Basic City Taproom open at 3pm

Foundry doors open at 6:30pm

Music starts at 8pm

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. 

JOUWALA COLLECTIVE

Jouwala Collective derives it’s magic from the many layers of influences that make up this sonic mosaic of deeply rooted traditional music and this generations undeniable hunger for groove. At the heart is Ismail Bouzidoune, a Master Gimbre player from Casablanca, Morocco and the creative force leading this band of gifted collaborators. This seamless blending of time-honored Gnawa music with contemporary and global styles creates a full-sensory experience that holds you in a trance one moment and compels you to dance the next. but that’s the magic of Jouwala Collective – they bring it all back home into One sound, tastefully and naturally.

Eerie Synth notes create a soft background over which are laid tribal tones of instruments from a world away (Ismail’s Gimbri, Abe’s Loutar and Kevin’s tablas) resulting in an atmosphere of spiritual healing. Incredibly fast, dynamic Drum rhythms keep your feet moving while the overall sound holds you in a dreamlike trance. Electric guitars and Rock themes interweave so that the mood, and the room, can be trance-formed immediately and without warning.

In their time together, Jouwala Collective has performed with internationally celebrated Drummie Zeb, Jeff Franca of Thievery Corporation and successfully supported The Wailers, Dopapod, Pimps of joy time, Turkuaz, People’s blues of Richmond and The Mantras. They have aired on Radio Mogador, WRIR Richmond, Jam and Radio Rubber Room, as well as being featured in RVA Magazine, Jamwish magazine, Fusicology. The group draws inspiration and musical influence from Hmida Boussou, Fela Kuti, Medeski Martin & Wood, Snarky Puppy, and Miles Davis to name a few. The band is private party to any venue from festival stage, to packed music house to seated concert halls. They have even showcased their music at International Embassies.