Toubab Krewe

Coming all the way from Asheville, NC, Toubab Krewe return to the Crazy Horse for what has become an annual tradition. This instrumental powerhouse creates a sonic Pangaea that lustily swirls African traditions with groove-based rock, trance-inducing jam sensibilities, international folk strains and more. While nearly impossible to put in 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. Beyond their groundbreaking paradigm, this approach is fueled by authentic tools of the trade. Lush, complex melodies are expertly evoked from African string instruments such as kora and kamel ngoni. Cascades of exotic percussion in lockstep with bass and drums, forming a driving, multi-layered foundation of hypnotic rhythms.

Touring the country since 2005, they have honed their craft onstage at the country's largest music festivals such as Bonnaroo, High Sierra, Electric Forest and Hulaween. 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.

Beyond the music, these are truly enlightened human beings who leave their hearts on the stage with every performance. Once this groove gets rolling, it can’t be stopped. They go from a simmer to a boil in seconds flat and take us all with them on an ecstatic ride. Prepare for a psychedelic, rhythmic explosion of shear bliss!