Sidewalk Chalk With Kuf Knotz. And Vertical Current @ Underground Arts (Black Box)

::: Feb 12th | $10 / $12 DOS | 21+ ::: ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Sidewalk Chalk ~~~~~~~~~~~~ With the release of its sophomore album, Leaves, Sidewalk Chalk continues to lead the contemporary evolution of hip-hop, soul, and jazz. The band’s roots are firmly planted in Chicago where all eight members bring their respective talents together to update a sound first heralded in the Native Tongues era but never so musically diverse. The group’s unique arrangement allows them to incorporate numerous styles seamlessly: an MC and female vocalist; a trio of keys, bass, and drums; a horn section with trombone and trumpet; and a tap-dancer. In contrast to the 2012 debut release, Corner Store, this new album finds the group venturing into a grittier space and capitalizing on a subtle approach that is at times hauntingly beautiful. Leaves represents change, both the loss of something dear and the excitement of exploring something new. “The album is about growth, growing pains, and letting go of the past if need be,” states MC Rico Sisney. Vocalist Maggie Vagle adds, “It’s also about unfolding into a new color. Shedding to shine brighter." Sidewalk Chalk has created a live show that captivates a variety of audiences. The group has already shared stages with ?uestlove, De La Soul, Action Bronson, Jean Grae, Hiatus Kaiyote and other notables. Individually, band members have acted as musical director(s) for Brother Ali, toured with Jazzanova and played behind Buddy Guy and Talib Kweli. Sidewalk Chalk was named "Most Outstanding Group" at the 2012 Chicago Music Awards, and its MC represented Chicago at the 2010 World Expo in Shanghai, China. Sidewalk Chalk is: Rico Sisney (MC), Maggie Vagle (Vocals), Charlie Coffeen (Keys), Garrett McGinn (Bass), Tyler Berg (Drums), Jumaane Taylor (Taps), Sam Trump (Trumpet), and David Ben-Porat (Trombone). ~~~~~~~~ Kuf Knotz. ~~~~~~~~ Known for his unique blend of progressive hip-hop, soul, blues, jazz and rock, Kuf Knotz is one of Philly’s fastest emerging alternative artists. No musical territory goes unexplored when it comes to Kuf, and it is this attitude that has led him to perform with top acts like Common, Old Dirty Bastard, New York Dolls, Steel Pulse, Josh Ritter & The Roots to name a few. Kuf even battered down historical barriers by becoming the first ever hip hop act to open up for the legendary “Boss” — Mr. Bruce Springsteen himself — at the internationally covered rally for then Presidential candidate, Barack Obama on Philadelphia’s Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Kuf’s career highlights did not end there. Going on to record “Unstoppable” the official song of World Series Champions, The Phillies, in 2008 with fellow notorious local artists, G. Love and Chuck Treece. In addition to being the front man in collaborative projects such as Burn Down All-Stars and The Hustle, Kuf recently set the tone for his solo career with his debut album Boombox Logic, a cohesive 14-track LP. The album, released under Drexel University’s Mad Dragon Records, features an impressive list of guest artists such as Sharon Little, G. Love, Doodlebug and more. Boombox Logic exploded throughout the sound waves this past October earning great reviews and spots in 2010 top album categories. Kuf also volunteers his time for WXPN’s Musicians On Call program, bringing live music to the bedsides of patients through weekly programs at six area hospitals. Find Kuf Knotz online at www.kufknotz.com ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Vertical Current ~~~~~~~~~~~~ On the surface it’s a blend of jazz standards with a twist of some really funky originals. However, the concept is about not only outlasting the darkness, but also racing toward the light! The difference between p.m. and a.m. can be as small as a second. In the midnights of life, we have to maintain the hope of the sun. The ‘bright side of midnight’ is that the new day has already begun. iTunes- https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/bright-side-of-midnight/id899614977