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LA EVENTS: Meshell N’degeocello at Santa Monica Pier

Amidst all of the national drama and tension, a night on the pier would be welcomed; Meshell Ndegeocello putting on a free show makes the night an event.

Introducing the Twilight Concert Series on the Santa Monica Pier featuring Meshell, The Record Company + KCRW’s Anthony Valadez on Thursday, July 18th at 7 pm. This event is FREE and open to all ages. Click here to RSVP.

Canonized, marginalized or just scrutinized, Meshell Ndegeocello has given up with the politics of explaining herself. After 20 years in an industry that has called her everything from avant garde to a dying breed, what unquestionably remains is the fearsome bassist, prolific songwriter and the creativity and curiosity of an authentic musical force. With that, she has earned critical acclaim, the unfailing respect of fellow players, songwriters and composers, and the dedication of her diverse, unclassifiable fans. For the sake of setting the record straight, a few brass tacks remain: Meshell was born in Germany, raised in DC, signed at 23, and has been nominated for 10 Grammy awards.

See you there!

 

 

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Movers & Shakers: Garth Trinidad Part II

During the last year of getting to know Garth Trinidad, I was able to learn about his interests outside of music. Unsurprisingly, Trinidad is a well-rounded artist in his own right. A graduate of Otis College of Art and Design, Trinidad was an artist-in-residence at the Beacon Arts Building in Inglewood, CA. Additionally, in 2012 Trinidad created Jim Kelly,  a unique music and live performance experience with his partner in sound crime, Mateo Senolia. What I loved most about this event was the music offerings: no top 40, and plenty of new music to discover. Trinidad + Senolia equals a very eclectic, groovy vibe, so much so, that they landed a deal on Osunlade’s Yoruba label. You can catch the duo spinning some Friday nights at Bar Marmont in Hollywood. Lastly, Trinidad hooked up with two of LA’s finest, Dam-Funk and J-Logic, to create MAC or the Modern Audio Collective. One of their first shows at the end of 2012 featured Talib Kweli and drew a packed house in Venice’s Del Monte Speakeasy. I am waiting with bated breath for what these three will bring in 2013.

Watch and listen as Trinidad and I chat about how he finds new music, the impact of technology on the music industry, and what the future holds for him. Hopefully by now you’ve purchased those Moja Moja Pre-Grammy brunch tickets. Enjoy!

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Movers & Shakers: Garth Trinidad

No other DJ in the last decade has had a bigger influence on Los Angeles music culture than Garth Trinidad. As both a resident DJ with KCRW over the last 15 years and a voting member of The Recording Academy, Trinidad has risen to prominence by championing progressive, creative and often overlooked artistry in urban alternative music. Through his weekly show, Chocolate City, Trinidad has inspired a refashioning of the Los Angeles underground music scene, providing a much-needed platform for new, independent music artists. Further, Chocolate City has evolved into a global soundscape by infusing soulful classics with the best in independent world music.

I’ve had the good fortune of getting to know Garth over the last year and was happy to discover the many layers of the man
behind the music. Garth, a loving husband and father, is also an artist in his own right and, lucky for us, 2013 will be a year of many Trinidad-laced projects. First up, is the KCRW 5th Annual Moja Moja Pre-Grammy Brunch & Benefit Concert happening this Saturday, February 9th at the W in Hollywood. The brunch, which benefits Oxfam America and The Darfur Stoves Project, will honor the legendary George Clinton this year and feature intimate performances by artists such as pianist, Chloe Flowers and Malaysian singer-songwriter, Yuna. This event usually sells out so check here for tickets for more information.

Watch and listen to the first in a two-part series with Garth Trinidad. Stay tuned for more to come!

Photos by Monica Orozco and JLogic.

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LA EVENTS: New Year’s Eve Celebrations

2012 is a little more than a week away and right about now is when folks scramble to figure out where to be and what to do to bring in the new year. Of course Los Angeles will offer a myriad of options but this LA baby has a few suggestions for parties she can vouch for. Depending on how good 2011 was to you and your pocketbook, you can decide which one of these quintessential LA events fits your personality.

SHOT CALLER: If money is no object then KCRW’s NYE Twenty Twelve bash at the Viceroy hotel in Santa Monica is where you want to be. The incomparable Garth Trinidad is booked to DJ this set which already makes it a cut above the rest. Further, the Viceroy is one of LA’s sexiest backdrops for a party and it’s guaranteed to be stocked with beautiful people. For $175 price tag (you read that right) you get access to a premium hosted bar, hors d’ oeuvres, and the opportunity to dance the night away and hob nob with the who’s who of LA’s elite social circle. Parking is an additional $20, but who’s counting?

BALLER: My favorite LA party, Kiss N’ Grind is back with its NYE edition in an undisclosed location somewhere in the hills of Hollywood. As usual this party is guaranteed to be a soulful body rock and the mansion location turns it into one of the illest house parties you will ever attend. Rocked by master DJ Vikter Duplaix, the $100 price tag boasts an open bar and a Caribbean Soul Cuisine Buffet dinner prepared by Chef Stacy Barthe (not certain if this is singer/songwriter Stacy Barthe – that would be amazing). Also, KNG doesn’t play – this party won’t stop until 5 am so you’re going to get your money’s worth. Neighborhood restrictions require that you park near the Hollywood Bowl for $10 and take a shuttle to the party. Lastly, but most importantly, there are ONLY 400 tickets for sale to this event and once they are out, that’s it.

DIPPIN IN THE BENZ WITH THE SPOILERS: If you wanna see and be seen, but keep a little change in your pocket, the Carnivale celebration at Little Temple is for you. Booked to spin at this event is KCRW’s Anthony Valadez, another gem of a DJ who will most assuredly set it off for the night. For a mere $20 bucks, you get to jam in both rooms of Little Temple where champagne is said to be “free-flowing” and experience an authentic Brazilian drumline at midnight complete with authentic Brazilian dancers. Chances of your having that experience elsewhere in the city? Slim to none.

No matter your plans, be safe and don’t drink and drive or text. The point of all this partying is to live to see another year. Give thanks!