical-circus-theatre piece placed in 1920’s New York City. Drawing inspiration from stories such as “Narnia,” “Alice in Wonderland,” and “The Labrynth,” “The Wonderneath” is a triumphant tale pushing the boundaries of creation and circus skills to complete a story of curiosity, exploration, and possibility. “The Wonderneath” explores the layer rumbling below the surface where steam energy is seeping through granite and crystal, creating a dimension where all that is wondered comes to be.

So, my question to you is: What do you wonder???

7 nights of "Sex Crimes Cabaret"

2009-12-15T00:09:00.000-08:00

I had an amazing time dancing with Sarah Sparkles in the sexy, multimedia extravaganza "Sex Crimes Cabaret." The brain child of the genius, beautiful, and groundbreaking L. Gabrielle Penabaz, "Scrimes" was an utter success. I am very proud to have been a part of a project which infused the audience with sexy images, while teaching them about the history of laws that have been made against sexuality between 2 consenting adults (interracial marriage, sex toys, certain sexual positions, and "obscenity" to name a few.) Gabrielle told the audience at the end of the night, "If you leave here with anything tonight, I want you to know that all of you are beautiful, and absolutely fuckable." Amen. Enjoy some photos and a review below!

13 Moons: a dream come true . . .

2009-11-16T10:03:00.000-08:00

On Friday night, under a full moon of love & spirit, I was joined by the most talented performers and creators in NYC to celebrate the release of Star of The Sea. My thanks to all of them, The House of Yes, and the 100+ people who braved the wind and rain to join in the magick!

More photos of the evening!

"Star of The Sea" available for International Download!!!

2009-10-31T11:11:00.000-07:00

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!! I am so happy to announce the release of Star of The Sea today. After a year of dreaming, creation and hard work, it is finally here. You will be able to find my debut EP at iTunes, Amazon, Rhapsody, LaLa, Napster, and a few other locations if you poke around the web.

Tonight I will celebrating with the spirits. As the Pleiades rise over head I will thank my ancestors and the Great Shining Ones of antiquity for bringing me to this lifetime, and this music. I am living my dreams everyday as I follow my heart path, and I am blessed to share it with all of you.

I want to celebrate with YOU in 2 weeks on Friday the 13th at The House of Yes with all of my friends and family.

As you can see by the flyer, this is going to be quite the night. I will be joined onstage by some of the most magickal and alluring sirens & magicians in NYC, and we have lots of treats in store for all of you.

Enjoy Star of The Sea tonight, and dance the Spirit Dance.

From my heart to yours,
Kai

Kai Altair composes 3 original songs for Award winning Feature Film!!!

2009-10-23T21:55:00.000-07:00

Come to see EXPOSED this weekend, and hear 3 new songs that I composed for the score with film composer Micheal Pflug. It just won "Best Feature" at the NY International Film & Video Festival, and I am honored to have the position of "exit music for a film" for the amazing director Burke Heffner. Come see our names 5 feet across on the screen, and listen to me sing during the love scene. . .

Kai Altair: The Divine Feminine in 24/7 Paper!!

2009-10-01T19:47:00.000-07:00

Thank you to Meredith @ 24/7 for the gorgeous profile! I am happy to share it with all of you!

You will find the article on newsstands tomorrow in The Williamsburg Currier. Run out and get your copies!!

Kai Altiar: The Divine Feminine