By MIA CAPOBIANCO
Abdu Ali is an institution in the Baltimore music scene. He is constantly releasing new music, curating shows and performing across the city of Baltimore.
He regularly appears in publications like Baltimore Magazine, The Baltimore Sun and even Noisey, constantly repping Baltimore music and laying out his vision for the scene.
More recently, Ali began curating a series of shows, a sort of branded musical party that exists in various iterations. He calls it Kahlon. The show is all about coming together. It aims to unite people of different races, backgrounds and musical tastes.
Although Abdu Ali is often categorized as a hip-hop artist, his sound meshes funk, rap, noise and, perhaps most importantly, Baltimore Club.
Ali is vocal about not wanting to be put into a box, and that comes through in Kahlon’s lineups. Its website says that Kahlon, “Challenges the boundaries of genre specific music events.”
Kahlon has hosted artists as renowned and accessible as Dan Deacon as well as those as niche and outlandish as rapper Junglepussy.
Kahlon lives at the Crown on the second floor of 1910 N. Charles St.
When the city started cracking down on Do-It-Yourself venues a few years ago, the Crown became a place where these artists could put on shows the way they wanted to. The Crown allows artists a lot of freedom without the risk of being shut down by the police.
As an added plus it’s in Station North so the venue is able to draw the diverse crowd Ali strives for.
Kahlon’s reputation has grown month after month, and it has become a staple of the Baltimore DIY music scene.
This installment of Kahlon will feature ambient R&B artist Rahel (New York) who is part of Le1f’s well-respected crew.
Baltimore’s own :3LON will be another highlight of the evening. His sound is truly unique: it combines airy beats with a high-pitched, alien-esque serenade. Slowdanger (Pittsburgh) and their choreographed melodic tunes will also be in attendance.
Three DJs will perform sets and, of course, so will Abdu Ali.
Come by the Crown this Saturday between 9 p.m. and 2 a.m. for an unforgettable show.
The entrance fee is only $8. A full bar, delicious food and a night of inimitable music awaits you. Check out bmorekahlon.tumblr.com for more info.
If you cannot make it this Saturday, be sure to check thecrownbaltimore.tumblr.com for additional programming in the future.
The Crown also hosts Karaoke events, poetry readings, film screenings and dance parties among other things.
It is a well-loved Baltimore gathering space, and I highly recommend making a trip there during your time at Hopkins.
Please note All comments are eligible for publication in The News-Letter.