Sasha Dees and Philip Powel started working together in 1998. Marcel Haug, programmer Nighttown in Rotterdam, initiated the monthly literary cross-over evening "CrimeJazz". Production and local programming was done by Philip and Deniz Alpay and international programming by Sasha. The Nighttown series stopped in 2001.

Philip and Sasha decided to continue the CrimeJazz  program indepently and founded the not for profit organisation CrimeJazz.  In 2003 they strengthen their fruitful collaboration to produce "Black Soil Hip Hop Film Festival" the first Hip Hop Film Festival in Europe. An annual film festival in Rotterdam and Amsterdam that showcases Hip Hop oriented features, short films, animations and documentaries. They founded the non-profit organisation Black Soil, they were co-directors of both organisations.

Due to the success of CrimeJazz and Black Soil, they were approached by various international parties to be involved in a wide range of interesting projects and ideas. Projects and ideas that fit their vision and audience but where outside the literature and cinema arena.

With the possibility to expand their portfolio considerably, they reorganised and continue their activities as of 2006 out of one organization named "John106" for all art and cultural disciplines. John106 has an international focus.

John106 productions/events included CrimeJazz words poetry & beyond (1998 -2008), Black Soil Festival (2003-2008), DistrictQ exhibition series; Alliance Sociale for the creative industry, Project 7002, Straight Up Jazz, OAZO-AIR (2010-2014) and many ad hoc international programs and events for third parties (festivals, venues, etc.).

Still running are Revolution in B Minor and House of Vinyard.

Next to John106, Powel is the co-owner of B IRD in Rotterdam that opened October 2011, Dees is also consulting for.