Local Ish: Event of the Weekend (12/4)

Posted by Stacks (Follow Me)- Stacks was born in DC and raised in VA. That's about all you need to know about him. - To see more posts by this author click here

Normally this column is used as a place to showcase a variety of different events going on over the weekend.  That is not the case this week, as this weekend there is only one that matters.  It is the Washington Post’s ‘Editor’s Choice’ Music Pick of the Week, and my pick of the whole month (if not the year).  Stay with me while I break down what’s bound to be one hell of a show.

The Who, What, When, & Where

Move Massive ’09 at The State Theatre in Falls Church, VA is a benefit concert to support The Wounded Warriors Project.  Featured acts include Poor Man’s Lobster and See-I, there will be a special performance by Akil the MC, and Future will be your headline performer.  Doors open at 8 and the show starts at 9.  Tickets are $15 in advance (or $17 at the door).

Now I’m going to give a little background info here for those of you that are not familiar with some of these bands so you can understand just how good of a show this is; but let’s start with the venue.

For those that have never been to The State Theatre, picture the outside as one of those old-Hollywood theaters that you’ll see in movies with the neon lights and a lit-up marquee.  Inside though, the only thing old school is the architecture.  A good sound system to accompany a large stage with a slightly recessed pit in front for dancing, a long bar along the side for all of your beverage requirements, and plenty of tables that are close enough to the stage for you to see the show but also far enough from where everyone is dancing that you don’t need to worry about your drink getting spilled.  If you’re more interested in viewing this as sort of a theatrical performance, head up to the balcony and sit in the movie-style seats with your date…far enough from the stage that you are actually able to hold a conversation, but still close enough to feel included in the action.  Outside of the District, this is truly one of the premiere venues to experience local music.

I’m not entirely sure as to the order of appearance on this ticket, but let’s just start with Poor Man’s Lobster.  Most recipes for Poor Man’s Lobster call for either halibut or cod; this one includes a liberal helping of funk as is evidenced here.  They are a 5-piece band hailing from the DMV and have performed with Future a few times in the past.  Checkout their Myspace page for more songs, info, and upcoming shows.

Next up is See-I and this is a group that when they come, they bring a presence and vibe with them that makes them feel even larger than the 9 people that are taking the stage.  Another DMV-based band (I’m telling you, we got great music here!), See-I is pure reggae funk.  From the sounds to the message, there is no pretense here…just great music that will instantly lighten your mood and get you ready to have a good time.  I would be remiss if I did not mention Ms. Candice Mills when writing about See-I, as she has one of the most powerful, soulful voices I have had the pleasure to hear live.  Make sure to pay special attention on the songs in which she has heavily vocal contributions.

I don’t know how they were able to swing it, but somehow, someone was able to bring Akil the MC (from the legendary Jurassic 5) all the way over here from Cali.  I am not sure what type of set he will be doing, whether he will be performing old J5 material, or doing some new solo stuff but regardless, I’m looking forward to finding out.  Though they came along a little late to be considered in the “Godfather’s of Hip Hop” category, Jurassic 5 was pure hip-hop through and through and one of those groups (probably now categorized as backpack rappers) that actually came to the game to deliver a message of positivity right in the midst of the popularity of gangsta rap.  I am definitely looking forward to seeing whatever type of message Akil will be delivering during this show.

And finally your headliner…Future.  I hate using bands to describe another band’s sound but in the interest of trying to verbalize something that can only be explained aurally, I’m gonna do it anyway.  Think Phish + The Roots, but only in the sense that it is a jam band (that also writes really good original songs) with a strong hip-hop influence who also play their own instruments.  A blend of hip-hop, reggae, funk, rock, and just pure headnodic, melodious noise-making…trying to describe the sound with words is just not doing it justice.  The only way to really know what I’m talking about is to come to the show.  I’ll see you there.

udothedishes…

Related posts:

1. Local Ish: Thanksgiving Weekend
2. Local Ish (Mother’s Day Weekend)
3. Local Ish: An Atypical Weekend (7/22-7/25)
4. 2010 WSOP “Main Event” Preview
5. Local Ish: Local Artist Spotlight – The Potentials

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