THIS SHOW HAS BEEN RESCHEDULED FOR SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24TH. ALL TICKETS FOR 4/18 WILL BE HONORED. EMAIL TICKETSatMARTYRSLIVEdotcom with any questions.Some music cannot be found on a map or within iTunes categories. Some music is so original it seems snatched from the great, invisible substrata that runs below all human activity, a sound aching to be born without a flag or fixed allegiance – free, questing, overflowing with immediate, tangible life. This is the music of Toubab Krewe, the vibrant Asheville, NC-based instrumental powerhouse that creates a sonic Pangaea that lustily swirls together rock, African traditions, jam sensibilities, international folk strains and more. While nearly impossible to put into any box, it takes only a few moments to realize in a very palpable way that one is face-to-face with a true original who recognizes no borders in a march towards a muscular, original, globally switched-on sound. Formed in 2005, Toubab Krewe has tenaciously honed their craft through relentless touring and a fierce dedication to carving out something they can truly call their own. The fruits of this hard work can be heard on their latest release, STYLO, (March 2nd, 2018). What Justin Perkins (kora, kamelngoni, guitar, percussion), Terrence Houston (drumset), Drew Heller (guitar, organ), Justin Kimmel (bass, keys), and Luke Quaranta (djembe, dunun, sangban, kenkeni, kryn, karenye) have wrought on STYLO reflects the many miles and musical journeys that have transpired since their last studio album, TK2. This is a band that actively draws inspiration from whatever source floats into their purview, something they've exhibited in their decade and a half of heavy gigging, including regular appearances at major U.S. festivals like Bonnaroo, High Sierra, Electric Forest, Wakarusa, Hulaween, and abroad at such legendary gatherings as the Festival In The Desert in Essakane, Mali, Shanghai World Music Festival, and Jam Cruise. Whether on their own or collaborating with luminaries like the Last Poets' Umar Bin Hassan, Uncle Earl's Rayna Gellert, or Weedie Braimah, Toubab Krewe has already earned the attention and respect of a broad musical community. Toubab carries echoes of African greats like Ali Farka Toure, Orchestra Baobab and Salif Keita, no doubt picked up during the group's travels to study and live in Guinea, Ivory Coast and Mali. But what truly differentiates Toubab Krewe from other Statesiders inspired by African music is how they innovate on what they've learned instead of simply recreating tradition. Toubab Krewe carves out a new trail honoring the African originators they admire by making something alive and contemporary.
AfroZep is a Chicago based band that performs a set of Led Zeppelin tunes that have been rearranged with African influences.Chicago based percussionist Marshall Greenhouse first formed the group in 2009. AfroZep quickly gained local and national attention through coast to coast tours of venues, universities and festivals. Within their first year, they had been recognized by both the Chicago Reader and by WXRT for their original and energetic take on Led Zeppelin earning them Best Led Zeppelin Cover Band of the Year honors.In 2016 the band went through some lineup changes which ultimately led them to hiring vocalist Jabal in 2018. Hailing from Douala, Cameroon, Jabal sang cabaret for countless hours six nights a week. He built a following around the continent with his ability to sing a variety of styles in many languages. Jabal brings a truly unique take on Robert Plants vocals while also adding African influenced vocals, such as singing Makossa and other popular genres originating in Cameroon as well as his ability to accurately mimic the voice of Fela Kuti.
