/// EVENT ARCHIVE ///
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WISH LIST | 28.09.18
DON LETTS Het Bos, Antwerp |
Don gives a talk and screens his documentary on the myth and reailty of punks and dreads coming together for a 'punky reggae party'. It includes: The Sex Pistols, Big Youth, The Slits and many more.
film: Two Sevens Clash: Dread Meets Punk Rockers (Dir Don Letts) + live DJ set by Don Letts |
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WISH LIST | 27.09.18
DARRELL COLE Het Bos, Antwerp |
Darrell tells his compelling story, from being born in London to returning to his family's homeland of Sierra Leone, and his later struggles with the music business.
film: Since When Does Being Myself, Offend Anyone Else (Dir: Darrell Cole) + solo performance by Darrell Cole |
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WISH LIST | 20.09.18
QUINSY GARIO Het Bos, Antwerp |
Along with a spoken word performance Quinsy presents a talk on the liberation struggles in the Dutch Caribbean. Shedding some light on the long-standing racial inequality that spurred the labourers into action.
film: 30 Mei 1969 (Dir: John Leerdam) + Spoken word performance by Quinsy Gario photo credit: © Aïda Sanchez Alonso / StampMedia |
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WISH LIST | 15.09.18
SUNNY BERGMAN + SHISHANI Het Bos, Antwerp |
What can we learn from how people in different parts of the world deal with mental health? Documentary maker Sunny Bergman will explore this question in a live presentation and Q&A.
film: Sunny Side of Spirit - Ghana (Dir: Sunny Bergman + guest solo performance by Shishani |
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WISH LIST | 14.09.18
LINTON KWESI JOHNSON Het Bos, Antwerp |
Presentation and poetry reading on the late Jamaican poet Mikey Smith, author of 'Me Cyaan Believe It'. The talk is based on his personal knowledge of the poet and the obscure circumstances surrounding his death.
film: Upon Westminster Bridge (Dir: Anthony Wall) + solo poetry reading by Linton Kwesi Johnson |
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We welcome the return of groundbreaking artist Soweto Kinch who's latest album 'Nonagram' explores, maths, geometry and sound.
Also on the program is MDC III led by reeds player Mattias De Craene. artist links: Soweto Kinch | MDC III |
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but is it jazz? [mini-festival] | 11.11.17
MULATU ASTATKE | JUNGLE BY NIGHT | NUBYA GARCIA qrt | COLLECTIVE CONSCIENCE | DJ COURTASOCK Arenberg, Antwerp |
Mulatu Astatke is Ethiopia's best known musician and the father of Ethio-jazz. For this but is it jazz? special he will be joined on the program by a host of stand-out jazz deviants including Nubya Garcia Quartet, Jungle By Night and more...
artist links: Mulatu Astatke | Nubya Garcia | Jungle by Night | Collective Conscience | DJ Courtasock |
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The most progressive 21st-century talents in British jazz and beyond. Led by Shabaka Hutchings (himself named after a Nubian pharaoh-philosopher). They are neither bashment, Baltic, Afro or jazz. They are simply exceptional and a privilege to behold.
“I strongly urge you to go and see this band live!” artist links: Sons of Kemet | Jasper Høiby Fellow Creatures |
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but is it jazz? | 26.05.17
FLORIAN PELLISSIER QUINTET ft. SHOLA ADISA-FARRAR Hnita-Jazz, Heist-op-den-Berg |
This musical collaboration blends New-York’s hard-bop aesthetics and reggae-inspired elements, with modern jazz. Parisian pianist and composer Florian Pellisier's latest album Cap De Bonne Esperanto leads his Quintet on a fine tribute to ‘60s South African jazz.
artist links: Florian Pellissier Quintet | Shola Adisa-Farrar |
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but is it jazz? in collaboration with Nona & Jazz xs present an intreging double-bill. Mephiti exist somewhere between understated lyrical jazz and folk. Dominic J. Marshall is not only a piano virtuoso, but brings something entirely fresh and honest to the table.
artist links: Dominic J. Marshall | Mephiti |
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The Writer’s Bench & Arenberg present BAZAAR, hosting an evening of new generation voodoo rhythms featuring: Mbongwana Star who are two original members of the legendary band Staff Benda Bilili. The local grooves come courtesy of BRZZVLL, now five albums deep. Plus Vaudou Game with heavy West African voodoo funk.
artist links: Mbongwana Star | Vaudou Game | brzzvll |
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but is it jazz? | 02.11.16
MAKAYA MCCRAVEN + JEAN-PAUL BOURELLY feat. Far From Earth Rataplan, Antwerp |
Innovative Chicago based drummer/composer, hot on the heels of his groundbreaking 2015 album 'In The Moment' This event also features guitar visionary Jean-Paul Bourelly for an exclusive Co-hoots collaboration with Far From Earth.
artist links: Makaya Mccraven | Jean-Paul Bourelly |
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Cory Henry [of Snarky Puppy fame] is a multi-instrumentalist and producer with a catalog worthy of a man twice his age. The Revival is a duo setting featuring Taron Lockett on drums.
The opening set will be provided by Gent based trio Steiger. artist links: Cory Henry | Steiger |
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'Saul Williams is a poet, actor, writer and musician who engages each of these forms equally, with both aggression and compassion'. Presenting his latest offering MartyrLoserKing.
Opening set by Seckou and percussionist Kobe Proesmans for an exclusive Co-hoots collaboration. artist links: Saul Williams | Seckou | Kobe Proesmans |
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but is it jazz? - the debate | 19.01.16
Keynote speaker: PETER ANTHONISSEN | Moderator: LIES STEPPE | Guest panel: LANDER GYSELINCK, JEMPI SAMYN o.a | + Live music: VITJA PAUWELS (guitar), WILLEM HEYLEN (guitar), KOBE BOON (bass); TIM CARAMIN (drums) o.l.v TEUN VERBRUGGEN Rataplan, Antwerp |
For our first debate we officially raise the question ”...but is it jazz?”
Is the question itself relevant? Does jazz have borders? And do we actually care? A guest speaker provides the basis for the discussion, a panel argue their opinions and musicians play 'the music' ... but is it jazz? |
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but is it jazz? | 16.01.16
HEAR! HEAR! BENJAMIN HERMAN & ANTON GOUDSMIT | SCHNTZL Hnita Jazz Club, Heist op den Berg |
Two giants of Dutch jazz come together for some creative sparring. Benjamin Herman and Anton Goudsmit are long-term friends who have collaborated in many projects. They are back on the road together after a break of two years.
The opening set will be provided by SCHNTZL. artist links: Benjamin Herman | Anton Goudsmit | SCHNTZL |
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Bazaar [the writer's bench stage] | 21.11.15
TWB//Co-hoots HEYMOONSHAKER | RODNEY P + PHILIPPE WERKERS 'Under The Influence' documentary screening Arenbergschouwburg Antwerp |
For this edition Heymoonshaker bring the unlikely pairing of Grit-your-teeth, raw, blues guitar and expansive, heart-pounding beatboxing.
This event also includes live performance and documentary screening from British rap legend Rodney P with live visuals by Philippe Werkers. artist links: Heymoonshaker | Rodney P | Philippe Werkers |
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but is it jazz? | 03.10.15
POLAR BEAR DANS DANS Rataplan Antwerp |
but is it jazz? returns with a stella double-bill featuring; Polar Bear showcasing their new 'Same As You' album along with Dans Dans, a band that are simply mandatory listening.
artsist links: Polar Bear | Dans Dans |
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TWB//Co-hoots | 13.11.14
AKALA + DJ GRAZZHOPPA'S DJ BIGBAND BRUNO FERRO XAVIER DE SILVA + DJ GRAZZHOPPA'S DJ BIGBAND Arenbergschouwburg, Antwerp |
CO-hoots premiere edition featuring acclaimed British wordsmith Akala and avant-garde bass extraordinaire Bruno Xavier da Silva meet DJ Grazzhoppa's DJ Bigband.
artist links: Akala | Bruno Xavier da Silva | DJ Grazzhoppa's DJ Bigband |
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Bazaar | 03.04.14
MICHAEL PRINS Arenbergschouwburg, Antwerp |
Bazaar welcomes Dutch troubadour Michael Prins. Showcasing some compelling human tales from his outstanding debut album 'Rivertown fairytales'.
artist links: Michael Prins |
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but is it jazz? | 13.12.13
SONS OF KEMET LINUS Arenbergschouwburg, Antwerp |
If there’s a band which sums up how exciting the UK jazz scene is at the moment it’s Sons Of Kemet.
Linus is a baritone guitar and sax duo embracing the spirit of simplicity, purity and longing. artist links: Sons of Kemet | Linus |
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Workshop | 13.12.13
SHABAKA HUTCHINGS Jazz Studio, Antwerp |
Award winning horns man Shabaka Hutching hosts afternoon workshop at the jazz studio. Shabaka is the band leader of Sons Of Kemet and is also a member of the Sun Ra Arkestra.
artist links: Shabaka Hutchings |
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The Writer's Bench | 30.11.13
LINTON KWESI JOHNSON Grounds, Rotterdam |
Grounds, Rotterdam proudly welcomes Jamaican born poetic-pioneer Linton Kwesi Johnson, known and revered as the world's first reggae poet.
artist links: Linton Kwesi Johnson |
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The Writer's Bench | 28.11.13
DJ AFRIKA BAMBAATAA DJ GRAZZHOPPA De Studio, Antwerp |
Celebrating hip-hop's 40th anniversary with the ‘Amen-Ra’ himself, DJ Afrika Bambaataa.
Other guests include: Donald D, DJ Grazzhoppa and DJ Gea Russell artist links: Afrika Bambaataa | Donald D | DJ Grazzhoppa |
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but is it jazz? | 03.05.13
COURTNEY PINE IFA Y XANGO Arenbergschouwburg, Antwerp |
House of Legends album tour from ground breaking, multi-instrumentalist Courtney Pine who has led a generation of exciting and innovative players.
Ifa y Xango present the tribal, mysterious and highly danceable sounds of their seven-piece ensemble. artist links: Courtney Pine | Ifa y Xango |
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The Writer's Bench | 27.04.13
LINTON KWESI JOHNSON | KAIN THE POET SON DEL GROUND Arenbergschouwburg, Antwerp |
The Writer's Bench special poetry edition featuring solo reading by legendary poetic-pioneer Linton Kwesi Johnson, the enigmatic Kain The Poet (with band) and Son Del Ground.
artist links: Linton Kwesi Johnson | Kain The Poet | Son Del Ground |
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Bazaar | 06.04.13
THE ENERGY Arenbergschouwburg, Antwerp |
Bazaar welcomes The Energy. A London based duo centred around the entrancing vocals of Nicole Elizabeth. Dreamy minimalist music creates the hypnotic setting for engaging songs to set you adrift.
artist links: The Energy |
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Workshop | 18.12.12
LUANDA CASELLA Jazz Studio, Antwerp |
Brazilian writer and storyteller Luanda Casella joins DJ Courtasock for a spoken-word and poetry meets music workshop presentation. Also featuring Adi Mehic on Piano.
artist links: Luanda Casella |
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The Writer's Bench | 13.10.12
ELYAS KHAN | ANTHONY JOSEPH VINCENT THOLOME + XAVIER DUBOIS eNKa | DEMOTHENE Le Belvedere, Namur |
The Writer's Bench return to Namur with the explosive Elyas Khan (Nervous Cabaret), acclaimed poet Anthony Joseph, writer, performer and poet Vincent Tholomé together with Xavier Dubois, eNKa a new project from saxophonist Nicolas Kummert and live art by Démosthène (Drash artist collective).
artist links: Elyas Khan | Anthony Joseph | Xavier Dubois | eNKa | Démosthène |
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Workshop | 13.10.12
ANTHONY JOSEPH Le Belvedere, Namur |
Acclaimed poet and published writer Anthony Joseph hosts afternoon workshop.
artist links: Anthony Joseph |
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but is it jazz? | 12.10.12
BRZZVLL feat. ANTHONY JOSEPH LUND QUARTET Arenbergschouwburg, Antwerp |
Inspired by 70’s jazz, funk, psychedelia and afrobeat BRZZVLL invite poet Anthony Joseph for this 'but is it jazz?' session.
Lund Quartet come armed with an extremely accomplished debut album. artist links: BRZZVLL | Lund Quartet |
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Workshop | 12.10.12
ANTHONY JOSEPH Jazz Studio, Antwerp |
Acclaimed poet and published writer Anthony Joseph hosts afternoon workshop.
artist links: Anthony Joseph |
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The Writer's Bench | 06.10.12
BELLERUCHE | AYANNA WITTER-JOHNSON | sam* | DJ COURTASOCK | SAMPLE NOT FOR SALE (MIKE REDMAN) Arenbergschouwburg, Antwerp |
The Writer's Bench edition with Belleruche, the extraordinary versatile Ayanna Witter-Johnson, turnable wizard DJ Courtasock, Dutch guerilla film-maker Mike Redman with his latest documentary 'Sample Not For Sale' and featured live painter sam*.
artist links: Belleruche | Ayanna Witter-Johnson | sam* | DJ Courtasock | Mike Redman |
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but is it jazz? | 26.05.12
LOU DONALDSON QUARTET HOE RAA Hnita Jazz Club, Heist o/d Berg |
Lou Donaldson is a true American jazz legend, recording for Blue Note Records with artists such as Art Blakey, Thelonious Monk, Clifford Brown and Horace Silver.
Hoe Raa features: Bert Cools - Guitar, Dries Laheye - Bass and Stijn Cools - Drums artist links: Lou Donaldson | Hoe Raa |
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The Writer's Bench | 18.02.12
STÖMA | FAUSTINE HOLLANDER | KAIN THE POET + DJ COURTASOCK | SEBASTIAN DICENAIRE | FREDERIK SCHNIEDERS Grand manège, Namur |
The Writer's Bench Namur featuring: Stöma led by Bruno Xavier Ferro da Silva, young singer-songwriter Faustine Hollander, turntablist DJ Courtasock with Kain The Poet, writer and performer Sabastian Dicenaire and live painter Frederick Schnieders.
artist links: Stöma | Faustine Hollander | DJ Courtasock | Kain The Poet | Sabastian Dicenaire | Frederick Schnieders |
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The Writer's Bench | 18.12.11
MARQUES TOLIVER | FROWN-I-BROWN LUANDA CASELLA | KIM THEUNS Arenbergschouwburg, Antwerp |
Presenting classical violinist/R&B singer Marques Toliver, live hip-hop fusion quartet Frown-I-Brown, Brazilian performance poet Luanda Casella and photographic presentation by long-serving Writer's Bench photographer Kim Theuns.
artist links: Marques Toliver | Frown-I-Brown | Luanda Casella | Kim Theuns |
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The Writer's Bench | 17.12.11
MARQUES TOLIVER | FROWN-I-BROWN DJ COURTASOCK | FREDERIC BOURGEOIS | LUANDA CASELLA | sam* Grand manège, Namur |
Presenting classical violinist/R&B singer Marques Toliver, live hip-hop fusion quartet Frown-I-Brown, Brazilian performance poet Luanda Casella, turntablist DJ Courtasock, poet Frederic Bourgeois and live painter sam*.
artist links: Marques Toliver | Frown-I-Brown | Luanda Casella | DJ Courtasock | Frederic Bourgeois | sam* |
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Workshop | 05.11.11
UNITED VIBRATIONS Jazz Studio, Antwerp |
United Vibrations host afternoon workshop at the jazz studio. Sharing the secret to their infectious concoctions of ska, afro, funk, jazz and (just for good measure) punk.
artist links: United Vibrations |
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but is it jazz? | 04.11.11
UNITED VIBRATIONS BLACK MANGO Arenbergschouwburg, Antwerp |
United Vibrations are known for have wowing unsuspecting audiences into states of frenzy with their riotously energetic vibrations.
Black Mango are one of those gems that you might stumble upon in the back streets of New Orleans dusted with homesick Latin Americans. artist links: United Vibrations | Black Mango |
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but is it jazz? | 30.09.11
POLAR BEAR ft.MC JYAGER FLAVIO SILVA QUARTET Arenbergschouwburg, Antwerp |
Polar Bear are currently the most revered young outfit in UK Jazz, for this 'but is it jazz?' performance they'll be accompanied by MC Jyager.
Flávio Silva leads his newly formed jazz combo . artist links: Polar Bear | Flávio Silva Quartet |
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Workshop | 30.09.11
POLAR BEAR ft.MC JYAGER Jazz Studio, Antwerp |
Uncategorisable, and understated, award winning trend setters Polar Bear host an afternoon workshop at the Jazz Studio.
artist links: Polar Bear |
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Cargo Zomerfest | 30.07.11
GLORIA ft. BAND | DJ COURTASOCK | LUANDA CASEELLA ESPERANZAH | AMAR KAVI | STÖMA | TRUE BYPASS | HALVE NEURO | BENNY VAN DEN MEULENGRACHT-VRANCX Park Spoor Noord, Antwerp |
Cargo Zomerfest. Featuring; Gloria, True Bypass, Halve Neuro, a poetic tribute to Gil Scott-Heron with Luanda Casella, Esperanzah and Amar Kavi, live painting by Benny Van Den Meulengracht-Vrancx.
artist links: Gloria | True Bypass | Halve Neuro | DJ Courtasock | Amar Kavi | Luanda Casella | Esperanzah | Benny | Stöma |
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The Writer's Bench | 20.03.11
KARIMA FRANCIS | JULIA KENT | FREDERIK SCHNIEDERS ANDY FIERENS Arenbergschouwburg, Antwerp |
The Writer's Bench featuring; singer-songwriter Karima Francis, solo performance by cellist Julia Kent (Antony and the Johnsons), hairy poet Andy Fierens and live painting provided by Frederik Schnieders.
artist links: Karima Francis | Julia Kent | Andy Fierens | Frederik Schnieders |
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The Writer's Bench | 19.03.11
KARIMA FRANCIS | JULIA KENT | OBAN Grounds, Rotterdam |
The Writer's Bench Rotterdam edition featuring; Engaging singer-songwriter Karima Francis a solo performance by cellist Julia Kent (Antony and the Johnsons) and experimental band OBAN.
artist links: Karima Francis | Julia Kent | OBAN |
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but is it jazz? | 24.02.11
SOWETO KINCH QUARTET PHYNT Arenbergschouwburg, Antwerp |
but is it jazz? Première edition featuring the mighty Soweto Kinch quartet.
Phynt set a high bar for such a young bunch, with featured guest Erwin Vann on tenor sax. artist links: Soweto Kinch Quartet | Phynt |
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Workshop | 24.02.11
SOWETO KINCH Jazz Studio, Antwerp |
Afternoon workshop at the jazz studio.
Award winning alto-saxophonist/MC, Soweto Kinch is one of the most exciting and versatile young musicians in both the British jazz and hip hop scenes. artist links: Soweto Kinch |
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The Writer's Bench | 19.12.10
ANTHONY JOSEPH ft. JOE BOWIE + SILVANO MATADIN ELYAS KHAN | EASTON DAVY | OBAN Arenbergschouwburg, Antwerp |
Poet and novelist Anthony Joseph gives exclusive Writer's Bench appearance with guests Sil Matadin (Urban Dance Squad) and Joe Bowie (Defunkt). A solo set from Elyas Khan (Nervous Cabaret). Local band OBAN. Plus live painting provided by New York artist Easton Davy.
artist links: Anthony Joseph | Elyas Khan | OBAN | Easton Davy |
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The Writer's Bench | 01.08.10
LIESA VAN DER AA | DJ GRAZZHOPPA'S DJ BIGBAND BLACKIE & THE OOHOOS | BREAK RHYTHMIC JAZZ | HäGGA Park Spoor Noord, Antwerp |
This Park Spoor Noord session features; Grazzhoppa's Bigband with guest Vincent Brijs (BRZZVLL), Liesa Van der Aa, Break Rhythmic Jazz with UK jazz dance pioneer Chris Hibbert, Hägga and Blackie & The Oohoos.
artist links: DJ Grazzhoppa's DJ Bigband | Liesa Van der Aa | Break Rhythmic Jazz | Hägga | Blackie & The Oohoos |
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The Writer's Bench | 19.04.10
KAIN THE POET | BABAR LUCK | GRIMM | YOU RASKAL YOU Arenbergschouwburg, Antwerp |
This Writer's Bench edition features a solo performance by Kain The Poet, world citizen Babar Luck drops in for a folky, dubby hip-hoppy kinda set, we share some emotion with Grimm and seduced by the luscious harmonies of You Raskal You.
artist links: Kain The Poet | Babar Luck | Grimm | You Raskal You |
