So does any DJ junkie not know the story of the Grandmaster, and how he cuts faster? The man behind the Furious Five and the original turntable scientist was once a skinny kid names Joseph Saddler. Born in Barbados, raised in the Bronx, Saddler frequented DJ parties in the seventies and became obsessed with the possibilities of using turntables to overlay the breaks section of identical records, isolating rhythms that would later suit MCs perfectly. Saddler’s proficiency and fast hands would earn him the nickname of “Flash,” with the Grandmaster being a nod to Bruce Lee. Eventually, Grandmaster Flash’s Furious Five would be responsible for a pair of groundbreaking singles in “the Message,” and “White Lines.” Fast-forward to the present. Still active as a DJ (recording mixes, hosting radio shows, and thankfully still doing club dates), Flash works his way through DJ sets and transports the dance floor to that yesteryear where there were dance parties before “dance music,” and the exclusionary streamlining that came with it. Using his innovative mind and flawless technique to connect the common elements in funk, hip-hop, soul, disco, house and early electro and new wave classics, Flash is still on top of his game. Drop into Zentra tonight and witness the legendary Darth Vader of the Crossfader in action. With residents Sativa, Chris Santiago, Dysqo, and E&G. (Duke Shin)
Still Breathtaking: A Preview of Sting at Ravinia Festival Sting's solo catalog boasts more than a dozen studio albums. He may not rack up the hit singles like he once did, but he remains a compelling writer, musician and performer.
Last Punks Standing: A Preview of Mekons at Hideout Mekons have endured by refusing to adhere to anyone's ideas regarding what is and isn't punk rock (which is in and of itself a defiantly punk attitude).
