"SAY IT LOUD" / J.ROCC & FRIENDS

"Say It Loud" is an evening celebrating the Godfather of Soul James Brown. It's also an official release party for J.ROCC's "James Brown Tribute p.2" mix CD and Nelson George & Alan Leeds' book "James Brown The Reader: 50 years of writing about the God Father of Soul".

J.Rocc is by far my favorite Los Angeles DJ. He's the leader of the Beat Junkies and one of the smoothest DJs I've ever seen/heard. It's often joked that he is the King of the 30 sec. mix because of his speed and accuracy but if his 1st James Brown tribute is any indication of this evening's sounds there will be plenty of time to catch the groove. Also performing is funky drummer James Gadson featuring the Breakestra and local artist Kofie.

You can pick up J.Rocc's mixes at Turntable Lab on Fairfax or simply subscribe to the Stones Throw Podcast.

When: Saturday / April 26, 2008 / 9pm
Where: The Echoplex / 1154 Glendale Blvd
Cost: $15 presale | $20 @ door / 21+Wiser
Promoter: ArtDon'tSleep

SOUL SLAM LA / DJ SPINNA

DJ Spinna is a Brooklyn based DJ and producer. His talents in the work of underground music are well known and I got the chance to experience his DJing a few months ago right here in Los Angeles. The event was "Wonder-Full," a night dedicated to the music of Stevie Wonder. DJ Spinna and Bobbito Garcia (from the legendary Stretch Armstrong and Bobbito Show " - 89.9FM New York) rocked the scene with songs that kept the crowd singing along all night.

This time DJ Spinna is bringing another one of his famous nights to Los Angeles: Soul Slam--Michael Jackson vs. Prince. Last years edition was held in San Francisco and who knows where next years will be--I urge you to make it out to this one. DJ Spinna will be spinning solo for 4 hours dropping all music Jackson or Price related; Vanity, Janet Jackson, Sheila E., The Jackson 5, The Time, etc. Jeremy Sole (KCRW/Musaics/Afro Funke) will be starting the evening off proper so arrive early and stay late.

When: Friday / May 2nd 2008 / 9pm
Where: The Echoplex
Cost: $11 presale | $15 @ door / 21+Wiser