Sometimes the perfect way to remove a long week's stress from your brain is to go to a fancy club, listen to a great band, and have a stiff drink. This weekend, Flow Tribe is that band.
Few bands rouse a crowd into a collective shake like Flow Tribe. The six-member band’s onstage chemistry reflects a seamless combination of soul and movement that hits the audience within the first few notes. Virgin listeners and avid fans alike are drawn in by the distinctive sound that feels both familiar and original. Outfitted for each performance in colorful, carefully-selected suits, it’s clear their focus is sharp and that the party has begun. This is the work of professional musicians who’ve found their passion and are living a dream where everyone’s welcome. The genre-melding band will bring their party to D.C. at the luxurious Hamilton Live, this Friday, June 23.
What can listeners expect from the show? Second line brass and Cuban-Caribbean rhythms meld with R&B, soul, rock, and hip-hop beats in high-energy performances that turn every show into a celebration. New Orleans is influence itself -- the unparalleled free and easy city weaving its way into track after track of original scores that make up a single definition of sound, which Flow Tribe has dubbed “backbone-cracking music.”
The band recently released a collaboration with notable rapper/producer Mannie Fresh, a fellow NOLA wunderkind. Their latest release, "You Know What It's About," shows the band's creativity and straight-up dance-worthiness increasing by the day.
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Flow Tribe - Courtesy of New Orleans Jazz Fest[/caption]
Flow Tribe is K.C. O’Rorke on vocals and trumpet; John-Michael Early on electric harmonica, washboard, vocals, and keyboard; Russell Olschner on drums; Chad Penot on bass and vocals; Bryan Santos on guitar and timbales; and Mario Palmisano on guitar. They're native New Orleanians and high school pals who’ve been writing music and playing live shows since the band’s inception in 2004. Post-graduation, they went their separate ways, but after Hurricane Katrina, each returned to their hometown, inherently becoming active members in the rebuilding of a community that’s stronger than ever. Flow Tribe may well be the city’s next music ambassadors.
With two full-length albums and several EPs under their belt, the crew is currently building Downman Sounds, a studio in New Orleans East where they expect to cut their next record. The Tribe can be found crisscrossing the U.S. just about every week of the year, from Key West to California, including regular performances at the notable New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Fest and Voodoo Fest.
Flow Tribe plays The Hamilton Live on Friday, June 23. Doors open at 6:30 p.m, with opening act Tomato Dodgers playing at 8 p.m. More information and tickets are available here.
What's the funkiest band you've ever seen? Tell us about it in the comments!
