Pilfers, Skinnerbox, Mephiskapheles, Bigger Thomas and other NY area bands paying tribute to Brandt Abner
Music News | Nov 17th, 2013
Brandt Abner (Skinnerbox, DOS and Cibo Matto) sadly succumbed to cancer at 43 on September 13th. He was a beloved musician and a lot of NY area ska/reggae bands will be paying tribute to Brandt on Monday November 25th at BB Kings Blues Club & Grill in NYC. Some of the bands playing mini-sets include: Pilfers, Skinnerbox, Beat Brigade, Bigger Thomas, Mephiskapheles and others.
The full lineup so far:
BEAT BRIGADE
BIGGER THOMAS
CANNABIS CUP BAND
CIBO MATTO
DUB AS A WEAPON
FUNKFACE
KING DJANGO
MEPHISKAPHELES
PILFERS w/Sp Guest CLARK GAYTON
RUDIE CREW
SKADANKS w/ROCKER T, JAMALSKI & YAMI BOLO
SKINNERBOX
“ABNER’S OEUVRE” (MALCOM GOLD, JAMES YARISH, JON McCAIN & CAVASS)
NETHERLANDS w/TIMO ELLIS
JEREMY MANASIA (JAZZ PIANIST)DJ’s GREG CAZ, I-STORM, AGENT JAY (CRAZY BALDHEAD/SLACKERS)
Pl. More Performers TBA
All Proceeds Go Directly To The Family Of Brandt Abner
November 25, 2013
Showtime @ 5:30PM
Doors Open @ 5:00PM
Tickets $15.00 in advance, $15.00 day of show
Brandt Abner, a prodigiously talented and much-beloved musician, singer, composer and teacher who succumbed to thymic cancer at 43 on September 13, made his mark playing with numerous NYC-based ska and pop bands including Skinnerbox, DOS and Cibo Matto. A veritable prodigy on piano, guitar and vocals, and a lifelong martial artist, Brandt was a great friend and inspiration to many, and tonight’s impressive roster of talent pays tribute to Brandt’s tremendous musical and personal legacy.
Brandt–a recipient of the prestigious Eubie Blake Scholarship for Jazz Piano at the New School–spent his days creating works of wonder in the studio, and his nights performing in a wide variety of popular bands spanning many genres. During the 1980s and ’90s, he led the NYC ska band Skinnerbox, as well as the jazz and R&B band DOS (Descendants of Slaves). In the early 2000s, Brandt was a member of Cibo Matto, which achieved a worldwide following. A versatile instrumentalist and singer, his immense talent allowed him to perform in multiple musical genres from soul to funk, to R&B and pop, and Brandt regularly accompanied noted New York-based bands, working with David Pilgrim and Chocolate Genius, among others.
Even as he struggled with the burden of his aggressive cancer, Brandt continued teaching, passionately transmitting his knowledge and love of music to his many students of various ages. As a young teen teaching neighborhood children in Coney Island, to an accomplished musician living in Fort Greene, Brandt will forever be missed by his pupils, who feel his musical guidance is irreplaceable.
Brandt’s short life was indeed a full life well lived. He touched all he knew. He will be forever missed and is eternally loved by his wife, Julie, his daughter, Sasha, and all who were blessed by Brandt’s music and kindness. Tonight’s tribute pays homage to one of the best musicians and friends we have known, in the best way we know how: through music.
Be sure to visit BB Kings site for more details.
