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LA EVENTS: Soulnic

What is SOULNIC©?

SOULNIC© is a Soul Music Picnic that will take place at LA’s historic Griffith Park. As the first event of its kind in Los Angeles, SOULNIC© will set out to follow in the tradition of several, successful Soulful House Music picnics that have been taking place annually in cities like Chicago, New York and Atlanta for several years. However, our purpose for this event will transcend music culture and impact the lives of youth through our commitment to raise money for The Lula Washington Dance Theatre.

WHEN: Saturday, June 26,2010 10:00 AM – Sunset

WHERE: GRIFFITH PARK (Crystal Springs Picnic Area)

WE’LL BRING: Incredible DJs (with a few surprises),10,000 watts of sound, Volleyball, playground for the kids, extra DJ equipment for you to play around on courtesy of Numark and much more!

YOU BRING: The Family, Friends, Co-workers, BBQ Grills (but we’ll have a few), Food, Drinks (NO ALCOHOL), Blankets, Sunscreen, and anything else that will make you comfortable being outdoors.

Dogs are welcome, but MUST be on a leash. The Park Rangers will surely “unleash” a hefty fine on you for not having your dog on a leash. On that note, maybe you should just come and relax without your little pooch.
DIRECTIONS:

• Start from the intersection of Los Feliz Blvd. and Riverside Drive. It’s the intersection with the big fountain, right off the Los Feliz exit of the 5 freeway.
• Riverside Drive becomes Crystal Springs Drive North of Los Feliz. So take Crystal Springs Drive North into Griffith Park.
• Follow the signs that say “SOULNIC” (yes, it’s that easy)

NO WINE, BEER OR LIQUOR

The Park Rangers are REAL Park Rangers/Police. Don’t ruin your good time by giving them a reason to check your coolers and issue you a ticket for having alcohol on park grounds. This is a rare family event that we’d like to keep going for years to come so please be responsible and respectful of this simple rule.

ANY QUESTIONS? CALL: 800.273.6672

Producing the event is Extra Mild Sauce™
Extra Mild Sauce™ (“EMS”) is one of the few organizations in Los Angeles, CA committed to providing an outdoor experience that is focused on soulful music, dance and its musicians. Since music and arts programs have been cut from our schools and with so few soul music bands signed to major record labels today (compared to the 70s and 80s), we found it necessary, if not overdue, to raise awareness through an event that is community-based and philanthropic. The result is the beginning of, what we hope to be, an annual summer event called SOULNIC©.

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LA EVENTS: Soul Sessions

As we enter into this Michael Jackson celebration weekend, the legendary DJ A-ski is giving us yet another event to move and groove to. Soul Sessions Live will honor the one-year anniversary of Michael Jackson’s passing with a tribute to to MJ’s life and legacy, tomorrow, June 25th from 9pm -2am. Special MJ sets by DJ A-Ski and DJ Jedi;  $5 before 10:30, $10 after.

When MJ passed last year, it just happened to be right before A-Ski’s Stereolove event that happens every Thursday at The Little Temple. He turned it OUT, with MJ remixes y’all have never heard of – and mind you, he didn’t have time to plan for that one. Expect to really get turned out tomorrow!

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LA EVENTS: The Mighty SA-RA

Once again, the legendary DJ A-ski has hipped us to another function. THE MIGHTY SA-RA™ featuring Breezy Lovejoy and Nola Darling bringing their own brand of SOUL and FUNK to ZANZIBAR! There will be additional performances by TiRon, Dame Fifty5,Perfecto and BlackLA

This promises to be an AMAZING night with turntable skills of DJ A-SKI!

$10 at the door..

$5 Negro Model and $6 SANGRIA ALL NIGHT LONG!

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LA EVENTS: Kiss-N-Grind

One of the LA’s premiere parties, Kiss N’ Grind, is hosting one of it’s spectacular events this Friday, June 25th. This summer, Kiss N’ Grind – originated by Vikter Duplaix – has started its “Young Legends” series, making each party a tribute to legendary artists. This Friday is dedicated to hip-hop visionaries A Tribe Called Quest, with Vikter Duplaix on the ones and twos. Party details are as follows:

Kiss-N-Grind

Friday, June 25, 2010 from 10 pm until 2 am

Medusa Lounge

3211 Beverly Blvd.

Los Angeles, CA 90057

$10 before midnight, $15 after

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Black is…Snoop Dogg

Say what you want about Snoop: yes, he is still crip walking, rocking the blue bandana, and throwing up gang signs at almost 40. But Cordozar Calvin Broadus is a businessman before he’s any kind of gang banger, and last night’s True Blood Tribute that aired after the episode confirmed that.

Snoop’s place in music history is undeniable, though many will argue against the imagery his stage persona perpetuates. In spite of that, Snoop has managed to build a brand that, while steeped in urban myth and stereotype, manages to have crossover appeal. Snoop stated last year that True Blood was his favorite show and he wished for a cameo appearance. HBO clearly saw this as advantageous and opted for a single instead. In usual Snoop style, the track is catchy, with some racy lyrics smeared throughout  – creepy gangsta, is what I would call it.

For HBO, the promotional benefit of having an artist like Snoop promote their #1 show is far-reaching. Gangsta rap or not, Snoop has maintained nationwide crossover appeal for almost 20 years and his influence on entertainment in general is still seen today through the many artists that emulate him.

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BLACKis ONLINE: Cookin Soul

Alright y’all, as you know one of the most anticipated albums dropped last Tuesday. That album was Drake’s Thank Me Later. After dealing with a leak two weeks prior and so-so reviews of the album, Drake is still set to sell between 425-475K in his first week. Not bad for a kid from Toronto, who you either love or hate. I, for one thinks he has talent, but talent alone does not always produce a great product.

I stumbled upon a website called Cookin Soul that linked up with Don Cannon of DJ Drama fame and remixed the album.  Some songs have added vocals from the late, great 2Pac and Notorious B.I.G., along with current artists like Jay-z, Alicia Keys, and Lil Wayne.  They also took the liberty of remixing some tracks with live instruments to give songs a new twist and added flavor. So for those fans who were disappointed in the original album, this might be more your speed.

The site is also a resource for mash ups and remix albums such as Big Dilla, a compilation of J Dilla and Big Pun and The Red Album, a series of mash ups between Jay-Z and Game.  There are also tribute albums to Michael Jackson and Teddy Pendergrass.

So check out Cookin Soul and see what’s cookin’.

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STEREOLOVE with DJ A-ski

The city of Los Angeles is never without a shortage of functions to attend; however to find one that gives you great music, a cool ambience, and a decent sticker price can be hard to come by.

On Thursday night, The Little Temple gives us STEREOLOVE, hosted by DJ A-ski. A-ski, an LA native and a premier dee-jay spins only the best in soul, house, funk, hip-hop, and old school music. This week’s event will showcase guest DJ Rudy C of FTWK.

And the price? $5. Posse up and meet me there.