I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: “It was the sound of post-independence Nigeria, not Vampire Weekend.” Suffice it to say that Afrobeat has become an increasingly prominent element in today’s fusion music. Yet we seldom stop to think where these unique tones originated. So this compilation marks the beginning of a series dedicated to investigating the peaks and troughs of a glossed-over genre. After all, no musical victory is without its unsung heroes. more ›

Most DJs will tell you that their turntables are in fact musical instruments, and they’d certainly have a point. But has any DJ ever taken the instrumental nature of turntables as far as “Sound Artist” Walter Kitundu? A Rochester, Minnesota-born, Tanzania, Africa-raised artist and musician, Kitundu, 33, has become well known for his phonoharps and phonokoras. The instruments are his original inventions, which he constructs in his San Francisco studio, and are best described... more ›

Ten days before Halloween and so many killer shows to choose from tonight. Clearly the obvious choice for the season would be dressing up as Eddie and going to the Maiden show. Imagine that parking lot scene. Sun Ra Arkestra, Money Mark, Watts Prophets @ Arthur Nights, Palace Theatre Bob Dylan @ Long Beach Arena Iron Maiden @ Irvine Meadows Rancid @ Henry Fonda The Decemberists @ Wiltern Meshell Ndegeocello @ Temple Bar Lucinda... more ›

She Wants Revenge is back tonight. one month later, with Astra Heights and local independents - Monsters Are Waiting. The show is sold out at the Henry Fonda Theatre, but we know you have ways of getting tickets. more ›

FRIDAY more ›