Toubab Krewe + Funk You

*a special co-bill celebrating 20 years of Toubab Krewe*

Friday, November 28th 2025

Charleston Pour House

Main Stage

8pm doors /9pm show

** Full Sets & Collab Jams from Both**

$20 General Admission

Some music cannot be found on a map or within iTunes categories. Some music is so original it seems snatched from the great, invisible substrata that runs below all human activity, a sound aching to be born without a flag or fixed allegiance – free, questing, overflowing with immediate, tangible life. This is the music of Toubab Krewe, the vibrant Asheville, NC-based instrumental powerhouse that creates a sonic Pangaea that lustily swirls together rock, African traditions, jam sensibilities, international folk strains and more. While nearly impossible to put into any box, it takes only a few moments to realize in a very palpable way that one is face-to-face with a true original who recognizes no borders in a march towards a muscular, original, globally switched-on sound.

Formed in 2005, Toubab Krewe has tenaciously honed their craft through relentless touring and a fierce dedication to carving out something they can truly call their own. The fruits of this hard work can be heard on their latest release, STYLO, (March 2nd, 2018). What Justin Perkins (kora, kamelngoni, guitar, percussion), Terrence Houston (drumset), Drew Heller (guitar, organ), Justin Kimmel (bass, keys), and Luke Quaranta (djembe, dunun, sangban, kenkeni, kryn, karenye) have wrought on STYLO reflects the many miles and musical journeys that have transpired since their last studio album, TK2.

This is a band that actively draws inspiration from whatever source floats into their purview, something they've exhibited in their decade and a half of heavy gigging, including regular appearances at major U.S. festivals like Bonnaroo, High Sierra, Electric Forest, Wakarusa, Hulaween, and abroad at such legendary gatherings as the Festival In The Desert in Essakane, Mali, Shanghai World Music Festival, and Jam Cruise. Whether on their own or collaborating with luminaries like the Last Poets' Umar Bin Hassan, Uncle Earl's Rayna Gellert, or Weedie Braimah, Toubab Krewe has already earned the attention and respect of a broad musical community.

Toubab carries echoes of African greats like Ali Farka Toure, Orchestra Baobab and Salif Keita, no doubt picked up during the group's travels to study and live in Guinea, Ivory Coast and Mali. But what truly differentiates Toubab Krewe from other Statesiders inspired by African music is how they innovate on what they've learned instead of simply recreating tradition. Toubab Krewe carves out a new trail honoring the African originators they admire by making something alive and contemporary.

For over a decade, Funk You has enchanted audiences with an unmistakably intoxicating blend of modern and vintage sounds. Comprised of eight kindred spirits, this close-knit troupe is driven by an unwavering passion for live performance and emboldened by their own exuberance - making them one of the most electrifying acts in contemporary funk.

The octet’s journey began in 2011 with the release of Funk You, quickly followed by its companion album Funk You II (released 2012). This early material laid the groundwork for the growth of a ravenous grassroots fan base in the southern US.

In 2016, Funk You released Apparitions, a crucial milestone that launched them onto the national scene via the project's single "She's So High". The song quickly  gained traction on regional radio and has since amassed over one million plays on Spotify.

This was just the beginning of an incredible adventure that saw them perform at some of the nation’s biggest festivals, including Sweetwater 420 Festival, Peach Music Festival, and Summer Camp Music Festival; whilst providing direct support for renowned acts like Gov't Mule, Galactic and Pigeons Playing Ping Pong.

The band celebrated their tenth anniversary in 2021 and marked the occasion with the release of studio album Moving Forward, a seven-song tour-de-force that places their dynamic studio prowess front and center. Recorded at Atlanta's Prana Recording Studios, and mixed by Clark and Andy Headland, the project was met with thunderous applause from fans and critics alike. Described by Live for Live Music as a "funky, rockin' good time...", the band’s sonic maturation shines on each track. 

As Funk You charges forward into a new era, they are grateful for all that has come before and blessed by the opportunity to continue doing what they love most: creating music that moves both body and soul.

* Show is 21+. Attendees under 21 must be accompanied by a parent & will be subject to a $5 surcharge. The surcharge must be paid in cash at the door on the day of the event.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Charleston Pour House - Main Stage, 1977 Maybank Hwy., Charleston Pour House, United States