What: Blur the Lines is a production made up of three original works written, rehearsed, and performed, by student volunteers all in the same 24 hours!!!
Where: Arthur Miller Theater in the Walgreen Drama Center on North Campus
When: October 19th at 8 pm.
Who: A whole bunch of volunteers from all schools, although mostly the School of Music, Theater, and Dance!
When: Tonight, October 18 at 8pm.
Where: Hill Auditorium
How Much: FREE!!!!!!!
What: The two University Orchestras collaborate tonight to play a spooky piece by U-M alum David T. Little as well as Witold Lutoslawski’s Concerto for Orchestra. If 20th music is not your thing, you can still enjoy Bizet’s Carmen Suite No. 1, Haydn’s Symphony No. 27,”Brukenthal”, and Wagner’s Overture to Tannhäuser! Come and support your fellow students tonight! It’s guaranteed to be a unique musical experience!
This Tuesday I listened to Flatbush Zombies perform at The Blind Pig. I believe attending a concert at The Blind Pig is a bucket-list item for students here—gotta once before you graduate or you’re missing out. It’s not the biggest or most glamorous venue. Neither of those words should ever be used to describe The Pig—sweaty and crowded are more appropriate adjectives. Nevertheless, this venue is a great spot to see talented groups on the cusp of stardom for reasonable prices (tickets usually $15 before fees).
Flatbush Zombies are a Brooklyn based group formed in 2010, consisting of MC’s Meechy Darko, Zombie Juice, and Erick Arc Elliott. New to the rap scene, Flatbush Zombies follow in the tradition of legendary New York rap group Wu-Tang Clan— minimalistic yet expressive production style, dissonant harmonies, and each MC embodies a unique persona on every track. Listeners can also appreciate the many references to hip-hop culture: frequent references to famous MC’s, particularly 2pac and Wu-Tang Clan, as well as plays on iconic lines from classic songs.
Flatbush Zombies, like many other hip-hop groups, fixate on drug use in their lyrics. It would be a mistake, however, to consider this group another run-of-the-mill group drawing on controversial subjects to gain popularity. Their lyrical content is distinctly existential, openly questioning the value of conventional morality and religion, opting instead for a morality derived from real life experience. Unlike mainstream hip-hop artists who advocate decadent, illicit drug use according to a purely hedonistic worldview, Flatbush Zombies depict drug use as an inevitable consequence of socioeconomic exclusion. Rather than glamorize drug use, they problematize the activity, prompting listeners to consider why drug use is prevalent, and how the activity is a conscious act of self-destructive escapism.
So how are the Flatbush Zombies live? They kill it. The venue was perfect for their musical style—informal setting mixed with ear-splitting acoustics complemented the minimalistic production style and the raw energy of the group. In my experience, hip-hop concerts rarely recreate the sound quality of studio recordings live, but this loss of sound quality is more than made up for when a performer brings enthusiasm and panache to the stage. Panache, pizzazz, x-factor, swag, whatever you want to call it—The Flatbush Zombies came packing heat, they lit up the stage with energy, adding a personal depth to their music which cannot be captured in the studio.
Fans of Wu-Tang Clan, Joey Bada$$, and Odd Future should definitely check out Flatbush Zombies—I think this group has a lot of potential to produce quality hip-hop music over the coming years. Fan or rap or not, definitely check out The Blind Pig, a venue that is integral to the Ann Arbor experience. The Blind Pig setting is ideal for discovering new music on an intimate level.
Listen to some Flatbush Zombies for free here (I recommend No Religion and Thug Waffle): https://soundcloud.com/flatbushzombies
Watch the Music Video that helped them gain popularity–you may notice inspiration from some of Tyler the Creator’s music videos
This was one of the most incredible Shakespeare productions I have ever seen.
Starring Rory Kinnear as Iago and Adrian Lester as Othello, this National Theater Live cast is a fantastic adaptation of this production. I have never been so impressed by Shakespeare.
Who: Performance groups of Michigan
What: G-Fest
Where: Power Center of the Performing Arts
When: October 18, 8 p.m.
Cost: $10, tickets available at the Michigan Union Ticket Office
Looking for something to take your parents to Parents Weekend besides the Indiana football game? The G-Men have organized their annual fall concert, G-Fest, which will be highlighting many performance groups across campus in a variety show with an impressive bill. Student performers work hard in rehearsals and practices to put on their best show, so come show support for your fellow Wolverines.
RSVP to the Facebook event, like the G-Men on Facebook, or buy tickets online here.
Who: Krewella
What: Get Wet Tour
When: October 19 at 8 p.m. and October 20 at 6 p.m.
Where: Royal Oak Music Theatre in Royal Oak, MI
Cost: $29.50 before the show if bought at box office, more with services fees if bought online, and $35 at the door
Krewella’s coming to Michigan in the middle of their Get Wet Tour to promote their debut album of the same name. Known for their electronic, sultry sound, Jahan, Yasmine and Rain Main will try to make concert goers feel like they’re partying on cloud nine. If you’re an EDM enthusiast, or if you just want to discover what they’re all about, do not miss this opportunity to see the Krew head to metro Detroit in back-to-back shows. Saturday’s show is sold out, but tickets are going for double face value on StubHub and Craigslist. Or, opt for the Sunday show, with tickets still available online here.
Get hype for the show by listening to “Get Wet” in its entirety on Sound Cloud, visit their official website or buy their album on Amazon.
