Where do you go when you and your band spent the last year touring on four continents (Europe, Australia, debuting in China and Japan), selling out shows and collaborating with artists like Nas, duo Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, and Marilyn Manson, among others? You come to Petaluma, of course.
“We’re thrilled to be performing in Petaluma and to bring this special project with Talib Kweli to Mcnear’s Mystic Theatre,” says Lumar LeBlanc, co-founder and snare drummer of The Soul Rebels, the New Orleans-grown eight-piece brass ensemble performing at the Mystic Theatre on Sunday, September 25.
Described by the Village Voice as “The missing link between Public Enemy and Louis Armstrong,” the Petaluma gig connects appearances between Arcata and Los Angeles, and continues an exclusive west coast tour featuring hip-hop artist, entrepreneur and activist Talib Kweli.
Working with featured performers is par for the course for the 25-year-old ensemble. The Soul Rebels have not only made their mark on audiences worldwide but have made indelible impressions on the marquee name artists with whom they often collaborate including such diverse acts as Metallica, Nas, Ms. Lauryn Hill, Macklemore, Marilyn Manson, and Joey Badass, among others.
As influential rap artist Rakim observes, “The Soul Rebels are the sound I’ve always heard in my head and in my music, coming alive live in on stage and making music around me. It’s a dream come true to have that band I’ve always heard in my music alive and happening.”
Avowed celebrants dancing, life, funk and soul, the musicians often find inspiration on the road and expect nothing less of Petaluma.
“As a band, we always find inspiration when performing in beautiful small towns and for the good people, and the geography being near the water and mountains gives a nice vibe to the performance,” says LeBlanc. “We always appreciate playing in beautiful places and we’re looking forward to bringing the funk to Petaluma.”
Doors open for The Soul Rebels and Talib Kweli at 7:30 p.m., McNear’s Mystic Theatre, 21 Petaluma Blvd. N., Petaluma. Tickets are $32 and are available at mystictheatre.com and at the box office, (707) 765-2121. The show is 21 and older.
