Your weekly breakdown of the live entertainment spots in DC this week.
Last week was another great week for the DC live music and art scene, and expect this week to be as good or even better. You can catch two of my favorite percussionist/lyricist, Jali-D & Jabari “Auragin” Exum at two different open mics hosted by Ms. Gowri K, if you’re looking to get your rhythym and your poetry readings on. You can also catch one of my favorite DMV veterans performing at the Upper Room, Mello-D!
Mello-D (aka Baracuda Black) and the Rados have been a staple in hip-hop for a decade, releasing numerous great albums and touring the as far as Brazil. This four piece band is the essence of head knod and the epitome of rocking the mic. Mello is also an accomplished videographer, so make sure you check for the visuals for these great tracks as well! check them out at http://www.livehiphopband.com
Shaolin Jazz at Blues Alley
In April of 2011 tastemaker Gerald Watson and DJ 2-Tone Jones released SHAOLIN JAZZ, a boutique music project in which a cappellas of rappers from legendary rap group – Wu-Tang Clan – were artfully blended with hand-picked jazz instrumentals and samples. Since then the project received overwhelming acclaim both stateside and globally; and has manifested into a variety of extensions based in visual art, fashion, graphic design and education. On June 25th SHAOLIN JAZZ will go on to the next level of its evolution; a live performance of the music. The performance will be led by the co-creator and musical architect behind SHAOLIN JAZZ, DJ 2-Tone Jones. In addition to being a founding member of the elite DJ crew known as the Diamond Cutterz, 2-Tone is also a co-host and resident DJ on Ill Street Grooves on 89.3fm WPFW in DC. Backing Mr. Jones will be his fellow band members from Sound of the City. Click photo for tickets and more informaiton.
Busboys and Poets Open Mics
Check the Busboys and Poets website for all the poetry events this week, including Gowri Hosts 14th & V Open Mic feature: Jabari Exum www.jabariexum.com; spotlight artist: Joel McKerrow). FEATURE:
Jabari “AuraGin” Exum, percussionist, emcee, poet, actor, director, and entrepreneur, is an electrifying performing artist born and raised in Washington, DC. He is a skilled percussionist in the West African and Latin Tradition and is a prolific writer and performer in the world of Hip-Hop. Since 1997 Jabari has also become a pioneering artist in a movement called, “Hip-Hop Theater.” Jabari is presently a member of the Hip-Hop duo ‘Hueman Prophets’ (USA); Farafina Kan (West African Percussion Orchestra) (USA); and HHP (South African Hip-Hop Pioneer). He is a percussion teacher, writing coach, and a full time musician, working with artists such as Dr. Cornel West & 
The Cornel West Theory, Tarus Mateen, Mark Curry, Maimouna Youssef, Carolyn Malachi, Weedie Braimah, W. Ellington Felton, and Raheem DeVaughn, to name a few. He is the creator of the Underground Mobile Store, ‘Congo Square’ (designed to increase the accessibility of positive, independent artists from all corners of the world). Regie Cabico & Danielle Evennou Hosts SPARKLE (LGBTQQA open mic and reading) 5th & K Feature: Lauren Zuniga www.laurenzuniga.com, Spotlight: Sonya Renee, DJ SUPALEE Host the ASL Open Mic 14th and V. Click the Busboys & Poets logo to the left for more info.— $5/person.
The Garden Open @ Bloombars feat DJali-D guest hosted by Christylez
Join us for DC’s only weekly variety open mic (poetry, music, comedy, storytelling, etc-ing) where the show is appropriate for all ages (please and thank you to performers). Each week includes a featured artist and guest co-host, as well as resident co-host Gowri K.
Sign-up list opens at 8:30 pm and the first performer goes on at 9:00 pm!
$7 donation
Guest co-host: CHRISTYLEZ BACON
Christylez Bacon is a GRAMMY Nominated Progressive Hip-Hop artist and multi-instrumentalist from Southeast, Washington, DC. As a performer, Christylez multi-tasks between various instruments such as the West African djembe drum, acoustic guitar, and the human beat-box (oral percussion), all while continuing the oral tradition of storytelling through his lyrics. With a mission towards cultural acceptance and unification through music, Christylez is constantly pushing the envelope – from performances at the National Cathedral, to becoming the first Hip-Hop artist to be featured at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival, composing and orchestrating an entire concert for a 12-piece orchestra commissioned by the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and the Smithsonian Institute, or recording a Folk/Hip-Hop children’s album.
www.christylez.com
Featuring: JALI D
Jali-D–musician/poet/
Up and Up Open Mic
The show is hosted by Brother Victorious & Black Boo of Mambo Sauce and features a live painting by Demont Peekaso which will be raffled off at shows closing. Showtime is 9 p.m. and is preceded by an happy hour featuring a Dj T-Why? with food and premium drink specials. Admission is free before 8p.m. and $10.00 after. This week House Band is Sound Of The City.
The UAU Open Mic| LIV Nightclub | 2001 11th Street NW| Happy Hour 7p-9p | Free before 8p| $10 After|Hosted by Brother Victorious & Black Boo| www.theuauopenmic.com
“Wednesday Verses” at Bohemian Caverns
“This week wefeaturing is Levi Stephens and he’s dope!” – Lorna
Stop by Wednesday Verses: THE OPEN MIC to experience the best new talent that the country has to offer- this is that place that the “Good Stuff” resides. Located in the historic Bohemian Caverns (2001 11th St NW), where legends have played, Wednesday Verses: THE OPEN MIC is where to experience legends in the making! Arrive as fly as you already are- enjoy delicious food and signature drinks in a classic Jazz club setting.
Poetry, singing, instrumental music throughout all genres are expressed on stage along side a live band staffed by super heavy musicians like Dennis Turner, Dre King, “Chris Biscuit” Bynum, Marcus Parker, Chooky Caldwell, Vohn Higgz, and Aaron Hardin. The first hour is filled the funky sounds of DJ Lance Reynolds, providing the perfect Happy Hour mix.
“Will Work For Food” at Sweet & Natural
The DJ’s After Party
For more info, please contact Ra at: radigya@gmail.com
The Upper Room at The Red Lounge
Welcome to the Upper Room Thursdays at Red Lounge. This is where you go to experience the upper echelon of food, drink and entertainment in Washington DC. Located in the historic U Street corridor, The Upper Room is the perfect evening out with guests for fine dining and a tasty helping of DC’s finest artist. This weeks feature is DMV hip-hop veterans Mello-D & the Rados. Expect a bunch of special guests as well!
Thursday Black Theater Festival
One Act Battle:
The One Act Battle is a 5 day competition divided into 4 categories; Drama, Comedy, Adult Theme and Anything Goes. Each night the audience cast their votes to select the best plays of the evening. The winning play from each evening advances to the final round of the competition for the championship title. All plays in the one Act Battle are under strict guidelines and must be under 20 minutes in length. Click the flyer to buy tickets. June 25-29 @ Busboys and Poets 5331 Baltimore Ave, Hyattsville MD
Thursday #SpitDatDC at the ECAC Building
SPIT DAT is a weekly open mic held every Thursday @ 9pm at the ECAC (733 Euclid Street, NW, 2nd Floor Washington, DC 20001). Consistently named one of the best poetry spots on the east coast because of it’s serene scene based on a sincere love of the art of poetry. Drew “Droopy the BrokeBaller” Anderson and Dwayne B host. flowing $1 (ONLY $1!?)
Thursday #SpitDatDC at the ECAC Building
The Sacred Roots International Indie Arts and Music Festival was developed to support independent artists in their pursuit of artistic freedom. We will celebrate independent artists from all disciplines over a three (3) day period. Art enthusiasts will gather from nightclubs to mansions, enjoying new works from artists who have developed a unique niche for themselves in the business of making art. There will also be competitions throughout the weekend from poetry slams, theatre and music to visual artists lighting up the canvas! This power-packed event boasts Grammy-nominated indie artists to street corner word smiths, all gathering for a weekend that promises to be memorable! Come out and celebrate freedom with us!
We will top off the weekend with The Sacred Roots’ Born Indie Concert featuring:
Spoken Word and Hip-Hop Artist, Komplex
Griot Soul Vocalist, Roz White
Jazz Extraordinaire, Akua Allrich
EmCee, R & B Vocalist, Maimouna Youssef
R & B, Rock Vocalist, YahZarah
ALL IN ONE BUILDING AT ONE TIME!! WHEW! ENUF SAID.
HELP US GET THEM THERE!!
One LUCKY GRAND PRIZE WINNER of the Sacred Roots Indie Fest Competition will have the opportunity to participate in SACRED ROOTS KENYA!!..so come out and SUPPORT!!
VENDING OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE!
FOR EVENT SCHEDULE AND TO PURCHASE TICKETS GO TO:
http://WWW.SACREDROOTSINDIEART.COM
-BORN INDIE.
Bomani Armah is The Watermelon Man 