Politically conscious hip-hop and Valentine's Day will merge in this year's third annual Breakin' Hearts Festival.
Cyrus Gould, a member of the League of Pissed Off Voters, had an idea for a Valentine's Day show three years ago.
"Three years ago, before Valentine's Day, there wasn't really any jams happening," he said. "We thought it would be a good date - you know, give people something to do for Valentine's Day."
Only 150 people attended the first year. Last year, 500 people came out to the show in the SUB.
"This year we're hoping for 700," Gould said.
Marisol Enyart from the League of Pissed Off Voters said her group is about longevity.
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"We said at the beginning we planned on being here a long time," she said. "This is our first event since the election. We want to show people we're still around, still involved in the community."
The league is concentrating more on local politics because the national election is over.
"We're focusing on the mayoral election a lot right now," Enyart said.
She said she is excited about the Breakin' Hearts festival for more than just political reasons.
"You're going to see some of the best dancers in the state, and it'll be well worth your while," she said.
Gould said this year's festival will be even better than previous years.
"We didn't have hip-hop acts last year, and the cash prize has doubled," he said.
In the spirit of Valentine's Day, Gould said the group is adding a competition that will spotlight women who breakdance.
"We're focusing a lot on B-girls," Gould said. "We're having a one-on-one B-girl battle, which is rare."
Despite its title, the show isn't just about breakers. All forms of local hip-hop culture will be present. Artists, filmmakers and MCs will come together during the event.
Local businesses from around Albuquerque are helping with the festival. Silver Board Shop is supplying the event with a mini-halfpipe for skateboarders. Buffalo Exchange is donating clothing for performers.
"We're trying to mix a bunch of aspects together," Gould said. "We got reggae. One Foundation is playing. We have hip-hop acts, Twoobers, Sleepwalkers, RW and P-38."
There will be a canvas competition where people can showcase their graffiti art and other drawings.
"They're also welcome to sell it," Gould said.
Other highlights are a beatbox battle, a B-boy and B-girl fashion show and a chance to preview local films.
"We're showing local movies people have made about hip-hop," Gould said. "We're going to have hip-hop anime playing and local art videos."
DJ Kayote from KUNM will spin with DJ B-Phonic.
Gould said he will give out passes for Betty's Bath & Day Spa to winners.
"We're giving B-boy crews free hot-tub soaks after they dance," Gould said.
Rather than considering the event a battle, Gould said he likes to think in terms of competition.
"It's a hip-hop competition," he said. "In hip-hop, we use competition to build as opposed to always making it negative like battling someone."
Breakin' Hearts
SUB Ballroom
Friday 7 p.m. to 12 a.m.
$10
