Fashion and design meet musical fusion

Fashion shows aren’t just about fashion.

Often overlooked is the music.

Now, not every show pairs harmonious grooves with stylish clothes, but “White on State 2” will showcase these sounds, which should be as distinctive as the show.

“We’re doing a fusion between organic musical elements and electronic music,” said Andrew “DJ Shambala” Concha, one of the show’s performers. “We are integrating different elements with each — a DJ, a conga player, the didgeridoo and flute players.”

A fashion and home design showcase where models become the furniture, “White on State 2” takes place from 7 p.m. to midnight Saturday at State Street and Lemon Avenue in downtown Sarasota. 

It features a 90-foot metallic runway erected on State Street that will not only display models but local artwork — surrounded by 400 white chairs and numerous food and vendor tents, and closing out with a dance party. Admission is $10.

About 2,800 people showed up to last year’s event, said Cheryl Frampton, who teamed up with the Downtown Merchants Association to organize the event. “We expect more people this year,” she said.

So does the event’s music producer, Nir Eshkoli. “This year, we’re doing electronic music to appeal to young people, and to show old people that they can have fun too,” he said. 

Eshkoli produced last year’s show, which featured a live band, but said he wanted to try something new with the music. “No matter what event,” he said, “the music is the backbone.”

Last year, Eshkoli visited his family in Israel and saw a show where performers combined live instruments and electronic ones. He was so inspired, he decided to round up drummers, flutists and others to pull the same thing off in Sarasota.

Didgeridoo player Heather Brown, one of Eshkoli’s recruits, said she is very excited about performing at the event.

“They have called it organic music, and it is going to be quite interesting,” she said. “Bringing together artists, fashion and musicians makes it a real creative get-together.”

Sarasota crowds are yearning to hear something new, said Concha, who has been deejaying for the past 10 years, the past three at various Sarasota nightclubs. “There is an openness here,” he said. “The music I play is not normally played on the radio, but if you go to a city like San Francisco and New York City ... you are going to hear this music on the radio all the time, where, in this town, all you hear is hip-hop and pop.”

Part of the success lies in not suffocating people with the sounds. “We divided the show so there is jazz in the beginning and then it moves into a tribal element,” Concha said. “I looking forward to seeing lots of people shaking their” rear ends. “I want people to celebrate life through music.” 

Call 726-3086 or access srqboxoffice.com.

Check it out

Texas dance party duo Before Dawn perform with I Kill Pxls and Joust at “SOUP: The Party” from 9 p.m. to midnight Tuesday at Pastimes Pub, 6540 Superior Ave., Sarasota. No cover. 924-7782; myspace .com/soaptheparty.

Since February, Port Charlotte’s Portside Tavern (3636 Tamiami Trail) has hosted a “Guitar Hero” competition. Tom Hampen was crowned champion at the end of April, taking home $1,000 in cash and prizes. Tyler Hamilton took second place; Charles DePalmo took third. The tavern continues to host “Guitar Hero” night from 8 p.m. to midnight every Tuesday. Call 629-3055.

Last modified: May 15, 2008 9:20am