Kevin Spears “KalimbaMan”:
Considered by many as one of the best kalimba players and one-man ensembles alive today, Kevin KalimbaMan Spears is a musical maverick whose gift on electric kalimba/sanza has astounded audiences around the world.
Spears background in engineering has enabled him to recently design and build a musical contraption reflected in his lifelong study of AfroFuturism that he calls his Tone Table. This complex conglomeration of percussion controllers, synths, iPads and custom-made switch boxes enable him to literally be a 10-piece band and orchestra.
As an instrument builder, lecturer and visionary musical artist, Spears has performed nationally and internationally at prestigious events including TEDx, The NAMM Show, Music China, Musikmesse and with world-class artists Victor Wooten, Col Bruce Hampton, Rising Appalachia, Arrested Development, De La Soul, Eric Benet, Karen Briggs-(YANNI), Divinity-(Beyoncé), Roy “Futureman” Wooten, Toubab Krewe, Omar Farouk and was featured at the Earth, Wind & Fire Reunion Concert Series.
Kebbi Williams:
Grammy award winning tenor saxophonist Kebbi Williams is one of contemporary music’s whirlwind improvisers. The imaginative multi-instrumentalist/ composer/producer/arranger/teacher resists categorization. His innovative sound dives, blends and jumpstarts all music genres. Kebbi bends it to his will with his robust, distinct blasts. His playing and compositions create a sound that is uniquely and undeniably his own. Avant-garde jazz, hip-hop, Afro-beat, gospel, electronica, classical and fiery rock are all loops that Kebbi interweaves with passion and edge.
The Atlanta native received both an undergraduate degree and Master’s in Jazz Studies from prestigious Howard University. At the age of 22, he won the Jazz Instrumental Soloist Category (college division) award from Downbeat Magazine. Kebbi launched his professional career as a much in demand studio and touring musician. OutKast, the legendary Donald Byrd, Cee-lo Green, Mos Def, drummer Jeff “Tain” Watts, Bilal, Oteil Burbridge, Me’Shell Ndegeocello, Russell Gunn, Julie Dexter and iconic Betty Carter are among the elite musicians and vocalists who jumped off Kebbi’s unique horn. He is also an original member and presently touring for the ninth year with the Tedeschi Trucks Band (with whom he won the Grammy in 2012 in the Blues Album category.)
MNCM is committed to being an open and welcoming space for Atlanta’s creative musicians and curious audiences. Our weekly programming intends to support our city’s diverse musical communities, and build momentum for improvised, experimental, avant garde jazz, contemporary classical, electronic, and other musical practices in the Southeast by presenting local, regional, and international touring artists.