One thing must be made absolutely clear: RAS Day is not simply about Riders Against the Storm. Not at all.
True, this special day, made official five years ago by the City of Austin, was established in honor of the dynamic husband-and-wife hip-hop duo and the powerful impact they’d made through their art. If you’ve been to a RAS performance, you know; no one in the audience is left sitting down. You’re soul-deep in a multi-level experience of moves, grooves, sweat and pure joy as Chaka and Qi Dada deliver so many moments of truth with open-hearted réverénce.
But RAS made the decision to take things a step further, higher, turning their special day into something bigger than themselves. They wanted to give back to the community. The creation of the RAS Day Fest would evolve into an annual event celebrating diversity, love and speaking the truth.
RAS Day Fest 2018 is well underway this afternoon, and will be filled with live music a bit later this evening by special guests Saul Williams, Nitty Scott, Gato Preto, Trouble In the Streets, Brannen Temple‘s band Temple Underground, MAMIS, Olivia and Honey Son. And of course, it wouldn’t be complete without a performance by Riders Against the Storm themselves.
Doors are open now at Kenny Durham’s Backyard, 1106 E. 11th St. And a couple of your Austin Music Minute maven’s favorite ATX spinners, DJ Chicken George and DJ Mahealani, are in the house to keep the flow going.
“Music. Magic. Movement.” Bring your entire family. This one comes very recommended.
And a very Happy RAS Day to you.
-Artwork provided by Riders Against the Storm.
