Gaia is a DC-based group of musicians, singers, dancers, and DJs who collectively bring you a transcendent and interactive experience. Actively incorporating the art and architecture of the Corcoran with dance and projections, Gaia invites you into the middle of their performance. It is part concert, part nightclub, part performance art. Odds are you have not seen anything quite like it.
Saturday, Nov. 19
7:30pm
500 Seventeenth Street NW Washington, DC 20006
Corcoran Members $30
Non-members $40
Corcoran Students $20
Get acquainted with the new menu and carefully curated cocktail list at Blackbyrd Warehouse, listen to the new Mark de Clive-Lowe album released on Nov. 15 then follow up with DJ Stylus – The Vibe Conductor selecting a set of choice bits from MdCL’s catalog as well as related contemporaries and collaborations.
Thursday Nov. 17
9:30pm
no cover
Blackbyrd Warehouse
2005 14th St NW WDC
Mark de Clive-Lowe may just be the most significant modern talent bridging the worlds of jazz, soul and electronica.
During his decade long stint as an emigrated New Zealander in London, he was one of the driving forces of the broken beat and nu-jazz scenes. Since departing London for Los Angeles, his pace of productions, remixes and touring has only increased. When not creating studio magic with Lady Alma, Sy Smith or Miguel Atwood-Ferguson, he continues to push the boundaries of his already mind-blowing live shows that combine sharp jazz chops on keyboards with live production wizardry employing synths and samplers.
The overall sound of his new album Renegades hinges on club cuts flavoured with soul, funk, tech-Afrobeat and Latin twists topped with fine, organic songwriting; all orchestrated by MdCL showcasing his ability to meld the science of beat-making with musicianship. He sums up the approach: “My whole thing with this kind of production is balancing electronics and programming with organic and live musicianship. I love for that line to be blurred almost to the point where you don’t know which is which.”
The mourning process is putting all of his substantial career accomplishments in context. There’s a lot to celebrate there. But there’s more to it than that, which is why this loss is hitting me harder than I would have anticipated.
It’s not just that he was an icon for me in my youth, although nostalgia does play a major role. What really stands out is how he was universally loved and respected. And how he always extended himself to others, whether professionally or personally. And how in a cutthroat business full of ugliness and people trying to exploit others, he was always a class act who thrived on positivity and optimism. And how he was able to diversify his work to sustain a successful post hip-hop career, always setting and reaching new goals as an artist. Hev was doing everything right, yet he was cut down so prematurely. At least he made the most of his time. That’s the lesson.
“Heavy D danced the way big men work the back line in tennis. Not a lot of sweat or hustle, just a few clutch moves that make it look elegant.” – NPR’s Michelle Norris
Axel F #10: The Illest In Jheri Curl Funk, Champagne Soul & Lazer Boogie 1977-1987
Saturday, October 22 and EVERY 4TH SATURDAY
Liv 2001 11th St NW Washington, DC
10pm – 3am
Free before Midnight, 5.00 after
“Black President’s Day” is an annual tribute to Fela Anikulapo-Kuti done around the time of his birthday, October 15th. LiL SoSo Productions, along with its community partners, will be producing the annual tribute this year in historic Anacostia. The event will feature food, live music, live art and more! Advance purchase of tickets is suggested, along with early arrival.
Black President’s Day:
A Celebration of the music of Fela Anikulapo Kuti
10|15|11 9pm-til
We Act Radio, 1918 MLK Ave SE DC
tickets: http://blackpres2011.eventbrite.com/
