With Bear Creek kicking off tomorrow, we are happy to bring you an interview with percussionist Luke Quaranta from the Toubab Krewe. You have three chances to see this afro-rockers in the Suwannee this week, so definitely take advantage of that.
Tickets for Bear Creek are still available by clicking here.
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How’s the year 2013 been treating you guys so far?
Luke: The year has been treating us really well. It has been a full and fun year. We were in Hawaii for two weeks in January, playing shows on four islands. We then hit the west coast from San Diego to Seattle. In March we did our annual ski season run in the mountains of Colorado. In April we did some touring on the east coast, and a first weekend of Jazzfest show at HOB New Orleans with Fatoumata Diawara from Mali. And the next day we flew to Shanghai to perform at the World Music Shanghai festival…we were there for 9 days and had an amazing experience. Played a bunch of festivals this summer and have been touring quite a bit this fall. We also spent some time working on a new album, and will continue that process through the end of the year.
At Bear Creek this year, you guys are playing two sets at the festival and a special one at the benefit pre-party. How does it feel to be able to play 3 sets in such an amazing venue?
Luke: It is a great feeling to have three sets at one of our favorite festivals, and at one of the most amazing music venues in the country. We are really looking forward the weekend, are especially glad to be a part of the benefit for our good friend Michael Allegreto and his family.
Who are you looking forward to seeing this year at Bear Creek?
Luke: Roots, Bootsy, Bonobo, Nth Power
Photo Credit: Lindsay Tompkins | lindsaytompkins.com
What sets the Suwannee apart from other music/festival venues?
Luke: I think the spirit of the park, the integrated camping environment, the trees, the history of music at the park, the people who make it home, and the community who frequent it for great music.
What have been your favorite moments at the Suwannee Music Park?
Luke: I just had a highlight last weekend when I sat in with SCI for their drum jam at Hulaween. Jason and I have been friends for a long time and he invited me to join him and Travis along with Jeffree from STS9. It was very fun .
What can we expect from Toubab Krewe in 2014?
Luke: New music, we are currently working on a new album. We are scoring a classic Japanese silent film from the 1930s, and performing it live for the New York Guitar Festival in January.
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Luke: See you at The Creek!!!
Photo Credit: Lindsay Tompkins | lindsaytompkins.com