This has been the summer of too much…too much to do in L.A., that is. In a summer of record gas cost and rising inflation, we are all looking for an escape. Maybe our plans for traveling have been put on hold due to the economy, but it doesn’t mean we all can’t have fun, right? It’s just now we have to wait for the fun to come to us.

June 20th marked the arrival of Seun Kuti to Los Angeles. There were a record number of people at the show at Grand Performances, not only for Seun but for the price (free).

Seun performed with Egypt 80, Fela Kuti’s last band before his premature death. Since Fela’s death more than 10 years ago Seun has been performing with the group, and this was their first time in Los Angeles. Egypt 80 is the real deal. Not to knock bands such as Antibalas and The Budos Band who play Afro-Beat (and do it quite well, I should add), but there is nothing like hearing Afro-Beat being performed by the people who have been doing it for years. About five thousand plus were absolutely losing it. The dance floor was packed to near capacity and people were dancing in the pools that separated the people from the group.

The next day (Saturday) I went to MOCA for their CineMoca series. For $10 you can check out the featured movie the exhibits inside The Geffen Contemporary. On this particular night, MOCA featured a mash-up of two similar themed movies created by Los Angeles–based artist Edgar Arceneaux. The two movies, Dave Chappelle’s Block Party and Wattstax, seamlessly flowed in and out of each other much like a DJ mix and created its own movie -- from Rufus Thomas to Mos Def, The Bar Kays to Erykah Badu, Dave Chappelle to Richard Pryor. I love seeing movies outdoors, so this was a treat for me. On top of that, I met one of my favorite writers at showing. Her name is Marisela Norte. Marisela has been a big inspiration on not only my writing, but also how I look at life. She was part of infamous ASCO artist group back in the 80’s and her Norte/Word spoken word CD released on Freeway Records is a classic. It is way out of print but if you can find it I suggest it most highly.

Come and join us for a night of rebellious music -- Dance floor Afro-Beat, Reggae, Hip-Hop, Salsa & Cumbia classics, all with messages of freedom and rebellion. Amoeba employees Gazoo (Edwin), Askari (Eric) and myself will be on the turntables with Ray Ricky Rivera as our host. Special guest will be East Los Angeles Reggae En Español band Umoverde.

All of this for only five bucks!



The Scene
806 E. Colorado St.
Glendale, California
Cost: $5

Worldwide Underground is every Sunday at Amoeba Hollywood from noon til one. Here is my set list.
You can also hear or download my set by clicking here. Thanks to Jayme for recording it.

"Nana de Colores"-Diego Carrasco
"Oye Mi Olelole"-Celina Y Reutilio
"Senor Presidente"-Los Cojolites
"Tres Golopes"-Toto La Moposina
"Oualahila Ar Teninam"-Tinariwen
"Osman Pehlivan"-Arif Sag
"Sonido Amazonico"-Los Mirlos
"Usti, Usti Baba" - Senor Coconut Vs. Kocani Orkestar
"Cumbia"-Columna De Fuego
"Watergate"-Tipica 73
"Astronautas A Mercurio"-Sonara Casino
"Tifit Hayed"-Wganda Kenya
"Che Che Cole"-Antibalas
"Afrobeatnik?"-Gecko Turner
"Paloma"-Sidestepper
"Cumbia Sapuesana"-Aniceto Molina
"Volaron Las Brujas"-Los Erederos De La Cumbia
"Cologiala" - Rodolfo y su Tipica R.A.7
"Rebellion"-Joe Arroyo
"Lloraras"-Dimension Latina
"Bacalo Con Pan"-Irakere
"Rico Suave Bossa Nova"-J Dilla
"Wanda Vidal"-Marcos Valle
"Pe Da Roseira"-Gilberto Gil
"Tive Razao"-Seu Jorge

I am very proud to be a part of Amoeba Hollywood's very own World Music DJ series. Worldwide Underground starts this Sunday from noon to one p.m. Every Sunday we will explore a different sound from across the world. Most of the DJ's participating make their living spinning at various hot spots around Los Angeles. Worldwide Undergound is a chance for you to check them out playing music that is near and dear to their hearts. All of us participating will attempt to cross every musical & cultural border possible.

Below is a description of the series, the DJ's biographies, as well as links to their websites and the clubs they spin at.

Amoeba’s World Music DJ Series! Beginning on June 15th, Gomez Comes Alive! brings Worldwide Underground to Amoeba Hollywood! The sounds start at noon and include everything from Afro-Beat to Turkish Psychedelia to Reggae en Espanol and beyond. Special guests and surprises galore!

EVERY SUNDAY BEGINNING AT NOON
AT AMOEBA MUSIC HOLLYWOOD