OGTK does not actually mean “Old guys of Toubab Krewe” because even though the semi-local band has been around for a full decade (read Xpress‘ first interview with the musicians here), they’re hardly closing in on retirement. In fact, Toubab Krewe — still going strong — plans to release a new studio album this fall.
What the OG in OGTK does stand for is “original gangsters,” meaning the band’s founding members: drummer Teal Brown, bassist David Pransky, Drew Heller (guitar and soku), Justin Perkins (Kora, Kamelngoni, guitar, percussion) and percussionist Luke Quaranta. They have two special anniversary shows planned, including a performance at New Mountain‘s amphitheater on Saturday, July 11. The show starts at 8 p.m. $15 advance/$18 at the gate.
Press release from the band:
Pioneering West African rock group Toubab Krewe is re-uniting their original lineup (OGTK) to celebrate the band’s ten-year anniversary. Original drummer Teal Brown and bassist David Pransky will join fellow founding members Drew Heller, Justin Perkins, and Luke Quaranta. They will perform two concerts, in the two places that were formative in the band’s development and growth, Asheville, NC and Cabot, VT. They will perform this Saturday night, July 11, at New Mountain Asheville, and the following Saturday night, July 18, at The Manifestivus in Cabot, VT.
Toubab Krewe stormed on the scene in 2005 captivating audiences across the country with their unique blend of West African, Rock, and Appalachian music. The outfit toured relentlessly for the majority of the last decade playing close to 2000 shows, and appearing regularly at many of the country’s most influential festivals including Bonnaroo, Jam Cruise, High Sierra, Bear Creek, Wakarusa, and more. The band has released three full-length albums to date; 2005’s self-titled debut, 2008’s Live at the Orange Peel, and 2010’s TK2.
After close to a decade of touring, Toubab Krewe took its first hiatus from the road in October of 2014. That same month the band recorded a new studio album at Southern Tracks Studio in Decatur, GA with current touring rhythm section Terrence Houston (Drums) and Justin Kimmel (Bass). The album is currently being prepped for a late fall release. The Krewe is thrilled to have had to the chance to re-charge it’s batteries, is looking forward to releasing it’s third studio album, and is excited to have the opportunity to reunite the OG members this month.
Before you comment
The comments section is here to provide a platform for civil dialogue on the issues we face together as a local community. Xpress is committed to offering this platform for all voices, but when the tone of the discussion gets nasty or strays off topic, we believe many people choose not to participate. Xpress editors are determined to moderate comments to ensure a constructive interchange is maintained. All comments judged not to be in keeping with the spirit of civil discourse will be removed and repeat violators will be banned. See here for our terms of service. Thank you for being part of this effort to promote respectful discussion.