Paramount Bristol to host Shaolin Jazz: hip-hop fused with martial arts films

BRISTOL, Va. (WJHL) — A group that mixes hip-hop music to martial arts films in real-time, Shaolin Jazz, is hosting its “Can I Kick It?” event at the Paramount Bristol in August .

According to the group’s website, “Shaolin Jazz produces events and creates content that highlight the intersections between hip-hop, jazz, and martial arts culture.” The group became known for its fusion of hip-hop, soul and funk music with keystone martial arts films.

A key feature of the group’s “Can I Kick it?” shows is the live-mixing of music into a martial arts film as it is screened. The show at the Paramount Bristol will screen Bruce Lee’s “Enter the Dragon” while a DJ scores the film with music on stage.

Shaolin Jazz is a group that’s been in existence since 2011 after an idea for a creative mixtape turned into an award-winning brand of shows that’s toured around the United States at several notable venues. The group is comprised of Gerald Watson and his longtime collaborator DJ 2-Tone Jones.

Shaolin Jazz will bring its “Can I Kick It?” show to the Paramount Bristol on August 16 at 7:30 p.m. Ticket prices range from $19.53 to $47.50, according to the Paramount’s website. Paramount member ticket availability is already taking place, and general admission tickets go on sale Friday, April 26 at noon.

More information on the show and ticket prices can be found at ParamountBristol.org/event/kickit .

Details about the group Shaolin Jazz and samples of its music can be found at ShaolinJazz.com.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJHL | Tri-Cities News & Weather.