at Higher Ground, South Burlington, Vt., Aug. 8

As soon as we walked into the main ballroom at Higher Ground, we noticed a pair of giant video screens onstage, behind the DJ setup, showing the new football video game All Pro Football 2K8. It looked to be everything the hype told you it was—lifelike graphics, incredible moves … oh yeah, and rocking beats. Z-Trip provides the majority of the soundtrack to this new game, which at first made me worry that he wouldn’t be able to have his normal freedom onstage. Knowing Z-Trip, I should have known better. His show on Wednesday, Aug. 8, was full of both new and familiar mixes that took the kinds of chances I’ve come to expect from him.

Most of the time, when I visit Higher Ground, I tend to see rock bands and the crowd tends to be of the drinking mind. But the Z-Trip show was different. The smells of cologne and perfume hit my nose instantly, and as I looked around, I noticed mostly sharply dressed college students. Beer in hand, I settled in toward the middle of the floor. The room is a converted movie theater, which is much nicer than it sounds. Ornate chandeliers hang in various spots from the ceiling, and the front two thirds of the floor in front of the stage provides ample dancing space. The main bar runs the length of the room toward the stage. The back third of the room is elevated a couple of feet behind the soundboard position, with another bar at the very back. I prefer this spot, as the room only holds about 600 people and the back offers close proximity to the bar and clear sightlines. To the left of the stage is a VIP balcony where staff and performers tend to keep an eye on things. Page McConnell, of Phish, even appeared on the balcony about halfway through the show to watch the festivities.

Tricky T opened the show, and by the end of his set had things really rocking. He introduced Z-Trip while still spinning, although, instead of heading to the turntable to set up stage right, Z-Trip settled in center stage behind a drum kit and picked up the beat. How many DJs have you seen get behind a kit? It’s really no surprise, once you think about it. A DJ’s entire set relies on his ability to combine beats seamlessly that might not normally be in synch. And have no doubt—Z-Trip has rhythm. Rage Against the Machine took the main focus at one point, and he had the whole crowd jumping in time with their middle fingers in the air screaming (per Z-Trip, directed to George Bush), “Fuck you, I won’t do what ya’ tell me!” Part of Z-Trip’s talent is his ability to make you feel not only like you’re rocking out to one of your favorite bands instead of some guy spinning wax, but, at times, like you’re rocking out to TWO of your favorite bands. He often combines two bands of completely different genres. One of the best mixes that night combined Public Enemy’s “Bring Tha’ Noise” with classic Led Zeppelin. Meanwhile, video screens showed classic images of Jimmy Page, Robert Plant, and Flava Flav, interspersed with images of Black Power. The result was quite powerful, and few people were able to stand still for it. 

Plenty of guests took the stage during Trip’s set, including MCs Aceyalone, Blackalicious and Gift of Gab. But the highlight for me was when drummer Pete McNeal took the kit and jammed out to Rush’s Tom Sawyer and the Who’s Baba O’Reilly while Z-Trip spun mixes of the original songs. Big shoes to fill, but with Z-Trip backing him up, and video images playing behind him, it worked well.

After the show, Z-Trip took some time to sign CDs and vinyl and came off as very down-to-earth. To hear some of his work, visit his Web site at www.ztrip.com and pick some selections from the many offerings on his download page. A better MC for your next party awaits you.