Saturday, June 18 @ 8 p.m.
Tickets $15/$8 for ages 18 and under
Afrobeat cannot stand still. As the genre’s tempting sounds continue a resurgence across the globe, Chicago
Afrobeat Project (CAbP) remains true to its original vision of breathing the intensity of Chicago’s rich music
scene into the infectious sounds of afrobeat. Rather than become caricatures of the genre, CAbP slips a
reverent nod to the tradition while delivering an energized originality different from any other band on the
afrobeat scene today. At each of its 100+ live performances a year, the group’s frenzied songs hit audiences
with a big enough one-two punch to tirelessly knock them onto the dance floor time and time again.
Afrobeat’s range of influences — funk, rock, jazz, afro-cuban, high life and juju music – settle into a
hypnotic, dance-compelling pulse at the core of CAbP.The individual players, coming from diverse backgrounds,
each hold their own as soloists that ultimately characterize the live shows. Melodic and hard-hitting horn
lines create a lyrical flow to the music, delivered by a cutting, driven rhythm section dynamic. Complex
call-and-response percussion songs are dispersed throughout the performances.
The group currently performs across the country from coast to coast with notable festival dates including
Bele Chere Music Festvial (2005, 2006) Wakarusa Music Festival (2006), Chicago World Music Festival (2003, 2006),
Vassar College Jazz Festival (2005, 2006), Summer Camp (2005, 2007), Chicago’s Summer Dance Series (2005, 2007),
and High Sierra Music Festival (2007). CAbP was nominated as Best African Artist in the Chicago Music Awards
(CMA) in 2004 and 2005, and was nominated for the CMA’s “Award of Honor for Contribution to World Beat Music”
in 2006. As a natural extension of the group’s ability to connect diverse musical styles through afrobeat,
CAbP has featured many notable Chicago guest musicians such as Howard Levy of Bela Fleck fame, Fareed Haque
of Garaj Mahal, and seven-time Grammy-winner Paul Wertico.
Related Links:
http://www.chicagoafrobeatproject.com includes audio samples.
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