Music seen, at the Big Easy, March 26, 2007
By TODD RICHARD | April 4, 2007
There were but a few heads in the room at the beginning of the night. We’ll call these few the faithful, not because they were dedicated, but because they appeared to believe that something was about to go down in a major way.
DJ Shade, Iron Fader champion and turntablist anti-hero, used the decks to steer the slowly congregating audience toward what would be the focus of the night. The massive four-turntable rig was also deftly manned by Boondocks. As they ratcheted up the game, dropping tracks by legacy MCs like Nas, Common, and Guru, the audience grew in size and expectation. A pair of extremely talented breakdance artists carved the dance floor with inexplicable contortions that spun out into unthinkable floor gymnastics. The live rhythm section duo took their respective places on stage behind their bass and drums. At midnight, Shadezilla read the mixture of MCs and the swelling crowd, and declared simply that it was “time to get some MCs up here.”
A dozen or so heads flanked the stage, passing the mic after spitting a verse they had written, or, better yet, rhyming off the top of the dome. Bass and drums nimbly traded beats with the DJs, each taking their turn to lead or sit back and accent. They showed respect and restraint, letting the MCs have their chance to shine.
The high point of the evening was undoubtedly Andre Hicks. A veteran lyricist from Portland’s formative hip-hop years, he has recently returned after a lengthy hiatus with obvious drive and desire. His rhyme style served as a lesson for every younger artist in the audience. Take note: this man is just getting started.
Related:
Love it at Leavitt's, Buying in, Stretching the wallet, More 
- Love it at Leavitt's
Besides, the bottle of Wolftrap is ample distraction from your time- and money-saving approach.
- Buying in
Buying goods from our immediate area has swollen from a good idea into a movement to make it a good habit for all Portland residents.
- Stretching the wallet
I had never been to Punky's. Despite glowing reviews from food fanatics, there never seemed to be a reason to break from my norm or shake up my old fast-food standbys.
- The year of the goat?
François Rabelais, racy author and advocate of the eat, drink, and be merry lifestyle, was quoted on his deathbed as saying he was “off in search of the great perhaps.”
- Into the green country
It’s August and I shamefully admit I have only managed to make it to the Wednesday Farmer’s Market in Monument Square once this summer.
- Fiddling with fiddleheads
The fiddlehead is Maine’s simplest, and quite possibly Maine’s most revered, delicacy.
- Drink in the season
The air is beginning to get chilly, but, thankfully, so is the beer.
- Irish music night
At 9 pm on Wednesday, two chairs and instrument cases sat empty on Blue’s postage-stamp stage.
- Local beer is better
With the thaw still a glimmer of hope on the horizon, Maine’s craft and micro breweries are already bringing their summer selections to market.
- Breaking the budget
Another round of trying to spend less than twenty bucks on a dinner out in Portland
- Grateful gulps
During the holidays, my phone lights up like a Christmas tree with family and friends looking for ideas on cocktails, wines, and bubbles for their celebrations.
- Less
Topics:
New England Music News
, Mac Dre, Todd Richard
