OneBeat 2016 Fellows + Underground System

Guided by this years theme of Musical Migrations, this show will feature beautiful new pieces inspired by discussions of migration, cultural movement and the current global refugee crises. This penultimate performance will be presented by all 25 OneBeat fellows, with very special local guests.

OneBeat’s performance will be followed by Underground System, the Brooklyn, NY born female-fronted group of modern afrobeat deconstructionists, a singularly original and undeniably exciting group. Hanging their hats on an uncompromising stage show, they augment their presence with a multitude of eclectic musical influences and a heavy penchant for the deeper sounding corners of NYC dance floors, bringing a refreshing sense of urgency to what is at the core a classic tight-knit, no frills, show stopping act.

This show is 18+.

OneBeat, the world’s foremost residency celebrating music as social practice, returns for its fifth year, convening innovative musicians from every region of the world to the U.S. for one exhilarating month of performances, discussions, interactive music-making events, and more. OneBeat grew out of a notion that musical collaboration is a uniquely powerful way to connect people across political and cultural barriers, which can in turn cultivate an international network of sonic change-makers who make a powerful impact on their local and global communities.

OneBeat 2016’s tour traces the route of the Great Migration, honoring the global impact of African-American music by connecting with musical communities in the birthplace of Jazz (New Orleans), the home of Bessie Smith (Chattanooga), and a sweet home for blues, electronic music, and hip hop (Chicago). In each of these sites, OneBeat fellows will perform and record their brand-new works, produce videos, and lead generative workshops in collaboration with local community organizations.