8:30pm | $10.00 day of show

Calling all P.Y.T.s! Put on your dancing shoes for an Afrobeat concert inspired by Michael Jackson's music. Innovative Portland-based composer Ben Darwish will lead a ten-piece band interpret Jackson's songs using Afrobeat techniques popularized by Fela Kuti. Originated at Portland's internationally recognized art and music festival, PICA's "Time Based Art Festival", the show is back after nearly a two-year hiatus. Featuring members of COMMOTION and special guests Toni Hill (Sirens Echo) and Aniana Hough (Philly's Phunkestra) on vocals. Don't stop till you get enough!

Press for the last edition:
"Darwish's ensemble was pretty amazing with a bold horn section and spot on rhythm. Darwish, for his part, directed them well, jumping around the stage and coaxing them on. His arrangements were fantastic and it was cool to hear Jacksons work pulled, stretched, and wrapped around afrobeat rythyms. For instance, phrases from Smooth Criminal would be repeated by the horn section while the syncopated beat pumped away, or Darwish would slowly sing the lyrics of Billy Jean in deep Fela Kuti baritone while the fantastic back-up singers responded in classic afrobeat style. It worked both as a live mash-up, and the collaboration you never knew you always wanted to hear." -Portland Mercury