Old school and older school: Mind Fusion cross-fades jazz and hip hop

[caption id="attachment_13316" align="alignleft" width="360"] Sam Spruill[/caption] Staff report Sam Spruill, known to many as DJ Handsome Sam, has been managing at Cliff Bell’s, a beautifully restored 30s era jazz venue, for years.  Two years ago, while searching for a way to combine his two loves — hip hop and jazz — he concocted Mind Fusion. Spruill says Mind Fusion is “a chance to display talent in the jazz scene in Detroit with a hip hop mentality.” Each event pairs a DJ with either a hard bop jazz band or a “Dilla inspired instrumentalist.” Spruill fleshes out the evening by inviting local food entrepreneurs to share their talents with hungry audience members. On July 28 at 7 p.m., Spruill will present the final installment of Mind Fusion with performances by DJ Alex B Skeetin, hip hop artist Khary “WAE” Frazier and The Family featuring Alex White, Jon Dixon, Damon Warmack and De’Sean Jones, who Spruill describes as “young cats on the jazz scene making a lot of noise.” “Jazz and hip hop when done right is a beautiful show to see live…” says Spruill. “Usually by the last set, the band and Alex B do an experimental set with a sick mash-up of beats and horns.” Pop-up restaurateurs The Batata Shop — gourmet waffles and ice cream — and Divine Thyme, serving Somali-fusion-style sambusa rolls, provide the evening’s nom-factor. Comedian and storyteller Phreddy Wischusen will host. “My main goal for this event is really to celebrate life… and to have everyone take a break from the summer madness and just have fun,” says Spruill. “Jazz is alive and well in Detroit …”