Toubab Krewe

w/ Shira Elias (Cool Cool Cool)

Thursday, 12.14.23

Charleston Pour House

Main Stage

8pm doors /9pm show

$18 advance /$20 day of show

Toubab Krewe

Some music cannot be found on a map or within iTunes categories. Some music is so original it seems snatched from the great, invisible substrata that runs below all human activity, a sound aching to be born without a flag or fixed allegiance – free, questing, overflowing with immediate, tangible life. This is the music of Toubab Krewe, the vibrant Asheville, NC-based instrumental powerhouse that creates a sonic Pangaea that lustily swirls together rock, African traditions, jam sensibilities, international folk strains and more. While nearly impossible to put into any box, it takes only a few moments to realize in a very palpable way that one is face-to-face with a true original who recognizes no borders in a march towards a muscular, original, globally switched-on sound.

Formed in 2005, Toubab Krewe has tenaciously honed their craft through relentless touring and a fierce dedication to carving out something they can truly call their own. The fruits of this hard work can be heard on their latest release, STYLO, (March 2nd, 2018). What Justin Perkins (kora, kamelngoni, guitar, percussion), Terrence Houston (drumset), Drew Heller (guitar, organ), Justin Kimmel (bass, keys), and Luke Quaranta (djembe, dunun, sangban, kenkeni, kryn, karenye) have wrought on STYLO reflects the many miles and musical journeys that have transpired since their last studio album, TK2.

This is a band that actively draws inspiration from whatever source floats into their purview, something they’ve exhibited in their decade and a half of heavy gigging, including regular appearances at major U.S. festivals like Bonnaroo, High Sierra, Electric Forest, Wakarusa, Hulaween, and abroad at such legendary gatherings as the Festival In The Desert in Essakane, Mali, Shanghai World Music Festival, and Jam Cruise. Whether on their own or collaborating with luminaries like the Last Poets’ Umar Bin Hassan, Uncle Earl’s Rayna Gellert, or Weedie Braimah, Toubab Krewe has already earned the attention and respect of a broad musical community.

Toubab carries echoes of African greats like Ali Farka Toure, Orchestra Baobab and Salif Keita, no doubt picked up during the group’s travels to study and live in Guinea, Ivory Coast and Mali. But what truly differentiates Toubab Krewe from other Statesiders inspired by African music is how they innovate on what they’ve learned instead of simply recreating tradition. Toubab Krewe carves out a new trail honoring the African originators they admire by making something alive and contemporary.

Shira Elias

Known for her mesmerizing stage presence and powerhouse vocals, Shira Elias is one of the most captivating performers in music today. Born and raised in Vancouver, Canada, Shira began singing and performing at an early age. Her passion took her to New York City, where she cut her teeth in the world of live music.

In 2014 Shira joined Brooklyn’s 9-piece funk band, Turkuaz, and spent the last 6 years with them touring nationally & internationally. Shira recorded six albums with Turkuaz and played shows across the globe at legendary venues like The Fillmore, Red Rocks Amphitheater, The Blue Note Tokyo, New York’s Terminal 5 and Bonnaroo.

In the Spring of 2020, Shira finally released her debut solo album, “GOODS the EP”, under her own name and her adventure as a solo artist took flight. Shira finds her sound in the space where R&B, pop, funk and soul collide, in tandem with deeply personal songs and an electric live show.

In 2021, Shira’s desire to further discover her own sound as an artist saw her part ways with Turkuaz and dive head first into her self titled project and collaborations with other artists. Alongside a plethora of noteworthy achievements, Shira spent the summer of 2022 opening for George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic, and currently tours with Jerry Harrison and Adrian Belew of The Talking Heads.

Her sophomore EP, “SERVICES” due out December 2, 2022, encapsulates the singer’s growth as she further establishes her sound and discovers more of herself–both as an artist and as a person. The release of the EP picks up where Elias’ 2020 debut EP, “GOODS the EP” left off. It kicks off a new chapter for the singer, one that is refined and self-assured. Elias explains, “Where ‘GOODS’ was my first solo endeavor, really trying to find a voice while still living and grinding in New York, ‘SERVICES’ is me exploring a new world, moving to Los Angeles during a global pandemic, and trying to love who I am. I think you can really hear the evolution and the difference in the writing and production.” Elias is thrilled to share her most realized body of work to date.

At the forefront of a Shira Elias live show is her remarkable ability to make people connect with themselves. Shira’s mission with her music is to marry the familiar with the new, the past with the future, to create a beautiful world for all.

* Show is 21+. Attendees under 21 must be accompanied by a parent & will be subject to a $5 surcharge. The surcharge must be paid in cash at the door on the day of the event.