Toubab Krewe with River Spell Presented by KGNU at Velvet Elk Lounge

Toubab Krewe wit River Spell Presented by KGNU is coming to Velvet Elk Lounge on January 31st. Doors open at 7:00 PM, and the show kicks off at 8:00 PM—don’t miss out on this experience, all for just $26!

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.

Secure your tickets now at bit.ly/VELtickets and join us for a night to remember!

Host or Publisher Velvet Elk Lounge