Afrika Bambataa
Friday, August 29 at Smartbar, 10 p.m.; $15
In case you're unfamiliar, Afrika Bambataa is the man who introduced electro sounds to the world and changed thoughts about hip-hop and dance music with his legendary "Planet Rock" in 1982. Tone B. Nimble and Intel also play what is sure to be a true dance party. Smartbar is open until 4 and Afrika Bambataa is known to get things started late, so expect to be here 'til the lights come up.
Pacific Division
Friday, August 29 at Subterranean, 10 p.m.; $13 for 17+, $10 21+
Bay-area hip hop headlines tonight at Sub-T with guests Pacific Division and Rashan Ahmad of Crown City Rockers. Pac Div, making its first Chicago appearance, has a bit of a '90s throwback style that's reminiscent of California hip-hop acts like Souls of Mischief, while Ahmad and the Crown City Rockers have a much fresher, eclectic style that will win over fans of acts like the Roots and Common. Locals Million $ Mano, Walter J Liveharder and Sean Doe also perform.
Africa Hi-Fi
Friday, August 29 at Sonotheque, 9 p.m.; $10
Four years ago, the Africa Hi-Fi party launched at Sonotheque. Host Sonia H. and legendary house DJ Ron Trent showcased the African influence in musical genres, by blending house, afrobeat and world music once a month. The event became nomadic, moved to the Hothouse, went on hiatus and now, four years later, is back at Sonotheque. To celebrate, the hosts bring in Philly native, producer King Britt (who had a brief residency at Sonotheque a few years ago), who has remixed artists as diverse as Tori Amos and Bassment Jax with his signature deep house and "afro-tech" style. Siji performs live and artist Krista Franklin creates artwork throughout the night.
The Mess Around 3-Year Anniversary
Saturday, August 30 at Rodan, 10 p.m.; free
Maker and Intel have been keeping Rodan regulars happy on the last Saturday of the month for three years now. The secret to their success is simple: provide good music that makes people want to dance. Rodan provides the inexpensive drinks and cool atmosphere (good food, too) and together, it all works. If you haven't been to Rodan in awhile, come out tonight, have a PBR and congratulate the musical selectors.
Richie Hawtin
Saturday, August 30 at Smartbar
Richie Hawtin, under his own name and the Plastikman moniker, tweaked and turned knobs into the kind of minimal techno that moved illegal dance parties around the world. He's in Chicago as part of his record label, M-Nus' (Minus) 10th anniversary tour. Nearly all of this dance-music powerhouse's (there's even a Minus festival in Europe), artists are North American, with a strong affinity for Detroit techno. Besides Hawtin, labelmates Troy Pierce, Magda and Marc Houle perform.
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