Afrosonics

When:
August 11, 2017 @ 9:30 pm
2017-08-11T21:30:00-07:00
2017-08-11T21:45:00-07:00
Cost:
$5

Afrosonics

Since music is the universal language, it’s only fitting that AFROSONICS has chosen this medium to bring people with diverse musical influences together in the creation of an original music style. Audiences experience new vibes through a fusion of guitars, drums, percussion, keyboards, electronic soundscapes, vocals, dance and chants. Although most of the rhythms are of African and American origin, it’s tough to put a label on their sound. Afrosonics incorporates music from all over the world and the root of each member intermingles to create something both classic and unique. In addition to their own music, the group draws an influence from other musical genres i.e. South American, The Caribbean, Funk, Southern American Jazz, Blues, Rock and others that capture the true essence of the African, American or Universal spirit. MEET THE MUSICIANS The members of the group have come to Boise from different points on the African and American maps, each with a deep respect for their heritage and a special contribution from their respective culture.

Dayo “Ariwo” Ayodele heralds from the Yoruba tribe in Nigeria. Community building and music are where his true devotion lie. He is the group leader. He helps with the musical arrangements, production and is a multi-percussionist and songwriter for the group. The origins of all music can be traced back to Africa and he honors this tradition by singing and dancing to African inspired songs any day, anytime.

Todd Dunnigan, a native of Idaho, is a multi-faceted keyboardist, vocalist and record producer, and has worked in nearly every area of the music business, Co-leader of Afrosonics. He first started playing professionally when he was 15 in his hometown of Boise, Idaho. Throughout the 80’s & 90’s he played and toured with a variety of acts, including Smokey Robinson, The Moody Blues, Boz Skaggs, Gary US Bonds and the national touring company of Beauty and the Beast. In 1988, he produced his first album, “Small Pond,” a compilation of local Boise artists. Over the last 15 years, Dunnigan has produced hundreds of albums for every type of artist from punk to polka. These experiences have provided him with a diverse palette of first-hand musical knowledge to draw upon.

Cathima Kodet is African singer and dancer, Multi-percussionist has been drumming and dancing from a young age and has risen to the status of a Performer. He is a native of Congo Brazzaville and a former refugee in the country of Gabon in Africa. He relocated to Boise in 2010 with his older brother and parents. Dance and music are his passion; a sentiment clearly shared by the other members of the group.

Jacob Fredrickson has performed in a diverse spread of Boise-based bands. Indie and punk, jazz and funk, he has dedicated himself to adding a fullness and groove to every project he has been a part of. Among the groups Jacob has performed with are: Revolt Revolt, Obscured by the Sun, Ghost Tours, Dan Had It, Moulder, and other various one-offs and fill in gigs. Sonic wizardry and tasty grooves are apparent in each project. He is so excited to be performing with Afrosonics and lending his support to create a powerhouse rhythm section. Lives for chips and salsa and looks like a happy cat when performing live.

Elvice Mwenematale is originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo then a refugee camp inTanzania, Elvice began singing cultural songs from a very early age. He brings a traditional sound and contagious joy for music.
From his first on stage performance in downtown Boise in 2013 and following up with a variety of events including gigs with Afrosonics and at Treefort, he is out and about with the singular goal of making people feel happy and relaxed. You’ll catch him rolling out songs, including several originals from around the world in Swahili, French, English and Kibembe, African Zouk and doing it with some Bongo Flavor.

James Lancaster is a Guitarist/Singer originally from San Francisco, California.
He has performed and recorded in numerous projects all over the US and has owned Gemini Studios since 1985. Always looking for new projects and collaborations, James’ specializes in writing both for himself and for others with over 100 Film, video and Television credits and counting.
James is open to interesting musical projects to do with other musicians and artists. James is always exploring new sounds on guitar, Bass and keyboards. He enjoys experimenting all musical styles with no boundaries. As a member of Afrosonics, he lends vocal vibes and is a tour de force on strings instruments.

Misty Dawn Taylor is an Idaho girl with roots in the tiny town of Harpster. The youngest of 7 children in a musical family, she learned to pick out obscure harmonies at a very young age while sprinting from her older siblings with the last griddle cake. The squeals turned into real songs when she discovered music theater and studied vocal performance at BSU. As a former Miss Idaho, Misty took her platform The Power of Music, to the Miss America stage on national television. She then worked as an entertainer for Disney Cruise Line, spending several years at sea in the Caribbean and Mexican Riviera. Misty has been a local radio morning show personality on both The River and Kiss FM. She teaches private voice, gigs with her jazz buddies. She brings her unique interpretations of lyrics into Afrosonics mold. Through her music Misty sends her love to Mother Earth, her family, all of you, and griddle cakes.

Ben Wieland is a Boise drummer who has performed in numerous bands over the past several years including Jumping Sharks, RevoltRevolt, Slow Bunny, Doublewide, The Weary Times, The Royal Shindig Trio, and Afrosonics, among others. In these various bands, Wieland has shared the bill with several national acts including Built to Spill, Meat Puppets, Starfucker, Mike Watt, Brent Amaker and the Rodeo, Helvetia, The Bellrays, and Jason Webley. Wieland has toured the country multiple times in different bands, including a nine-day national tour opening for Built to Spill. His drumming can be heard on the Jumping Sharks records Dreams of the Dying, Light of the Living, Keep the Fountain, RevoltRevolt’s Wild Unraveling, and The Weary Times’ yet-to-be-released material. He has played drums since 2006 and he definitely rocks some funky beats in Afrosonics

Jarom Christensen grew up in Meridian, ID. He began playing saxophone at age 11, studying with Boise’s very own Sandon Mayhew. He grew up loving the opportunity to play in high school jazz bands. Through his life he has also performed in classical ensembles, as well as funk, pop, soul, ska, rock, and blues. In December 2016, he graduated BYU-Idaho with a Bachelor’s in Jazz Studies, and is planning on attending Indiana University for a Master’s in Jazz Studies in the near future. Some of Jarom’s musical heroes are John Coltrane, Michael Brecker, Joshua Redman, Sonny Rollins, Kenny Garrett, Miles Davis, Brian Blade, and Tony Williams. In the meantime he’s with Afrosonics doing his thang.

INTRODUCING THE NATIVE INSTRUMENTS Some of the drums and string instrument used in performances are the ancestors of a Western counterpart, some people may be somewhat familiar with the congas. However the beautiful Bouzouki and the huge Djundjun will be novel to most audience members. Other exciting musical experiences await with the Agogo, Shekere, Ngoma and Djembe.

SHARING THE SPIRIT Since their inception in the summer of 2013, AFROSONICS has performed at venues such as the Treefort Music Fest, Northwest Folk Life, The Festival at Sandpoint, World Village, Alive After Five and other social community gatherings. Their eclectic blend of influences will surly help others appreciate the rich tapestry of world culture through the magic of music.