Friday April 18th, 5pm, Federation Square, Outdoor Stage

Phil Bywater – Vocals, Tenor Saxophone
Andy Williamson - Baritone Saxophone
Paul Coyle - Trumpet
Kynan Robinson - Trombone
Elliott Folvig, Simon Edwards - Guitars
Zvi Belling - Bass
Gavin Gray - Drums
Karen Berger, Tania Bosak - Percussion

2008 Melbourne Jazz Fringe Festival opens with a bang!

Big Fela have been pumping out the afrobeat hits of Fela Kuti, plus their own choice cuts in the style, since 2004. Led by Phil Bywater’s fiery saxophone and vocals, the lineup includes members of Bomba, Labjacd, The Royal Swazi Spa, Skazz and Des Peres. They have collaborated with many of Australia’s finest African musicians, including King Marong, Kojo Awusu, Joe Malatji and Lamine Sonko, and recently performed pumping sets for the St Kilda and Globe to Globe music festival.

“this group plays the most authentic afro beat sound you will hear in this country”
rastainoz.com