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 show—where he often performs as a one-man band—will 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 relationship—like their musical tastes—reflects 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 simultaneously—using 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
