Melissa Czarnik with Eric Mire: Jazzy-Hip Hop-Poetry

Melissa Czarnik (Zar-nik) is one of the most vital emcees to emerge in recent years. Mixing potent poetry, soulful hip hop and improvisatory Jazz, Czarnik’s music exemplifies artists such as Lauryn Hill, Ani Difranco and Nneka.

Hailing from Milwaukee, Czarnik’s first two albums Strawberry Cadillac (HMP, 2008) and Raspberry Jesus (HMP, 2010) have earned her recognition by NPR, Bitch Magazine, Bust Magazine, Anattitude Magazine (Europe), and Democracy Now among others.   She has toured extensively throughout the United States and was a special guest performer at the Supafly Hip Hop Series #3 in Brussels, Belgium.  In 2010, Czarnik was interviewed on Billy Jam’s WFMU “Women in Hip Hop Special” which also featured Rah Digga and Ayana Soyini.

Currently Czarnik is booking a 2012 European tour and is preparing for her French artist residency, where she will complete her forthcoming album, Non Merci.

Melissa Czarnik – vocals
Eric Mire – key board, loop pedal, vocals

“This incredible young rapper from Milwaukee had me under her spell from the first to last moments of her album. Some of the songs are biographical, some are issues-based and many touch on the theme of love in a raw and wise way. Whatever the subject, Czarnik’s tracks are all verbally and musically smart. She has clear diction and there’s a musicality to the way she raps — her speaking is very much like singing. The sonic palette is very broad. I loved the use of a garbled-up Delibes “Flower Duet” in the song “Been this Way” and there are some gorgeous, tripping saxophone solos in “Canned Nutrition.” This girl is going all the way.” – Chloe Veltman, VoiceBox, KALW 91.7FM

“Czarnik is a soulful, fluid rapper, backed by the five-piece Eric Mire Band. Together, they’ve produced a surprising, potent and thoughtful mix of funk, jazz, soul and hip-hop.” -Robin Hilton, NPR, All Songs Considered

“With slammin’ poetry, precise beats, and DIY authenticity, Czarnik is an inspiration to young MC’s everywhere.”- Claire Ashton, Bitch Magazine

Website: http://www.melissaczarnik.com/default.html
Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=00kdc1Qnv8E
Audio Clip Melissa Czarnik “Thunder Summer Storm”: http://www.melissaczarnik.com/tss.mp3

$10-$12 admission.  Doors at 7:30 pm.  Show at 8:00 pm.