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Blue Scholars light up Portland
Last Wednesday, Seattle-based hip-hop group Blue Scholars rocked The Wonder Ballroom in northeast Portland. The third stop of their fall 2011 tour promoting their third full-length album "Cinemetropolis" proved to be one of the most moving and high-energy shows I have ever been to.
With the exception of Serge Severe, the opening acts killed it. The Physics rocked the crowd with their upbeat and yet wonderfully low key northwest vibe, and L.A. emcee Bambu kept the audience alive with his flowing verses.
The Blue Scholars, emcee Geologic (Prometheus Brown) and DJ Sabzi (Alexei Saba), stuck to songs from "Cinemetropolis," including the album's title track and "Tommy Chong" (a crowd favorite). The group also played a few classics from older albums, including "Loyalty" and "The Inkwell."
On stage, the group's chemistry was undeniable.
I can safely say that my decision to forgo a night of studying to see the Blue Scholars was the single best choice I have made this semester. Make an effort to see the Blue Scholars live as soon as they return to this area. You won't be sorry.
-Lesley Dawson
