Fri, 02/23/2007 - 10:26am

1811 14th St. NW

Washington, DC 20009

(U Street/African-Amer. Civil War Memorial/Cardozo Metro Stop)

This Saturday's show at the Black Cat near Northwest’s U Street is sure to be HOT, on fire, EN FUEGO. Performing is Si*Sé, with opener Aramis y Su Orquesta Ashe. DJ Cottonbelly (AKA Stuart Matthewman of Sade) will also be helping DC turn up the heat this weekend. The event will take place on the main stage of the Black Cat, for $17 (additional charges may incur from outside ticket vendors).

I’ve anticipated an opportunity to experience the Black Cat in concert mode since I first visited back in October. Unfortunately, I came too late for a show that night, but I could tell by the atmosphere that this is a promising underground venue. Keeping up with the off-kilter energy of clubs in the U Street area, the Black Cat possesses an independent spirit and attracts an equally independent crowd that is unique to any club I’ve seen in DC. This is a place where you can wear what you want and dance how you want -and no one’s going to mess with you unless you can’t appreciate the vibe. The diverse and eclectic line-up combined with the Cat’s rock-on spirit hints of a show so funky I can hardly contain my inner groove-machine.

The Ashe experience is a simply full-body participatory experience. This high-energy Cuban Salsa band jams Old Havana-style. With a diverse ensemble of percussion, vocals, and brass, Ashe’s beat and Caribbean essence captivates even the inexperienced dancer. I had my first sensational Ashe experience at Duke’s City Café -one of the band’s most frequented venues- and danced until my feet needed a mojito more than my moves. The highlight of my night was dancing with an elderly Cuban gentleman -decked out in a sleek suit and wing-tip shoes- who had young ladies twirling around him all night long two at a time. Ashe simply attracts a crowd and spirit that is not to be missed.

Although Si*Sé is new to me, the eclectic mix of instruments and “electronica, soul and Latin rhythms” also proves alluring enough for this newbie. Combining drums, bass, viola, keyboards, and the vocals of New York underground House DJ Carol C., Si*Sé has my full attention. Reviews praise Carol C. as “one of the most respected artist of the New York underground music scene” for her combined musical talents. The diverse instrumental line-up promises an all-senses-captive experience. What can I say? I’m very much looking forward to my Si*Sé introduction.

DJ Cottonbelly will spin the remainder of the night away! Come enjoy the show… don’’t let the highlight of your weekend jam on without you. Follow-up next with for my thoughts on the show, and contribute a few comments of your own! YOW! This show will be hot, hot, hot!

Thanks to www.sisenyc.com, www.tumbaoproductions.org, and www.blackcatdc.com (for providing band and show info).

About the author
Nikki-Rae Alkema is a freelance writer who has lived in Southern California and Spain before moving to Washington, D.C. This world-traveler with a dangerous wanderlust loves to scout the flavor of new places. When not out for a night on the town, Nikki-Rae also enjoys photography, surfing, and playing indoor soccer.

Categories:

• Music