The Union Presents:

SAGE FRANCIS

with

FREE MORAL AGENTS

Friday May 28, 2010

THE STARLIGHT ROOM

10030 102^ND Street NW Edmonton AB – 18+ no minors – doors 8PM

Advance Tickets $22.00 + S/C (general admission) at UNIONEVENTS.COM, Ticketmaster, Blackbyrd and Foosh.

NEW ALBUM BY SAGE FRANCIS OUT MAY 11^th ON ANTI-RECORDS

Anti-Records is excited to announce the impending release of an impassioned new album Li(f)e by celebrated agent-provocateur of hip hop, Sage Francis, due out May 11^th.  Francis will be making his way across North America in support of the album with Free Moral Agents, and making a stop at The Starlite Room in Edmonton on May 28, 2010.

An underground star from his years as a battle champion, poet and founder of influential Strange Famous Records, Francis garnered even wider acclaim with his incendiary 2005 release A Healthy Distrust, a timely condemnation of corporate greed, war-mongering and American complacency.  On his electrifying new album Li(f)e, Francis turns his keen observational skills to a culture of rampant hypocrisy and, in particular, organized religion.

This album is a marked evolution for Francis. His signature wordplay, a dazzling mix of sardonic humor and biting social commentary, is now complimented by a talented band consisting of producer Brian Deck (Modest Mouse, Iron and Wine) and cohorts Jim Becker and Tim Rutili of the acclaimed Chicago outfit Califone. It proves an effective soundtrack for Francis’ riveting lyrical discourse. The record’s title Li(f)e is a deliberate amalgamation of the words life and lie. As Francis says, “What about life is a lie? What we’re told about God is a lie. What we’re told about race, gender roles, beauty, war, food, drugs, sexuality, capitalism, history, the nature of humankind…a gang of lies. I feel it in my gut, I think it in my brain, I write it with my hands and I speak it with my mouth. That’s what makes Li(f)e the general theme of this album.”

To help convey his impassioned message Francis has enlisted a cadre of uniquely talented songwriters. The album begins with a stirring Steinbeck imbued tale of prison break entitled “Little Houdini” with music written by ex Grandaddy front-man turned solo artist Jason Lytle. “We specifically sought out songwriters who had never worked with a rapper,” Francis explains. “And I didn’t want them to write music they thought they should for hip-hop. The music for ‘Little Houdini’ was a long epic instrumental piece Jason had just hanging around which I then worked my story into.” Next up is a rousing and energetic anthem entitled “Three Sheets” with music written by Chris Walla of the band Death Cab for Cutie. Subsequent songs feature compositions by Tim Fite, members of Calexico, DeVotchKa, and Mark Linkous of Sparklehorse – each interpreted by Francis and the band resulting in an entirely organic and captivating vehicle for Francis’ dramatic narratives.

Li(f)e is a thought provoking and unabashedly original album from an evolving artist with a refreshingly distinctive voice.

In Conjunction with Hip Hop in the Park & Hip Hop Appreciation Week
Love & Peace Productions & Ed Abca Productions Present:

ABSTRACT RUDE (Project Blowed/Rhymesayers/Haiku D’Etat/Los Angeles)
http://www.myspace.com/abstractrude

$15 tickets – With profits donated to the non-profit organization “Hip Hop in the Park” (http://www.hiphopinthepark.ca)

With The Very Talented Special Guests -

DJ Shortop (Edmonton)
http://www.myspace.com/shortop

Locution Revolution (Edmonton)
http://www.locutionrevolution.com

Politic Live (Edmonton)
http://www.myspace.com/politiclive

Epic (Edmonton)
*** SPECIAL OUT OF RETIREMENT SHOWCASE ***
http://www.myspace.com/mcepic

DJ Heywood (Saskatoon)
http://www.myspace.com/djheywoodjablome

Deep Cave (Winnipeg)
http://www.myspace.com/deepcaveproductions

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Abstract Rude stands as one of hip-hop’s most accessible healers. Since first making regular appearances at L.A.’s legendary Goodlife open mic sessions circa 1994, this MC has steadily found the ideal balance of strong lyrical substance and high entertainment value. Unafraid to sing his own hooks and break out multiple flows within single songs, Ab Rude is one of the most multifarious graduates of the fertile L.A. rap scene. Learning from
some of the movement¹s best, the guidance received from his original group, Abstract Tribe Unique (ATU), along with Freestyle Fellowship and the A-Team (Aceyalone & Ab) has proven to be invaluable.

Abstract Rude co-founded the Project Blowed workshop — the longest running open mic youth workshop in the world and would later go on to co-executive produce the classic compilation Project Blowed. The groundbreaking album showcased Abstract Rude as a skillful MC capable of expressing soulful sentiments with his mystical themes and deeply pronounced baritone. In addition to highlighting the artistic creativity of an L.A. scene known best for its gangsta rap.

In time, Ab Rude has endeared himself to fans worldwide through consistent touring ­ most recently with international hip-hop artists DJ Vadim and Yarah Bravo — and by releasing quality LPs such as P.A.I.N.T in 2001, and Showtyme in 2003 (on Battle Axe). Most comfortable fronting the atmospheric sounds provided by producer Fat Jack on albums such as Underground Fossils in
1997, Mood Pieces in 1998 and South Central Thynk Tank in 1999 (on Mass Men), Abstract Rude proved that clarity in rap is just as impressive as complexity. His work on the Haiku D’Etat projects with Project Blowedians Aceyalone and Mikah 9 in 2000 and 2004, which merged hip-hop with jazzy soul, only further illustrated his music¹s diversity and ability to capture listeners of various genres.

After recording under the Beastie Boys Grand Royal imprint, Mass Men and Battle Axe, Abstract Rude joins the Rhymesayers Entertainment family with Rejuvenation. On his latest album and first for Rhymesayers, Ab further broadens his medicinal lyricism touching on politics, relationships, and multiple day-to-day issues. And for the first time ever, he worked exclusively with Seattle, Washington beatsmith Vitamin D ­ who¹s produced for G-Unit, Redman, Gift of Gab, Lifesavas, One Be Lo, I Self Devine, among others. With the funk-tinged banger “TV Show,” the thoughtful MC metaphorically contemplates the damaging effects of the “idiot box.” On an equally socially awakening note, Ab effectively plays the storyteller on the soul-stirring, “Sadly Ever After.” Then on the bouncy “Man Down,” Ab aptly declares in a double time flow, “we never fill an album up with one style” as he proceeds to deliver a razor-sharp shot of battle rap. “Thynk Eye Can” takes it back to the roots of Project Blowed with Ab joined by his Haiku D’Etat Brothers, Myka 9 & Aceyalone. With the ever-shifting subject matter and vocal styles on display, Rejuvenation is further proof that Abstract Rude is a true lyrical heavyweight at the top of his game.

Foundation Concerts & Love + Peace Productions are very pleased to announce a date with LA/ Oakland super hip-hop group The Living Legends on “The L.E.S.S. is More Tour”. The Living Legends consists of members Murs, Scarub, Bicasso, Eligh, Aesop, Sunspot Jonz, Luckyiam & The Grouch.

Genre: Hip Hop
Hometown: Los Angeles | Oakland, CA
Record Label: Legendary Music

Websites:
http://www.legendarymusic.net
http://www.twitter.com/livinglegends
http://www.myspace.com/livinglegends
http://www.youtube.com/thelivinglegends
http://www.flickr.com/groups/legendarymusicCurrent

Interests:
Staying on the road, connecting with our friends/fans, making dope music that makes you think and you can dance to, being the dopest crew ever.

Biography:
The Living Legends crew is a family of independent hip-hop creators bringing their own raw, unique sound and an unfiltered glimpse into their daily lives. It is this personal connection with the audience that has allowed their loyal fan base to extend around the world and it is their talent as emcees and producers that has garnered them the respect of their peers.

It all started with BFAP (now known as Sunspot Jonz) and PSC (Luckyiam), who laid claim to the name of Mystik Journeymen in the early 1990’s. By ’94 they were locally legendary for throwing Underground Survivors shows, houseparty style at their loft – 4001 San Leandro Street, in East Oakland. That’s where The Grouch hooked up with the Journeymen in 1995, just before they took off on their renowned first European tour.

Around the same time in the southern part of the state, Mid-city Los Angeles to be exact, 3 Melancholy Gypsys (Murs, Scarub & Eligh) were part of the almost mythic Log Cabin crew going back to 1993. Log Cabin later broke up and the Gypsys wandered separately. As it turned out, the three would cross paths again in the Bay Area and became Living Legends.

Aesop came to Oakland from Fresno, Arata from Osaka, and Bicasso from various points, East, West and elsewhere…

In 1999 the Legends shifted their center of gravity to Los Angeles, but their presence has definitely not diminished in Oakland and the Bay. You know it makes no difference where they stay because the universe revolves around them anyway. Over the years, The Living Legends have rocked Europe, Japan, Australia and Canada numerous times, plus they’ve toured the USA, north and south, east coast, west coast and beyond …

In the years since, The Living Legends have continued releasing solo and crew projects and now have a catalog of over 50 full-length albums and numerous singles. All in all, this crew of motivated do-it-yourselfers has sold over 400,000 albums collectively, all with no major radio or television airplay, and 100% independently. At the beginning of 2008 The Legends came together at the famed Encore Studios in Burbank, CA to record, “The Gathering”. A seven-song album that was recorded within a weeks time and features every crew member, on every single song, a feat that has never been done before in Hip Hop. The group has no plans to let up and they’re only turning up the fire, so see if you can keep up.

Legends Baby!!!!

**** THE LIVING LEGENDS ****

w/Special Guests:
LOCUTION REVOLUTION (Edmonton), SONIK & K-BLITZ (Edmonton), DJ HEYWOOD (Saskatoon/Black Sheep Productions) & BIG BEAR (Winnipeg/Deep Cave/Filthy Animals)

* * * * * * * SATURDAY MAY 1st, 2010 @ The STARLITE ROOM (10030 102 St) * * * * * * *

Tickets are $20 in advance and are ON SALE MONDAY, APRIL 12 AT 10AM from
(( Ticketmaster Direct Link ))
http://www.ticketmaster.ca/event/11004489CC1CB9CD?artistid=1434096&majorcatid=10001&minorcatid=3
(( Blackbyrd Myoozik )) 780.439.1273 // 10442 82 (Whyte) Avenue
(( Foosh Audio & Apparel )) 780.491.6980 // 10544C 82 (Whyte) Avenue
(( Soular )) (W.E.M.) 780.414.1347 // 170 Street in West Edmonton Mall

Friday March.26th 2010
Starlite Rooms presents the first annual

EXPRESSION FESTIVAL
an all inclusive evening of urban culture

feat.

DJ NUMARK [ jurassic 5 ]
http://www.myspace.com/djnumark

with special guests

The GAFF [Saskatoon]
http://www.myspace.com/mikegaff

UNKLE $AM {beatbox showcase + MC} [Edmonton]
http://www.myspace.com/unklesamwerd

with support from DJ’s

DJ SWEETZ [Funk, Soul, Breaks, and Hip Hop]

DJ DEGREE [Future Hip Hop]

CREEASIAN [bboy breaks,Funk,Soul, Hip Hop]

P REX VS. COBRA COMMANDER [hiphop, funk, hiphouse]

INTRODUCING THE FIRST ANNUAL STARLITE 1 ON 1 winner takes all bboy competition

To register contact: nick@starliteroom.ca – julie@starliteroom.ca – djcreeazn@hotmail.com must enter before march.26

: BBOYS/BGIRLS : GRAFITTI INSTILLATIONS : LIVE MC’s : DJ’s :

ADVANCE TICKETS IN STORES NOW!
Tickets $20 in Advance @ foosh, blackbyrd, room 322, and online at www.ticketmaster.ca

After stealing the show at Calgary’s Rock the Bells last summer, TECH N9NE is making his return to Alberta in support of his recently released album K.O.D.

K.O.D. was released in October 2009, and in its first week of release it took over The Billboard Chart taking the #1 Indie Album, #2 Rap Album, #14 in Top 200, #16 iTunes Album Overall. With memorable features from Academy Award winners Three 6 Mafia, Strange affiliates Krizz Kaliko, Brotha Lynch Hung and Kutt Calhoun, K.O.D. allows TECH N9NE to paint the most vivid pictures he’s ever attempted. Powered by tracks like “Leave Me Alone” and “Show Me A God,” K.O.D. is a cathartic masterpiece offering his most personal songs yet. 

City: Edmonton, AB
Date: Saturday March 20, 2010
Door Time: 8:00 PM
Venue: The Starlite Room
For more information/ to buy tickets:
http://unionevents.com/events/details.php?id=1844

Edmonton Tickets Available @ Ticketmaster, Foosh & Blackbyrd

*Brought to you by:
Union Events, VUE Weekly, Urban DNA Events, CJSR

Foundation Concerts presents legendary Queens, New York hip-hop duo, The Beatnuts, this March in Edmonton, Calgary and Winnipeg. Celebrating their 20th Anniversary, The Beatnuts are touring in support of their 2009 release, Planet of the Crates (Pit Fight). 

The Beatnuts, JuJu and Psycho Les, began DJing together as teenagers, leading to production work which earned them a record deal and the subsequent release of fourteen recordings, including 2009’s Planet of the Crates (Pit Fight).

Their production is noted as some of the most accomplished, if unheralded, in all of hip-hop, often intricately detailed (as in their finely honed work for Mos Def on two tracks from Black on Both Sides) but more regularly barnstorming, club-friendly, flourish-laden party music. The Beatnuts are noted for being unabashedly, bullishly ribald and in-your-face performers. Recent Beatnuts albums are characterized by more Latin influences.

The Beatnuts
20th Anniversary Tour
with guests

Tuesday, March 9th, 2010 – The Starlite Room, Edmonton, AB
8PM DOORS
With Politic Live & The Joe
Tickets are $20.00 in advance at Ticketmaster, FOOSH, Blackbyrd and Soular (WEM)
TICKETS ON SALE FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12TH at 10 AM
Presented by Foundation Concerts

CLASSIFIED
w/ guests Hilltop Hoods

Saturday, September 12th 2009
@ The Starlite Room
Downtown Edmonton, AB

LAST SHOW SOLD OUT !!!
==================

Since his last engagement here, the rapper has won a 2009 Much Music Video Award for the hit single Anybody Listening. Released on his latest album, Self Explanatory, the single has also been getting regular rotation on many Canadian radio stations and has topped the Canadian Hip-Hop Charts.

Throughout Self Explanatory Luke Boyd, aka Classified, challenges the listener to create their own adventure as they progress from track to track. Wanna go to the club? Go to Track 17. Tired, wanna go home? Go to track 22. If you want to go for a quick bike ride and a date with your girl, go to track 7 and if you want to reflect on life and re-affirm your inspiration, go to track 6. Each adventure reveals different shades of an artist that has created a unique place for himself in an art form that isnt always true to its own path.

Born in Halifax/Enfield N.S. Classified has defied the odds and found success where others could only hope. Whether signed or unsigned, Classified never abandoned his ethos of working hard and paying ones dues. He has steadily built his career from the independent circuit on up to national prominence, developing into a highly respected MC and desired producer. From his first LP Union Dues in 2001 to the Juno Nominated BOY COTT-IN THE INDUSTRY (2006) and HITCH HIKIN MUSIC (2007), Classified has sold well over 40,000 records in Can-ada alone, and has continuously toured the country coast to coast.

Along the way, Classifieds humble and creative approach to his music has garnered the attention of some of Hip Hops top dogs. HITCH HIKIN MUSIC produced by Classified features guest MC collaborations with Tash from Tha Liks and Maestro Fresh Wes. Performances along side Global artist like Nas and The Wu Tang Clan in 2008 set Classified up for his most important adventure yet; Self-Explanatory.

If you’ve seen Class in action then you know this will be a great show and if not then you need to see what all the talk is about!
================

Info:
Tickets available @ Foosh and Blackbyrd
http://www.ticketmaster.ca
http://www.unionevents.com/events/details.php?id=1643