Get Out Wednesday: Bling at the Harvard Exit

Scion's back in town bringing music, art, and culture to the kids. Sure it's subversive corporate lifestyle marketing to the coveted youth demographic, but we do like that it's free. Their art installation is at BLVD Gallery for a few more nights, while their film series is running once a month at the Harvard Exit. Somehow we missed the September film (Mayor of Sunset Strip), but we'll definitely be there tomorrow night for Bling: A Planet Rock.

This 90-minute documentary takes a hard-hitting look at how the flashy world of commercial hip hop played a significant role in the 10-year civil war in Sierra Leone, West Africa. BLING follows three hip-hop celebrities: Raekwon (Wu Tang Klan), Paul Wall and Reggaetón king, Tego Calderon. They visit the capital of Freetown where they survey the devastated country and meet the hip hop community, as well as encounter refugees and former child soldiers first hand.

Blood diamonds in hip hop? The only thing that's missing is Leo DiCaprio doing his best Rhodesian Humphrey Bogart impression. Sigh.

The film is free with RSVP here, but you gotta be 21+ because of the "cocktail reception" which (if it's anything like last year) is actually a drink ticket good for one free beer. On the other hand, there should be free popcorn and Scion swag aplenty. Doors at 8pm, film starts at 8:30 or 9ish. 'Cause Scion is casual like that.

8pm // Harvard Exit // 807 E Roy St // Free with RSVP, 21+