Fo Sho wth Biz Markie
Friday, February 6 at Rednofive, 10 p.m.; $10, free before midnight with RSVP to dusttraxx.com
We don’t know when Biz Markie was cooler, when he was killing it with his genius late ’80s/early ’90s hip-hop hit “Just a Friend” or when he showed off his big ol’ belly and made a mockery out of Celebrity Fit Club a few seasons back (hey, a check is a check). But seriously, Biz is often given props for his irreverent rhymes, beatboxing skills and hip-hop history knowledge. Tonight, he makes a rare appearance with DJ Cool V at an unlikely spot, Rednofive. Local superstars Hollywood Holt, Gant Man, Vyle, Zebo and Noise Floor Crew (Local Hero and Angel Alanis) also perform.
More events after the jump…
Sheer Magic
Wednesday, February 4 at Danny’s, 9 p.m.; free
Money is tight, especially since you just paid rent. But if you’ve got a bit of cabin fever and are looking for something fun and affordable to do tonight, look no further than Danny’s Sheer Magic soul party. The long-running event (which happens on the first Wednesday of every month) always satisfies with cheap drinks, an unpretentious crowd and music that will make you want to go home and spend some time researching rare soul and funk.
Flosstradamus V-Day Love
Thursday, February 5 at The Burlington, 10 p.m.; free
For the past few years, Flosstradamus has played sold-out Valentine’s Day shows for lovey-dovey couples and singles on the hunt for a makeout party at Abbey Pub. Consider this special edition of their monthly Motown doo-wop night at Burlington a special pre-party for the big V-Day jam. Show up with someone you love (or like enough to split cab fare) and shake it in the tiny space. To warm up, check out Centerstage’s recent interview with the duo.
Joey Beltram
Friday, February 6 at Smartbar, 10 p.m.; $10 before Midnight, $12 after
In Your System celebrates its four-year anniversary by bringing in underground dance music legend Joey Beltram tonight at Smartbar. The underground scene is long gone, but Beltram’s still bringing the hard techno and has an impressive list of production and remix work that goes all the way through 2008 to prove it. Old school ravers, dance-music fans and hardcore techno lovers should not miss tonight; this is a rare treat and unless you jet to Europe for parties on a regular basis, who knows when you’ll get to see him live again?
Afrodisiac
Saturday, February 7 at Sonotheque, 9 p.m.; $10 before midnight, $15 after
For this month’s Afrodisiac, DJ TopDonn and guests bring an African New Year’s Eve party to Sonotheque. With nods to Nigerian parties and South African carnivals and galas, not only are you sure to be aurally stimulated by the unique African pop and dance sounds, you’ll surely be culturally awakened as well. This isn’t an Afrobeat night, so don’t expect to hear the same Fela and Femi tracks that “global” or “world” DJs often fall back on. It’s a new year, so it’s the perfect time to expand your knowledge of modern African music.