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One night only. No guest list. Tickets moving at www.felaoakland.eventbrite.com
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"The recent riots in my home town of London was not about criminals, colour, religion, or just the youths, it is more complex than that, which I'm still trying to decipher. Its a small reflection of what's going on in the world today.
The music I will be playing will be party music old and new of the UK, which show's the country innovation and influence. From UK Jazz-Funk/Soul movement, Acid-jazz, UK dancehall and lovers's rock, to Jungle/drum n bass to UK Garage/Funky House, Broken, Dub- Step with everything in between and beyond, with music that influenced our scene from overseas." -Daz-I-Kue
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There is no guest list for Soul Slam. Tickets at http://bit.ly/soultts
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It is with great honor that we present to you the Bay Area's own musical genius Martin Luther McCoy. You just missed him at the amazing Michelle Ndegeocello Live Prince Tribute. Join us for a night of Rebel Soul, and beauty that comes from the inside, and shines on the out.
We'll meet at Hibiscus for cocktails and a first of its kind acoustic set from Martin and friends from 7-9. Hibiscus is quickly becoming the go to space for Oakland taste makers, so do make time.
After, we'll stroll over to The New Parish next door for the official message from the epicenter of soul. Martin Luther McCoy.
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You could tell from the rising energy of the tracks as the night progressed that the Ritmos residents anticipated a rare intensity from the headliner at our last party. The dance floor was already hot when the jet lagged Londoner, Benji B, got on the mic and prepared the crowd for a set that he succinctly summed up with two words: "no compromise." Subsequently, what ensued was a kind of sublime mayhem. Funk melted into thumping house tempos that careened into hyper UK funky slaps subtly overcome by a wave of bass heavy dubstep anthems until it all gave way to a magical hip hop and soul session. Basically, genre got its a** kicked.
Well, its that time again. And since Benji's remarks, our mandate has expanded and our goals are even more ambitious. Its not just genre-fication that must be stamped out but we must present an alternative, a music culture that is powered by creativity, integrity and soulfulness. We're bringing out the big guns. That's right, comrades....Rich Medina.
Presale tickets
http://richmedina.eventbrite.com/
More on Rich
http://www.richmedina.com/
More on SOM
http://som-bar.com/
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This month, we celebrate you and your many accomplishments over the year thus far, as well as turn our focus towards the quickly approaching election day. It's almost a wrap, so you might look at this as the rally to finish the year in stride.
TTS is hosting an official campaign rally for City of Oakland councilmember DESLEY BROOKS from 8-10 the night of Friday, OCTOBER 29. Those of you who attended the campaign fundraiser for J...oel Young already know what an opportunity these mixers present. It's okay to have an agenda. Are you prepared? Here's your chance to be heard. (more info about councilmember Desley Brooks below)
*Early arrival suggested to show your support for Desley and learn a bit more about how she's impacting your community.
Later in the evening, DJ SPEN touches down from Baltimore and will be playing at TEN PM. We'd hoped to present this musical GIANT to you last month, but the brother ended up flying to Australia last minute. And so he's back.. for you.
The brother's discography is one of the lengthiest I've seen. Remember Karizma? That's his Baltimore familia, so do prepare wisely for this one.
Admission to the Desley Brooks campaign rally is complementary, with tickets to the party only being $5 before 11, so arrive early. Besides, that's when the DJ goes on, deals are made, and relationships are given birth. Curious?
Please stay tuned..
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Train comes to a grinding hault!
LADIES AND GENTLEMAN, MR. MARQUES WYATT!!!!!
See you Friday, September 24th when MARQUES WYATT plays the soundtrack you'll always remember.
$5 presale here.
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From time to time, we'll include TTS members incentives especial at some of your favorite destinations. We call it Top Ten Social Rewards, and think you're going to love this one!
We've partnered with Ozumo to offer savings as the holidays approach. Purchase a $50 gift card, and we'll include an additional $25, for $75 in value. Puchase $200, and receive an extra $100.
Submit your name and email above and we'll take care of the rest.
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In August a brother in Baltimore, Maryland wakes up, makes his way to BWI, flies across the continent, & checks into his hotel in Oakland, California.
That evening, he proceeds to evoke emotions of wonder & discombobulation to a people absolutely committed to finding themselves. This man makes it no easier for them to do so, & why should he? Oakland is the City of GODS, and he's the failsafe.
This man is DJ Karizma aka Kaytronic & he is going to f#ck you up!
Tickets available here.
*guest mix available in RADIO
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It wasn't too long ago that a good thirty of us or so got together at the newly opened Liege for a warm evening spent with Vikter Duplaix.
As Oakland has quickly become saturated with deep house, bruv delivered one of the smoothnessest sets a la Frankie Beverly, Black Coffee, Luther Vandross....
Well we're doing it again. And then again maybe.. Just bring yourselves. We've got you covered on the BBQ and promise not to let Dirk make the potato salad! Liege will be offering plates for $5.
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"The first affair given by the Top X Social Club was a Matinee held at Sharp's Lounge on the 24th of July, 1966. The response by the public was tremendous." - the TTS annual circa 1967
Hello Oakland. It's with great delight and jubilation that we invite you to celebrate our 44th Anniversary next Friday, July 23 at Levende Lounge. The last year has produced too many golden memories to recount, yet some notables might include:
Rich Medina spinning Lou Rawls' "You'll Never Find" on a foggy December night.
Vikter Duplaix going back to back with Mark Grant for one of the bay area's strongest NYE parties
THE TWILITE TONE (ANTHONY KHAN) dropping one of the most authentic hip hop sets ever delivered in the bay area.
Bobbito Garcia masterfully gliding from Nina Simone to Dead Prez.
..and then there's always been the talented Mr. Daz-I-Kue, doing what he do.
We also gathered to GIVE our hearts. The benefit for Derrion Albert raised $1,100 which TTS sent to the mother of the innocent high school teen who was savagely beaten to death, live, in color, televised, and YouTubed.
In response to the devastating earthquake in Haiti, TTS hosted the bay area's first benefit called HAITIAN RELIEF. Collectively, YOU - Oakland - the Top Ten Socialites raised $16,000 that evening in just three hours. Those funds were immediately sent to Doctors Without Borders.
And so next Friday, the behind the scenes folk would like to celebrate with you, the driving force of TTS. The cause for TTS.. Those who inspire, create, and multiply whether folk are watching - or not.
We say, "Stay the course, be unreasonable, and keep on.."
Capitol A, a brother who's worked with the likes of the Digable Planets, Daz-I-Kue, and 4Hero will be back to deliver a healthy dosage of inspiration and wisdom..
In celebration of the big 44, cover is just $4 before 11 this month.
See you next Friday..
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Our friends at Tamarindo have just completed construction of their all new tequila lounge, and have invited Top Ten Social guests to an exclusive happy hour launch party this Friday. What better way to welcome your 4th of July weekend than within the chic sophisticata this space presents..
Tamarindo is considered not only one of the finest dining spots in the bay, but also one of the most authentic. As a Mexican antojeria, guests are encouraged to order small plates to share, very similar to the tradition of tapas.
As a reminder, July 23rd, we celebrate our 44th anniversary since hosting the inaugural affair in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Stay tuned for details, as this month's TTS may leave you breathless..
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Top Ten Social is back the fourth Friday of June (25) with another very special host, Mr. Mark Grant (www.djmarkgrant.com). BEAST.
You may have heard about last September's party, or the TTS NYE party he hosted with Vikter Duplaix. My Chicago folk will back me up on this: Mark.Don't.Play.EVER.
Drink ya ovaltine! JJ will be opening for the bruv mixing a soul heavy blend of that which you adore.
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Triple wammy for Top Ten Socialites this month:
1. Of course, Mr. Bobbito Garcia aka Kool Bob Love will be blessing the decks. LEGEND. If you're not familiar, GOOGLE HIM.
2. We're hosting one of the Official Leela James Album Listening Parties hosted across the country that evening. Fusicology is partnering up on this one, with offerings of goodies and swag riches for those arriving before ten.
3. Lastly we bring you the talented professional artist, Carly Ivan Garcia, with live painting. This brother has work all over the world and is featured in the new Ed Harris film, "Touching Home."
Limited $5 presale tickets offered here.
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Join us Saturday, May 15th as we turn our sites to Napa. The Top Ten Social tour bus will depart from downtown Oakland at 9:30 that morning with it's course set for Black Coyote where we'll be addressed by Dr. Earnest A. Bates. As one of Napa's only African American vintners, Dr. Bates also sits on the Board of Trustees for Johns Hopkins University as well as the Museum of the African Diaspora.
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