House Music for the Soul

With the weather having finally made its turn, and daylight savings coercing us to retire for the evening at ridiculously early hours, it's hard to convince yourself to make it out. Staying at home is an all-too-easy and oh-so-warm option, but you'll have to fight that temptation and make it out. It's good for the spirit as well as the body (well, provided you don't abuse the body too much with drink specials).

A healthy slice of the Seattle house music scene got together in the wake of Hurricane Katrina to determine the most effective course of action, and Friday will see the fruit of those efforts with a benefit show at Chop Suey. Proceeds from the night will be donated to the New Orleans Musicians Clinic and Mercy Corps. Even without the worthy cause, the lineup of local openers and headliner Hipp-E (of Hipp-E & Halo fame) all but assures that heads will be nodding and butts will be shaking. Hipp-E hasn't been to Seattle in over 5 years, making this a very anticipated return.

If you're looking for something a little more intimate, or at least something that feels more personal, then the Baltic Room Saturday may be more your speed. This weekend is this month's installment of the acclaimed Deep House Originals series. Craig Alexander (this month's headliner) was schooled by house music godfather Ron Hardy and brings over 20 years of experience to the decks. This series has brought some much-needed variety to Seattle, and this month should prove no less worthy, with Craig Alexander providing soulful house directly from its Chicago source.

New Orleans Musicians' Clinic Benefit feat. Hipp-E
Friday November 4, 9pm-2am
Chop Suey, 1325 E Madison St.
$10 ($5 before 11pm), 21+

Craig Alexander
Saturday November 5, 9pm-2am
Baltic Room, 1207 Pine St.
$8 @ door, 21+