LaToya Cross
Jul 20, 2017 · 2 min read
Tank and the Bangas performed to sold-out crowd at SPACE in Evanston, IL. on June 18, 2017 | Photo: Chan C. Smith

Their magic illuminates on stage.

Since Tank and the Bangas’ NPR Tiny Desk Concert appearance, life has been a whirlwind of back-to-back tour dates and mounds of love all over the world.

Explosively alluring with seemingly off-the-cuff riffs and impromptu interactions, the New Orleans-bred collective exude a kinetic energy that is big, vibrant and full of story.

It’s eclectic and soulful. Funky and jazzy. R&B influenced by a flirtatious rendezvous with Hip-hop. It’s the essence of #Bangaville and leaves you with no choice but to free yourself and vibe out.

Tarriona “Tank” Ball delivers poetry over experiential instrumentation that explores human excursions of self-love, adventure, acceptance and roller coaster relationships. The second line big band nature of their performance invites you to get comfortable in their NOLA stomping grounds through sound. Their bodies feel the rhythm and react accordingly. It’s in the way Tank and Angelika “Jelly” Joseph steal quick glances at one another to make a deeper connection while boasting their vocal talents and dance grooves. It’s those rock-n-roll moments sparked by Albert, who struts expertise on the flute and saxophone, that bring the crew together in the middle of the stage and further shows the authenticity in their gifts.

They are family. Vulnerability allowed. Spontaneity is a welcomed treat.

Below, we invite you into SPACE, where the band hit the stage in front of a sold out crowd and shared their journey through the ‘Rhythm of Life.’

Produced + Interviewed by: LaToya Cross (@ToizStory)

Filmed by: Chan C. Smith (@blkfilmsmith), Jovan Landry (@jlesliemonique)

Edited by: Chan C. Smith

Follow Tank and the Bangas — IG: @tankandthebangas | Twitter: @TankandDaBangas

About TwoDope Productions:

LaToya “Toi” Cross is an experienced multi-platform writer and content producer. In her previous role as Senior Editor of Entertainment & Culture for Ebony Magazine and Ebony.com, she covered arts, culture and entertainment and produced the artist-platform series, JETSuite. A passionate storyteller, she creates content to engage curiosity and intellect, entertain the soul, and analyze the creative, social & psychological world that surrounds us all. latoyacross@contently.com.

Chan C. Smith is a multi-talented wiz behind the lens known for her compelling visual storytelling. With years of film, photography and cinematography experience, Chan, who also held the role of multimedia producer for Ebony, is dedicated to delivering an authentic and aesthetically pleasing final product. Chancsmith.com

*Get in touch: twodopepros@gmail.com!

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