“Undoubtedly the best Syrian-folk techno banger you’ll hear this—or any other—year.” —NME
Electro-shaabi anyone? Singing in Arabic and Kurdish, Syrian Omar Souleyman supercharges the sounds of shaabi and dabke—traditional music heard at social gatherings throughout the Middle East—into East meets West electronic dance music bursting with overdriven synthesizer and trance-inducing rhythm. Souleyman’s international acclaim has found a new generation of admirers from around the globe thanks to projects such as his well-received remixes for Björk’s Biophilia and appearances at Bonnaroo and other prominent festivals. His first studio album, Wenu Wenu, was produced by renowned musician Kieran Hebden (Four Tet). But beyond all the mixing and remashing sounds and traditions, Souleyman is known for his enthralling live performances—a fireball of Middle Eastern passion and excitement that “can compete against any kind of dance music being made right now, and succeed” (Pitchfork).
Vacation Dad opens with an amalgamation of psychedelic funk, Afrobeat, and cosmic exotica. DJ Don Cuco will be spinning from 7–8 pm and between sets.
Please note: Brian DeGraw has cancelled due to personal reasons.
This all-standing club concert is copresented with the Cedar.
About the Cedar
The Cedar Cultural Center is a highly eclectic music venue located in Minneapolis’ Cedar-Riverside neighborhood. Over its 25 year history, the Cedar has become one of the premiere US venues for world music by fulfilling its (501c3 nonprofit) mission of promoting intercultural appreciation and understanding though the presentation of global music and dance.
