Artist Chicago Afrobeat Project

The Chicago Afrobeat Project brings seven to 14 members to the stage at any given time, fusing brash percussion, guitar, and brass modeled on the blend of African music, funk, jazz, and psychedelia that Fela Kuti began pioneering in the ’70s. The group might not quite share in Kuti’s ranting anger, but the music and leftist attitude make for an assertive groove all the same. The band hasn’t released anything new since the 2008 EP Off The Grid, but always manages to make its sets feel fresh with tons of energy.

Updated 02/01/2012