I dare you to find me a single person who has actually sat and listened to A Tribe Called Quest who can say in earnest that the hip-hip trio is not on point. Infectious. That’s the word I’d use to describe Tribe and their most visible member since the trio’s breakup: Q-Tip. Tonight Q-Tip, along with Chicago’s The Cool Kids, will be playing at the Dallas House of Blues and it is sure to be a lively affair. And just announced yesterday for all you late-night birds, Tip will be spinning a DJ set at Suite. Here’s the map. The after-party is 21+ and will go until 2 AM.

photo by Bryan Daniels - Express Yourself Imaging

Long-time Dallas DJ Fran Erck, who spun as DJ Frantic and was one-half of the Clever Monkeys collective, has passed away in an auto accident over the weekend. This guy was a tremendous talent and he will be sorely missed by the community. Condolences to his family. Here is a link to the NBC 5 story. Following is a re-post from his Clever Monkeys mate Big J:

A post for those who aren’t aware of the tragic death of my beloved friend, brother and the other half of the CLEVER MONKEYS, DJ Frantic whose real name is Fran Erck. God called him home on Saturday morning. He will be deeply missed and long remembered. I am numb and trying to be strong, however very difficult because I loved Frantic. A true friend and brother. He will always be remembered not just for his talent on the turntables but also for his humbleness, personality and spirit. Please take the time to post comments on his Myspace page. He loved everyone of his friends on Myspace and took comments seriously and was so proud of them. My prayers go out to his wife Stacy, his parents, Sister, relatives and thousands of friends and admirers. The funeral arrangments are for Wednesday, February 6, 2008.

Go to YouTube.com for all videos – “Dj Frantic”

videos also after the jump.

R.I.P Fran Erck 1976-2008

Full tour schedule after the jump. 

Caught these guys at the House of Blues Dallas Saturday night and I must say that they were amazing.  They played an eight-turntable set and each of them had a foot pedal for sampling.  And they played nothing but original 45s.  All of their activities were recorded with cameras, which they used liberally to show the crowd exactly how sick what they were doing was. No Serato.  really had a lot of fun. I suggest checking out this show if these guys are coming anywhere near you because you will not soon see turntablism like this again.

1/21 Atlanta, GA – The Loft at Center Stage
1/23 Baltimore, MD – Sonar
1/24 Washington, DC – 9:30 Club
1/25 Philadelphia, PA – The Fillmore/TLA
1/26 New York, NY – The Fillmore/Irving Plaza
1/27 New York, NY – The Fillmore/Irving Plaza
1/28 Montreal, QC – Metropolis
1/29 Toronto, ON – Phoenix Concert Theatre
1/31 Cleveland, OH – House of Blues
2/1 Chicago, IL – Park West
2/4 Minneapolis, MN – First Avenue
2/5 Kansas City, MO – Voodoo Lounge at Harrah’s Casino
2/7 Denver, CO – Ogden Theatre
2/10 Seattle, WA – Showbox
2/11 Vancouver, BC – Commodore Ballroom
2/14 Anaheim, CA – House of Blues
2/15 Los Angeles, CA – Wiltern

Link to flickr set here.