The Abrons Arts Center Hosts 'Summer, Sound, Pleasure'

Written by Peter Garcia Photo Sun Chimes Through the Summer Song, Emily Manwaring, 2022–23 Visual Artist AIRspace Resident Summer in the city is the perfect time to celebrate art and the community that provides a space for it to flourish, and what better way than a free concert? On the 17th of June, the Henry Street Settlement’s Department of Integration and Community Engagement envisioned an event to give back to the community in the Lower East Side, dubbed Sound, Sun, Pleasure. Hosted at the Abrons Arts Center, the daylong festival featured an eclectic group of artists, both budding and legacy, curated by the NYC-based alternative rapper MIKE. A common thread on the dynamic lineup seemed to be a revival of the lost Detroit subgenre ‘ghettotech,’ with Motor City legend DJ Assault providing a closing set. Born in the 90s at the intersection of a rapidly growing techno scene and the rising popularity of rap music, the music usually features an amusing and provocative lyric looped over knocking club bass. Assault is one of the major forces that brought this music into the spotlight, and played hits like “Sex on the Beach” while schooling us on scratching and turntablism. This wasn’t the first appearance of the genre though. Earlier in the day, fellow Detroit collective HiTech took the stage, giving us a unique and updated version of the long-lost genre. Their setlist was made up mostly of their new album, DÉWAT, and kept the mood high as they took the crowd, dancing with guests and holding the mic up for them to join in. A highlight of the day was the performance of the sponsored skater, actor, and new musician Na’Kel Smith. Most would recognize him from his pro skater dreams in the 2018 film Mid90s, but the LA native brought the X-Games energy to his set, leaping from the guard railing and incoherently blasting everything from chipmunkish Detriot trap to ethereal and bouncy west coast beats. The Abrons Arts Center was the perfect space to host, packing its large pavilion to the brim with families, music fans, and industry heads, while The Lot Radio resident DJ Cry$cross provided an expert mix to keep the party going. The atmosphere was incredibly welcoming, and the day even featured a surprise appearance from Earl Sweatshirt and Black Noi$e, frequent collaborators and friends of MIKE and Na’Kel. Overall, Summer, Sound, Pleasure was an incredible curation of artists with a unique sound to bring into the spotlight. A perfect way to celebrate a longstanding community but also promote new voices. Here's the most recent projects from artists featured at the event: Niontay - Dontay’s Inferno HiTech - DÉWAT Na-Kel Smith - FREE POPS FR Anysia Kym - Pressure Sensitive Cry$cross - Pride Takeover on The Lot

The Abrons Arts Center Hosts 'Summer, Sound, Pleasure'

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