http://www.theaureview.com/competitions/kashmere-stage-band-win-tickets-to-see-themWin tickets to see the Kashmere Stage Band!
“It was the 70’s - it was the baddest band in the nation!” – Jamie Foxx ‘Thundersoul” 2011
It was the year 1967, and the world was changing. The onset of civil unrest swept the globe as men, women and children took to the streets in protest over the Vietnam War, where civil rights and equality stained the bitter mouths of conservative politicians, and aspiring political ideologies clashed with the very basic need for human survival.
One band stood to unite an entire community through Funk music – The Kashemre Stage Band! An all African – American high school band paved the way for communities around America to indulge in their musical senses unlike anyone had seen before, competing in the fiercely competitive and conservative high school stage band competitions.
Johnson and his big band broke down racial barriers and challenged the status quo with their elaborate funk arrangements. He also changed the band’s look, encouraging them to embrace their own inimitable style by introducing an unprecedented element of showmanship; with each section choreographing slick moves with their instruments.
Amassing multiple awards around the nation, they went on to perform in Europe and Japan upon invitation. Reigning as the untouchable champions of this prestigious competition for years, Conrad’s progressive teaching methods were thus implemented by the education system, and continue to be honoured and utilized to this day.
A documentary entitled ‘Thunder Soul’ executive produced by Jamie Foxx and directed by Mark Landsman was released in 2011, demonstrating the powerful journey the Kashmere Stage Band had endured during a tumultuous era of the 60’s and 70’s. The documentary will be screened at selected venues during their Australian tour. Thunder Soul details the events of a struggling high school band, transforming into a world class dynamic band.
The band’s recordings have been collected by crate-diggers, feted (and sampled) by luminaries like DJ Shadow, and reissued by respected label Stones Throw. All members of Kashmere Stage Band are aged in their 50’s, proving that music can not only serve as a powerful tool for education and change, but transcends age, race and gender.
For the first time ever, Australian audiences will witness Funk music at its finest thanks to Sydney based events and touring company, Funkdafied
Funkdafied are giving away x2 tickets to the Brisbane Powerhouse show on the 25th of January. All you need to do is LIKE this article (fb like at bottom of page) and send your name and phone number to
competitions@theaureview.comCompetition closes January 20th at noon. Good luck!
Australian Competitions Club
