Here's a pretty cool event that seems to be flying somewhat under the radar. The Broad's Summer Happening series is still going, and this weekend is the Basquiat edition, bringing together some pretty interesting bands/DJs under one roof that normally might not be associated with each other. For one night these disparate creative forces will unite thanks to the vision of guest curator James Spooner, and because of the unifying figure that is Basquiat, one of the few artists of his time to connect the streets to the insular NY fine art scene. The Broad bills it as "Gay meets Straight, punk meets hip hop, and black meets white", here's the lineup:
Zebra Katz and Downtown Boys provide a musical clash of punk and hip hop. DJ Rashida and Michael Stock turn The Oculus into a downtown dance party. Mecca V A and The MOVEMENT movement and Jay Carlon offer choreographed interventions and “dance-bombs.” Shani Crowe’s performance is centered on cultural coiffure and beauty ritual related to the diasporic African, and Damon Locks will present a sound piece based on themes found in Basquiat's paintings.
Set Times + Locations
8 - 8:50 p.m. | Damon Locks on the Plaza Stage
8:45 - 10:15 p.m. | DJ Michael Stock in the Oculus Hall
8:45 - 11:45 p.m. | Shani Crowe (video loop) in the Lobby
9 - 9:30 p.m. | Jay Carlon in the Third Floor Galleries
9 - 9:50 p.m. | Zebra Katz on the Plaza Stage
9:30 - 9:45 p.m. | Shani Crowe (live performance) in the Lobby
10:10 - 11 p.m. | Downtown Boys on the Plaza Stage
10:15 - 10:40 p.m. | Mecca VA and the MOVEMENT movement in the Oculus Hall
10:40 - 12 a.m. | DJ Rashida in the Oculus Hall
11 - 11:30 p.m. | Jay Carlon in the Third Floor Galleries
11:30 - 11:45 p.m. | Shani Crowe (live performance) in the Lobby
Guest Curator
James Spooner is a working artist from New York living in Los Angeles. He first gained recognition with his critically acclaimed cult documentary "Afro-punk," which provided the inspiration for the Afropunk festivals that James also co-founded and co-curated for 4 years before leaving the organization. He has spent the last decade tattooing in his Los Angeles private studio Monocle Tattoo, where he developed a pioneering vegan tattoo procedure. Currently he is finishing his first graphic novel in which he is both the author and illustrator.
