Atmosphere, Doomtree and Heiruspecs at First Avenue

Atmosphere dominate the local rap and hip hop scene, selling out two shows earlier this month at First Avenue with tickets trading for three times their face value on craigslist. The first show, a couple of days before the election, ended with rapper Slug passionately exhorting the audience to go and vote. After the phenomenal show the audience would have done anything for the rappers, although I don't think Obama's victory can be completely attributed to Atmosphere.

Next month, two more local rap/hip hop bands have shows at First Avenue.

Doomtree is a Minneapolis hip hop collective of rappers, turntablists, DJs, and MCs. The video for Drumsticks has the band on old school bicycles rolling down the Midtown Greenway. Love it. First Avenue hosts the fourth annual Doomtree Blowout on December 6. Based on how fast tickets sold in previous years, get yours early. It's an all-ages show.

The following Saturday, December 13, Heiruspecs, rappers from St. Paul's Midway, have a release party for their new self-titled CD at First Avenue. Heiruspecs are reputed to be some of the finest live local performers. I've never seen them live so I'm hoping I can make it to this show. If you can't wait until next month, until Sunday November 23, all orders from St. Paul and Uptown Pizza Luce will come with a free Heiruspecs three-track CD, a sneak preview of the new album.

Show information and tickets at the First Avenue website