For the fifth annual A_Dog Day, the team at Friends for A_Dog are going huge. These celebrations have always been a four elements kinda party, but this year's edition has really stepped that up. That's more than a matter of spending & planning, though -- this year more than ever, A_Dog Day is building on the foundations of Burlington's booming hip hop scene.
Let's start with the headliners. DJ A_Dog was much more than a local hero, he was a real deal legend, with connections in the music industry around the world. Years past have seen some heavy names at the top of the bill -- Stretch Armstrong headlined in 2016, and last year The Beatnuts came through.
This time, though, two generations of unimpeachable NYC hip hop will be in the building: Smif N' Wessun will be shaking up Metronome alongside upstart crew Loaf Muzik. That is largely thanks to the tireless work ethic (and spooky talent) of Burlington producer Es-K, who has been doing incredible work with both groups.
Likewise, the Rhythm Riderz breakdancing crew has graduated from dance showcases & workshops to running a full-on, 1 vs. 1 break battle over at Foam Brewers. (There will also be open floors for all ages & skill levels.) Their regular class/clinic, The Break Room, has evolved into a real community, and their Building Blocks parties have been a huge success this year.
Anthill Collective has been an integral part of A_Dog Day since the beginning. Last year, they put many tons of blood, sweat & tears into pulling off a graffiti festival right on the Burlington waterfront, Above The Radar. It was a smash, and it's happening again this year. (September 14-16th, which is coming sooner than any of us want to believe.) Expect them to be a heavy, eye-grabbing presence absolutely everywhere this August.
Every detail on the schedule is a celebration of the hard work local artists have been putting in. A2VT will be rocking a set with a live band. 99 Neighbors have absolutely earned a spot, and will be much bigger next year. Mister Burns will be performing with a new live band, The Hounds, and of course, Jarv will be everywhere, all day.
There are also some impressive comebacks on the bill: The Aztext will be playing, and MC B-Free returns with the latest incarnation of his Ice Coast band. Farmer / wizard / emcee Humble will be doing a solo set backed by DJ Transplante, and finally, BTV will get a taste of Wasted Talent, which features LC, Walshie, and Philly of Lynguistic Civilians.
All this sounds like a lot, but I assure you, it's not even 33 and 1/3 of what's going down on Saturday, August 25th. Many of these events are completely free and all ages, and in the evening, the action moves downtown for the annual takeover of Nectars & Metronome. Passes for the evening shows are $20.
Be there, obviously. This is probably the best lineup they've ever had, and that's 100% because of Andy's legacy here in Vermont. It's a beautiful thing.