Gil Scott-Heron & Friends

On Wednesday & Thursday, February 11th & 12th, S.O.B.’s celebrates Black History Month with poet, musician, author & revolutionary Gil Scott-Heron & Friends. The revered living legend most famous for the 1970’s era-defining poem, “The Revolution Will Not Be Televised”, returns to the legendary S.O.B.’s for his first show in 2009, just in time for Black History Month.

A long time civil rights activist, Heron embodies the struggle for equality that African-Americans were involved in for much of the 20th century. Heron, along with Stevie Wonder, was instrumental in getting Martin Luthur King Day established as a national holiday here in the U.S. He has authored a book detailing the grass-roots movement he was involved in along with Wonder.

Gil Scott-Heron’s politically charged material made him a stalwart figure in the 1970’s civil rights movement. His lyrical content covered topics like the superficiality of television and mass consumerism, the hypocrisy of some would-be Black revolutionaries, white middle-class ignorance of the difficulties faced by inner-city residents, and fear of homosexuals. His honesty, matter-of-fact delivery and fearlessness to address important social issues in the face of media criticism made him one of the foremost progenitors of contemporary hip-hop and spoken word. In fact, Heron is often referred to as 'The Godfather of Rap'.

After more than 30 years of social activism through music, Gil Scott-Heron remains dedicated to the civil rights movement and social equality. After a too-long hiatus the resilient Scott-Heron will take to the stage where seems to be most comfortable. February 11th & 12th promise to be epic performances as Gil performs to celebrates in a month dedicated to the contributions of African-Americans to the cultural fabric of the United States.