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Garifuna Collective Heads Out On Tour In support Of New Album
posted (June 19, 2013)
Andy Palacio's backing band was known as the Garifuna Collective – and now they're preparing to embark on their first major world tour without him. The Collective left for Minnesota today where they lead off a 25 stop, 19-city North American tour – to be followed later in the summer by a European Tour. It is in support of their first album – which will be released in Belize a month from now. Produced by Stonetree Records, the album, called "Ayo" picks up where Palacio's "Watina" left off.

But the tour is different that just a straight Garifuna affair. For a few dates, they will be teaming up on stage with Canadian folk singer Danny Michel – for a compelling musical fusion.

It should make for an interesting journey and we spoke to them today at the PGIA, just before liftoff:….

Lloyd Augustine - Singer, Garifuna Collective
"Everything is feeling great because we have prepared ourselves in terms of rehearsing the songs and also we are launching a new album."








Joshua Arana - Drummer, Garifuna Collective
"The name of the album is Ayo which is a final goodbye. First we think about people like Ras Chi, we think about Justo and Andy - those people that have gone before us, who started this work with us and now that they're not here it's an extra boost for us because we know now that it's more important that these guys dreams remain alive."






Deseree Diego - Singer, Garifuna Collective
"The main thing is to leave a mark and that is what we're doing. We're performing with other artists who we don't even know, I think it's a good experience."

Lloyd Augustine
"We are happy to be right in the forefront with Danny Michel and I think that this is imporant for us because we are taking our culture again because Andy Palacio has started this so we are taking it and continuing his work because he has introduced it to the world. We are proud to have Danny Michel as part of us."

Joshua Arana
"The power of the spirits of our ancestors, the power of these people that have worked along with us will always be on stage with us. As a matter of fact they are here with us right now. It is for them that we want to continue this particular legacy."

That clip is from the first video from "Ayo" – it's called Mongulo and will premier in July.

After the Minneapolis tomorrow night, the band plays Chicago on June 21st.


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