Evento

The Blue Scholars

The Blue Scholars are coming to town- and for those who like to dance, and arent afraid of some good, fresh hip hop, this could easily be the best dance party the Methow Valley has seen yet. Emerging out of the Northwest hip-hop scene with soulful beats, poetic yet political rhymes and a reputation for energetic live performances, the torchbearing Seattle duo The Blue Scholars blend the personal and the political, while not afraid to throw a great dance party in the process.
Emcee Geologic and DJ/producer Sabzi came from vastly different musical approaches to experiment with a unique, new sound that still echoes the classic boom-bap of a bygone era (see: A Tribe Called Quest, Digable Planets). Prior to their collision, Geo had already begun making local rounds as a distinguished battle emcee and spoken-word poet, while Sabzi honed his skills as a classical and jazz-trained pianist while attending indie ska and punk shows. This unlikely partnership set the precedent for what distinguishes the group from the vast sea of independent hip-hop artists - the ability to strike a balance between worlds usually seen distant from one another. Poetic lyricism with beats you can dance to. Marxist theory with Baha'i spirituality. Musical influences ranging from Thelonius Monk and Aphex Twin to Marvin Gaye and J Dilla.
However, the bridge between the two artists go far beyond musical interests. Blue Scholars is as much rooted in the music as it is in working in the community. Their experiences as college students provide an intellectual dimension to their craft, while their backgrounds as second-generation sons of working-class immigrants keep the music grounded. Armed with a purpose beyond creating music for music's sake, Blue Scholars take the classic form of the emcee/DJ duo Gangstarr, Pete Rock & CL Smooth, Eric B. & Rakim while carrying the essence of militant, yet personal struggle shown by hip-hop luminaries such as Public Enemy and KRS-One.
Luc and the Lovingtons, featuring native Methow Valley talent Luc Reynaud, Joe Potter, Jake Shaw and others will open for the Blue Scholars with a soulful collection of original reggae and funk inspired tunes. The concert starts at 7pm at the Winthrop Barn on Friday, February 20. Tickets are $17/advance, $20/door available at Daily Business in Twisp and Winthrop and at BrownPaperTickets.com. Student tickets are available at the door only for $12/each. Cal Methow Arts for more information 509.997.4004.