Local DJ/godfather of hip-hop Sandman (95.7 the Beat, Tampahiphop.com) has connections beyond the Tampa scene, and one tie that binds includes Duck Down, an independent NYC label.
In the early-to-mid-’90s, Duck Down backed performers with videos on MTV and BET and hits on the Billboard Top 200.
Sandman revisits this collaboration by presenting the Duck Down 15th Anniversary Show with DD artists Pharoahe Monch (pictured, right), Sean Price, Buckshot, Smif N Wessun (pictured, left), Skyzoo and DJ Evil Dee, along with locals Dynasty, ?The Villanz,? Mike Mass and ?DJ Sandman.
The event has nostalgic significance because it reunites two friends and co-promoters – Sandman and Edwin Velez (of Blue Chair and Guerrilla Records) – and brings back some old-school rhyme.
In the mid-’90s, Sandman and Velez produced one of Duck Down’s first tour stops at the now-defunct Rubb in Ybor City, a concert featuring Black Moon and Smif N Wessun (pictured, left). More than 900 people attended that memorable show. Let’s see if they can match that.
8 p.m. at the Empire, 1902 E Seventh Ave., Ybor City. $17 advance, $20 at the door. duckdown.com.
If you're in the mood for something more low key, Tampa-based musician, writer and CLGBT contributor Jeremy Gloff hosts the Sacred Grounds tonight. Gloff hosts the popular, weekly grassroots event the second Monday of each month. Sign up starts at 8 p.m. Arrive early; things get competitive, we hear. It's free to get in and to play, but a one-drink minimum is enforced. Word is Ken Spivey will be making an appearance. Fabulous.
This article appears in Oct 7-13, 2010.