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10, 9, 8…Why did I pick this place for my New Year’s Eve destination…3, 2, 1.. Damn. Let me start at the beginning for you. There is this tiny music venue nestled in the heart of Santa Monica called Zanzibar. Here everything from Latin to R&B belts out late into the night. I was working on my first resolution which was to explore outside of my normal musical bubble. Thus the logic behind choosing to ring in 2009 there with DJ Anthony Valdez of KCRW, host KG Superstar of Honey and a live performance by Elevaters (myspace.com/elevaters). I paid a full $30 for this little adventurous resolution and expected every bang for my buck that they were willing to put out. I walked in to a heavily incensed, bohemian-Moroccan lounge. The kinda place that at first glance seems to promise a great time but in the end only helps reinforce the notion that looks can be very deceiving. I peered around the almost empty surroundings. After time crept painfully by, the dance floor began to spawn the normal attractions- The to over aged, inappropriately groping couple, a few break dancing 101’ers, the I-need-your- attention-so-I-am-going-to dance-seductively-with-all-of-my-friends, girls and the randoms that are unsure of how to dance so they just sway uncomfortably to the music. I fit into the last category so I usually shun the very appearance of “nightclub.” One too many remixed R&B songs by Mr. DJ, The Elevaters (Hip-Hop, R&B, Rock) finally took front and center. I had no idea what to expect. Six guys make up the group, band, funky bunch, whatever you want to call them. With somewhat comical lyrics and rehearsed dance steps they seemed to get the crowd pumped (A crowd which, at that point, had tripled and seemingly oozed in every available nook and cranny in the small venue.) Perhaps due to the special concoction of booze, celebration and body heat or maybe just because these guys really put out great energy, everyone seemed to be having a great time for those few moments. At times, the humorous lines and the very awkward, very eclectic, very diverse mix of performers made me giggle and even wonder, “Am I supposed to be taking them seriously?” Yet, oddly enough, when one of the lead vocals, keyboardist and actor by day, Sam Golarzi, started with “When I say ‘Elevate’ you say...” Ill be damned if I wasn’t yelling out, “TERS!” They were really unlike anything I have heard in a long time and don’t fit comfortably in one certain box. Their sound is unique and their stage presence is quite intoxicating. These guys are definitely going up. However, after only a few songs the New Year was here and I was ready to, well, not be- not entirely because of the band but rather a culmination of everything the night had offered me. They assured the crowd they would be right back after a short intermission however they ceased to return. I finally pushed my way to the bright glow of the exit sign. So, in the end would I see The Elevaters once again? Absolutely. Would I pay spend $30 to ring in the New Year with them? Let’s just say I would opt for the stairs.

• On 1/7/09 at 9:55pm shenanigrams said: hold on one sec... "After time crept painfully by, the dance floor began to spawn the normal attractions- The to over aged, inappropriately groping couple, a few break dancing 101’ers, the I-need-your- attention-so-I-am-going-to dance-seductively-with-all-of-my-friends, girls and the randoms that are unsure of how to dance so they just sway uncomfortably to the music." that's pretty much everyone in LA who can possibily be on the dancefloor. surprised anyone was left to show up at this year's hardnye fest... oh wait. there was no hardnye this year. great "review" though. Reply