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I'm creating a band called Mandeng Knights! We are going to play 2, maybe 3 songs on June 1&2 at African Nights @ Patrick's Cabaret.

I have always wanted to sing in a band and now I have an excuse and a good idea to create one. Mandeng Knights

On April 19th I sent this letter to some of my musician type friends:

Greetings!
I am writing to you because either I talked to you about being in a band or I respect you as a musician and I am asking if you want to be down to help with this project.  I want to create a band called Mandeng Knights to play for two nights at African Nights June 1 & 2.  I've never started a band and I have an idea that it may be harder than I think but I am going to go for it anyways.  Here are is my idea:

Two rehearsals and a sound check

We will create 1 original song based on the Mandeng (West African) Sofa rhythm and the lyrics from Louis Alemaheyu's poem "Africans in the Snow"

We will play a Fanga type afro-beat song and a calypso cover as well - there will be live dance.  It's also possible that a vocalist may need accompaniment for a jazz standard.
The gig pays for rehearsal and the performance, and you will receive tickets to the show that you can sell or give away as you choose.
Please let me know asap if you are down and also what instruments you are comfortable with.  We can set up the rehearsals when it works for everyone. I have access to a few rehearsal spaces we can use.
Feel free to call me with any questions or the details of payment.  I look forward to making it happen.

Peace and Respect!!

AFRICANS IN THE SNOW is the theme for this year's African Nights.  African Nights is a show I have hosted at Patrick's Cabaret for the last two years.  We always have tons of live African music, but I wanted to put myself in the middle of it this year and create a house band for the show.  Thus MANDENG KNIGHTS was born (in my mind).

As you have read above, I promised to PAY these ARTISTS! And by golly I WILL! I am an artist who works for a living and I know that we need to be paid.  So I didn't want to ask people to volunteer.  I know that I will come up with the funds to pay these musicians a fair price for their time and talents.  MANDENG KNIGHTS will happen - with YOUR help!!!!  You know you want to see me sing right? And I have some amazing artists lined up to play:

The Jazz Jackson brothers on the horns: DeCarlo and Devante!

Ayana Muata on Bass!

Kap.Fumvuti aka Leah Nelson on Hosho!

Yo-J on Percussion!

Ruggadug People (Rene Copeland) on afro-backup

Ms. Kenna on vocals, clave and anything else I can grab!

PS: if you want to be in MANDENG KNIGHTS let me know

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30
Backers
$1,078
pledged of $1,000 goal
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Funding period
May 9, 2012 - May 31, 2012

  • Pledge $5 or more

    6 backers Limited (44 of 50 left)

    You get a limited edition Mandeng Knights bracelet. This silicone bracelet is golden in color with royal red lettering commemorating the Knights first appearance. You also get a shout out at African Nights 2012: Africans in the Snow. Come to see the Knights perform! June 1 or 2 at Patrick's Cabaret (3010 Minnehaha Ave S - Mpls, MN 55406) 8pm showtime. tickets available at www.voiceofculturedance.com

    Estimated delivery: Jun 2012
  • Pledge $25 or more

    15 backers Limited (10 of 25 left)

    You get free admission to African Nights 2012: Africans in the Snow to see the Knights perform! June 1 or 2 at Patrick's Cabaret (3010 Minnehaha Ave S - Mpls, MN 55406) 8pm showtime. +the limited edition Mandeng Knights bracelet described above. Only 100 bracelets exist!

    Estimated delivery: Jun 2012
  • Pledge $100 or more

    2 backers

    2 V.I.A. (Very Important African) tickets to African Nights 2012: Africans in the Snow to see the Knights perform! V.I.A.s get Special seating and food and beverage specials on June 1 or 2 at Patrick's Cabaret (3010 Minnehaha Ave S - Mpls, MN 55406) 8pm showtime. +the limited edition Mandeng Knights bracelet is also yours!

    Estimated delivery: Jun 2012