July 3rd – Tani Diakite and the Afrofunkstars
Tani Diakite and The Afrofunk stars is the centerpiece of a popular style of music from Mali called Wasulu Music. When you hear the blues played by this band you’ll understand why it is often said that Mali is the birthplace of the blues. The Kamale N’goni is one of several African instruments that preceded the banjo, so you’ll hear similarities to bluegrass too. In addition, the Afrofunkstars are backed up by one of the hottest percussion sections around.
Other links to Tani Diakite and the Afrofunkstars – http://tanidiakite.bandcamp.com/
Promo video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mrqStVis9X4
Live videos: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zGRaMOeb1PU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2bCtfQKqjdQ
July 10th – Boo Bradley
Boo Bradley is a hot blues stompin’, jelly roll jumpin’, rag jazz infusin’, acoustic jug attack from Madtown, Wisconsin. Boo Bradley throws down a porch stomp boogie chock full of old time Delta moans from the likes of Son House and Charley Patton, the Piedmont shake of Blind Boy Fuller and the earliest Chicago Ragtime mastery of cats like Blind Blake and Big Bill Broonzy. None of these names sound familiar? Well, never you mind. Once you get a wiff of what these fellas are cookin’, your feet’ll know what to do, ‘cause when Boo puts their groove stamp on a tune you can’t call it nothin’ but good ol’ ho-maid jelly.
July 17th – Grupo Candela
Salsa anyone? Even if you don’t dance salsa, dance your own way or have fun watching the talented dancers that show up. Groupo Candela is one of Madison’s favorite latin bands. Isthmus states Groupo Candela “is a standard bearer in Madison’s burgeoning Latin music scene with its strong salsa”. With their string of talented and prolific musicians, many originally hailing from outside of the U. S., they play meringue, bachata, and cumbia.
July 24th – The Whiskey Belles
Roots Country Music, Born of Gin Halls and Juke Joints –
Hank Williams passion, Carter family harmonies, with a little Hee Haw mixed in for good measure. The WhiskeyBelles are an all-female traditional country and Americana trio featuring pitch-perfect three-part harmonies and their own hot fiddle, guitar and bass playing. The ‘Belles have personalities as big as the Texan skyline – they have a great time on stage, and love to share the fun with their audience.
July 31st – The Whiskey Farm
The Whiskey Farm is an Americana band from Madison, Wisconsin. Formed in 2010, the band released their first record, “Middle of America,” in 2011 and subsequently won the Madison Area Music Award for Best Americana/folk song for “If I Were You.” The Onion A.V. Club described The Whiskey Farm as “straddling the line between bluegrass and folk, blending technical wows with accessible songwriting for very pop-minded Americana.” The Americana Gazette said they have “great tunes, killer hooks, and fantastic harmonies,” and The Isthmus called them “a big boost for the little music scene thriving here in the middle of America.” The band features multi-instrumentalists and layered harmonies in lyric-driven songs. Their sophomore album, “From the Still,” was released in February, 2013.
Check them out on Facebook.