Austin360 blogs > Almost Urban > Archives > 2007 > February > 01
Thursday, February 1, 2007
Bob Marley’s birthday, swanky jazz, and New Jack Swing
Bob Marley’s Birthday Bash at Flamingo Cantina
All hail Robert Nesta Marley, in my humble opinion, one of the most important musical innovators of the past century. Every year on his birthday Flamingo Cantina gathers all-stars of the local reggae scene to celebrate. The band plays as Shantytown Underground and has an exceptional roster including members of Afro-Freque, Tribal Nation, the Killer Bees and the phenomenal D Madness. The theme for the Saturday evening show will be Marley jams all night long with a special focus on the “Exodus” era. Between sets, DJ Manny will be dropping remixes, and tasty Caribbean grub will be for sale in the back. Irie, mon. $10
Also worth checking:
Friday: New Jack Swing benefit at Ruta Maya. Bust out the old Adidas track suit and shine up your chunky gold chains: It’s a throwback hip-hop party at Ruta Maya! If you fondly recall the early days of “In Living Color” and “Yo, MTV Raps!” this party is for you. With the 3-Deep DJ crew working four turntables and visuals from Proyector, the spot should be hoppin’. Golden era hip-hop attire is highly encouraged, so set your inner Fly Girl, Beastie Boy or Sugar Hill dude free. $5 (benefitting Cimarron Youth Building Community)
Friday: Ephraim Owens Trio at Lambert’s. Sure, I won’t be at this gig (your girl’s a vegetarian), but for my carnivorous friends, an evening of steak and jazz at this swanky new upscale chop house might be right up your alley. Jazz scene fixture Ephraim Owens has roamed the clubs, trumpet in hand, dropping in on sets all over town for more than a decade. For this gig, he brings his own trio.
Saturday: Ring the Alarm at Copa. While there are no specific plans to honor the man, no doubt plenty of Marley tracks will also be on the decks at Austin’s premier Caribbean dance party. Selectas Baby G, Jah Flex and Jah Mighty will be manning the sound system in the hot and heavy main room downstairs, while couples spin through the salsa lounge on the second floor. $7
Sunday: Brannen Temple at the Elephant Room. There’s a story about Brannen Temple that’s practically Austin jazz folklore. He was once hired as a touring drummer for Janet Jackson, only to walk away from the steady money-making opportunity over creative differences with the musical director. Integrity intact, Temple’s remained a heavy hitter on the Austin scene for years. Cool out at the end of the weekend with a set from the drummer and his ensemble in Austin’s low-key, yet classy jazz cellar, the Elephant Room. (Cover unspecified, but it’s probably minimal)
