If this photo doesn't get you hyped for "Stories from O.G.s," nothing will. Twin Cities rapper/poet/activist Tou Saiko Lee has curated a show Wednesday night at the Black Dog in St. Paul that will feature elders' stories passed on though song, hip-hop and spoken word. Headlining the evening is Lee and his grandmother -- Grandma Youa Chang (that's her in the menacing sunglasses). Lee will rap, while Grandma performs the ancient Hmong art of poetry chanting (called kwv txiaj). The "O.G." of the event's name stands for the Original Generation. The cross-cultural showcase will also feature performances by Chilli (Chia Lor), Louis Alemayehu and Abdi Phenomenal. My colleague Allie Shah recently wrote a great story about Abdi (read it here). The show is a part of the Lowertown Reading Jams series, put on by Saint Paul Almanac (check out the 2012 Almanac here).
More info on Facebook.
Check out this fantastic New York Times video from 2008, detailing Lee's activist work and a short performance with his Grandma:
Details: "Stories from O.G.s: Honoring the O.riginal G.eneration." 7 p.m. Wed. 308 Prince St., St. Paul. 651-228-9274. www.blackdogstpaul.com.
