Review: Yonnas Abraham, Sextape release party at Theory + Practice, 12/16/11

Categories: Last Night

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Britt Chester
Yonnas Abraham at Practice + Theory (aka Conceited Bastards)

YONNAS ABRAHAM @ THEORY + PRACTICE | 12/16/11
Yonnas Abraham unleashed the sex beast at Theory + Practice art gallery for the release of Sextape, and the display was spectacular. Yo unveiled the artwork for the project -- steamy photography by Peter Bishop featuring the MC's muse Cassie Nova -- and performed the pre-released tracks as well as the entire Sextape. Wearing a full suit and tie, Yo and his Sextape Ensemble pretty much rocked everyone's face off.

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Britt Chester
Bianca Mikhan with Yo at Theory + Practice.

Joining forces with Bianca Mikahn, Catch Lungs, Jon Shockness and his BLKHRTS brethen, Karma and FOE, and backed by the Sextape Ensemble (Qknox, aka Jerod Sarlo, Hogans Daniel, Casey Sidwell and Chez Cheree Strong), Yo blew through his set with animalistic fury and artistic measure.

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Britt Chester
Jon Shockness of Air Dubai at the Sextape release party at Theory + Practice.

When Yo brought Mikahn on stage for a performance of "Round and Round," the place erupted, and the dance floor was packed with flailing bodies. Over the course of his set, Yo performed the entire record. Standout moments included the party-rocking "What Up Yo?" with Jon Shockness and the super-slinky "In the City."

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Britt Chester
Yonnas Abraham looking all sorts of dapper at his Sextape release party.

Opening the set looking dapper and poised, by the end of the night -- and the end of the record -- Yo had worked himself and the audience into a whirlwind, and the energy in the room was palpable. Even though most of the material was brand-new and being played for the first time, the crowd responded with the favor of familiarity and gave as much energy to Yo as he gave back. For her part, Cassie Nova was perched on a platform next to the stage jamming right alongside Yonnas for the entire set.

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Britt Chester
Yo with Jon Shockness of Air Dubai.

The band was killing it, and Yo was clearly having a grand time, as evidenced by the broad smile he broadcast as he powered through his set. Unsurprisingly, the MC was wildly impressive alongside Karma and Foe as they rocked "Pure Pitch Black" with the rowdy chemistry BLKHRTS has mastered. Overall, it was a beautiful display of art and imagery, and Yo gave a rousing delivery of each track, baring his soul to all in attendance.

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Britt Chester
The Sextape Ensemble Chez Cheree Strong (from left), Hogans Daniel, Casey Sidwell and QKnox (Jerod Sarlo) at Theory + Practice.

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Britt Chester
What up, Yo?


CRITIC'S NOTEBOOK

Personal Bias: Who doesn't love a good Sextape?
By the Way: "Pure Pitch Black" is the track to check for.
Random Detail: Casey Sidwell, sir, you were jamming on that bass.



Follow Backbeat on Twitter: @westword_music

Location Info

Venue

Theory and Practice

Map

Theory and Practice

738 Santa Fe, Denver, CO

Category: General

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