Creative Loafing's Sensory Overload bash features art, fashion, a rum tasting (at additional cost) and a lineup of music acts handpicked by Aestheticized. Post-rockers Six Parts Seven, the evening's headliner, is a large, Ohio-based ensemble that invites listeners to curl up under its thick blanket of layered instrumentals. Crying keyboards, slow-burning horns and soft, weeping guitars set the mood, lulling the listener into a hazy dream world. Canada's Smalltown DJs are two dudes from Calgary who pride themselves in bringing block-rocking beats with a 3 a.m. flair, which should make for an interesting dance-floor scene following the rum-guzzling session. Miami's The Postmarks recently released self-titled debut disc is a rainy afternoon pop affair buoyed by the breathy vocals of leading lady Tim Yehezkely. Finally, Gainesville's Soulphonics is a greasy, mixed-gender funk outfit boasting a boisterous horn section, syncopated beats and hot, sweaty vocals that spell good times on songs like "Do It on the Dance Floor." Judging from what I've heard on this band's website, my money's on Soulphonics being the sleeper act that steals the show. Sensory Overload is a whole lot more than music, though. See the supplement on p. 3 for more info.
Creative Loafing's Sensory Overload w/Six Parts Seven/Smalltown DJs/The Postmarks/Soulphonics, Roppongi's Ace, 8 p.m. Sat., March 24, Cuban Club, Ybor City. $10. —Wade Tatangelo
Open Your Ears
Here's a heaping portion of challenging, avant-garde improvisational and/or ethnic music — all on the grounds of the Salvador Dalí Museum, and free. Saxophonist Sam Rivers (3:30 p.m.) is a legend of the '60s/'70s avant-loft scene, and he's still going strong at 83. He'll perform with his regular bassist and drummer. Bogus Pomp (6:30), one of the world's preeminent Frank Zappa tribute bands (there are more of them than you'd expect), will perform in full-electric-ensemble splendor. Gravy (5), a hard-hitting, horn-driven funk band, are led by local stalwart Ronnie Dee. The free-bop band SHIM (2:15) is something of Bay area institution. Rayzilla's PBS (12:45) bring the frenetic, multi-culti vibe; Nandkishor Muley, Tahja & Juan de la Sierra (11 a.m.) specialize in Indo-flamenco fusion. There's more to Dalí Fest, food and activities and such, but the music is the big draw.
Dalí Fest, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sat., March 24, Salvador Dalí Museum, St. Petersburg. FREE (reduced gallery admission, $7). —Eric Snider
Public Relations
Talk about your odd couple. Public Enemy's Chuck D is one of the most articulate progenitors of contemporary black consciousness, a boom-voiced rapper spitting rhymes of scintillating social import. Flava Flav plays the court jester, hollering asides with a big clock draped on his chest. His recent dalliances with reality-show sleaze, though, make you wonder if Chuck ever puts his head on the pillow and wonders, "Should I ditch this clown?" Formed in '82 in Long Island, Public Enemy became a highly influential outfit, their popularity culminating with "Fight the Power" from the soundtrack to Spike Lee's Do the Right Thing. PE is an anomaly in today's bling-and-thug hip-hop culture — all the more reason to be in da house for this show.
Public Enemy w/X-Clan, 8 p.m. Fri., March 23, Jannus Landing, St. Petersburg, $25 adv./$28 day of show. —ES
This article appears in Mar 21-27, 2007.
