Roy Ayers and Tony Allen at Crash Mansion

Crash Mansion welcomes two of the world’s greatest jazz musicians, Roy Ayers and Tony Allen, on Saturday March 29, 2008. Roy Ayers will be promoting his new CD “Mahogany Vibe” which features Betty Wright and Erykah Badu. The doors will open at 7PM, followed by the show at 8PM. Tickets are priced at $18 in advance and $25 at the door and can be purchased at www.ticketmaster.com or by calling the Crash Mansion box office at 213-747-0999.

Roy Ayers and Tony Allen are two of the world’s greatest musicians. Roy changed the way we appreciate soul music and Tony played lead drummer for Fela Kuti for over 15 years and consequently led us to a new world of drumming through afro beat. J.ROCC is the world’s greatest DJ and needs no introduction. Homenaje (homage) is the newest series that ArtDontSleep has crafted, geared to bridge the gap between the elders and young adults in the Los Angeles community.

Roy Ayers (www.royayers.com )
Roy Edward Ayers, Jr. was born in Los Angeles, CA on September 10, 1940. The 1970’s found Roy embarking upon a long and fruitful relationship with Polydor Records, where Roy, committed to the search for and exploration of new musical concepts began to incorporate “wah wah” and “fuzz” tones on his vibes. It was during this period he formed the group Ubiquity. The term Ubiquity (from the Latin) means the state or capacity of being, or seeming to be, everywhere at the same time.

Roy Ayers obviously took his group’s name to heart for the Roy Ayers sound was virtually omnipresent. As musical genres changed in scope and definition, rhythm and blues, jazz, rock n’ roll, pop and disco each fought for a niche with the public and the major record labels. Meanwhile, a new sound was slowly emerging…the American audiences referred to it as fusion, the British called it jazz-funk. Regardless of its moniker, Roy Ayers became the undisputed champion of a sound that seemed to draw from his jazz, rhythm and blues, Latin, funk and dance music roots.

For the next ten years, Roy Ayers produced what many regard as some of his finest works. The mere mention of certain song titles…”Virgo Red”, “Change Up the Groove”, “Mystic Voyage”, “Everybody Loves the Sunshine”, “Vibrations”, “You Send Me”, “Lifeline”, “Fever”, and the list goes on and on, evoke fond memories for fans ranging in age from their twenties through their seventies. It is rare when an artist is able to speak to, grasp and hold the attention of so wide a demographic, for so long a period of time.

Tony Allen (www.tony-allen.com )
Born in Nigeria in 1940 of mixed Nigerian and Ghanaian parentage, Tony Allen is perhaps the most highly-regarded African drum set player to emerge since World War II. Drummers and other musicians of all backgrounds marvel at his uniquely polyrhythmic style. Tony came to international prominence in the 1960s as a member of the band of the late Nigerian bandleader Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, with whom he played for 15 years.

Fela Kuti is himself recognized as one of the most important and influential African popular musicians/composers of the post-colonial era, and it is widely accepted that Tony Allen was his crucial collaborator in the synthesis of jazz, funk and highlife which resulted in the style known as Afrobeat. Tony Allen’s work with Fela is documented on over 30 recordings and today, he remains the primary exponent of Afrobeat.

J.ROCC (www.myspace.com/funkypresident )
The Funky President of the Beat Junkie Crew. For well over ten years, this man has established himself as one of the illest DJs around, with his signature blends and supreme selection. A steady globe-trotter, J has traveled extensively and showcased his solid knowledge of music with the very best talents, including the late great J Dilla (RIP). His deep catalog of mix tapes and cds are considered classic, from "Syndromes" to "Taster's Choice." J is well-versed in a wide array of sounds, and always gets down something serious when behind the decks.

ABOUT ARTDON’TSLEEP:
Art Don’t Sleep has booked a very fresh taste of roots music from the past and the future. Bands like RAMP, Cymande, and the Heliocentrics, whom have either never played Los Angeles or haven’t been here in an immensely long time. Performers like Bilal, Platnum Pied Pipers, The Lions, Sa-Ra Creative Partners to mention just a few. For more information, go to www.artdontsleep.com.

ABOUT CRASH MANSION:
In a space once occupied by the historic Myron Ballroom, the Bowery Restaurant group has transformed this 1940's swing club into a state-of-the-art, three-part performance haven. An 8,000 square-foot main stage accommodates headliners with lofted ceilings and a fully digital sound room, while two adjacent rooms--the Burn Lounge and the Foyer Gallery--cater more to low-key performers and the local artist scene. With five bars, three distinct atmospheres, and a fully operative kitchen, this industrial chic club caters to the rich diversity of art and music lovers in Los Angeles. Crash Mansion LA is located at 1024 Grand Ave (at W. Olympic). Phone number is 213-747-0999. For more information, go to www.crashmansionla.com or www.myspace.com/crashmansionlosangeles.