Summer of Soul: Sam Sparro, The Rebirth + KCRW DJs Aaron Byrd and Chris Douridas

Part soul crooner, part pop star with an ever-morphing, chameleon-like quality, Sam Sparro coasts a fine line between disarmingly earnest and chic, credible cool. He has become known not only for his distinct, scale-defying vocals and epic live shows, but also as a visual artist and style icon, inspired as much by Jean-Paul Goode and Andy Warhol as he is by Prince and James Murphy.

It was when his family moved from Australia to Los Angeles in 1993 that he became entrenched in music, spending every free moment playing his keyboard, programming beats, and singing with his church choir, led by the McCrary Sisters (who sang with musical legends- Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, and Chaka Khan).  His musical taste and knowledge stretches far and wide - from soul classics and pop obscurities to dance floor staples and mainstream delights.

The word timeless best describes the sound of The Rebirth. While other artists are focused on recreating the latest trends, The Rebirth uses its seven-member fusion to keep the quintessential soul band experience center stage, while evolving the genre of soul music towards the future.

As much emphasis as the Rebirth places on the execution of its recordings, the same focus is found in their live performance. However, while the studio environment is one of refinement, the live medium is one of spontaneity. During each live performance, the musical conversation that happens between the band and their audience infuses new life into their songs. At each venue, the audience gives its own personalized response, resulting in each show having a unique stamp; and, no two shows are ever performed exactly the same way.

The Rebirth has toured the UK, Ireland and other European countries; they have played many festivals, including the SouthPort Weekender, Big Chill, South Africa’s Cape Town Jazz Festival, The Blue Note tours in Japan, and The Culture Collide Festival. Now, along with the release of “Being Thru the Eyes of Child,” The Rebirth is gearing up once again to show and prove that soul music is still alive and that a passionate audience is out there searching for it.

The Rebirth members are Carlos “Loslito” Guaico, producer, keys & lead vocals; Baskerville Jones, lead vocals; Patrick Bailey, guitar; Chris Taylor, drums, vocals; Mark Cross, keys, synths, vocals; Daniel Seeff, bass; and Nikki Campbell, percussion.

ALL HAMMER PROGRAMS ARE FREE
Location: Courtyard 
Ticketing: This drop-in event is not ticketed.
Parking: Under the museum, $3 flat rate after 6 p.m. (cash only)