BLUEPRINT Live at Centennial Hall

BLUEPRINT

Catch nationally touring hip-hop artist BLUEPRINT as he makes a stop in Erie at Centennial Hall as part of his 40-date North American tour. Local and regional openers include Sanz, Moemaw Naedon, and Vices

SATURDAY, OCT. 18

The versatile hip-hop artist BLUEPRINT is making a stop at Centennial Hall, as part of his 40-date North American tour. The Columbus, Ohio-based musician has been releasing albums for over 20 years, and after a seven year hiatus, he returned in July of this year with Vessel..

This won't be the first time BLUEPRINT has been to Erie – he's played here several times, including one of his first out of town performances in the year 2000, telling me, "It was the first time someone reached out and booked me and my crew Greenhouse Effect after we released our first tape. And what's really great is that the same guy is bringing me out there to perform again this year, 25 years later." The "guy" to which BLUEPRINT refers is Iggy Imig of 2189 Presents, a local musician and promoter who recently moved back to the area and plans to continue bringing shows to Erie.

Being a veteran in the scene, BLUEPRINT has seen many advances in music recording and has grown lyrically into the artist he is today. "Production-wise, I think the biggest change in my sound over the years is that I used to be 100 percent dependent on samples for the beats I use, but now I'm really good at making beats that sound like they've got samples in them but really don't." BLUEPRINT continues, "It took a lot of trial and error to get to this point as a producer but it's made me much more flexible."

While talking about growing as a lyricist, he expressed, "I understand the power of words and the responsibility that comes along with it much more than ever. This helps me write songs that have longevity." BLUEPRINT went on to explain how he finds inspiration for his songs in life. "The good and bad situations I see all around me have helped me become a better songwriter because (they) make me try to find the lessons in them, which helps my understanding."

For his live performances, BLUEPRINT is accompanied by DJ Detox on turntables and drum machine, while BLUEPRINT himself plays keyboard and horns. BLUEPRINT is heavily influenced by hip-hop from the late '80s and early '90s (KRS-ONE, Public Enemy, NAS, Tribe Called Quest, and Pharcyde), and while listeners can hear the influences, he clearly presents his own unique style. Also on the bill will be Erie's own Sanz, Pittsburgh's Moemaw Naedon, and Erie indie-punk outfit Vices. DJ Natask will fill in between sets and close out the evening with '90s-themed hits.

7 p.m. // Centennial Hall, 145 W. 11th St. // $15 pre-sale, $20 day of show // For tickets and info: eventbrite.com