NIGHT MOVES: Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Green Apple Quick Step

By Volcano Staff on March 26, 2010

MUSIC IN THE SOUTH SOUND TONIGHT >>>

World Beat A Capella: Ladysmith Black Mambazo's lineup, as we know it today, was formed in 1964 by Joseph Shabalala. Why? It came to him in a dream. He'd been the bandleader of a choral group specializing in isicathamiya, traditional Zulu music. But the sounds he heard in his dream were these gorgeous harmonies that he'd never heard before. This spurned him on to reform the group as Ladysmith Black Mambazo and replicate the music of his dreams.

With this new sound, the group quickly rose in popularity, eventually becoming one of Africa's most acclaimed and best-selling acts. Read the full story here. Friday, March 26, 7:30 p.m., pre-show lecture 6:30 p.m., $35-$59, Pantages Theater, 901 Broadway, Tacoma - Rev. Adam McKinney

Post-Grunge: Whatever your viewpoint on Green Apple Quick Step, one fact is undeniable: The band struck a chord, and is still remembered. Aside from a handful of songs at a Caffé Vita employee party at the Showbox in December, Green Apple Quick Step - in any form - hasn't taken the stage in more than 12 years.

That all changes tonight at Hell's Kitchen in Tacoma - Willman's hometown. Along with drummer Geoff Reading, guitarists Dana Turner and Mike Squires, and vocalist Christa Wells - none of whom are technically original members other than Willman - Green Apple Quick Step - at least for the evening - will be reborn in T-town.

The connection is no coincidence. Read the full story here. With The Jet City Fix and Broken Cannon, Friday, March 26, 9 p.m., $10, Hell's Kitchen, 928 Pacific Ave., downtown Tacoma - Matt Driscoll

LINK: More music in the South Sound tonight