Rich Medina and DJ Spinna @ Giant Step’s 6th Annual MLK & Haiti Benefit Party – New York
Words and Photos by Quoc Pham
As everyone should be aware, a tragedy of unthinkable scale happened last week in Haiti. Considering that New York City has the largest concentration of Haitians in the United States, it was easy to feel the impact of these these events here in New York. Last weekend was also Martin Luther King weekend and this year, the traditional king day of service – day of citizen action volunteer service in honor of Dr. King – had a different meaning with community organizations, non profits groups and volunteers mobilizing with the relief effort.
The music world also did contribute to the cause with many popular artists using their star power to raise awareness of the tragedy and encourage action. Wyclef Jean, probably the most famous Haitian American, raised millions of dollars through his Yele organization with a clever text message campaign. In France, dozens of French rappers and pop stars joined renowned singers Charles Aznavour and Youssou N’Dour to record a music video which will be widely broadcasted on national television.
On the local grassroots level, it was great to see many improvised benefit shows and parties pop up in New York. Since here at SLF, we’re all about partying for a good cause, we attended Giant Step’s 6th Annual MLK tribute party which was a benefit event for Doctors Without Borders in regards to Haiti. For the occasion, seminal NYC party veterans Rich Medina and DJ Spinna delivered the goods to a packed audience at the ever trendy club Cielo. With a groovy blend of soul, funk, classics and house, the duo did not fail to turn the event into an entrancing dance party and get everyone in a collective mood of celebration.
Overall, it was a fun party with a positive message and it reminded me of this spirit of solidarity and community which I think is partly what makes this city truly great.
Tags: Afrobeat, Cielo, Dj Spinna, Events, Giant Step, Hip Hop, House, New York City, Rich Medina, Soul
Sound Liberation Front presents [[ SoundLib ]] 01/13 WED @ Moe’s in Fort Greene, Brooklyn
Dec 29, 2009 News
SOUNDLIB is back! Sound Liberation Front is hosting another night of great music, soulful vibes and good times in Brooklyn at Fort Greene’s legendary Moe’s Bar. Come by for eclectic, soulful selections from the Music Nerd All-Stars that span the depths of soul (new and old), Hip-Hop, afrobeat, house, reggae and much more.
We won’t keep you out too late either: 9pm-1am. Perfect for unwinding after work, having a few beverages and listening to some good music with friends. …
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[[ SOUNDLIB ]]
presented by Sound Liberation Front + buhbOmp + The BRMG + Rappers I Know
WEDNESDAY | 13 JAN 2009
@ Moe’s
80 Lafayette Ave
Fort Greene, Brooklyn, NY, 11217
718.797.9536
C to Lafayette Ave / G to Fulton St
Also within walking distance from the Atlantic Ave station (B-Q-2-3-4-5 trains)
featuring:
MUSIC NERD ALL-STARS: [[ DJ LIL TIGER + Q-MASTAH ]] :: NYC
( Sound Liberation Front, –=(] buhbOmp [)=–, touch&feel:radio, Soular Grooves )
9p-1a | FREE | No dress code
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+ going.com event page
+ eventful event page
Tags: Afrobeat, brooklyn, buhbOmp, Dancehall, DJ Lil Tiger, Events, Fort Greene, Hip Hop, House, Moe’s, Music Nerd All-Stars, Music Nerd Club, Q-Mastah, Rappers I Know, Reggae, Soul, TheBRMG
Sound Liberation Front presents [[ SoundLib ]] 12/17 THU @ Moe’s in Fort Greene, Brooklyn
Dec 7, 2009 News
In the spirit of our SLF/MNC Spring Loft Party and our Music Nerd Club Fourth of July Rooftop Party from earlier this year, we’re hosting a new party called SoundLib featuring your favorite selectors, SLF’s own Music Nerd All-Stars (aka DJ Lil Tiger and Q Mastah).
We’ll be bringing good folks together for some drinks and quality music at the legendary Moe’s Bar on THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17. More info forthcoming. For now, peep the info below and spread the word.
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[[ SOUNDLIB ]]
presented by Sound Liberation Front + buhbOmp + The BRMG
THURSDAY | 17 DEC 2009
@ Moe’s
80 Lafayette Ave
Fort Greene, Brooklyn, NY, 11217
718.797.9536
C to Lafayette Ave / G to Fulton St
Also within walking distance from the Atlantic Ave station (B-Q-2-3-4-5 trains)
featuring:
MUSIC NERD ALL-STARS: [[ DJ LIL TIGER + Q-MASTAH ]] :: NYC
( Sound Liberation Front, –=(] buhbOmp [)=–, touch&feel:radio, Soular Grooves )
8p-1a | FREE | No dress code
Tags: Afrobeat, brooklyn, buhbOmp, Dancehall, DJ Lil Tiger, Events, Fort Greene, Hip Hop, House, Moe's, Music Nerd All-Stars, Music Nerd Club, Q-Mastah, Reggae, Soul, TheBRMG
Dance Gets Nice Again: Lord Tippatone Hifi with Selector Jah Wise in Brooklyn 11/20/09
Nov 27, 2009 Features, Reviews
Words and Photos by Quoc Pham
As I am writing this post over thanksgiving, I realize that we should be thankful for all the artists, musicians and individuals who helped shape our musical culture and affected many of us in a personal way. With the passing of Alton Ellis and Michael Jackson just to name a few, this year has been especially tough and it reminds us why we should appreciate those who remain as living legacies of musical eras which must not be forgotten. Last Friday, I was fortunate to attend a dancehall party in Brooklyn called “Dance Gets Nice Again”. The dance featured legendary selector Jah Wise from Tippatone Hifi, one of the most important sound system of the early reggae era. Held in a small venue called the Culture Barn – essentially someone’s garage – the party had an intimate feel with an eclectic audience of old timers alongside hip kids vibing to the sound of pure foundation reggae music.
The late 60’s were undoubtedly one of the most prolific period in modern Jamaican history. The blooming of the local recording industry and a string of international successes in the charts set the stage for Reggae to become a bonafide world class music. During this transition period, sound systems were naturally at the center of the action. As the dominance of the previous decade’s two giants – Coxsone’s Downbeat and Duke Reid’s Trojan – started to fade, a new generation of sound systems arose and competed fiercely for the island’s sonic supremacy. Among these, Lord Tippatone Hifi emerged as one of the top two sounds, rivaled only by King Tubby’s Hometown Hifi. With Jah Wise at the control and Big Youth on the mic, Tippatone ruled the dances from its home turf of Spanish Town to the island’s countryside where the sound would regularly travel.
Well into his fifties and with a deep musical knowledge that emanates from his enigmatic personna, Jah wise is the quintessential sound system man. His record collection is legendary and he allegedly owns the world’s two most exclusive specials: Bob Marley’s only known recorded dubplates in praise to a sound system. Jah Wise first joined the Tippatone crew as the “boxboy” – the kid transporting speakers and equipment – before quickly becoming the sound’s top selector and eventually its ambassador. Besides his musical career, Jah Wise is also a renowned artist whose artwork can be seen gracing many landmarks including the facade of Lee Perry’s infamous Black Ark studio. He also appears painting Horsemouth’s motorbike in the 1978 feature film “Rockers”.
That night, I had the opportunity to meet an individual who has had a profound influence on an entire musical culture. It was a humbling experience and this is what I’m thankful for this year.
If you recently had a similar experience worth to be thankful for, please share in the comment section.
Tags: Brookyln, Dancehall, Events, Quoc Pham, Reggae, Sound system, Tipppatone
Down to the wires…
Aug 14, 2009 News
Everything is shaping up to be a wonderful day of art, education, awareness and great music! We want to thank our partners manchildblack, BRMG, Afro Marc productions and dubspot as well as everyone who put hard work and helped us spread the word.
From the positive responses and media coverage we’ve been getting , it looks like the event will be well attended. Since the space is limited, we’re advising to people to get there on the early side. If you have kids or know people who have kids, we really encourage you to bring them during the family jam in the afternoon. Check the map below and the family jam page for detailed schedule of activities.
Needless to say, we’re very excited about this project and are very proud to be presenting our debut as a non profit organization.
The SLF Crew
Click Here for Map
Tags: Events, Sound Liberation Festival
Sound Liberation Festival 2009 Lineup Announced
Jul 23, 2009 News
Saturday August 15th 2009
Littlefield , 622 DeGraw Street, Brooklyn, NY
2pm – 7pm / 7pm – 2am
Sound Liberation Front announces the first annual Sound Liberation Front Festival at Littlefield Performance and Art Space in Brooklyn’s Gowanus neighborhood.
An all-day, two-part event, the SLF Festival will feature music and art workshops for kids and their parents in the afternoon and a full-on music and dance party for grown-up kids in the evening. The party will also feature artwork created live during the music performance, projected on the walls, and integrated into the dancefloor space.
Headlining the all-day festival of music and art is Brand Nubian, giants of NYC hip hop’s early-90s Rennaissance and famous for such hits as “Slow Down,” “Wake Up,” and “All For One.” Original members Grand Puba, Lord Jamar, and Sadat X will all be performing together.
Sound Liberation Front Party’s performers will also include:
- Chico Mann, brainchild of Marcos “Marquitos” Garcia, guitarist for Antibalas. Chico Mann will bring their “electro-afrofunk” sound to Littlefield.
- DJ Kenny Parker, producer and DJ for legendary rap group Boogie Down Productions
- Cosmo Baker, renowned DJ and platter-spinner at NYC’s premiere parties Bang! and the Rub
- Ian Friday of NYC’s Tea Party Music and Libation parties
- Sound Liberation Front All-Stars Lil Tiger and Q Mastah
- Artist Shelton Walker projecting her work “Apraxis” onto the performance space’s walls and creating a live artwork on the dancefloor during Brand Nubian’s set
Sound Liberation Front Family Jam will begin at 2pm and will include events tailored to the festival’s younger fans:
- Dance workshop with Afro Mosaic Soul in their signature Mosaic Soul dancing style
- DJ workshop by DubSpot, one of the world’s top DJing and production schools
- Additional art workshops and kids’ activities to be announced
Food and refreshments will be available at the venue and there will also be additional food vendors on site.
Tags: Events, Hip Hop, Sound Liberation Festival
Mark your calendar: 2009 Sound Liberation Festival
Jul 10, 2009 News
This has been a long time coming, but we are pleased to finally and officially announce the2009 Sound Liberation Festival. Taking place on august 15th at Littlefield, a new eco-friendly space in Brooklyn’s Gowanus neighborhood, it is a day-long, 2-part art and music festival in one of New York’s most exciting and vibrant communities.
Headlining the Festival is NYC hip hop legend Brand Nubian. Additional acts will include “electro-afrofunk” collective Chico Mann, dub innovator Ticklah , and DJs Kenny Parker (Boogie Down Productions), Cosmo Baker (Bang! the Rub), and Ian Baker (Tea Party Music, Libation).
For more details, check the sites regularly as we’ll be posting updates over the next few days with complete lineup, schedule and artist bios.
Tags: Events, Hip Hop, Reggae, Sound Liberation Festival
