with ALAN EVANS TRIO
21+ UNLESS ACCOMPANIED BY PARENT OR LEGAL GUARDIAN
$12 advance / $15 day-of-show / Doors at 8pm

Credible bios are supposed to be objective and not full of superlatives and hyperbole, but it's hard to avoid gushing when the subject is a funk army of multi-instrumentals and singers that is part freight train and part tyrannosaurus rex, who—even on an off night—can blow away a room on the basis of sheer physics alone. That's one way to describe Turkuaz, but it doesn't address the music. In this regard, as with any band, influences are everything. One cannot escape them as one seeks to carve out a unique sound for themselves. Still, there are so many benefits to having Sly & The Family Stone, Rick James, Parliament and Bohannon in your record collection. With this as the basis for a recipe, Turkuaz adds healthy doses of jittery, world-pop-power groove—reminiscent of Remain In Light era Talking Heads—and a passion for Motown and R&B, resulting in a refreshing twist on the funk idiom.

Turkuaz certainly does have sheer size in their favor, but when broken down into the basic components, each stands out on their own. Founders Dave Brandwein and Taylor Shell had the cream of the crop to choose from at Berklee, but making it happen as a large touring ensemble takes more than chops: it takes the right blend of personalities. When Turkuaz takes the stage the chemistry is clear. The special combination of elements—singers in sequined dresses, guys in tails (or sometimes all of them in jumpsuits or other complimentary outfits) horns, keys, guitars, amps and drums and smiles all around… well, it's easy to get caught up in the explosive auditory and visual circus and find oneself dancing. Despite all of the gear and people on stage, it is becomes clear that it is not the size that matters here: it is performance.

Through constant touring and great festival performances, Turkuaz has built a solid, passionate coast-to-coast fan base that grows with every mile driven and each night on stage. They are currently criss-crossing North America in support of their third independent release, Future 86, and have plans to conquer the world… or at least shake the walls and all the booties in every room they play

ALAN EVANS TRIO

Alan Evans– the co-founder, writer and drummer of Soulive– proudly presents his newest creation: the Alan Evans Trio. With Beau Sasser on B-3 and Danny Mayer on guitar, it is no surprise that AE3's sound proves hard-driving and groovy with deep, funky melodies and powerful, rhythmic counter-play. Mention the name Alan Evans to a room full of music lovers, and you will get a consensus nod to one of the most celebrated and tenacious drummers in the jazz, funk, and soul scene. Alan has literally been playing drums since the age of two, and like all great musicians, he is constantly writing and playing music– pushing the boundaries above and beyond "industry standard" and creating the rules as he goes along, making art in its purest form… music that pleases him and his fans. "I've known for a long time what my purpose is, and I love to make people happy with the music I create," says Alan about his chosen career path.

Along this path, Alan Evans has been a pioneer in the jam band world through his early work with seminal jam-funk band Moon Boot Lover. He made his mark as an adapter and innovator in the acid-jazz / boogaloo movement as the drummer for one iteration of the Grey Boy All-Stars, and since 1999, he has been an ambassador for soul/jazz to a generation of young music lovers through his band Soulive. Throughout all of this he has been a stalwart purveyor and steward of the groove.

A producer, recording engineer, guitarist, percussionist, vocalist and writer, Alan Evans' repertoire of skills is the result of a lifetime of dedication and experimentation. Part of what keeps Alan, Neal, and Eric (the members of Soulive) captivated and inspired is their commitment to their craft and their involvement in other musical endeavors. This outside work has fueled Soulive's continued musical evolution and it has allowed Alan to sharpen his skills as a studio engineer. He continues to record, mix, and produce albums for musicians all over the world. Having the opportunity to step back from Soulive's touring schedule has given Al the time and focus needed to write, record and tour with AE3. The Alan Evans Trio is not an experiment or a side project. They are a band that is writing, recording and touring to make a name for themselves both in and outside of the circles Al has travelled with Soulive. His ongoing work with his peers and new talent keeps him and the band on the cutting edge of the funk / soul / R&B idiom which he has been an integral part of bringing into the 21st century.