Shure’s new competition to the U.S. DJ battle circuit, Vinyl Kombat, will operate under a “Keep it Clean” premise (no profanity nor vulgarity) to offer a safe and positive environment in which competitors and audiences of all ages can participate. Dates include July 1, 2004, at The El Rey (L.A.); July 11 at the Fox Theatre (Boulder, Colo.); July 16 at The Parish (Austin, Texas); July 18 at B.B. Kings (New York City); July 30 at SomArts Cultural Center (San Francisco); August 5 at The Showbox (Seattle); August 8 at Nation (Washington, D.C.); and August 19 at The Metro (Chicago).
Shure is presenting Vinyl Kombat because most DJ battles exclude the bulk of turntable music enthusiasts who are under the age of 18 by staging events at nightclubs that only admit adults or by accepting sponsorship from alcohol and/or cigarette companies. By strictly adhering to a “Keep It Clean” rule, more young people will be able to discover the DJ element of hip hop culture.
In addition to the competitions, the Vinyl Kombat tour will feature performances from DJ A-Trak and DJ Klever of the Allies crew, Sinista, D-Styles, DJ Nu-Mark of Jurassic 5 and the Beat Junkies. At most events, admission is $15 for adults and $10 for those ages 16 and under.
Each of the eight Vinyl Kombat regional champions will receive prizes from Shure and other Vinyl Kombat sponsors, including Rane, Serato and Remix magazine. They also will receive roundtrip airfare and hotel accommodations to the Vinyl Kombat U.S. Finals to be held in September.
For more information, visit www.vinylkombat.com.
