October 2- 8, 2003

beat box

compiled by Ainé Ardron-Doley

Hosted by actor/poet Daniel Derrick Devlin, the brand-new Poetry/Networking/Discussion should deliver everything its name implies, plus snacks, every other Thursday for two short but free-flowing hours. The open mic even beckons those who just need to vent. Thu., Oct. 2, 7-9 p.m., free, Bonte, 130 S. 17th St., lower level, 215-557-8510, actor_poet@hotmail.com.

The Second Annual Hip-Hop Film Festival touches down this week with 13 funky-fresh hip-hop flicks. Here's the lineup: Freestyle: The Art of Rhyme, Def Jux Dutch Documentary, Breath Control: The History of The Human Beat Box, Street Legends, Soundz of Spirit, The Freshest Kids, Nobody Knows My Name, Philly Boy, Resistencia: Hip-Hop Colombia, Unprecedented & Aftermath 9/11: Unanswered Questions, Black Picket Fence/Straight Outta Hunters Point and BEEF. Oct. 3-9, Roxy Theater, 2023 Sansom St., 215-923-6699; visit

for showtimes, ticket prices and party locations.

While megastars with little talent like Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera come to mind when many folks think of the Grammys, there’s more to the organization than the awards. Kicking off their View from the Top educational series, the Philadelphia chapter of The Recording Academy hosts Making the R&B Hit, with Andre Harris, Vidal Davis, Bob Power and Phil Tan. Harris and Davis departed from A Touch of Jazz to cut out the middleman last year. As an independent production tandem, they are in demand (yes, that was big Ruben of American Idol at The Studio last week with the duo). Bob Power received more than 20 gold or platinum records as producer, engineer, composer, arranger and performer. From KRS-One to Miles Davis, Bob’s a vet. Phil Tan’s work as an mix engineer has appeared on more than 125 million albums and singles sold to date, including Pharell’s latest, "Frontin’." Expect an intimate discussion on producing, including new studio technology, track creation, label interaction and dealing with artists and songwriters. Tue., Oct. 7, 7-10 p.m., $25-$35, Hyatt Regency Penn’s Landing, 201 S. Columbus Blvd., 215-985-5411.

(applesz6@aol.com)

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