The Karma Roulette Quartet
Schedule
Sat Apr 20 2024 at 08:00 pm
Location
The Back Room, 1984 Bonita Ave, Berkeley, CA 94704 | Berkeley, CA
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The Karma Roulette Quartet is made up of four veteran multi-instrumentalists, composers & bandleaders. The group features compositions by award-winning composer/arranger Michael Smolens, work by renowned Brazilian composer Egberto Gismonti, musically-related poetry, and soundscapes created on the spot. Their sound includes nearly 30 different instruments and is truly international — drawing from the worlds of West-Africa, Afro-Cuba, North India, Turkey, and Brazil —as well as jazz, funk & classical styles. This will be the group's third appearance at The Back Room.______________________________ ______________________________ ___________
Michael Smolens — keyboard, alto flute, voice & vocal percussion, spoken word, West-African balafon & djun-djuns, dumbek, composer/arranger
Michele Walther — 4-string violin, 5-string electric violin, digital looper
John Waller & Michaelle Goerlitz — djembe, cajon, tablas, dumbek, tar, riqq, mini-drum set, hand percussion, marimba, classical guitar
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The band’s performance & recording credits include: world music artists Zakir Hussain, Habib Khan, Fela Kuti, Nigerian All-Stars, Marcos Silva & Mimi Spencer; jazz iconsStefon Harris, Joe Lovano, Paul McCandless, Paul Hanson, Mark Feldman & David Balakrishnan; pop stalwarts Gloria Estefan, Ian Anderson, Barbara Higbie & Jami Sielber; vocalists Claudia Schmidt and Bobby McFerrin collaborators David Worm, Bryan Dyer & Rhiannon; and international classical ensembles Basel Sinfonietta, LaMuseMent & Los Tangueros del Oeste.
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“An exceptionally creative quartet. Each player clearly has something to say . . . ” — Sam Rudin (The Back Room concert producer)
“Smolens’ pieces are notable for their originality and beautifully spacious arrangements. ” — Tony Brooke (Critics’ Choice, SF Weekly)
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Tickets are $25 general admission. Children under 12 are free. Advance tickets are available here, or if the show is not sold out, you may purchase your tickets at the door before the show.
Doors open one half hour before show time. We accept cash or Venmo only at the door.
The Back Room is an all-ages, BYOB (for those 21+) space, dedicated to (mostly) acoustic music of all kinds. You are welcome to bring your own food and beverages. The venue is ADA accessible. If you need more information or have any questions, please call us: #510-381-1997.
Thank you for your support!
Please note: Although masks are no longer required, we strongly encourage their use to keep everyone safe in our intimate space.
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Where is it happening?
The Back Room, 1984 Bonita Ave, Berkeley, CA 94704, United StatesEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
