July 31-August 6, 2003

beat box

compiled by Ainé Ardron-Doley

It’s one hectic week of tail-feather shaking (and an Ill Vibe Collective invasion).

Like clockwork, The Gathering returns, this time with 2Phace and PA System. I-Be hosts while DJ M-Ski mans the Technics. Get interactive with open linoleum for b-boys and girls, graff panels and open mic. Thu., July 31, 10 p.m.-2 a.m., free, all ages, The Rotunda, 4012 Walnut St., 215-573-3234. Or swing uptown to Resolution #4, a live hip-hop shindig with performances by Lost Talent, Blak and Tan, Elijah the Prophet, Endevers, The Flight Brothers and Thirlbredz. Thu., July 31, 9 p.m., $5, North by Northwest, 7165 Germantown Ave., 215-248-1000. And how could we leave this out? Tito Jackson is spankin’ audiences with his new blues band for three nights. Thu.-Sat., July 31-Aug. 2, 10 p.m., $20, Warmdaddy’s, Front and Market sts., 215-627-2500.

Afrorikan Vybe is the bomb! Need we say more? Sure: DJs Rich Medina and Dennis Perez welcome all the incredible dancers from this year's Illadelph Legends conference. Fri., Aug 1, 9 p.m.-2 a.m., $7, Fluid, 613 S. Fourth St., 215-629-0565. Don't stop partying at 2 a.m. -- swing down to the ever-popular 908 House Party! Fri., Aug. 1, 10 p.m., $5, 908 N. 20th St.

PO-JAM is where can you get poetry, hip-hop, R&B, soul, gospel, funk, rock, food and an open mic all in one. The bill rolls like this: Hip-hoppers Verses and Jason Brown; soulsters Lacy Harmon and Devon King; poets Walidah Imarisha, Tannur Ali and Reuben Jones; and gospel songbirds Talia Sykes and Sheneva Paz. There will also be a reading from Time is of the Essence, an anthology of work by the incarcerated. Sat., Aug. 2, 7 p.m., free, The Rotunda. And after that, the Ill Vibe Collective's bimonthly dance-off is right on time with another smokin' edition of The Bodyrock. Spinning what else? The best in hip-hop, funk and classics. Sat., Aug. 2, 10 p.m., $5, Aqua Lounge, 323 W. Girard Ave., 215-769-5114.

Looking for something a little more unique? Moonwalk on over to the Jackson 5 Tribute Party! Ill Vibe DJ Lil' Dave spins all things Jackson. From Michael to Tito and Janet, Jermaine and Rebe -- if they recorded it, you'll dance to it. Sun., Aug. 3, 10 p.m.-2 a.m., $5, Warmdaddy's.

New party alert! Each Sunday the Ill Vibe Collective goes to work again with No Holds Barred. Waxing the "funkiest hip-hop ever made," DJ Skipmode rules the decks with all other IVC members on board for rotating assists. Watch out for the intimate open mic. Sun., Aug. 3, 10 p.m.-2 a.m., free, Bar Noir, 112 S. 18th St., 215-569-9333.