“…a multicultural jive so dizzying that it exceeds
the limitations of one stage." –San Francisco Bay Guardian
What's the recipe for a spicy, fresh and eclectically ecstatic experience? Take African, Latin, Funk and Calypso rhythms, blend them with pop arrangements, multi-lingual lyrics, and some wild and crazy dancing, and you've got the critically-acclaimed band !Akimbo. The six members of !Akimbo, together for eight years, have captivated audiences at major festivals and clubs in the region, including Real Goods Solfest, San Francisco Mardi Gras, The High Sierra Music Festival, California World Music Festival, Oregon Country Fair, Sacramento Heritage Festival, Valhalla Arts and Music Festival, and Whole Earth Festival. They were nominated six consecutive years for a Sacramento Area Music Award (SAMMIE), and have received great reviews from audiences and the press. The title track from !Akimbo’s third full length album Bones Don’t Lie was featured in 2005 on NPR’s Open Mic. Over the years, !Akimbo has appeared alongside well-known folk and world music acts like Laura Love, Kotoja, Jim Page, Holly Near, Michelle Shocked, Lost at Last, Deep Banana Blackout, and many more.
Discography
!Akimbo (1996)
Here With Us (2000)
Best of !Akimbo (1996-2000)
Bones Don't Lie (2003)
Buy CDs or tracks at itunesBones Don't LiesBest of Akimbo
Line-up
Dianna : Vocals
Melissa: Vocals, Sax, Clarinet, Pennywhistle
Shawn: Percussion, Didgeridoo, African Talking Drum, Shakeray
Jeff : Drums, Vocals
Kurt: Guitar
Phil Summers: Guitar
Frank Preuss: Bass
Bookings: Phil Summers or Melissa Rae at p.summers@sbcglobal.net
References
Keli Anthis 530-243-7773 Director of Redding Marketfest
Kay Rose kay.rose@cox.net Director of Arcata Bay Oyster Festival
Aaron Johnson aaron@mtadventure.com Bear Valley Telemark Festival
Client Reviews
" !Akimbo Rocked!!! They were so perfect for our amazing wedding in the Santa Cruz Mountains. They went the extra mile in helping make the event a superb success. They came early, in order to finish the sound-check before the ceremony began. They loaned equipment for a PA for the ceremony. And they were helpful and allowed a multi-track board feed for recording. They even played music for a contradance! The music was top notch, with wonderful variety and very enjoyable to dance with. The swahili love song, Malaika, made the perfect first dance, especially considering the bride learned the song in the Peace Corps in Tanzania. And near the end the "!Akimbo Mask" came out and led a thrilling group dance that all the guests enjoyed." --Bryan C. Los Gatos, CA 9/3/2005
"!Akimbo rocked. They played such excellent high energy music, everyone was dancing." --Britton K. Walnut Creek, CA 11/13/2004
Tamara Wilson Rating: 10 I love this band! Akimbo played at the Dottie Awards and not only entertained the crowd but was flexible when the program changed during the evening. They were very professional and very fun. I highly recommend them. "
Awesome by Stephanie Rating: 9
"I'v been going to 'Music in the park' with my family. The bands have been good but none really stood out as someone I'd want to see again. Then comes !akimbo, great lyrics, awesome overall sound, and fun to watch. They had the crowd up and dancing, everyone was having fun regardless of age. I can't wait to see them again."
Press Reviews
San Francisco Bay Guardian:
"Davis-based !Akimbo expand the definition of world beat from its trademark Afro-Caribbean rhythms into a multicultural jive so dizzying that it exceeds the limitations of one stage."
The Beat (International World Music Magazine):
"!Akimbo live would be a blast. Those who like their world music influences shaken, not merely stirred, should give these Californians a try….has a beautiful touch with authentic-sounding African pop songs.”
Dirty Linen (International World Music magazine):
"!Akimbo's world fusion sounds as effortless as it does jubilant. !Akimbo is a tight, creative young band that sounds like they would have no trouble filling the dance floor all night long."
Steve Milne from NPR, Sacramento:
"Akimbo, the Sacramento area's premier world music band, just keeps getting better and better. Akimbo prove they can handle intricate rhythms that move the body as well as write attractive melodies that inspire us to sing."
Sacramento Magazine:
"!Akimbo blends soukous, Afro-beat, zydeco, reggae, Celtic and rock beats into a refreshing new mix. The result is a richly layered, and by turns hauntingly emotive and irresistibly upbeat type of music that moves your soul while begging your feet to dance."
Sacramento News and Review:
"intoxicating...!AKIMBO effects a new American-born and bred world beat music that owes as much to the sound of Fleetwood Mac and Talking Heads as it does to African and Caribbean beats."
