Krannert Center officially kicks off it’s 50th anniversary season Friday night with food, activities, and lots of music. It’s an event you need to attend. Here’s a brief look at the artists you can expect to hear from:
South Carolina-based Ranky Tanky—whose name is loosely translated as “get funky”—performs timeless music of Gullah culture born in the southeastern Sea Island region of the United States. Combining influences from West Africa and American jazz into arrangements all its own, Ranky Tanky “is a joyous listen” (Elmore Magazine)
Baracutanga, with members representing four countries (Bolivia, Ecuador, Peru, US), prides itself on arranging traditional South American rhythms in new ways. This blending of ancestral traditions with a modern sensibility results in an exciting Latin flavor all its own that leaves dancers always wanting more.
Steel guitarist AJ Ghent returns by popular demand after setting the stage ablaze at ELLNORA | The Guitar Festival 2015. Ghent, who calls James Brown and Prince big influences and whose family helped to create the “sacred steel” tradition, plays his steel stand-up style, constructing a musical sound that can be heard howling from the church to the streets to the clubs. Fusing blues, funk, rock, and pop, Ghent creates an unforgettable experience for audiences, an energized and soulful musical paradise!
The evening will also feature performances by local performers New Orleans Jazz Machine and clarinet/sax player Carl Johnson. Mucca Pazza, a group from Chicago described as “combining marching band traditions and street theater experience with rock ‘n’ roll sensibilities” will be doing pop up performances throughout the evening.
While the weather forecast might make things interesting, the event will go on rain or shine, and it’s free to attend; though plan to bring some cash for food and drink. You can begin imbibing at 6 p.m., and here’s the schedule of performances:
Ranky Tanky, 6:30 p.m. — Lobby, Stage 6
Baracutanga, 7:45 p.m. — Lobby, Stage 5
AJ Ghent, 9 p.m. — Lobby, Stage 6
New Orleans Jazz Machine, 6:15 p.m. and 8:15 p.m. — Amphitheatre (rain location: Studio Theatre)
Mucca Pazza — wait and see
Photo of Baracutanga from their Facebook page