September 11-17, 2003

beat box

compiled by Ainé Ardron-Doley

The Jamaican Jerk Hutís Better Than Bootleg Series hosts the world premiere of Stephanie Reneeís documentary, No Such Thing as Neosoul. Billed as an "insiderís look at the Philadelphia black arts aesthetic," No Such Thing promises to be a controversial examination of our little/big "scene." Includes interviews and performances from local talent: Damon Bennett, Rich Medina, Jill Scott, Ursula Rucker, J. Michael Harrison and Rennie Harris. Renee will conduct a Q&A after the screening. Thu., Sept. 11, 7:30 p.m., free, The Jamaican Jerk Hut, 1436 South St., 215-545-8644.

Ms. Stef Renee (again), alongside Bernard Collins and house band dB (Decibel), present The Groove, a one-night-only open mic for vocalists, poets, MCs and musicians. Itís a South Street Rhythm & Blues jam session resurrection. Fri., Sept. 13, 8 p.m., free, The Rotunda, 4012 Walnut St., 215-573-3234. Or, try this: Monday nights at Fluid no longer boast the hip-hop energy of DJ Cosmoís The Remedy, but Fridays have certainly kept it true-school. Where else can you catch oldie but goody Das EFX performing live while Skratch Mekanic DJ Adam Bomb spins for just $5? Oh, and women, you are free before midnight. Fri., Sept. 12, 10 p.m.-2 a.m., $5, Fluid, 613 S. Fourth St., 215-413-3525.

Portal: An Art & Music Classic is a mix of art and music. DJs Statik, King Selectar and Omne spin it every which way, from funk to Afrobeat to hip-hop, roots, rock and reggae. The visionary visual art of Scott Cranmer and Sean Kernick teases the peepers. Beat on a drum? Bring it on, percussion instruments are welcome. Sat., Sept. 13, 9:30 p.m., $8, 5th Warehouse, one block north of Girard on Fifth and Thompson sts. (left side),

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