April 1- 7, 2004

beat box

compiled by Ainé Ardron-Doley

Considering the wacky business practices in Philly’s hip-hop, soul and R&B scene, Docta Shock's Urban Music Biz Workshop is a must. Panelists include Bobbie Booker of The Philadelphia Tribune, promoter Parry P., Damon Williams of the Daily News, Lisa Benson of Silk & Satin Productions and the writer everyone loves to hate, Ainé Ardon-Doley (yep, that’s me). Network, talk, listen and learn as the panel weighs in on how to put together a demo package and how to make key industry connections. An open mic follows the discussion. Thu., April 1, 6-9 p.m., $5, all ages, Dowlings Palace, Broad and Thompson sts., 215-748-2360, doctrshock@aol.com. Simultaneously, Michael Coard’s Hip-Hop 101 refuses to slow down, hosting yet another guest: Kriminul of the Jigmasters. Thu., April 1, 7-9 p.m., Temple University, Anderson Hall, 11th and Berks sts., 215-204-3448, mc@bowserweaver.com. Later, cop a copy of the hot new quarterly zine and dance to the sounds of the Sesion31 DJs at the B.INFORMED first anniversary (online) and magazine release party. The second issue of B.INFORMED boasts a Hollertronix cover story; an interview with Lois Fernandez, the founder of Odunde; a ’70s funk/soul mix CD by Sesion31; and much more. Thu., April 1, 10 p.m.-2 a.m., $5, Siam Lotus, 939 Spring Garden St., www.binformedmag.com.

Eavesdrop brainchildren, DJs Junior and Lil' Dave, keep the airwaves buzzing this week with guests Statik and Skipmode spinning a live set. Their latest mix tape, Remixbound, drops next week. Fri., April 2, 6-9 p.m., 91.7 FM, listen online at www.wkdu.org.

In the machismo-soaked world of hip-hop, women-only and women-first organizations like the all-female dance troupe Montazh are ever so welcome. Montazh hosts the two-day Ladies of Hip-Hop Dance Workshop, with instructors Crystal Frazier teaching "Freestyle," Tweety with a popping, locking/whacking, freestyle and hip-hop class, and Honey Rockwell teaching "Breaking 101." Sat.-Sun., April 3-4, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., $40 each day, $75 both days, Jeanne Rudy Dance Studio 1515 Brandywine St., www.montazhpac.org.

The boob tube boasts live footage of Ludacris and the DTP crew’s recent Philly performance on this week’s edition of The Avenue. And coming soon, the world premiere of Baby Blak’s "Starvin’ Artist" video. And from the back of the Def Jux tour bus, an interview with Akrobatic and DJ Fakts One.

Mon.-Fri., 4 p.m., DUTV Cable 54, www.dutv.org/avenue . And that's a rap.