There’s a lot brewing at thelab these days, namely our summer music series. We kicked the series off in July with funk and disco band, The Disco Monkeys featuring DJ Sammy Needlz bringing home the dance party. And just last week we had our most recent installment of the series featuring psych rock performer Bing Ji Ling, and the Afro funk drum based group, The JoJo Kuo Trio.
thelab’s first event featured The Disco Monkeys, a progressive, disco band known for high-energy performances. The event quickly got off to a bright and energetic start which continued throughout the evening from sunset into the nighttime hours. Their energetic, contagious sound sparked a spontaneous high energy dance floor which continued as veteran DJ, Sammy Needlz took to the decks to close up the night playing hip-hop and classic party jams.
Our most recent event went down last week, also on the east decks of our Chelsea home. Bing Ji Ling, real name Quinn Luke, opened up the night with a solo performance. The NYC–based producer/musician and member of the Phenomenal Handclap Band is now focused on his solo project. At our event he performed music from his new album Shadow to Shine - a cool, soulful mix of 70’s rock, pop and psych sounds that set the scene for a chilled out, relaxing summer night. Look out for Shadow to Shine, featuring members of Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings, Scissor Sisters, Antibalas and the Phenomenal Handclap Band.
Bing Ji Ling’s sunset performance led into a set by The Jojo Kuo Trio made up of conga player, rhodes pianist, and Kuo on drums. Kuo is a drummer, producer and all around musician known largely for his work with Fela Kuti in the 80’s - the legendary Nigerian musician whose life story is now the central subject of the Broadway musical “Fela”. Born in Cameroon, Kuo, 50, moved to France to study music theory, after a brief stint playing with Kuti in the 80’s. Upon his return he again began to work with Fela and says those experiences have contributed much to his current performing and producing talents. On more recent projects Kuo has performed with such artists as Manu Dibango, Peter Gabriel, Papa Wemba, Mory Kante, Harry Belafonte and Richard Bona.
After Kuo’s inspiring performance, Bing Ji Ling jumped in with his guitar for an impromptu collaborative jam session. The rhythmic and world beat style, organic drum sounds of the trio, coupled with the rocked out psychedelic chords of Ling resulted in a real treat for our guests. From what we hear the two musicians are now in talks to possibly play together again in the future, so we are proud that that spark was created right here at thelab. Next DJ Tim Love Lee (Tummytouch Recordings/ East Village Radio) took to the turntables to close the night out with one of his classic, eclectic disco and funk sets. All in all a great night. All in all a great summer so far. Stay tuned for more events and music showcases at thelab.
