Local rapper Matthewmaticus is a big supporter of local hip-hop. To showcase some of the region’s best talent, he’s booked local acts to perform at Matthewmaticus Presents: May Day at 8 p.m. on Friday, May 1, at the Phantasy Nite Club. The show features Matthewmaticus, Aphiniti, Vice Souletric, Mitto, Ryan the Realist, Watts, B-Lo, Scott Summaz, Crazy 8 the Great and Dirty Kicks.

Local poet Kisha Nicole Foster will serve as the host, and DJ NuERA will man the wheels of steel. The local rapper put the show together in order to “provide a yearly showcase to hip-hop acts in the city, especially those oriented towards an independent or underground aesthetic.” He hopes to promote “progressive, lyrically-forward styles of hip-hop.” Tickets are on sale now at matthewmaticus.com/mayday and at Heart and Sole (1781 Coventry Rd., Cleveland Heights). Pre-sale tickets are $7, $10 DOS before 10 p.m. Ticket prices go up to $15 after 10 p.m. 

This article appears in Apr 22-28, 2015.

Jeff has been covering the Cleveland music scene for more than 25 years now. On a regular basis, he tries to talk to whatever big acts are coming through town. And if you're in a local band that he needs to hear, email him at jniesel@clevescene.com.