Harlem’s ‘Shrine Sifer’ Shines With Music, Creativity, Community

On an unusually warm Monday in October, a community of creators gathered in Harlem at a venue warm in spirit.

Taking place once a month (every 3rd Monday) at The Shrine World Music Venue, The Sifer is an oasis for emerging artists and folks who simply want to share their talents with a receptive audience.

Hosted by NYC hip hop staple LiKWUiD and her band Likwuidity, the night is comprised of featured performances, as well an open mic, open to all. Admission is a give-what-you-can, collection-plate style donation.

It’s one thing to commemorate the spirit of hip-hop with a single event, it’s another thing to create an ongoing platform, readily available to artists and the community. That constancy is what LiKWUiD and her band provide with The Shrine’s Sifer.

This particular Monday featured New York City production duo 2 Hungry Bros. Well known for work with Homeboy Sandman & many other emcees in New York’s independent/underground scene, 2 Hungry Bros’ involvement in the monthly event gives it a credibility that the open mic artists can take pride in.

It is important to note that The Sifer isn’t just by artists, for artists. Established industry luminaries like Tamir Brown of Lyrics To Go Entertainment can be found casually taking in the vibrant atmosphere at The Shrine.

A personal highlight was a stunning rendition of “Killing Me Softly,” performed by Taylor Simone of Jazze Belle, backed by Likwuidity. It is this kind of surprise that makes these nights all the more magical.

Hip-hop has a home in Harlem, it’s called The Sifer.

The Sifer goes down every third Monday of the month at The Shrine World Music Venue at 2271 Adam Clayton Powell Blvd. Doors open at 8 p.m., the show starts at 8:30 P.M. 

Special shout outs to the band: Nash Guillermo on trumpet, Dylan Kaminkow on bass, Justin Carter on drums, John Lander on keyboard, emcee/DJ LiKWUiD and co-host/vocalist Carla G.