Smart Bets: Toubab Krewe

It’s been seven years since beloved Asheville instrumental quintet Toubab Krewe released a studio album, but now that the engaging sounds of Stylo are out in the world, it’s as if the recording hiatus never happened. The eight-track collection draws inspiration from Appalachian, West African, Lollywood (aka Pakistani cinema) and New Orleans music, all of which is funneled through the experienced ensemble’s worldly style. Following warmup gigs in Colorado and major East Coast cities, the band closes out its Southeast mini-tour with consecutive night shows at Ellington Underground, featuring opening sets from local comrades. Friday, April 20, loops in The Digs and Window Cat, while Saturday, April 21, features tunes from Josh Phillips Big Band and Dillon N’ Ashe. Both start at 10 p.m. $25. ellingtonunderground.com. Photo by Kenny Appelbaum

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About Edwin Arnaudin
Edwin Arnaudin is a staff writer for Mountain Xpress. He also reviews films for ashevillemovies.com and is a member of the Southeastern Film Critics Association (SEFCA) and North Carolina Film Critics Association (NCFCA). Follow me @EdwinArnaudin

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