One of the founding fathers of hip-hop music and culture. Red Alert was named one of the "50 Most Influential People in Music" by Rolling Stone Magazine. He was honored with his own exhibit in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio. Red was named an honorary ambassador to the United Nations in recognition of his achievements in the field of music. He has appeared in over 50 music videos and won countless awards including the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award from IMPACT in 1998 and the 1997 Mix Show DJ of the year award Famous For: His hip-hop radio shows which have been airing for over 20 years! Red is also responsible for launching the career of such widely acclaimed acts as the Jungle Brothers, Tribe Called Quest, Black Sheep and Queen Latifah, Soul II Soul and En Vogue. He has six mixed albums of his own. Got His Start: In high school attending Saturday night parties thrown by DJ Kool Herc (the first hip-hop DJ) and emcee Coke La Rock at clubs throughout the west Bronx. Eventually Red met with Grandmaster Flash, Afrika Bambaata and joined KRS One Djing for Boogie Down Productions. Now: Red's World Famous Mix Show currently on Power 105.1 FM. NYC. He visits schools regularly to encourage kids to make education a priority. Pay your respect to Kool DJ Red Alert this Friday along with Coop D'Ville, Ren the Vinyl Archeologist and Toph One brought to you by True Skool and Redwine! Date: Friday 5/21, Time: 10pm, Place: Club 6, 60 6th St., Cover:$10 advance, $15 @ the door More Info (JP)

Ascension 04
For the past few years Redbull has pulled together an impressive event to benefit the SF Late Night Coalition and raise awareness of the issues and regulations surrounding after-hours entertainment. As you may know, there are unseen evil forces who attempt to shut down our dance community pretty regularly but as SFLNC motto goes, "Dancing is Not a Crime!". This year's Ascension focuses on producers and live acts as well as Djs. Included are Jay-J, Reza, Ras Cue, Laird, Dhammal, Hybrid and a couple dozen more! There will also be visual artists, live drummers, dancers, circus performers and a fashion show. Speakers include mayor Gavin Newsom and Marc Leno of the State Assembly. Check the site for complete schedule. Date: 5/20/04, Time: 8pm - 4am, Place: 1015 Folsom, Admission: TBA, More Info (JP)

Transit
Sometimes we need a little more stimulation than just a DJ on deck. Transit fills this void with food, multimedia visuals, art and of course, DJs. Pacificsound, the crew that comes alive when sun and summer is around, brings you a floating monthly party called Transit, where art and music merge as one and gourmet nibbles accompany the beats on the decks. Lance DeSardi, Galen and Iz kick off this plan with some catchy, crazy downtempo beats to go with the creative visuals. The weekly event debuts at one of SF's hidden treasures, Soluna Lounge, featuring the multimedia works of Tommie Murphy. It's a stimulating way to start the weekend. Date: Friday, May 21st, Time: 9:30-2am, Place: Soluna Lounge, 27 McAllister, Cover: $3 B4 11pm, $7 after, More Info (NT)

Academy's Fresh Talent
Every year the Academy of Art University throws a huge event to highlight their best student works and show parents that all that tuition wasn't for nothing! The free party showcases films, graphic design, illustration and fashion and is a perfect opportunity for industry professionals to scout new talent, or for prospective students to check out the school. Either way, expect some impressive work. The show takes place in two galleries down the street from one another. So have a stroll and check out the new kids on the block. They may be standing in line for your office sooner than you think. Date: Thursday 5/20, Time: 7-9pm, Place: 79 New Montgomery, 180 New Montgomery, Admission: Free, More Info (JP)

Dinner and Vikter
Massive Selector's "Taste" is serving up a plethora of beats and eats. The night includes a total of 2 performances complete with a 3 course Asian influenced dinner courtesy of Ozumo with Massive Selector dj's playing bossa, house, broken beats and neo soul. Following dinner and the first show will be a rare live performance from Philly superstar, Vikter Duplaix and his band dropping the seductive sounds for which he is known worldwide to complete the after party. Why not try a different approach to your nightlife experience for tonight you have choices: to eat and here the beats or just relax and feel the live neo-soul and house vibes. Either way, you really can't go wrong. Date: Thursday 5.20, Time: 8pm-2am, Place: Ozumo, Cover: $35 includes dinner and after party (reservations only), $10 before midnight (after party), $15 after midnight (after party). More Info (JC)