Toubab Krewe with The Great North Special

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 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, Congas, Dundun, Sangban, Kinkini) 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, Rothbury and Wakarusa, and abroad at such legendary gatherings as the Festival In The Desert in Essakane, Mali. Whether on their own or collaborating with luminaries like the Last Poets' Umar Bin Hassan or Uncle Earl's Rayna Gellert, 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.

The Great North Special

From the shores of Southern California comes The Great North Special, a 7-piece Americana jam band that fuses together a unique blend of country-blues, psych-rock and funk-soul. Beautiful melodies and tight grooves lead the way through their mind-blowing energetic dance party live shows. Their sound features lively percussion, wonderfully harmonized vocals & guitars, soothing pedal steel, and world class piano and organ. Each performance is a soul-driven ecstatic whirlwind of exploration through improvisation and crowd connection.

Their self-titled EP in 2020, and follow-up single “Love Service Devotion” in 2022, garnered much attention in the California jam and americana scenes, and saw the band featured on major West Coast radio, including renowned radio station KLOS 95.5 fm in Los Angeles. The band has continued to spend time filling venues throughout California such as The Wayfarer, The Mint, and SLO Brew, as well as performing at outdoor fests like June Lake Jam Festival, and Field Trip Music & Beer Festival. Their debut LP “Callithump Parade”, released in the summer of 2024, and recorded by Jason Soda at Palomino Sound in Los Angeles, is sure to bring the band to lots of new towns, venues, and festivals. With distinct musical versatility, captivating lyricism, and careful songwriting, the band continues to explore in-depth themes within their songs such as love, joy, nature, technology, existentialism and spirituality. The Great North Special is a truly unforgettable experience for music lovers everywhere.

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