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Arts & Entertainment

The Field Effect Live Experience

A one-man show featuring the musical stylings of Tota Shakur

When: Saturday, July 28th, 8pm. Doors open at 7pm.

Where: The Empress Theatre - 330 Virginia St, Vallejo, CA 94590

What: Vallejo native Tota Shakur is bringing The Field Effect Live Experience to the Empress Theatre for his first ever live performance.

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Tota’s “The Field Effect” is a politically driven ode about the mentality oppression and racism has created within the black community. It is an open discussion shedding light on the ugly truths of how systemic racism from slavery days, subsequently affects black people now. Tota uses this project to narrate the experiences and trials he and many other inner-city youths have and still face till this day.

Growing up in the Bay Area Tota was submerged in diversity. This environment led to him not noticing the prominent presence of racial inequality until becoming of age and actually learning about and experiencing systematic oppression first hand. Finding out later in life that his grandfather was a member of the original Black Panther Party, he kicked his studies into overdrive and found his passion for music. He began to dedicate much of his music to shed light on the war against his people and how oppression has affected urban cities in America. Though not possessing a traditional Bay Area sound, he does not shy away from letting people know here he’s from as he did in his Drake inspired track “6pm In Vallejo” where he displays his talents delivering bar after bar for an entire three minutes.

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Tota possesses a storytelling capability comparable to Nas and J. Cole. He often supplement this storytelling with witty, sometimes comedic punchlines. Though not having the most prominent voice he does have a way of making his presence felt through his use of tonality, flow and cadence. Every track encompasses a different feeling and energy often driven by content filled, sociopolitical messages. The passion and emotion he provides in tracks leaves the listener with the perception that the track was felt more than heard. He uses his upbringing and life experiences to take you on a journey into his world.

Public Information: Ticket prices are $25 general admission online, $30 general admission by phone or box office. Visit www.empresstheatre.org or call 707-552-2400.

Who: The Empress Theatre is operated and maintained by the Vallejo Community Arts Foundation, Inc, a non-profit public benefit corporation. Built in 1911, the Empress Theatre is a historical landmark located in the heart of downtown Vallejo, California.

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