Altered Beats

According to ancient Greek legend, the Hydra was a gruesome, nine-headed beast that roamed the swamps outside town snacking on hapless villagers. Supposedly its breath was toxic, and it was nearly impossible to kill. The same might be said for the remaining members of the Grateful Dead, including Mikey Hart, the band's drummer for almost 40 years. According to Hart, "Hydra is about extreme music for extreme people." While it's not Greek mythology, Hart's word is certainly gospel to many, and his inclusion in this musical update of an age-old monster is cause for ritualized celebration. Joining Hart are the four members of Particle, jam-friendly pimps of cosmic porn funk, marathon mavens of electro-noodling. The supagroup has been performing since early April, playing several world beat-inspired originals as well as reimagined choices from the Particle and Dead cannons. Word from people who dig such free-form, deep-space excursions confirms past shows' utter blissitude.

Hydra performs at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 28, at Revolution, 200 W. Broward Blvd., Fort Lauderdale. Tickets cost $22 advance, $25 at the door. Call 954-727-0950.