Saturday October 5, 2024
By the People, For the People.
Wiz and Gavin’s video “Locals” captures their time together causing a ruckus down in Puerto Rico. Egg sat down with them to chat about the project, their relationship, and perspective on training. Egg: Congrats on the project! I was lucky enough to see it a good minute ago when you first sent it to David. […]
A conversation with David Witchell (@david_witchell_dop) hosted by Egg Klickstein (@klickstein) Egg: To kick things off, I want to ask a bit about the origins of this idea. I think you said in the video that you’ve been wanting to do something like this for close to 10 years. David: I started training in Horsham […]
The Commons reached out for me to snag an interview with Trev to go up with his new video part. Out of all the interviews I’ve done so far, this somehow felt both super natural and a bit strange. I’ve been close friends and roommates with Trev for years, and I really wanted to make sure my prior knowledge of him wouldn’t get in the way of properly highlighting his talents as a movement artist. Trev is one of my favorite movers, and a big inspiration for moving in a way that feels authentic and unique. It’s my hope that our chat gives some solid inside into his thought process.
Unbroken is a raw, vulnerable examination of the inevitable end of every parkour athlete’s journey. Through Bryce and Josh’s potent storytelling, we are introduced to Basilio “Quiet” Montilla and Deyvid “Wolf” Garcia; two of the New York parkour community’s favorite sons, and its most significant losses in recent memory. This film approaches the very real struggle of grief and the acceptance of death with gratitude for the life lived, and an eye toward the future.
Born in Boston, The Commons is a grassroots publishing company, event organizer, and community leader. Through hosting events, uplifting local communities, and providing opportunities for athletes and artists we are working to spread authentic parkour culture and put American parkour on the map. Being a community project means that anybody and everybody can contribute to […]
Marquis: That Ender… holy fuck. I found that ender back in October of 23. What I first spotted didn’t even end up being the final product. There’s a setup right next to it with a flat wall to push off of, as opposed to the pillar. That’s where I was going to do it but Noah had the idea for me to do it off the pillar instead, where there’s more risk and a harder surface to push off of. In my heart I was like, yeah, if you’re gonna do it, you might as well fucking do it. If you’re gonna push yourself, then push yourself to the limit. Don’t push yourself to 85% you know.
Come train! The best way to get involved is to come out and train! We try to host community sessions every week and mini-jams regularly. Follow our Instagram page @thecommons.boston or join our discord to get the when and where. Work with us The Commons is always looking for new athletes and artists to work […]
Join or Die returns for a glorious sixth iteration. Spot mod, street comps, live music, community bazaar, film screening, workshops, discussion circles. JOD is the premiere USA parkour event, and this one is bigger than ever.
On a cold February Friday I spoke with Niko Selski for the first time. Perhaps better known by their moniker online, @lowertownlavender, Niko has made a name for themself across the parkour community through their unique and expressive art style, and their intuitive movement skill alongside the other members of Norf. Niko’s work as an […]
“Jams have always been about connection. With friends new and old, with greater influences outside of your normal routines/training and with places you’d never have the context to visit on your own.” David Ehrlich, one of the founding fathers of The Commons, summed up what it means to be at a jam. It doesn’t revolve around your training and the clips you get; it’s about exploring the community and what parkour can be.
VIP MEGAPASS TM
VIP’s get all sorts of funky perks! On check in you will get a T-shirt, event patch, raffle ticket, and a voucher for a free spin on the Wheel of Death. You’ll also get to eat David’s home cooking and dessert from the JOD moms! We really appreciate your support and we’re sure that you’ll have the time of your life.
JOE SCHMOE REGULAR TICKET
This ticket gets you access to all jam events! Our DIY buildout on Friday, the film screening, afterparty, workshops, competitions, and discussion circle.
THE EARLY WORM (CLOSES AUG 25)
Just like the Joe Schmoe Regular, but you’re responsible.
THURSDAY – Capitol Theatre, Arlington MA
8:00PM Free screening of Commons + community projects & JODV documentary by Sen Schwartz
FRIDAY – Smith Park, Allston MA
10:00AM Check-in begins
12:30PM Femmes and Thems warm up and jam
2:00PM Open training on DIY setup, community bazaar, outdoor music
5:30PM Dinner is served
7:30PM Group clean up and setup for discussion circle
8:00PM Discussion circle
10:00PM End of Friday Events and announcements for Saturday
SATURDAY – Horace Mann School
12:00PM Open training on spot-mod setup
3:30PM Rat City Clash street competition begins
5:30PM Rat King and Rat Queen are crowned, group clean up
7:30PM Film Screening starts at Capitol Theatre, in Arlington MA.
11:00PM After party starts at 99R Franklin St. Allston MA. FREE PIZZA + DRINKS
SUNDAY – Harvard Kent Elementary
12:00PM Meet/train at Harvard Kent Elementary
2:30PM Workshop #1
3:30PM Workshop #2
4:30PM Transitions mini-comp
6:00PM Close out event and transition to post-jam food spot
Check out last years event below!
The best way to get involved is to come out and train! We try to host community sessions every week and mini-jams regularly. Follow our Instagram page @thecommons.boston or join our discord to get the when and where.
The Commons is always looking for new athletes and artists to work with us. Got a project that fits on our site? Send a line to alec@thecommons.boston or david@thecommons.boston or shoot us a DM on socials @thecommons.boston.
As a community based project, we include anybody who wants to help. We always need people to help organize community sessions, scout spots, and film. When it comes to jam time, there are an infinite amount of tasks to do, and our large events couldn’t happen without our amazing volunteer team.
Any financial contributions are deeply appreciated, and go right back into the parkour community by improving our events, paying our team, or paying artists that display at our events. Our brand has deep connections in the parkour scene, and our content reaches all across the globe. We are mainly looking to partner with local small businesses, but are open to other options.
Born in Boston, The Commons is a grassroots publishing company, event organizer, and community leader. Through hosting events, uplifting local communities, and providing opportunities for athletes and artists we are working to spread authentic parkour culture and put American parkour on the map.
Being a community project means that anybody and everybody can contribute to the cause, but here are some of the people that keep the wheels turning:
Everybody loves David. David Ehrlich is the founder, heart, and soul of The Commons. He preaches radical inclusivity, and has a special gift for bringing people together. As our primary community and event coordinator, David’s job is to create community events, do outreach, and make sure that The Commons provides safe and fun spaces for all.
Joining The Commons soon after it’s inception; Alec is the guy who makes things happen. He’s the creative director by day, web developer by night, park builder by the next day, and event coordinator after that… Alec seems to be everywhere all at once.
We are constantly honored that Noah chooses to work with us and believes in our vision. He is a filmmaker, visionary, and critic. He holds The Commons to a high standard, and always has something insightful to say.
Connor is far and away the most talented mover out of any of us, and is also a genius photographer, videographer, and graphic designer. Connor has a hand in almost every piece of content that The Commons puts out in one way or another.
Before The Commons, before Instagram, and maybe before you were born, Dylan Polin was putting Boston on the map in the parkour scene. Dylan is a pillar of the North American parkour community, a lifelong friend, a valued advisor, and eager contributor to The Commons.
Yaron is an artist, designer, and dreamer. He is a designer and brand consultant with The Commons, and is always bringing us fresh ideas, professional polish, and warm friendship.
Chances are, you already know Naomi; and she already considers you a close friend. Naomi is a social marvel, and can single handedly put us in touch with almost anybody in the parkour community. Naomi is also responsible for lots of our promotional material, especially the skits! Expect to see lots more filming and editing from Naomi in the coming months.
On a cold February Friday I spoke with Niko Selski for the first time. Perhaps better known by their moniker online, @lowertownlavender, Niko has made a name for themself across the parkour community through their unique and expressive art style, and their intuitive movement skill alongside the other members of Norf. Niko’s work as an […]
“Jams have always been about connection. With friends new and old, with greater influences outside of your normal routines/training and with places you’d never have the context to visit on your own.” David Ehrlich, one of the founding fathers of The Commons, summed up what it means to be at a jam. It doesn’t revolve around your training and the clips you get; it’s about exploring the community and what parkour can be.
Wiz and Gavin’s video “Locals” captures their time together causing a ruckus down in Puerto Rico. Egg sat down with them to chat about the project, their relationship, and perspective on training. Egg: Congrats on the project! I was lucky enough to see it a good minute ago when you first sent it to David. […]
Marquis: That Ender… holy fuck. I found that ender back in October of 23. What I first spotted didn’t even end up being the final product. There’s a setup right next to it with a flat wall to push off of, as opposed to the pillar. That’s where I was going to do it but Noah had the idea for me to do it off the pillar instead, where there’s more risk and a harder surface to push off of. In my heart I was like, yeah, if you’re gonna do it, you might as well fucking do it. If you’re gonna push yourself, then push yourself to the limit. Don’t push yourself to 85% you know.
“Me, Ross, and Egg looked at this as more business than pleasure this time. We’ve had so much fun together, but we wanted to see what we could make if we really pushed this. Training was on the schedule just like our day jobs. Egg, Ross, Ezra, Leo, Trevor— I may have suffered doing the tricks, but they suffered filming me too. Filming was almost harder than the tricks most days, and you could probably say the same for the edit. We all put ourselves through hell to work on this, and it sucked in the moment, but we aren’t gonna grow if we’re comfortable. We gotta slog through the mud and see what we can get done.”
In the spirit of Megan’s statement about the importance of role models, 15% of Boundless’ proceeds will go to the Hope Kids Foundation to help other kids with life threatening illnesses.
A conversation with David Witchell (@david_witchell_dop) hosted by Egg Klickstein (@klickstein) Egg: To kick things off, I want to ask a bit about the origins of this idea. I think you said in the video that you’ve been wanting to do something like this for close to 10 years. David: I started training in Horsham […]
The Commons reached out for me to snag an interview with Trev to go up with his new video part. Out of all the interviews I’ve done so far, this somehow felt both super natural and a bit strange. I’ve been close friends and roommates with Trev for years, and I really wanted to make sure my prior knowledge of him wouldn’t get in the way of properly highlighting his talents as a movement artist. Trev is one of my favorite movers, and a big inspiration for moving in a way that feels authentic and unique. It’s my hope that our chat gives some solid inside into his thought process.
A conversation with Kevin Franzen (@kevinfranzen01) and Matt McCreary (@matt_mccreary1), hosted by Egg Klickstein (@klickstein) Egg: Thanks so much for making time to chat with me today, and congratulations on making such a lovely piece of art! I want to kick things off by asking how long you two have known each other? Matt: I’m […]
A conversation with Ezra Schroer (@ezzyschroer), written by Egg Klickstein (@klickstein) Egg: Congratulations on all of your hard work, this project is really something to be proud of. As a mover who seems to really prioritize play, how did it feel to work on such a focused project with dedicated filmmakers? Ezra: Well, for me, […]
Unbroken is a raw, vulnerable examination of the inevitable end of every parkour athlete’s journey. Through Bryce and Josh’s potent storytelling, we are introduced to Basilio “Quiet” Montilla and Deyvid “Wolf” Garcia; two of the New York parkour community’s favorite sons, and its most significant losses in recent memory. This film approaches the very real struggle of grief and the acceptance of death with gratitude for the life lived, and an eye toward the future.
The concept I play with in Golden is self expression. With Red it was like having that red hair. Having control over your hair you can control how people perceive you, and how you want to be perceived. I really felt like that video was me, in that time period anyway. Being able to have the red hair made me feel more like me. The concept for Golden was to able to shave it all off and to still be able to be who I am without showing it on the outside.
A Conversation with Chris Roff and Ritto, hosted by Egg: In anticipation for the release of Maven, I sat down with Chris (@freethemotion) and Ritto (@whyburrito) to chat about their approach to movement, the process of making the video, and the training dynamic the two of them share. Egg: How are you guys? How’s the […]
Podi Boys have blast back into the scene with a new edit! After a four year hiatus they present Pisssss Triscuit! A jaw dropping video filled with amazing movement in a style unique to the Podi Boys. They went all out on the production of the B-roll actually creating a box of piss triscuits, making a commercial for it, turning Rairs part into a sitcom intro, and so much more. It’s a far more chaotic edit than Podi has done in the past, which shows a side of Podi everyone deserves.
While the dynamic duo Josh Malone and Leo Rosenbaier gallivanted and nogoodnik’d around the EU, they filmed their escapades for our collective benefit. Bite Fight is a beautifully recorded romp told through the lens of Leo and Josh’s mastery of self-expression via parkour.
Parkour for me, is a grounding practice; when I say this, there are a couple of layers. First, the movement connects me to myself, and the vessel that I occupy. Second, it connects me to the space in which I exist and move. And third, it connects me to other people, and that is beautiful.
Norf falls into the category of “your favorite freerunner’s favorite freerunners.” Though they haven’t found social media notoriety; They are deeply respected in the core community for their creativity, filmmaking, and attention to detail. The movement across the team is diverse, but centers on memorable spot choice and inventive spot use.
Norf also garners attention for their online “critiques” — to put it diplomatically. They are save-your-clips warriors, educated critics, and occasional hooligans. For better or worse — we think for better — they are standing up against toxic positivity, Instagram e-waste, and brazen incompetence.
Area code 413 (LATA code 126) is a telephone area code in the North American Numbering Plan (NANP) for the western third of Massachusetts. This solo piece by Connor Pennington was filmed over three days during a trip home to the 413 with the intent of combining movement and photography.