Austin360 blogs > Almost Urban > Archives > 2007 > February
February 2007
No wristband? No worries
Scion presents Rakim and Ghostface at Stubb’s BBQ on Saturday, March 17.
Austin Daze presents Antibalas at Ruta Maya on Thursday, March 15.
IHeartComix, Viva La Rock and Triple 5 Soul present Diplo, A Trak, The Federation and more at Blue Genie (on the eastside) on Saturday, March 17.
Other than fantastic artists, what do these three shows have in common? They’re all SXSW side parties that don’t require credentials! We have information on how to RSVP to these parties and many, many more in our SXSW side party directory. Our list grows longer every day. All parties are now alphabetized by promoter and browsable by day to make it easier to figure out where to get your free tacos, cocktails and groove on during the SXSW Music Festival even if you’re a lowly member of the wristband-less masses.
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Free Big Daddy Kane tomorrow night
Scion’s metro shows return to Austin tomorrow night with Big Daddy Kane playing a free show at the Parish backed by a live band. If you don’t know the drill, these Scion shows require an online RSVP which does not guarantee entry to the show. The last time Big Daddy Kane came through town the club packed to capacity before 10:30 p.m., so if you’re planning to attend, show up early. The RSVP closes at 5 p.m. tomorrow.
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Weekend picks: Holla at Breakmaster 2DQ, DJ Babu, flapper fantasies and more
UPDATE: The Beat will begin broadcasting on the frequency 104.9 FM beginning on Monday, February 26.
Yesterday, Austin360 reported that one of our city’s two commercial hip-hop stations, The Beat 104.3 was going off the air. I took a moment to say farewell and shout out my favorite Beat DJ, 2DQ, in this blog. 2DQ was my fave at the Beat for a couple reasons. First off, his low-key delivery style and mild-mannered self-depreciating humor always struck me as a refreshing contrast to so many over-the-top radio “personalities” that rule the airwaves today. He made me laugh. Secondly, his “5 o’clock Beatdowns” were frequently the jam! Classic hip-hop mashed up against 80s pop and guilty-pleasure boy-band tracks in a raucous blend that made a girl move.
This morning I discovered a response from 2D in the Almost Urban e-mail box. He confirmed that at this point no one, not even the DJs, knows what’s going to happen to the Beat beyond the fact that come Monday, the station will no longer be broadcasting on 104.3 FM. “What hurts the most,” wrote 2D, “is never being able to say goodbye.” (Awww…) “I guess it’s not meant for me to say when I’m not necessarily throwing in the towel just yet,” 2D continued, “there’s still a couple of beatdowns left in this lil guy.”
Word.
Almost Urban recommends dropping by one of the Breakmaster’s gigs this weekend to holla at the boy. 2DQ will be down at Paradox Nightclub spinning hip-hop, reggaeton and cumbias Friday night. It’s Ladies’ night all night long and there’s no cover for 21 and up til midnight. Then on Saturday 2D will be down at CO-OP Bar on Sixth Street from 10:30 on. Stop in and say what’s up.
(photo courtesy of MySpace.com/dj2dq)
Also worth checking
Friday: Yadira Brown at Emo’s Lounge. You know what the ATX hip-hop scene really needs? More ladies. Almost Urban has mad love for the many talented male emcees on the Austin scene, but it’s nice to hear a female voice too every now and again. If you agree with me on this point I highly recommend dropping by Emo’s Lounge on Friday night to catch a rare set from the lovely Ms. Yadira Brown. The way her voice slides from spoken word into a poignant melody that aches with vulnerability on the chorus of the D Madness collaboration, “Where Did You Come From” tears at my heart strings every time I hear it. | Listen in 360SoundCheck
Friday: American 20s Music Series featuring the Jazz Pharoahs and more at the Elephant Room. The cool thing about the Elephant Room is that the basement club feels very much like it could be a prohibition-era hideaway for clandestine boozers, schmoozers and ne’er do wells. I expect that sensation will be greatly amplified this Friday night as Alex Coke and the Jazz Pharoahs present an evening of swing era 20s jazz. Set your inner flapper (or bootlegger) free!
Saturday: DJ Babu at the Whisky Bar. Internationally acclaimed turntablist DJ Babu, a member of both the L.A.-based hip-hop trio Dialated Peoples and the world-famous Beat Junkies DJ collective, is widely recognized as one of the greatest scratchmasters in the business. Beyond his live performance skills, Babu is also a respected producer who alongside fellow Beat Junkie J Rocc helmed the board on the explosive underground classic “Soundbombing 2” released in 1999 by Rawkus Records. Expect turntable tricks, funky grooves and more as Babu takes the stage at the Whisky Bar. TMC member Tats opens the show, and Prince Klassen holds down the back room. $6
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Bye to the Beat (again)
For the second time in three years, commercial hip-hop station the Beat 104.3 is going off the air in Austin. The station, the call letters KXBT and the radio tower have been sold to Univisión Communications, who will re-brand the station as “La Que Buena,” which will feature a Spanish-language, regional-Mexican format.
Back in 2004, you might remember, the Beat disappeared almost overnight, replaced by talk radio station KOYT which billed itself as “The Coyote.” The talk radio format lasted for less than a year before the Beat returned in early 2005 with an extensive “Make the Big Switch Back to the Beat,” campaign. For a minute it seemed the Beat was reaching beyond the bland homogenization that plagues commercial hip-hop (and commercial radio in general) with its return. The Friday afternoon “Five O’Clock Beatdown” with DJ 2DQ featured old school hip-hop, r&b and boy-band faves quick mixed together into jammin’ sets that really did help with the road rage. I looked forward to it each week. More recently, the station seemed to be slipping back into the standard 20-song playlist format that rules the commercial airwaves these days. The “Beatdown” became less about the classics and more about the same old mainstream and, quite frankly, boring. But the station did recently begin mixing more Reggaeton and dance music, which seemed like a good direction.
At this point there’s no word on whether the Beat will re-emerge on the Austin airwaves on another frequency. As far as the local hip-hop scene goes, the loss of the Beat isn’t likely to have that great of an impact. According to Bavu Blakes, ATX rapper and host of METV’s “Smooth,” the Beat and local commercial hip-hop rival station Hot 93.3 both have “limited value to what is considered a local scene.” But, Blakes added, “The Beat was the only one mixing locals in at all.”
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Free mixtape, free Bling!
Austin’s own mixtape king Rapid Ric has made his latest project, “Gerald G. is Mr. 512” available on his Web site as a free download. Go get yours! (via Mr. Blakes’ MySpace blog.)
Speaking of the Mixtape Mechanic, he’ll be down at the Parish tomorrow night with Chingo Bling, Dru Fay and the Whut It Dew Fam for METV’s Smash Hip-hop showcase. The show is free, but an RSVP is required.
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Urban Music Fest ‘07: ‘Black Diamonds’ and ‘Candy’
Austin’s Urban Music Festival is back! Following the success of last year’s festival which featured Chaka Khan as a headliner, this year, the event has been extended for a second day. Scheduled to coincide with the 80th running of the Texas Relays, the Urban Music Festival will take place on April 6 and 7. On Friday the vibe will be straight neo-soul with the “Black Diamond” herself, heartbreak specialist (and D’Angelo’s baby mama) Angie Stone headlining. In addition, the excellent Motor City crooner Dwele will be on the bill along with Kindred and the Family Soul, Mookie Jones and more.
On Saturday the fest will rock it in the pocket with classic funk with the legendary O’Jays, Cameo and more. In addition there will be arts and crafts vendors on site throughout the weekend and the festival has added a children’s area. Children ages 12 and younger get in free when accompanied by an adult. Tickets for the festival are $30 for a Friday pass, $40 for a Saturday pass and $60 for a 2-day pass (though the Web site still lists the $45 early-bird price). The festival offers a couple different levels of VIP admission, and group pricing is available for groups of 12 or more, so bring your posse!
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Weekend picks: Whisky Bar turns six (and serves free drinks!), global grooves and more
Happy anniversary Whisky Bar!
It’s been six years since the Whisky Bar opened its doors on Fifth Street. In the early days, the bar was sort of a swanky gathering spot for the grown and sexy, with large leather booths well-suited for after-work gatherings and a back room hideaway perfect for huddling in quiet conversation. In the past two years, the club has raised its DJ booth and opened up the floor in the front room to create more room to dance. In the process, the club has also become one of the city’s hottest spots for hip-hop.
The actual anniversary party (complete with complimentary beverages early and drink specials all night) is on Friday night. DJs NickNack and Tats will be manning the wheels in the front room while DJ Hannibal tears up the back. Best of all, the whole shindig is free!
If you can’t make it out on Friday night, but still want to show the Whisky a little anniversary love, drop by on Saturday, when Chicken George will be joined by Donnie Dee from San Antonio for the fourth installment of his ongoing “Move Something” series. The drinks won’t be free, but fresh cuts are guaranteed and the cover is only $3.
Also worth checking
Saturday: TMC’s Native Tongues retrospective at Plush. I was just talking about how I’m ready to leave this mopey ’80s revival nonsense behind and move onto reliving the early ’90s, which were rich with socially conscious hip-hop anchored by boom-bap beats. Apparently the always appealing Table Manners Crew must be on the same page as they’ve devoted this week’s installment of their regular Saturday night Plush gig to reliving the Native Tongues era of hip-hop (which, in fairness, did begin in the late ’80s). Expect to hear from Afrika Bambaataa, De La, The Jungles Brothers, Tribe Called Quest and many more. Free-$5
Saturday: World Carnival at Ruta Maya. Steel drums from Trinidad, Brazilian rhythm and dance from Academicos da Opera and dance music from Brazilian funk outfit Ghandaia are all on the roster for this party, so be sure to show up dressed to dance! $12
Saturday-Sunday: Chinese New Year celebration at Austin Chinatown Center. How cool is it that Austin has a Chinatown? If you haven’t taken the time to wander around Austin’s Chinatown Center yet, this weekend’s Chinese New Year celebrations provide a perfect opportunity. The center boasts a massive grocery store filled with fresh veggies, meats and fish, inexplicable Eastern sweets and a robust incense selection to cover any variety of offering you might need to make. In addition there are Chinese restaurants and retail stores (some of which feature very cute Chinese shoes). The celebration will feature a Dragon and Lion Dance, martial arts exhibitions and more. The celebration takes place from 1 to 6 p.m. on Saturday and 2 to 6 p.m. on Sunday, and it’s free.
Sunday: Third Base Sports Bar Grand Opening. Ever since I started dating a full-blown sports fanatic a year and a half ago, I’ve been on a quest to find that rarest of rarities, a sports bar with palatable vegetarian fare. So far, I haven’t had much luck, but Third Base, which hosts a grand opening party on Sunday night, has offerings like basil pesto pasta and a spinach with warm goat cheese salad and on the menu. Plus, they promise drink specials all night on Sunday for the opening celebration. I know where I’ll be watching the NBA All-Star Game.
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Appropriately named Amy Winehouse
I’ve been all about the sultry, smoky soul of British songstress Amy Winehouse ever since I stumbled across a leaked copy of her fantastic Ghostface collab “I’m No Good” last fall. Consequently, I was pretty depressed to read this article about the young singer as alcoholic and tormented artist. Even as the Winehouse star begins to rise stateside (she’s playing sold-out shows in NYC, receiving props from the likes of Jay-Z and Mos Def), she seems trapped in a dangerous spiral of self-destruction.
In any case, Winehouse will be in Austin for SXSW. I seriously hope the girl can pull herself together over the long haul, but in the short term, at least we’re getting a chance to catch her before the supernova implodes.
(via Idolator, photo courtesy of amywinehouse.co.uk.)
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Weekend picks: Fantasma, Mad professor, Mardi Gras and more
Yes there’s been a lot of Grupo Fantasma news on this blog as of late, but, seriously, how often does a hometown fave end up hanging out with a superstar of Prince’s echelon? In case you’ve been hiding under a rock for the last few months here’s a brief recap. Back in November 2006 the band received a last minute invitation to play Prince’s newly opened Vegas nightclub 3121 over Thanksgiving weekend. Five weeks into the band’s residency gig, the Purple One took to sitting in on the group’s sets. Then, in mid-January, Prince flew the band to Hollywood to back him at an ultra-exclusive Golden Globes party full of celebrity A-listers. A couple weeks ago The Artist took Austin’s all-terrain cumbia funk unit to Miami for an exclusive Super Bowl pre-party. Impressed yet?
Homecoming shows are always special. There’s a magical sense of origin for both the fans and the band. The first time I wrote about Grupo Fantasma was late in 2001, shortly after the band dropped their eponymous debut album. In the awkward uncomfortable months following 9/11, your girl, a half-Indian, half-Anglo American who is frequently mistaken for Middle Eastern was, like most Southeast Asian Americans, busy perfecting a faux-Latina act. My girls and I used to get fancy and head down to Grupo shows at the Empanada Parlour in the hopes some fine young Latino would ask us to dance.
One night, I spent the entire evening spinning around the floor with a fly South American cat who didn’t speak a lick of English. He kept talking to me in Spanish. I don’t speak Spanish. At all. And in that strange era when both my own ethnic identity and that of my country were in a state of flux, I had a revelation about Grupo Fantasma, Latino culture and my adopted hometown. Trying to sum up the experience of a Grupo show, my first instinct was to make a bunch of stupid comparisons “A Grupo show is like a steamy night in Bogota,” “a dangerous liaison on the border,” that kind of thing. But when I really thought about it, I realized Grupo shows were none of that. Grupo Fantasma was born in a stoner college town with a strong Latino community where a diverse crowd embraced the opportunity to get down to tequila-soaked funk grooves and clumsily stumble through cumbia moves. Grupo Fantasma is an integral part of the sound of our city. And I’m very proud that an international superstar is hipping the rest of the world to the way we roll.
Friday: Grupo Fantasma with DJ Chicken George at the Parish $15 at the door.
Saturday: Grupo Fantasma with DJ Chicken George at Antone’s $12 in advance, $15 at the door.
(photo by RPGough DODD TECHNOLOGIES)
Saturday: Mad Professor at Flamingo Cantina. One of the early pioneers of dub music, the trippy, looped-out, largely instrumental stepchild of reggae, Mad Professor earned his name tinkering with electronic equipment to build his own studio. He’s collaborated with everyone from the Beastie Boys and trip-hop juggernaut Massive Attack to Jamiroquai and Sade. Should be another irie evening at Austin’s home for reggae music. $18
Saturday: Afrofreque at Lamberts. Is there any such thing as a vegetarian filet mignon substitute? I seriously doubt it. But if Lambert’s keeps booking my favorite almost urban acts I might have to start lobbying for the creation of one. This week, the upscale chop house has booked Afrofreque, an r&b/soul act fronted by emcee Tiger Liu, formerly of the fantastic old-school Austin hip-hop act Big Game Hunter.
Saturday: Big Chief Kevin Goodman’s pre-Mardi Gras party at Ruta Maya. Big Chief Kevin and Cyril Neville both landed in Austin following Katrina’s devastation of New Orleans in 2005. Since their arrival, Austin has been treated to a swampy mix of gumbo funk and colorful Creole culture. Chief Kevin, in full Mardi Gras Indian garb, plays host for the evening while Neville’s Tribe 13 lays down the grooves.
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CG International: Talking Swedish Brandy with DJ Chicken George
In the 4 years since DJ Chicken George showed up on the Austin music scene, he’s proven himself as a party rocker, a tastemaker and an all-around musical innovator. When he’s not shaking up the local scene, DJ Chicken George travels widely, both around the country and overseas. His second vinyl-only release on European label Swedish Brandy is already out on the continent and due in stores stateside later this month. Almost Urban is pleased to offer an exclusive 360SoundCheck preview of the release, “DJ Chicken George presents The Swed.u.s.h Connection 2” a suave, club-oriented platter that slips through variations of jazz abstraction and soulful groove. We caught up with DJ Chicken George to talk about his travels, the new release and, of course, SXSW.
AU: How did you hook up with Swedish Brandy?
CG: I was V-Zilla’s (Houston) DJ and in 2002, we had toured Sweden with the Narcissists from Stockholm. Over the next year or so, we went back to Stockholm a couple more times for more shows. On my third visit, I contacted, one of my favorite jazzy beats record labels from Stockholm, Swedish Brandy. Initially, my purpose was to make an introduction and just let them know that I was a fan of the label. I brought copies of my CDs as I had played many of their tracks on my mixes. By the end of the tour, I was offered a 12-inch record deal from the label. I came back to the States and compiled a 4 track EP featuring “Jazztronica” beats of producers that I favored as a DJ and music lover. My first EP (“The Swed.u.s.h Connection”) features tracks from Take (L.A.), Hydroponic Sound System (Dallas) and Malcom Kipe (Austin) and my scratches.
When will you be back in Europe and what’s the most interesting thing you’ve observed in the Swedish club scene?
I’ve been working on another European tour for quite some time now. I was just waiting until I had completed my latest 12-inch. Then at some point in the near future, I’ll be heading back to Sweden and this time, I’ll go to the UK as well. The most interesting thing I observed about the scene was the music. I’d never been any place where I found such a wide array of different flavors of music under one roof. The DJ’s there really know how to mix the genres up.
This release seems a little clubbier than the first “Swed.u.s.h Connection,” was that a deliberate choice? Is this an indication of how your interests are evolving?
The “Swed.u.s.h Connection 2” is definitely a bit more uptempo than the first. I was working with completely different producers on this project and I didn’t want it to sound anything at all like the first. I just wanted this release to reflect my styles and tastes as I play a combination of music from downbeat to upbeat tracks that also vary in genre as well.
What motivated the decision to make this release vinyl only?
The label started out only releasing only vinyl. Originally, their audience was mainly DJs and record collectors. After my 1st vinyl release (“#6”), I convinced them to release CDs and and have their tracks available for download to help expand their audience, as I knew that the average person does not own a turntable. My second release will be on vinyl and also available for download on various music sites worldwide.
Who is Lady Alma, and how did your collaboration with Philly’s Illvibe Collective come about?
Lady Alma has been deemed “the Heart and Soul of Philly’s soul scene” among tastemaker circles. She’s internationally known and has worked with everyone from Jazzanova (Germany) and 4 Hero (UK) to King Britt (Philly) and Kindred Spirits (Amsterdam). I met the Illvibe Collective when I was invited to play at their monthly party in Philly called “Body Rock.” I also mixed live sets on their Eavesdrop and Illvibe Radio Shows. I had just started working on my 2nd 12-inch at the time and I’d propositioned to them about contributing a track for the new release and they accepted. I knew they were really good friends with Lady Alma and I suggested that I’d like to have her guest on the track. She was touring frequently and it made it quite difficult for her to commit to recording vocals the track. After a few months of trying to get her in the studio, they somehow managed to catch her right before she went out on tour again. That’s when the magic happened! The Illvibe track is the only track with vocals on the EP It’s one of my favorites. Lady Alma is simply an amazing vocalist. I feel very honored to have her contribution on my release.
“Overthrowed!” featuring Adrian Quesada and Martin Perna is a pretty mind-boggling jazz-funk fusion piece. Since all three of you are currently living in Austin can we expect a live rendition at some point?
You can definitely count on a live rendition sometime in the future. I’ve been working with Adrian Quesada for over two years now with his Grupo Fantasma and Brownout! projects. My first collaboration with Martin Perna was on the “Overthrowed!” track. The chemistry was powerful. We collectively decided that we’d all like to continue to work together. Both are phenomenal musicians and I am looking forward to working on more projects.
Your music has such a strong global appeal. Have you had any memorable interactions with foreign fans who know you through the Internet?
Actually, I recently got an e-mail from someone in London telling how much she enjoyed my music. She stumbled across my mixes hosted on ThePlayers.fm music site and really liked them. She said that she had “been listening to (my) mixes on the Players Association Web site all day at work and It makes (her) day a lot more enjoyable!” I think that’s one of the most gratifying compliments that any musician could ever receive. It’s moments like those that give purpose to your music endeavors.
Anything good going on for SXSW?
March 13th will bring a special edition of my Move Somethin’ series at Whisky Bar! I’ve invited JRocc of the World Famous Beat Junkies/Stones Throw Records to play with me on 4 turntables. Sharing the soundtrack for the night will also be DJ Tats of the Table Manners Crew. Look forward to uptempo “Jazztronica” beats with plenty of mixing and scratching. Just be prepared to Move Somethin’!
DJ Chicken George opens for the legendary Wailers on Thursday, Feb. 8 at La Zona Rosa. He also performs with Grupo Fantasma at the Parish on Friday, Feb. 9 and Antone’s on Saturday, Feb. 10.
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Bring back the ’90s!
On the heels of Courtney Morris’ fantastic ’90s-themed New Jack Swing party last Friday night at Ruta Maya, I’m officially done with all this 80s revival stuff. I’m ready to move on to the ’90s. Visuals ranged from early “Yo, MTV Raps” footage to the hysterical mockumentary “Fear of A Black Hat” on the overheard. We broke it down to KRS-One, The Tribe, De La and countless old school others all night long. The overriding themes for the evening were positivity, social activism and unity. And it felt good.
Big up to Courtney (pictured above with fiance Martin Perna of Antibalas and Ocote Soul Sounds) for putting the shindig together.
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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)
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