From Fela to Femi, Afrobeat lives on

Femi Kuti carries on, and expands, a family tradition

By Chris Nixon
FOR THE SAN DIEGO UNION-TRIBUNE
July 22, 2005

'Fe-la," "Fe-la."

Traffic is stopped on the crowded streets of Lagos, Nigeria. It's 1975, a time of political and social unrest. Musician and activist Fela Anikulapo-Kuti walks from his home to his nightclub, the Afrika Shrine. People stand on their cars to catch a glimpse of the man: small in stature but large in presence. Fela – rarely seen in more than just Speedo shorts – struts to his club, where his band, Afrika 70, will perform its high-octane African funk into the wee hours.

The crowd chants his name, over and over: "Fe-la," "Fe-la."

Much like the meaning of his name Anikulapo – "the one who holds death in his pouch" – Fela Kuti's musical and political vision lives beyond his time on Earth.

Today, 30 years later, Fela's son walks in his footsteps. Much like his dad, Femi Kuti rails against oppressive governments. He blows his sax sweet and hard, like an African Maceo Parker setting forth an inferno of pelvic thrusts and gyrating, sweaty bodies. And he plays a funkified form of African music created by his father: Afrobeat.

Melding the joyous prolonged sounds of African high-life music with the down-dirty grit of James Brown and the Horny Horns, Fela created politically charged music. Femi Kuti has taken the mantle laid down by his father when he passed away in 1998 (from AIDS complications), moving Afrobeat into the modern era.

But it's not easy to fill the shoes of a man who was practically worshipped as a god in his homeland of Nigeria.

Femi seems comfortable with the comparisons: "It is a thing that is natural and a great honor for me," says the prodigal son recently. "But my music I feel now stands by itself."

Emerging from his father's shadow, Femi's music and message deserve to stand on their own. His two studio releases – "Shoki Shoki" in 1999 and 2001's "Fight to Win" – paint a picture of a man struggling with abject poverty and a corrupt government.

Much to Femi's chagrin, the plight of Nigerians has not improved much since the days of Fela Kuti. Mixing traditional Afrobeat funk with electronic beats and a touch of hip-hop, Femi's music uses songs as a podium to inform the world. Femi tries to raise consciousness of everyday trials and tribulations in Nigeria with every note.

Since his father's death, Femi has rebuilt Fela's Afrika Shrine in the Nigerian capital of Lagos. Part music venue and part community center, the Shrine also serves as Femi's home when he's not on tour. He holds weekly jam sessions called "Sunday Jumps," where Nigerians gather and dance away their daily strife.

In a combo DVD and live CD release titled "Live at the Shrine" released this year, Femi allows cameras into his life, giving a tour of the Shrine along with combined footage from a series of electric live shows at the venue. Complete with a full horn section, a troop of African dancers and a legion of musicians, Femi's band plays an epic set of his Afrobeat tunes in the 87-minute documentary.

"In the Shrine in Lagos, everyone knows my music and comes week after week," Kuti says. "But audiences everywhere are getting to know the music now also."

Whether in Lagos or at San Diego's new House of Blues, where Femi and his band will perform Saturday, audiences come away from a Kuti show with an evening of dancing and plenty of food for thought.

"I want people to have a good time but to also think about the message," Kuti muses.

Like the opening words by Kuti on "Live at the Shrine," the House of Blues crowd can expect a dance-happy, politically infused performance from Femi and his large African orchestra: "We are here to make you happy and give you all the good music you deserve."

Chris Nixon is a San Diego music writer.

Classic cruisin through the county

Taking it to the streets

Thousands of S.D. classic-automobile owners participate in cruise nights across the county – 'We enjoy the cars together'

By Chris Nixon
For the San Diego Union-Tribune
June 30, 2005

"I met my wife through owning this car," says Dave Keetch as he leans out the window of his baby-blue 1955 Thunderbird convertible during a recent Cajon Classic Cruise in downtown El Cajon.

Keetch purchased the car in 1966, but needed a little help to tow the car in 1974. The rest is history.

"The first date with my wife was to go pick up the tow bar and our second date was to actually tow the car to the garage," says Keetch about the passion for classic cars he shares with his wife, Cindy. "And she's been with me ever since. We'll be celebrating our 30th anniversary this June."

The Keetches aren't alone in their passion: They are part of a growing community of San Diego classic-car owners joining clubs and attending cruises. Keetch – a member of the Car Club Council of Greater San Diego – estimates there are 4,000 to 6,000 members in 97 clubs countywide.

El Cajon has a rich history of attracting gearheads and classic-car collectors. The city plays host to the Cajon Classic Cruise, the largest weekly car show in Southern California. Escondido, La Mesa and Chula Vista are among other county spots joining the fun.

The common theme? The cars, the camaraderie, the community.

"We're all trying to do the same thing: We're all reliving an era that's gone past," says Keetch of the different events around San Diego County. "We enjoy the cars together. You step out onto the street and it's almost like you're stepping back in time."

In El Cajon – as with many other S.D. cruises – organizations work with the city to close off Main Street. Cars are usually arranged by type and era. Owners park their cars and set up lawn chairs. They reminisce and reacquaint themselves with their fellow enthusiasts.

It all has a small-town feel to it: "The people are nice, and everybody has a common interest," says Keetch. "You talk about old times and what you used to do."

"Here's the way I look at it: It takes you back to an easier, more gentler time," says Keetch. "Things weren't quite as hectic as they are today. Traffic

wasn't as bad. I love the music. You could leave your house unlocked. It was nice era, people were more friendly then. So it's kind of a sentimental thing more than anything else."

Keetch has been involved in San Diego's classic car scene for decades, and he sees more people each year discovering the simple pleasures of car restoration.

"My wife and I founded the Pontiac club here in San Diego about 16 years ago," says Keetch. "I'm also a charter member of the Classic Thunderbird Club here in San Diego. In '81, I helped found the Convertible Club. So I've been in a few different clubs that I helped found and I've watched them grow. It's been very satisfying."

From lovers of lowriders to vintage Harleys, Southern California provides a perfect home for vehicle revivalists, combining a mild climate and a bevy of classic vehicles to choose from: "It could not be better because of the weather. Where else can you cruise with the top down year-round?"

Chris Nixon is a San Diego freelance writer.


'IT REALLY DRAWS A CROWD'
Marc Henry's 1953 Flexible Clipper bus stands out in a crowd. The 33-foot-long renovated classic has the sleek lines of 1950s vehicles and stands a good 5 feet above most cars on the highway. But the color – lime green, deep purple and coral mixed with chrome – draws more attention than a 10-foot-tall neon "Diner" sign on a dark, lonesome highway.

"It really draws a crowd, so I kind of hide it," says the El Cajon resident during the first Cajon Classic Cruise of 2005, who dubbed the bus "Creamsicle" after the orange ice cream pop. "I like to cruise with it. I get all the TVs going and's nice."

When Henry purchased the vintage bus 18 years ago, the interior consisted of basic bench seats with an aisle down the middle, the standard bus layout.

"It was just an old bus," says Henry. "It had 27 coats of paint on it. I traced everything back: It started out as purchased by the Marine Corps, then the San Diego State baseball team used it, then the basketball team. MGM used it for pictures after SDSU. Then it went to a private owner out in Wynona. When I saw it, I said 'I've got to fix it up.' "

Henry did more than just fix it up. He made it into a state-of-the-art motor home, complete with couches, three TVs, a bed and gadgets galore to make every road trip into a cruise. The bus runs on an International 466 BTE diesel turbo engine, and Henry uses the vehicle to take trips to Las Vegas and Laughlin, Nev.: "I'm totally self-contained."

Henry has other classic cars in his garage, but on trips it makes sense to ride in style. "I have a '63 Bonneville convertible with a white top, but I get better gas mileage with the bus."

– CHRIS NIXON


WHERE TO GO TO GET REVVED UP OVER CAR CLASSICS
TUESDAYS

East County Cruisers, 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Tyler's Taste of Texas Barbecue, 576 N. Second St., El Cajon. Information: www.eastcountycruisers.com.

WEDNESDAYS

Cajon Classic Cruise, 6 to 9 p.m., Wednesdays through September with a Halloween cruise on Oct. 26. Southern California's largest weekly classic car cruise. Information: (619) 401-8858 or www.downtownelcajon.com.Blast From the Past Car Show, 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Wednesdays through Sept. 17, more than 125 classic cars and motorcycles on display as well as music, food and vendor booths. Third Avenue in downtown Chula Vista. Information: Downtown Business Association, (619) 422-1982 or www.cvdba.com.

THURSDAYS

Back to the '50s Car Show, 5 to 8 p.m., Thursdays through Aug. 25, La Mesa Boulevard between Date Avenue and Fourth Street, La Mesa. Information: www.lmvma.com.Fridays

Cruisin' Grand, 5 to 9 p.m. Fridays, Grand and Second avenues, Escondido; through Sept. 30. Pre-1974 American-made hot rods, vintage, classic, custom cars and trucks, with awards. Information: (760) 745-8877.

SATURDAYS

Saturday Nite Invite, hot rods and classics, 1976 and older, presented by Clairemont Neighborhood Cruisers and Woodies Chili Dogs, 5 to 8 p.m., second Saturday of the month through Oct. 11, 4250-D Clairemont Mesa Blvd., Clairemont Town Square Shopping Center. Information: (858) 270-6412 or www.clairemonttownsquare.com


CRUISE THE WEB FOR CAR CLUBS
Dave Keetch of the Car Club Council of Greater San Diego says there are 97 car clubs throughout the county. If you don't find the right club here or don't have access to the Internet, Keetch suggests you contact the San Diego Automotive Museum in Balboa Park, (619) 231-AUTO or

www.sdautomuseum.org.

Alfa-Romeo Owners Club San Diego – www.arocsd.org

Austin-Healey Club of San Diego – www.sdhealey.org.

BMW Car Club of San Diego – www.sdbmwcca.com.

BMW Z Club, for all BMW Z cars – SanDiegoZ.com

Camaro Club of San Diego – www.camaroclubofsandiego.com.

Classic Chevys of San Diego, for 1955-57 Chevys – clubs. hemmings.com/classicchevyssd/

Heartbeat Classic Chevys, for 1955-1957 Chevys – www.heartbeatclassicchevys.com

Corvette Owners Club of San Diego – www.cocsd.com

North County Corvette Club – www.ncocc.com

North Coast Vettes – www.northcoastvettes.org.

Cougar Club of San Diego – clubs.hemmings.com/cougarsd/

Electric Vehicle Association of San Diego – home.att.net/~NCSDCA/EVAoSD/

East County Cruisers – www.eastcountycruisers.com.

Ferrari Owners Club, San Diego region – www.ferrarisd.com

Impala Club of San Diego, 1991-1996 – www.impalaclubofsd.com.

Jensen Owners Club – www.jentlefolk.com.

Model A Restorers Club of San Diego – www.sdmodelaclub.com.

San Diego MG Club – www.SanDiegoMGClub.org.

San Diego Miata Club – www.sandiegomiataclub.org.

West Coast Mini, –

www.westcoastminiclub.org.

San Diego Mustang Club – www.sdmustangs.com.

Over the Hill Gang, San Diego, 1948 and earlier vehicles – www.overthehillgang.com.

Packard Club –

www.PackardSanDiego.org.

Pontiac Club – www.sdpoci.com.

Southern California Shelby Club – www.socalsaac.org.

Studebaker Drivers Club – www.studebakerclubs.com.

SVT Owners' Association – www.svtoasandiego.com

Triumph Sports Car Club – clubs.Hemmings.com/sandiegotriumph

Volvo Sports America, San Diego – www.sdvsa.org

Z Club – www.supportedhosting.net/~zcsd/

Warped view on Warped Tour

Power to (all) the people

Women are making inroads on the still-male-dominated Vans Warped Tour

By Chris Nixon
For the San Diego Union-Tribune
June 30, 2005

Siouxsie Sioux, Talking Heads bassist Tina Weymouth, Patti Smith and bassist Kira from Black Flag waved the punk banner back in the day. A few newcomers – Agent M from Tsunami Bomb, Sonic Youth's Kim Gordon and Melissa Auf Der Maur – carry on the tradition.

But with few exceptions, guys have historically dominated the punk scene since its birth in the '70s. Even though the stage has been tough to crack for the ladies, punk draws tons of female fans. From thrash to pop punk, women make up a good percentage of punk's fan base.

The savvy people from the Vans Warped Tour realize women want to buy tickets to punk shows, too. In the 2005 version of the tour, organizer and founder Kevin Lyman has included a single stage devoted to female artists (Shiragirl Stage) and a female-focused extreme sports exhibition (the All-Girl Skate Jam).

"All of a sudden, we have a bunch of ladies stepping up, everyone from Shiragirl to the girls in the Girlz Garage," says Lyman from a Vans Warped Tour stop in Kansas City. "Shiragirl with her crazy pink stage: I hope it makes it across the desert and doesn't burn up. The ladies are out there, and there's a good presence of them out there. I don't think people realize that our audience is equal parts boys and girls coming to the show."

Shira (www.shiragirl.com) is setting up her own stage; Girlz Garage (www.girlzgarage.com) is setting up a tent full of everything girl-centric; and the All Girl Skate Jam (www.allgirlskatejam.com) features the top female skaters along with a two-hour skating lesson for female fans. Skaters include Cara-Beth Burnside, Jessica Starkweather, Nicole Zuch, Heidi Fitzgerald, Kim Peterson, Mimi Knoop, Holly Lyons, Vanessa Torres, Apryl Woodcock and Sasha La Rochelle (visit the AGSJ Web site to sign up for a skate lesson).

Along with the shifting demographics, the Warped Tour makes an effort to include old school punkers, like former Minutemen bassist Mike Watt, along with the young lions. After 21 years of running the touring "punk summer camp," Lyman realizes the need to include bands for everyone.

"If it was just my tour, it would be just Rancid and Pennywise and NoFX," says Lyman. "Every year it would be just us hanging out in the parking lot playing poker and getting older.

"You're always going to see those roots involved in the tour. I think that's important. Our average audience is 13 to 18. Being 44 (years old) now, I need to pay attention to wht's current, to what everybody is listening to. It's good because you can mix in the big bands like the Transplants and The Offspring with more new sounds, like Atreyu and My Chemical Romance."

The tour has always fostered a "come let us gather and beat each other up in a mosh pit" mentality. So you'll have hip-hop guys from the Code of Tha Cutz stage hanging out with the Dropkick Murphys and punk rock pioneers like Watt passing along hard-earned advice to young guys like Tim Armstrong and Travis Barker from The Transplants.

"I think it's really important to get the young guys talking with some of these older bands who've been around," says Lyman. "Maybe they'll realize (success) doesn't just depend on radio. You gotta go out and work hard and tour."

This balancing act between musical genres, boys and girls, young and old keeps the Warped Tour true to its roots while looking to the future.

"I think nowadays, punk is a frame of mind, whether you're doing hip-hop or any other type of music," said Lyman. "I see the punk mentality in everyone that's out here: getting out here everyday, excited about their jobs and everyone feels like part of a big family out here.

"It's more like a punk tribe now. There's the hip-hoppers, there's the girls, there's the reggae guys. It's not just defined by the music anymore."

Chris Nixon is a San Diego music writer.


Who's on tap at the Warped Tour
Don't miss these bands at today's Vans Warped Tour at Coors Amphitheatre in Chula Vista:

The Transplants (North Stage): After the turn of the millennium, Rancid frontman Tim Armstrong enlisted MC/vocalist Rob Aston and drummer extraordinaire Travis Barker (blink-182, Box Car Racer) for a new project: The Transplants. Experimenting with hip-hop, retro rock and thrashy mid-tempo punk, the trio's wildly diverse 2002 eponymous release found fans and favor outside of the bastions of punk rock. With guest appearances by the Boo-Yaa Tribe, Rakaa from Dilated Peoples, B-Real and Sen Dog from Cypress Hill, the Transplants new album "Haunted Cities" (Atlantic, 2005) looks to turn up the hip-hop quotient.

Mike Watt & Peter DiStefano (Hot Topic Stage): Former Minutemen bassist Watt and Pornos For Pyros guitarist DiStefano team up for a series of Warped Tour shows (DiStefano's brother, Carl, joins on drums). San Diego is the first of five stops as the tour rolls up the California coast. These old schoolers should teach the young lions on the tour the meaning of punk. In keeping with his D.I.Y. punk ethics, Watt still travels from gig to gig in his own Chevrolet Econo van. Why is touring in the van important? " 'Cause I can keep more control, and I have fewer people to blame if things do go wrong," said Watt. "I can keep things Econo. It's easy to park. I got the wheel in my hand. I'm kinda incognito." Says Warped promoter Kevin Lyman: "It's cool to have a couple of legends."

The Art of Safecracking (Hot Topic Stage): The members in L.A.'s the Art of Safecracking – Lance Webber (vocals, guitar), Melanie Webber (bass, synth), Garey Snider (drums) and Farzad Sharif (guitar, percussion) – make tangled, complicated rock complete with loud vocals and growling guitars. The band's influences include San Diego bands like Drive Like Jehu, the Locust and Hot Snakes.

Bedouin Soundclash (Maurice Stage): The inclusion of bands like Bedouin Soundclash represents the Warped Tour's ever-evolving, inclusionary attitude toward different genres. This Canadian trio seamlessly blends punk, reggae, dancehall, world, dub, jungle and two-step. Said Lyman: "They have more reggae roots. They played the after party last night, and the next thing you know everybody is talking about getting together and jamming."

Shiragirl (Shiragirl Stage): Shiragirl is an all-girl electro punk crew from L.A. led by singer Shira and D.J. Lava. Said Kevin: "Shira's this nutty girl I met a few years ago. Last year, she just barged the tour in her pink and black motor home. They had a little P.A. out the back and they would get out and do their thing. They live in this motor home. They travel around the country. They play shows. They play parties. They play anywhere. I like that. I like a person that's taking control of their own destiny."

– Chris Nixon