Riders Against the Storm (RAS) is the embodiment of hip hop that pushes things a step further, cultivating rich music into a movement that not only celebrates diversity but all the inspiration that comes from it. Their intent, from the beginning, has always been to unite and support the community. When you have a style and flow as infectious as theirs, which works crowds into a joyous sweat, the message it carries is twice as powerful.
Last year, the City of Austin officially proclaimed August 29th as RAS Day, and the husband-and-wife duo Chaka and Qi Dada wanted to honor their day with a celebration of “healing and the powers of receiving” through music, art, dance, and all manner of uplifting community interaction. That’s exactly what we have with RAS Day 2015, happening today through tonight at Kenny Dorham’s Backyard, 1106 E. 11th St. The family-friendly event features performances by Jean Grae, Hard Proof Afrobeat, Mindz of A Different Kind, La Buena Vida ATX, HATCH, Lady Shacklin, Alesia Lani & Brenden Foster, Charlie Belle, The Finest Kind, and Riders Against the Storm (but of course!).
The party’s just started! Get out there now and celebrate. So recommended.
– Photography by Gary Williams.
