Xavier Rudd is set to launch a U.S. tour in support of his new album, Koonyum Sun. The album is his first recording with South African rhythm section comprised of Tio Moloantoa on Bass and Andile Nqubezelo, formerly of the late Lucky Dube's band. Rudd, known for his must-be-seen-to-be-believed live showwhere he often performs as a one-man bandwill give North American audiences a chance to experience the new lineup live beginning August 13th. Xavier and Izintaba will join dueling guitarists Rodrigo y Gabriela for six dates in August.
Xavier, Tio and Andile formed a bond in the summer of 2008 at Austria's Nuke festival. Their relationshiplike their musical tastesreflects a passion for unifying culture, sound and understanding. Moving away from the heavier-edged sound pursued on 2008's Dark Shades of Blue, Xavier has shifted to an up-beat, hip-swaying sound, now backed by the tour de force of Tio and Andile under the new group "Xavier Rudd and Izintaba."
Charleston City Paper experienced a preview of the new lineup this past summer, raving "With a powerful presence center stage, bassist Tio Molontoa cranked out some funky bass with a background of the aboriginal flag, while drummer Andile Nqubezelo, stage right, demolished the drums
From beginning to end Rudd's performance had fans in a frenzy bobbing around to a fusion of Aboriginal Funk."
Rudd is known for his extraordinary stage show that finds him performing guitar, didgeridoo and various percussion parts simultaneouslyusing a unique set-up that literally surrounds him with various instruments, singing from behind a stand holding three didgeridoos of different keys. He has led sold-out tours in Europe, Canada, Australia and the US, both headlining and supporting the likes of the Dave Matthews Band, Jack Johnson and Ben Harper. In Australia, he has collected a string of gold and platinum sales awards for his albums and DVDs.
Summer Tour Dates
8/13/2010 Redmond (Seattle), WA @ Marymoor Amphitheatre (Rodrigo y Gabriela)
8/14/2010 Troutdale (Portland), OR @ Edgefield (Rodrigo y Gabriela)
8/16/2010 Santa Cruz, CA @ The Catalyst
8/17/2010 San Diego, CA @ Belly Up
8/18/2010 Los Angeles, CA @ The Greek Theatre (Rodrigo y Gabriela)
8/20/2010 Morrison, CO (Denver) @ Red Rocks (Rodrigo y Gabriela)
8/21/2010 Berkeley, CA @ Greek Theatre (Rodrigo y Gabriela)
8/24/2010 Vienna, VA (D.C.) @ Wolf Trap (Rodrigo y Gabriela)
8/25/2010 New York, NY @ Irving Plaza
8/26/2010 Philadelphia, PA @ Theater of the Living Arts
8/27/2010 Cleveland, OH @ House of Blues
8/28/2010 Detroit, MI @ Royal Oak
8/30/2010 Nashville, TN @ Exit In
8/31/2010 Atlanta, GA @ Variety
9/01/2010 Charleston, SC @ Windjammer
9/03/2010 Orlando, FL @ House of Blues
9/04/2010 Ft. Lauderdale, FL @ Culture Room
9/05/2010 St. Petersburg, FL @ State Theatre
9/07/2010 Asheville, NC @ Orange Peel
9/08/2010 Louisville, KY @ Headliners
9/09/2010 Madison, WI @ Barrymore
9/10/2010 Minneapolis, MN @ Harvest Fest
9/11/2010 Chicago, IL @ Vic Theatre
9/13/2010 Burlington, VT @ Higher Ground
9/14/2010 Boston, MA @ Wilbur Theatre
