Antibalas, Balkan Beat Box, Ska Cubano July 1, 2006

This is a Free Music Event supported in part by the Consulate General of Israel

July at SummerStage begins with an afternoon of African polyrhythm and world music funk. Formed in 1998, Brooklyns own Antibalas takes as its cornerstone the hypnotic Afrobeat of the late Fela Kuti. On stage, Antibalas (Anti-bullets) generates a relentless groove from the very first note, and the lyrics (sung in English, Spanish or Yoruba) outline a strong political message. Antibalas has opened for everyone from James Brown and Wyclef Jean to No Doubt and Trey Anastasio.

Formed by Israeli-born, New York based musicians Tamir Muskat and Ori Kaplan, Balkan Beat Box is renowned for its circus-like live show, which typically features gypsy costumes, a roaring brass section and at least one of the musicians swinging from the rafters. Anchoring the spectacle is a delirious blend of Israeli and Egyptian dance rhythms, klezmer and Balkan marching band music, and a punkish disregard for stylistic boundaries.

U.K. based Ska Cubano links breezy strut of Jamaican ska to the sophisticated cadences of Cuban son and mambo. Composed of renowned musicians like bass player Ray Crespo and trumpet legend Eddy Tan Tan Thorton, Ska Cubano is fronted by South London ska-king Natty Bo and his discovery, Cuban vocalist Beny Billy. This twin attack of English rude boy and Cuban sonero makes for a joyful live experience.


Event submitted by Eventful.com on behalf of sascha.