"Karina and I really want to thank you for helping to make our wedding so special. You guys were fabulous! It was also great to hear such wonderful praise for you all from our young 20 year old friends . . . all the way up to our grandmothers!" David and Karina Lund-Egan
"Thank you, thank you, thank you!. We could not have been more thrilled with THE AFRO-SEMITIC EXPERIENCEByou guys were absolutely fantastic, and you made our wedding a hit all around. We are still getting compliments on your performance." Zack Lesser and Naomi Reed
"I just wanted to thank you for helping make this year=s reception a truly memorable event. As always the music you chose set the tone for the evening: people had a great time B I only wish we could have played all night! Please thank the band for me." Nicky McHugh, McHugh Public Relations
"compelling...using jazz to bring out the commonality of spirituality in music from two traditions, and then some. The result is excellent..danceable, always listenable and warming music." www.klezmershack.com
"Gisela and I wanted to tell you what a great job you did at our wedding! Our celebration was a wonderful mix of religions -- from orthodox Judaism to Roman Catholic -- and guests hailed from a wide array of cultures: German, Argentine, Israeli, French, English, Banglali, Chinese, etc. They all had a great time and THE AFRO-SEMITIC EXPERIENCE was definitely one of the centerpieces of the day. It was really great how you guys moved from klezmer to swing, from jazzy to standard wedding fare. Everyone afterwards asked me who you were and where we found you. I think it was the first time that many people went to a wedding where the band was more than just 1980s songs and other cheezy stuff. We couldn't have asked for a better band than you guys. Thanks again!" Ken Loiselle
THE AFRO-SEMITIC EXPERIENCE is a klezmer and blues-drenched swinging jazz and heritage ensemble co-led by New Haven area bassist, David Chevan and Hartford area pianist, Warren Byrd. The group is dedicated to preserving, promoting and expanding the rich cultural and musical heritage of the Jewish and African diaspora. Imagine a band that understands and can present interpretations of music from traditions as rich as Gospel, Klezmer, Nigunim, Spirituals, and Swing and you have THE AFRO-SEMITIC EXPERIENCE. This is a group that is as comfortable playing a freylakh as they are swinging a blues, that knows how to play either a bulgar or some funk. Multi-cultural soul. THE AFRO-SEMITIC EXPERIENCE were featured main stage performers at the Greater Hartford Festival of Jazz, appeared at the New Haven Street Festival, the Detroit Jewish Music Festival, the Washington DC Festival of Jewish Music, were spotlight performers at the SONO Arts Festival in South Norwalk and participated in the City Initiative Series of New Haven=s International Festival of Arts and Ideas.
THE AFRO-SEMITIC EXPERIENCE has a wide audience appeal and its fan base stretches from 20-something alternative rockers to baby-boomer jazz and blues fanatics and beyond.
THE AFRO-SEMITIC EXPERIENCE's repertoire makes them the perfect group for weddings, corporate events and other functions. In addition to our original compositions and concert music, we have a repertoire of klezmer, wedding music, swing and jazz standards that will make even the biggest grouch grin and dance.
Our distinctive sound and joyously diverse mix is sure to add the right touch to any event. One thing is certain, this is not your typical wedding band and what you hear will be big fun and completely out-of-the-ordinary.
Since its beginning, THE AFRO-SEMITIC EXPERIENCE has been committed to equality in its fullest definition. The group is a gay friendly organization and has been playing same sex weddings and commitment ceremonies for nearly ten years.
