On Friday, June 26, the Akon Freedom Fest sets off an explosive lineup of R&B/rap chart-toppers at the Journal Pavilion. Headlining is club-banging, Senegalese-styled Akon, who also gets paid for producing hits like Gwen Stefani’s sugary "The Sweet Escape." (He threw in the frisbee-like "Who hoo! Yee who!" choruses). The bill gets harder as Plies, Fat Joe, Lil’ Jon, the Ying Yang Twins, Multi and Jotorious stalk the stage, with L.D. the Mash-Up King representing Albuquerque’s hefty endowment of DJ talent. It’s shaping up as the summer concert to beat. The show’s promoters have generously handed the Alibi a stash of tickets. I’ve got eight lawn seats—usually $46.10 each after service fees through livenation.com—to give away to our readers. Want a pair?Log on to alibi.com and comment on this article with a rap about why you want the tickets. If I like your text-based freestyling the best, you and your date win tickets. I’ll announce the winners next week in this column. Good luck!
Music To Your Ears Starparty
After eight years, you should know the Star Tattoo anniversary party drill: Elliott’s (NE corner of Coors and Alameda), barbecue and bands. Music for this year’s 21-and-older ink parade will come from Catfish Hunter, Violenta, Coke Is Better With Bourbon, Swingin’ Meat, Outhouse, Cultura Fuerte, DJ Speed, Dirty Bird, The Red Hot Hydromatics and Voice of December. Doors will be open from 3 p.m. until last call on Saturday, June 13. And, as usual, your present is your presence.
Music To Your Ears Vote For Asper Kourt
When Asper Kourt snuffed out 24 other groups in the UNM Battle of the Bands 2009, part of its prize was getting entered into a national competition. And now, out of 28 bands from across the U.S., Asper Kourt is neck-and-neck for first place. Help push Asper Kourt—and New Mexico—to victory by visiting songjoust.com/asper and listening to the groups’ piano-pop ballad "Rain Before Shine." One play from one IP address counts as one vote, and the contest cutoff is June 20. Find Asper Kourt online at myspace.com/asperkourt.
