LIVE: Rupa & the April Fishes @ the Sanctuary for Independent Media, 9/29/12

Photographs by Andrzej Pilarczyk

Kicking off the fall season at the Sanctuary for Independent Media in Troy, the San Francisco-based band Rupa & the April Fishes served up a glorious global gumbo of world music last Saturday night (September 29).

In support of their brand new album, Build, the band churned their way through a passionate performance that was anchored by a strong reggae pulse, but drew inspiration from a wide-spread geographic range, reflecting the roots of the various bandmembers.

Led by the powerhouse vocals and guitar of Rupa Marya, the band – also featuring Aaron Kierbel, Safa Shokrai, Misha Khalikulov and Mario Alberto Silva – was clearly all about much more than mere entertainment, and many of the songs that they pumped out had a decidedly activist edge to them, espousing social, economic and political themes. But they had no problem engaging the crowd, and the dance floor was hopping throughout the evening.

If you missed ’em at the Sanctuary, Rupa & the April Fishes will be making their second Nippertown appearance of the week tonight (Wednesday, October 3) at Club Helsinki in Hudson. Showtime is 8pm, and tix are $12.

SECOND OPINIONS:
Sara Foss’ review at Foss Forward