JANUARY 26, 2007
FR: ALEXANDRA GREENBERG/MSO
818-380-0400 x223, agreenberg@msopr.com
AT THE NOS EVENTS CENTER IN
SAN BERNARDINO, CA;
Due to the overwhelming success of last year’s launch event, PAID DUES returns March 24, 2007, this time to the NOS Events Center in San Bernardino, CA. Presented by MURS 3:16 in association with Guerilla Union, PAID DUES promises to prove itself as the premiere festival for independent hip-hop with billing that includes talents like Felt, Sage Francis, Brother Ali and more.
“Don’t let the often redundant and routine rap songs and videos played on commercial radio, BET and MTV fool you. There’s a vibrant rap scene with advanced lyricism, stinging political commentary and quality DJ performances that continues to flourish in a seemingly parallel universe, largely shunned by the mainstream media,” wrote Soren Baker of the Los Angeles Times (3/3/06) in his review of the first PAID DUES which sold-out the 5,500 capacity Shrine Expo Center in downtown Los Angeles. “Several leaders of this movement, including El-P, Aesop Rock, Brother Ali and Living Legends, delivered solid sets…”
Flash forward for the 2007 PAID DUES line-up with FELT (MURS [Living Legends] w/ Slug & Ant [Atmosphere]), SAGE FRANCIS, BROTHER ALI, BLACKALICIOUS, JEAN GRAE, VISIONARIES, MR LIF, CAGE, ZION I & THE GROUCH, DEVIN THE DUDE, EVIDENCE w/ ALCHEMIST, PIGEON JOHN, LOS NATIVOS, and HANGAR 18 with DJ’s MR LEN and MAJI. The event will be hosted by LUCKY I AM and surprise guests are in the works. “It’s not just an event. It’s an experience,” states organizer Murs, “…a family reunion of sorts for the independent hip- hop community.”
Adds Chang Weisberg of Guerilla Union, "PAID DUES is the only arena dedicated to independent hip-hop artists. Not only is it evolving into a cherished once a year event, but soon PAID DUES will be a national tour, documentary film, media outlet, and overall artist support mechanism. From Myspace.com to XM Radio, we are committed to developing a unique soapbox for these amazing artists who otherwise struggle to compete with the current industry model. It's not an easy thing to do, but Murs has put himself out there to support his friends and colleagues. The support from artists, labels, managers, media partners, and agents has been overwhelming."
Beyond his PAID DUES empire plans, Murs—“better than your favorite rapper”–will be releasing a new album. Please stay tuned for future developments.
PAID DUES is an all-ages show. Doors open at 4:00pm and the festival ends at midnight. Tickets go on sale Friday, February 2nd for $30.00. Also available are $100.00 PAID DUES Limited VIP Tickets. VIP tickets include access to the exclusive VIP lounge and party, limited edition festival backpack, souvenir credential, official festival t-shirt, commemorative poster, access to full bar and amenities and two-drink tickets. Tickets go on sale Friday, February 2 and can be purchased through Ticketmaster and various local hip-hop shops in the southland area.
For more information on PAID DUES, contact:
Alexandra Greenberg/MSO
818-380-0400 x223, agreenberg@msopr.com
http://
SECOND ANNUAL“PAID DUES” FESTIVAL SET FOR SATURDAY, MARCH 24 AT THE NOS EVENTS CENTER IN SAN BERNARDINO, CA