FORUM
Hip-hop Community Dialogue
Amidst growing wealth, prosperity and community evolution, hip-hop is straining to make a comeback. A recent, post-Dead-Prez riot in Olympia and a cancelled E-40 concert at the Pantages Theater have pushed Tacoma’s on-again, off-again hip-hop scene into the spotlight.

It’s ironic, says one local observer, that no one takes notice of hip-hop until it lives up to everyone’s prejudices.

And while some are concerned that recent violence and scrutiny have set the hip-hop community back â€" perhaps even killed the scene â€" members of the local hip-hop community have come out swinging. Local hip-hop cliques are crossing boundaries, talking about what to do with what some claim to be a withering scene, and finding solidarity in the face of increasing criticism and public concern.

That’s what hip-hop does best â€" it stands together, and it stands against the odds.

How does the rest of the community feel about hip-hop?

The Broadway Center for the Performing Arts will hosts a forum to discuss hip-hop with local musicians, promoters and community leaders mediated by University of Puget Sound Professor Dexter Gordon.
[Theatre on the Square, 3 p.m., free, 915 Broadway, Tacoma, 253.591.5894

BLUES
Walter Trout & the Radicals
Born in New Jersey in 1951, Trout cut his teeth in the same local music scene as Steel Mill, which featured a fresh face by the name of Bruce Springsteen. After moving to Los Angeles, Trout eventually hooked up with Canned Heat and then John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers â€" where he and Coco Montoya formed one of the most fearsome guitar tandems of all time. It was during this period that Trout made a name for himself.

In June of this year Walter Trout will release The Outsider, on Provogue Records â€" 13 original Trout tracks and a special musical guest appearance by harmonica wild man Jason Ricci. Trout is currently on tour, and no doubt dishing out some of the new material to fans anywhere and everywhere. â€" Matt Driscol
[Jazzbones, Saturday, 7 p.m., all ages, $12-$15, 2803 Sixth Ave., Tacoma, 253.396.9169]

LINK: Soupy Cambell Blues Fundraiser and more in the clubs tonight.
LINK: Let's eat Mexican today.