The L.A. hip-hop duo "drooped everything" so that it could agree to perform the New Year’s Eve party at the Urban Lounge, said Christopher Cesar Portugal, better known as Thes One, vocalist, D.J. and producer for the globe-trotting pair. "We had a short list of cities that have shown us a lot of love," Thes One said, adding that he loves visiting Beer Hive Pub every time he’s in town. While in the early days the duo was known for his inventive mash-up of jazz and rap, today the influences have grown larger, thanks to Thes One’s collection of 100,000 vinyl records at home. (He had to reduce the number once he welcomed a baby into his family. The vinyl room became a nursery.) "We’re more inclined to listen to Michael McDonald and Wings than hip hop," Thes One said. "We freak people out." Thes One plans a top-shelf evening at the Salt Lake City club. "Showmanship is everything," he said, adding that he doesn’t like it when they get lumped in with other rap groups that just stand around on stage. "We like keeping a high element of risk in our shows. If you don’t take the net away, what’s the point?" It was apparent Thes One was a character who loved the stage in 2004, when he was selected to be a contestant on "The Price is Right," where he correctly named the price of a washer and dryer, winning the pair. With Bob Parker by his side, Thes One then went on to win The Shell Game, in the process winning a furniture set and — wouldn’t you know it? — a record player. Tres One said the washer has broken down, but the record player is still working and in a prime spot in his house.
When • Monday, December 31 at 9 p.m.
Where • Urban Lounge, 241 S. 500 East, Salt Lake City
Tickets • $20 at 24Tix.com
