Cyn Darling Ariel Palitz with Darryl McDaniels from Run DMC.

Ariel Palitz, the owner of Sutra Lounge and a member of Community Board 3, chatted with The Local about misconceptions about hip-hop, honoring the legends, and the return of CB 3 meetings. This evening Sutra will host a “Strictly Old School” hip-hop extravaganza featuring the Cold Crush Brothers and Grand Wizzard Theodore on the turntables.

So what’s going down tonight at Sutra?

It’s “Strictly Old School” — a new series we do once or twice a month. We decided to get the old school emcees into the DJ booth. Darryl McDaniels from RUN DMC was here – that blew everybody away. He did like five Run DMC hits. It’s such a tight community that other artists show up. Kangol from UTFO came up and sang “Roxanne Roxanne.” Slick Rick was here. Melle Mel got on the mic.

Were these guys hard to find?

They weren’t — they walk amongst us. New York City is the birthplace of hip-hop and a lot of the pioneers still live in the city. Most of these artists were coming on the weekends just as guests and lovers of hip-hop. It doesn’t take much convincing when you say, “How would you like to perform before 300 adoring fans?” It reminds them of old-school house parties that they’d do.

Cyn Darling The crowd during Darryl McDaniel’s set.

Are you at all worried — given the well-documented police crackdown on nightlife — that a hip-hop show might attract extra police attention? I’m sure you saw what happened at Tammany Hall two months ago.

We’ve never been unfairly targeted by the police. Violence can erupt anywhere. If violence happens at a hip-hop show, it’s because it was hip-hop. If it’s at Soho House, it was just a deranged person. It’s a perception that a lot of the media puts on hip-hop. Things happen, but they also happen at rock concerts, Yankees games, and the Plaza Hotel – any place that serves alcohol. That’s why you have to be a vigilant, responsible owner.

You’re rubbing elbows with all these hip-hop legends: does this make you the coolest member of Community Board 3?

I’m sure at least in the hip-hop community it does.

Community Board 3 Chair Dominic Pisciotta was on the cover of Newsweek, that’s pretty cool too.

Yeah. Being one of the first gay-married fathers of twins is pretty cool, too. Like I said, I love New York – that’s why I’m on the Community Board. I don’t do it to make friends, obviously — especially among the anti-nightlife people.

So you’re looking forward to the resumption of epic liquor license committee meetings?

Yes. Every month I’m like, “Oh geez, another meeting.” But then I look at the list — it compels me to be there, to make sure it’s fair. I feel like my presence helps balance the score for people.

Strictly Old School at Sutra Lounge (16 First Avenue at First Street) tonight. Doors open at 9 p.m. Must be 21 to party. Tickets $10.