Inner City All-Stars to tour US military bases overseas

by PegNews wire

The Inner City All-Stars will present their Funk, Brass & Jazz experience in concerts in Guam, & on their first overseas tour. Selected by Armed Forces Entertainment, the Inner City All-Stars will be touring Oct 8 – 20 2008, at many of the US Military bases in the area.

Inner City All-Stars

While contemplating the creation of Inner City, front man Calvin Sexton kept in mind the spirited, high-energy marching music of historically black colleges and universities he was exposed to during his Birmingham, AL youth. When he came to study at the University of North Texas in 1996 and fell under the spell of a wide variety of musical styles (including funk, jazz, and world music), the concept for Inner City began to take shape. For several financially-strapped years, Calvin left his studies behind and moved to California, playing backup and freelance with a variety of bands. In 2003 he returned to North Texas to complete his degree (in Music Performance) and formed the band soon after.

The group released their first all-eclectic album in January 2008 titled Gotta Move On. Their forte is rooted in a big, bold New 'Awlins brass sound - the kind you can only achieve by playing a lot of horns and playing them loudly. But they also explore a range of diverse sonic realms while remaining firmly entrenched in their selected instrumental lineup, in much the same way that Brave Combo (another eclectic Denton band) crosses over into areas where polka ordinarily fears to tread. The CD, released on the Nichelson Entertainment music label, has received rave reviews and received extensive air play.

Some of the bands accomplishments include, performing on Showtime at the Apollo in New York City, Texas Commission on the Arts Touring Roster Artist, nominated Best Band for the Dallas Observer and APCA, performing at notable venues that include Tipitina's and the House of Blues in Dallas, TX, and have shared the stage with Morris Day and the Time, Original Family Stone, Rebirth Brass Band, and Brave Combo.

Source: Inner City All-Stars