Canada’s high-octane string slingers, Sultans of String, bring their revved up roots-jazz-worldbeat mash-up to South Miami-Dade Cultural Arts Center on Friday, Aug 8, at 8:30 p.m., as part of the center’s Cabaret Series.
Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 day of show. To purchase tickets call 786-573- 5300 or visit SMDCAC.org.
Known for dizzying music jams, polyrhythms and raucous riffs, the Sultans of String sound can’t be pinned down — its Sable Island meets the Silk Road, with detours through the Gypsy-Jazz coffeehouses of Eastern Europe, next an East Coast Kitchen Party, then over to the bustling markets of Cuba. There are fiery violin dances with kinetic guitar while a funky bass lays down unstoppable grooves. Throughout, acoustic strings meet electronic wizardry to create layers and depth of sound.
Since forming seven years ago, Sultans of String have been on a meteoric rise with an astonishing number of awards and accolades in tow, including a JUNO (Canada’s Grammy) nomination, two Canadian Folk Music Awards, first place in the ISC (out of 15,000 entries), plus invitations to play with such legendary artists as The Chieftains and David Bromberg. The Chieftains’ very own Paddy Moloney guests on their new Symphony! CD.
Sultans of String are led by JUNOnominated six-string violinist Chris McKhool (Jesse Cook, Pavlo) who grew up in a Lebanese-Egyptian (Makhoul) house bursting with music and diversity. Growing up, Chris was fed a steady diet of delicious musicality alongside Middle Eastern cuisine and violin lessons.
When McKhool first heard founding guitarist Kevin Laliberté’s rumba rhythm, their musical synergy created Sultans of String’s signature sound — the intimate and playful relationship between violin and guitar.
From this rich foundation, the duo has grown, featuring such amazing musical friends as bass master Drew Birston (Chantal Kreviazuk), Cuban percussionist Chendy Leon (Alex Cuba), as well as special guests such as folk-pop darlings, Dala, and The Chieftains’ Paddy Moloney. Located at 10950 SW 211 St. in Cutler Bay, the South Miami-Dade Cultural Arts Center is an integral part of the economic and cultural development of the area, offering quality artistic programming and community accessibility. More information about the center and its programs can be found at www.smdcac.org.
