7 events for the music lover this semester

Hip-Hop Awareness Week   Feb. 9-12
This week’s associated events hope to make IU’s campus and students more aware of hip-hop music and culture. Tentatively, Cornel West, a professor of African-American Studies at Princeton University is scheduled to hold a lecture on Feb. 9. Also, there will likely be a show, break-dance competition, film screening and an MC competition, according to Hip Hop Congress member Robby Racette.
– Yahya Chaudry

Spring Break  March 14-22
Though Miami’s Langerado Festival and IU’s spring break won’t correspond like in years past, the week will still be full of great opportunities for live music.
Austin’s colossal South by Southwest will start March 13 and span the entire week, although musical performances won’t start until March 18. Jason Groth, guitarist for Magnolia Electric Company, has gone as both an artist and spectator and describes the festival as overwhelmingly busy, but rewarding and fun.
Other options include Radiohead and Kraftwerk in Mexico City on March 15 and 16 and Umphrey’s McGee at Indianapolis’ Murat Egyptian Room on March 13 and 14.
– Greg Winget

Rock ‘N’ Roll Prom TBA date in April
It’s time to shake the dust from your sequined prom dresses and frayed tuxedoes and dance the night away. This April, the 6th annual Rock ‘N’ Roll Prom will commence at the Bluebird Nightclub.
“There will be a wide array of cover bands, with something everyone can enjoy,” said Abbey Friedman, the general coordinator of the event’s organizer, Boxcar Books. “The DJs spin all the best dance hits from the last few decades, so there’s plenty of opportunity to shake your booty with your friends.”  
All profits made at the door supports The Midwest Pages Prisoner Projects and Boxcar Books.
– Katie McKenna

Live From Bloomington Club Night
April 10 - 11
A panel of record store owners, professors and various other musically-inclined individuals picked the top 20 songs from numerous submissions by local musicians for the annual Live From Bloomington (LFB) CD.
Along with having their songs featured on the compilation, the selected musicians will perform two concerts back to back on April 9 and 10 at locations yet to be confirmed. Each venue has four bands and a $5 entrance fee. All proceeds will be donated to Hoosier Hills Food Bank.
– Yahya Chaudry

Record Store Day April 18
In celebration of culture, music and their own greatness, many of the country’s independent record stores will come together to reward their customers on Record Store Day. Last year was the pseudo-holiday’s first, and featured exclusive releases and free stuff from stores such as Bloomington’s own Landlocked Music.
 The coalition of record stores will meet soon to discuss specifics, but Landlocked co-owner Jason Nickey said that with more time, planning and participation, 2009’s events should be even better than last year. Nickey said the stores will also diversify this year’s artists, featuring more mainstream and hip-hop artists alongside the generally “indie rock-centric” agenda of last year.
– Greg Winget

WIUX Culture Shock April 18
Bloomington will shake and shift once again as the annual WIUX Culture Shock will be hitting Dunn Meadow on Saturday, April 18. With past line-ups boasting Spoon, Xiu Xiu and Beach House, the free festival is a veritable who’s-who of alternative buzz bands, even garnering attention from Internet indie mecca Pitchforkmedia.com.
While busy planning, the station hopes to branch out from its usual format and include a variety of musical acts, WIUX Public Relations Director Allie Korosi said. With last year’s festival featuring indie, local, hip-hop, afrobeat and even jazz ensembles, this year is sure to be even more exciting and diversified than the last.
– Kelsey McArdle

Little 500 April 24-25
“The World’s Greatest College Weekend” is one of the most eventful times for IU students. In addition to the weeklong partying and the actual races, Little 5 brings in some of the year’s best concerts. From fraternities and their hip-hop oriented shows to jam bands and indie acts, there’s something for everyone. Last year alone boasted artists such as Feist and DMX. Just don’t get too drunk, as the 5-0 will be on the look out.
– Stefania Marghitu