With five days and six different categories of events to choose from, this year's 10th annual A3C Festival can be overwhelming to plan. While it would be nice to attend all of the events, that's obviously not possible, but here are some of our picks of events to attend throughout the remainder of the weekend.
Friday
Start with a panel.
"Monetizing Your Mixtape: From Streaming to Licensing" will walk through the process of profiting off digital music (for aspiring artists) and the workflow of digital retailers such as Pandora and Soundcloud. 3:30 p.m. #MusicTrainRM Artist Center
"Aliens, Freaks and Superheroes: The place of misfits in Hip-Hop and Popular Culture" discusses both the pros and cons of being a 'character' in the genre of hip-hop. Panelists include Maurice J. Hobson who worked on Outkast's ATLiens album and Lia T. Bascomb who will discuss Janelle Monae's place within this sphere. As a Halloween bonus, Jonathan Gayles will offer a closer look at DC Comics character Mr. Terrific and a further look at black masculinity in comic books in general. 5 p.m. #AcademicRM Aritst Center
Next, catch a documentary that follows Grammy Award-winning producer 9th Wonder's tenure at Harvard University. 5 p.m. #FilmRM Artist Center
Friday's music picks include the first show of the day, the Beatz & Lyrics Show, which begins at 4 p.m. and begins to wind down at around 7 p.m., at the Main Stage in the Old 4th Ward. Artists to watch for include Skyzoo & Torae, Gods'illa, Jean Grae and Masta Ace.
Another one to consider is the Global showcase at The Department Store on Edgewood at 7 p.m. for a sampling of hip-hop from different parts of the world.
At 8 p.m. a handful of shows get underway and all seem to be promising. "Beyond the Hype" will showcase Atlanta music at the Arts Exchange in East Atlanta Village, while BET Music Matters features Juvenile, Mystikal and Nappy Roots on the Main Stage in Old 4th Ward.
For a nightcap, see the DatPiff showcase beginning at 10:30 p.m. in Old 4th Ward or 9th Wonder presents Jamla, also at 10:30 p.m., at the 3rd St. Armory Front in downtown.
Saturday
Panels are a must-do. Pick anything from "The South has Risen"; the Cypher; "A Conversation with Scarface"; "Ladies First"; "Inside the Mind of a Music Critic" and many more. A complete list and schedule can be found here.
Keep the good vibes rolling at the Duck Down BBQ showcase which features 9th Wonder, two female artists (Va$htie and Chelsea Reject), Smif N Wessun and Jay Electronica among others. 2 p.m. Main Stage Old 4th Ward
While at Duck Down, check out the Heineken Live Art Pyramid mixer in the same location at the same time. (This takes place in the same location Friday through Sunday.)
Also worth noting is a screening of The Untold Story of Atlanta's Rise in the Rap Game will take place on Saturday as well. 3 p.m. #FilmRm Artist Center
The Pimp C Tribute Show is likely on most peoples’ lists, as it should be. 8 p.m. Main Stage Old 4th Ward
For an exclusive, RedBull Sound Select offers free entry but only with an RSVP. 9:30 p.m. The Basement (East Atlanta Village)
Click here for Saturday's entire music schedule.
Sunday
The main event, the 2nd Annual Best Block Party Ever, takes place starting at 2 p.m. (party goes into the evening) at the Main Stage in Old 4th Ward. Those without an A3C pass can attend with an RSVP, according to the site (link above).
What are you most excited about seeing this weekend? Let us know in the comments section!
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