Performances this Saturday 3.29 by:
Roy Ayers *Live*
Najite feat: Tony Allen *Live*
Special Tribute to Fela Kuti
DJs:
J.ROCC
Coleman
Jeremy Sole
Anthony Valadez
Located @ The Crash Mansion
1024 S Grand Ave. :: Downtown Los Angeles, CA
21+ Wiser :: Doors Open @ 8pm-1am
Info :: ArtDontSleep
*early arrival suggested*
Dig Deeper...
Roy Ayers
Roy Edward Ayers, Jr. was born in Los Angeles, CA on September 10, 1940. The 1970s found Roy embarking upon a long and fruitful relationship with Polydor Records, where Roy, committed to the search for and exploration of new musical concepts began to incorporate wah wah and fuzz tones on his vibes. It was during this period he formed the group Ubiquity. The term Ubiquity (from the Latin) means the state or capacity of being, or seeming to be, everywhere at the same time. Roy Ayers obviously took his groups name to heart for the Roy Ayers sound was virtually omnipresent. As musical genres changed in scope and definition, rhythm and blues, jazz, rock n roll, pop and disco each fought for a niche with the public and the major record labels. Meanwhile, a new sound was slowly emerging; the American audiences referred to it as fusion, the British called it jazz-funk. Regardless of its moniker, Roy Ayers became the undisputed champion of a sound that seemed to draw from his jazz, rhythm and blues, Latin, funk and dance music roots. For the next ten years, Roy Ayers produced what many regard as some of his finest works. The mere mention of certain song titles -- Virgo Red, Change Up the Groove, Mystic Voyage, Everybody Loves the Sunshine, Vibrations, You Send Me, Lifeline, Fever, and the list goes on and on -- evoke fond memories for fans ranging in age from their twenties through their seventies. It is rare when an artist is able to speak to, grasp and hold the attention of so wide a demographic, for so long a period of time.
Tony Allen
Born in Nigeria in 1940 of mixed Nigerian and Ghanaian parentage, Tony Allen is perhaps the most highly-regarded African drum set player to emerge since World War II. Drummers and other musicians of all backgrounds marvel at his uniquely polyrhythmic style. Tony came to international prominence in the 1960s as a member of the band of the late Nigerian bandleader Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, with whom he played for 15 years. Fela Kuti is himself recognized as one of the most important and influential African popular musicians/composers of the post-colonial era, and it is widely accepted that Tony Allen was his crucial collaborator in the synthesis of jazz, funk and highlife which resulted in the style known as Afrobeat. Tony Allens work with Fela is documented on over 30 recordings and today, he remains the primary exponent of Afrobeat.
J.ROCC
The Funky President of the Beat Junkie Crew. For well over ten years, this man has established himself as one of the illest DJs around, with his signature blends and supreme selection. A steady globe-trotter, J has travelled extensively and showcased his solid knowledge of music with the very best talents, including the late great J Dilla (RIP). His deep catalog of mix tapes and cds are considered classic, from "Syndromes" to "Tasters Choice." J is well-versed in a wide array of sounds, and always gets down something serious when behind the decks.