It’s not too often that heavy hitters like The Pharcyde perform in a small Oakland storefront. The “Passin’ Me By” hitmakers led the West Coast’s alternative hip-hop scene of the ’90s along with Bay Area locals like Hieroglyphics, and on June 8 they headline HiiiWAV Fest, a free event that celebrates Black artistry and ingenuity.
HiiiWAV, an Oakland nonprofit that connects artists with technology and entrepreneurial resources, is throwing the event in their 28th Street and Telegraph Avenue recording studio. In addition to the Pharcyde’s performance, legendary producer Just Blaze, who made hits with Jay-Z, Kanye West and Mariah Carey in the 2000s, will talk about his industry experience in a fireside chat.
Rounding out the bill is soulful vocalist and Sol Development member SōLauren Adams; Honey Gold Jasmine, a rapper with hyphy beats and spiritual lyrics; Dame Drummer, an accomplished jazz percussionist who also makes uplifting neo-soul; Oakland School for the Arts’ Prospect Band; and HiiiWAV founder Bosko Kante.
Because this is a party with a purpose, HiiiWAV Fest also offers tech workshops, including one led by rapper and technologist Lance Coleman on AI. UC Berkeley Professor Nassirah Nelson will lead a Serato beatmaking master class. There’ll also be opportunities to check out out the Meta Quest 3 VR headset, the Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses and Kante’s invention, the Electrospit, an electronic talk box (imagine a iPhone-powered version of the funky, voice-controlled instrument made popular by Zapp & Roger).
DCisChillin will host, and DJ Darling Cool will be in the mix, getting the vibes right while attendees mingle.
HiiiWAV Fest takes place on June 8, 12–5 p.m., at 2781 Telegraph Ave., Oakland. Free with RSVP.
