Classical Meets Hip-Hop at Classical Beats Showcase

Violin strings will be plucked, vinyl will be scratched and public art will be had at Summer And Music (SAM) 2010's two-day Classical Beats showcase�a sound synthesis of hip-hop juggling and classical violin arrangements�happening in downtown Long Beach on Friday August 13 and Saturday August 14, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the intersection of Ocean Boulevard and Lime Avenue.

Headlining the remarkable night of art and genre collision is Paul Dateh�a classically trained violinist beginning his studies at age four and evolving his understanding and mastery of music in every possible directionsince then. Attending the prestigious University of Southern California's Thorton School of Music, Dateh has been touring vehemently since he hit the music scene two years ago.

In 2009, as a testament to his multifaceted musical aptitude, Dateh released two dramatically different albums within months of each other. The first was a self-titled release focusing on his crisp violin dexterity, honeyed vocals and strong songwriting skills. The second was a seven-song concept EP with guitarist Ken Belcher titled "The Good Life," which MTV deemed to have the "acoustic bounce of Jason Mraz" and a commendable stripped-down focus on their respective instrumental abilities.

A YouTube sensation for his collaboration with hip-hop DJ Inka One, Dateh has gone on to garner millions of views on the web and pull in national television and print exposure. He has also been compared to the Grammy Award-winning "Hip-Hop Violinist," Miri Ben-Ari�an Israeli native who pioneered the fusion of classical style with jazz, R&B and hip hop.

DJ Inka One�as entrepreneurial as he is rhythmic�has worked the Los Angeles and Boulder, Colo. hip-hop scenes as a promoter and resident DJ since 2000. His collaboration with Dateh creates a sound so distinct and a hype so big, the devil himself is jealous he didn't think of it first.

Complimenting this sonic union, the weekend will also celebrate the dedication of the "Urban Lab: Chantilly Clad," a temporary public art installation that will dually serve as the stage for the weekend's
performances. The installation employed a team of individuals to weave over 30,000 linear feet of boat rope to create the amazing lace canopy and shade structure. The canopy will be supported by another familiar Long Beach icon, the crane. Beneath the canopy, a modular deck, made from reclaimed lumber, will follow the orientation of the canopy and engage its shadows.