From the front-lines at Standing Rock to the archaic streets of Jerusalem, the Sahel Desert to Carnegie Hall, music has been the source of strength for Billy Wylder. The band features Avi Salloway (Bombino/Hey Mama/Avi & Celia) joined by an inspired cast of singular artists who have performed across five continents including concerts at Coachella, Newport Folk Festival, New Orleans Jazz Fest, Montreal Jazz Fest, Carnegie Hall, and Lincoln Center. From 2013-16, Salloway toured the globe with Bombino, the Tuareg guitar hero from Niger, Africa. While on the journey and since returning, Salloway wrote the material released on the band’s new album, Strike the Match (Sand & Gold Records). The music weaves together American folk and rock with sensibilities from the Sahara Desert: think Andrew Bird meets Ali Farka Toure, Pete Seeger and Talking Heads.
The Strike the Match performance brings to life the underlying theme of the album, light in the face of darkness through sensory storytelling that pairs live performance with light and art installations. The album and live show call upon the audience to rise up to the imminent challenges we face on planet earth, planting seeds of hope and sparks of imagination.
With special guest SIMRAY. SIMRAY is the musical child of Patrick Simard and Debo Ray, created to spread positive vibrations through sound, moving people into their greatest selves. Meeting as students at Berklee College of Music 7 years ago, they quickly became partners in life and in music. They often perform together as their undeniable chemistry elevates every ensemble they perform with. Touring across the globe for several years with groups such as Women of the World, Behind These Eyes, and Group Saloum, Debo and Patrick have drawn diverse influences, giving them a world-rounded aesthetic rooted in Folk, Soul, and storytelling. SIMRAY is the result of Patrick and Débo’s newfound perspective from their international travels and an opportunity to share their journey with audiences near and far.
