Apr 7, 20142 min read

Gentlemen Hour 1 Year Anniversary @ Efebinas Cafe

Photo of Malafacha

This past week, I celebrated UIC Radio’s The Gentlemen Hour 1 Year Anniversary! With the help of No Manches Clothing Co. this event was a definite success. Filled with awesome performances ranging from rap, indie rock to ska at Efebinas cafe in Pilsen’s. The event featured performances by J1S, Malafacha, You Are Here, One Man Down and Siul of Gold Fires.

All of these artists were once featured on the Gentlemen hour with Memo (host of the Gentlemen Hour). All in attendance were treated to an “unplugged” performance. If you aren’t familiar, an unplugged performance means the artists are challenged to simplify their music usually playing acoustic instruments or going a capella. Needless to say to anyone there, this unplugged event had a very intimate feel to it.

First performance was by Tanous El-Kareh, known as One Man Down. His style is indie folk rock and his songs are so catchy and pleasant to hear. You know One Man Down really started us off right because I can’t get one of his song out of my head!

J1S followed, and about 3 feet away from the audience began free styling. Soon after, he asked the crowd to get involved and had them make a beat. If his set wasn’t good enough, as a surprise it was elevated when Rich Contreras, (multi talented member of You Are Here) joined in on the action. He picked up his guitar and matched J1S’s feel by playing us a sweet jazz influenced rhythm and beatboxing into the mic!

Siul of Gold Fires was up next and blessed us with an acoustic set full of songs he hadn’t shared before. The crowd loved it when he played a corrido written for the host himself. FYI, a corrido is a narrative song usually from a poem or a ballad popular in Mexican culture.

You Are Here took the floor and showed us how much talent is packed in the trio. It was crazy! The members Julian, Leonardo and Rich continued to switch instruments and taking turns singing.

An awesome close to the event was the performance by Malafacha. The 7 piece band brought a high energy, uplifting sound full of horns, percussion and impressive rhythm and melody. To give you guys some imagery here are some of the shots I took. You can see more photos with these links. https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.675615005839752.1073741838.165810170153574&type=1&l=b59502a7d4 http://cdm-photo.com/