The Acid Family Comes Out Tonight for Spank

Chicago will come together on December 8 to honor the memory and support the family of the late Earl Smith, Jr, better known in music and to future historians as Spank from Acid House pioneers Phuture. On this rare Thursday night event, Smartbar (3730 N. Clark STreet in Chicago) will be hosting a litany of legends. DJs on the bill include Roy Davis Jr, DJ Pierre, Farley Jackmaster Funk and 5 Magazine’s own Czboogie.

This is a charity event, so door prices apply; if you cannot make it, however, there is also a gofundme set up by Earl’s family to help defray the costs related to his passing.

Earl was an almost single-minded producer; there will likely be many posthumous tributes to be released in the coming months. Among the first is a compilation album being released on December 9th by DJ Pierre’s label. Acid 88 was already scheduled and is now dedicated to the memory of Spank as well as another contributor who has since passed on, Andreas Gehm. Made with original analog gear from the era, Acid 88 captures the kind of uncompromising raw’az’hell aesthetic that defines Chicago House. Also featured on the project are Tyree Cooper, K Alexi, Rio and others, in addition to “the last complete track that Spanky produced alone.” Acid 88 will be released with a furious flurry of kicks & claps & squelches on Jack Trax.