Acrpost: A Project of the Pacific Association of Artist Run Centres

Event Description

Skaspot Live presents "World Music Night" at the Biltmore Friday Jan 9th. featuring: "Tequila Mockingbird Orchestra" direct from their current European Tour with Special Guests "Kutapira" - the totally amazing Afro-Cuban - Zimbabwae Marimba Band that recently performed for the Queen.

Kutapira bio and credits:
"Kutapira is the future of world music in Vancouver."
Tony Montague, Music Journalist and Artistic Director, Festival Baobab
That buzzing in your ears? It’s the future of world music. It’s the edge that kept the ancients on their feet dancing. It’s the distortion that keeps music young and vibrant. It’s the key to the phenomenal success of Kutapira, Vancouver’s unique, five piece marimba and percussion ensemble.
"They say our future is in the hands of the youth. If this is true then the music of the African culture is safe with these kids."
Nodonodji, Artistic Director, African Peace Festival
Born out of a forward-thinking educational initiative introducing youth to global rhythms, formed in 2005 through a Canada Council program matching professional artists and students, Kutapira have hardly had a chance to reflect on their achievements. Through the motivation and mentoring of Artistic Director, Jack Duncan and percussion maestro, Myles Bigelow, the group is forging new links between the traditions of Zimbabwe’s marimba music and the rhythmic soul of Afro Cuban drumming. Kai Buchan, Jeremy Bryant, Sangito Bigelow, Chris Couto and Theo Vincent are all fluent in both disciplines; rotating through their battery of soprano, tenor and baritone marimbas and trading licks on the drum kit, timbales and hand drums.
"Kutapira is a vibrant and talented group of young people. Their music is powerful, energetic and exciting. I challenge anyone to try and remain still during their performance!"
Bill Siksay, MP (Burnaby-Douglas)
The marimbas’ funky, wooden resonance isn’t the only buzz Kutapira is generating. The accolades from all corners have been swift in coming and the praise has been fanatical In the sometimes serious and stodgy world of world music, the quintet has been bringing a welcome injection of exuberance and velocity to festival stages, community events and concert halls in Canada and abroad, lifting people to their feet and rattling the cages of the uninitiated.
"Kutapira’s rhythm, melody and message are extraordinary."
Chris Kelly, Superintendent of Schools, Vancouver School Board
In 2006, with momentum rapidly building, Kutapira recorded their debut CD including eight tracks of original and traditional compositions given the ensemble’s one-of-a-kind arrangements. It was an instant best seller from the stages and a strong radio contender with national airplay on CBC Radio, local spins on CFRO 102.7 FM in Vancouver and it received a top 10 ranking on college radio. But, the disc would continue to find its way into more influential and even honored hands.
"I’m certain, with one listen of their debut CD, you’ll also recognize the artistic achievement and creative potential of this next generation of world musicians."
Cal Koat, Executive Producer, world.beats television.
Kutapira’s crowning ascent came from Her Majesty, Elizabeth, Queen of England. In the summer of 07, they were off to Aberdeen, Scotland to represent Canada at a world youth music festival and ended up with the sweetest gig going; a command performance at Balmoral Castle for the Queen. After the performance, she met and talked with each of Kutapira's members individually, and was quoted as saying, "[Their music is] very clever."
"I have a long history of witnessing and playing a variety of world music and I can attest that these 'kids' can play - boy can they play! No matter their age, they’ve earned ‘main stage’ credibility."
Bill Usher, Executive Director of the Kicking Horse Arts Council and four-time Juno Award winner.

This World Music Concert features the Gypsy Ska of TMO.

TMO Biography
The Tequila Mockingbird Orchestra is a young Victoria band that plays a unique style of acoustic dance music that called "gypsy ska". Think Manu Chao meets Yan Teirsen.

Riding the energy of a series of sold out shows and a very well received debut EP, dubbed cheekily, The First EP, the band is currently in the studio writing and recording their first full length album, to be released in July of 2008.

While their roots are very much in the west coast, their influences are varied and growing. Paul Wolda, having studied the Djembe since the age of 7, lays down hypnotic tribal beats as well as smooth Brazilian Portuguese vocals. Ian Griffiths, on accordion, brings the Spanish influence with soaring lead vocals - in both Spanish and English. The energy of these two founding members drives the band but the talent does not stop there, they are joined and expertly supported by guitarist Kurt Loewen and bassist Peter Mynett, both experienced professional musicians who take their art but not themselves or their band mates, seriously. The sound is completed by multi-instrumentalist Patrick M'Gonigle with his crafted fiddle melodies that are equal parts Mozart and David Gilmour.

Come early - reserve a booth!
Stay warm in January and join us for a night of dancing to the world's most infectious beats.

Tickets at the door or reserve a spot on the guaranteed entry list by visiting: http://live.skaspot.com or contacting dan@skaspot.com


This is a Friday night show at the Biltmore Cabaret
for more info: dan@skaspot.com