Review: Put Radius on Your Radar

Written By JESSE ALLEN

Every month at the small bar/lounge called The Shadow Room at the south end of Main Street, a party called Radius happens. If you walk past the pubs and clubs on Main Street, you’ll be surprised at what’s happening at The Shadow Room. DJ N.E.B. and DJ Berk are spinning Hip Hop, soul, funk, and rock with guest DJs like the Godfather of Hip Hop the legendary Kool Herc, Jazzy Jay, and last week’s guest DJs Shiftee (recent DMC World DJ Champion) and Mo’ Niklz. Walking into The Shadow Room on a Radius night, you might feel that you're in another world where coexisting with your average drinking –at-the-bar experience, DJs are spinning underground hip hop, juggling beats, mixing video being projected onto a screen on the dance floor, and having MCs like El Vee perform over these musical endeavors. In all this is a smooth transition from people who came to hear the music and people who came to socialize and experience something new. Where people over 25 can hear hip hop they grew up with and love, being mixed by an actual DJ and not a muzak station or an ipod. Where the same songs that are played constantly on the radio or at bars are not rehashed. Where guest DJs, who by their own right and involvement in the music scene, are considered the best of the best. And this is all happening at a small bar on the south end of Main Street in Middletown. Where else can you have a Guinness, listen to a turntablist mix Wu-Tang and the Police while cutting and splicing in images of Space Ghost on the screen in front of you?

This past week, world renowned DJ Shiftee, 2007 and 2009’s DMC World DJ Champion and Harvard graduate guest DJ’d with ConnectBeats for CB’s 10th anniversary as turntablist collective active in Connecticut and beyond. Shiftee cut an impressive set juggling percussion in a rhythmic groove that more than just the average cut and stab, getting people who weren’t there specifically for the music to take notice. It’s nice to have an environment where you can hear eclectic music and styles while hanging out with your friends and getting a brew. Radius parties at The Shadow Room can often be an oasis and a nice change from your same old commercial sports and music fare.

- Jesse Allen 9/22/2011

Jesse Allen has lived in Middletown for most of his life, and has also spent time living in San Francisco and South Africa. He has worked in social service agencies and he studied at Trinity College in Hartford.

Breakin Out on a Saturday Night

Tonight, The Shadow Room was packed with a crowd of people who came to be a part of the latest ConnectBeats Radius production. The place was alive with much dancing. The creator of hip-hop, DJ Kool Herc, came from New York to entertain the crowd. Being in the presence of a man who created an entirely new genre of music was an energizing and powerful feeling. I had an excellent time. It was great to see such a vibrant and enthusiastic crowd of people pour in for this fun event.

ConnectBeats Brings it On

submitted by Anne-Marie Cannata:

The Buttonwood Tree was hip-hopping last night thanks to James and the crew of ConnectBeats. We love win-win situations and last night everybody was a winner. Last night the house was full of "Positivity", patrons were all happy with the free show, and the DJs were glad to have a space to get their music out there.

The Buttonwood Tree Performing Arts & Cultural Center is run by the not-for-profit arts organization, North End Arts Rising (NEAR) and NEAR often barters or utilizes the services of volunteers. James from ConnectBeats often helps out with computer issues; recently changing over their entire system when NEAR received a newer donated computer from Liberty Bank. In exchange for his time, The Buttonwood Tree hosted James and the Hip Hop crew of Arun, Berk and Elvee for a free show Friday night called "Positivity". Folks of all ages came out and played music, danced, played games and even read books. It was hard to count the patrons as they kept coming in all night, but it was estimated at nearly 50, with 5 children under age 10. Alden Halfinger came in early and stayed late, participating by drumming and playing other instruments and by dancing. He spun around like an old pro, but when asked if he had lessons his Mom said he just does it naturally. "It just comes out of him", said Jen Halfinger. Fred and Tom Mosed played the drums most of the night and guest Rapper Amora stepped up for a few numbers too.

We are expecting another good night Saturday when Nicole Zuraitis brings her jazz quartet and awesome voice to TBT and Brian O'Rourke brings some tasty cake over from the Diner!