'Graceland Experience' To Play Paul Simon Tribute In Newtown

NEWTOWN, PA — Bakithi Kumalo's tribute band "Graceland Experience" is coming to the historic Newtown Theatre to offer a one-night-only concert at the end of February.

Kumalo has had a long music career with five solo albums to his name, but is perhaps best known for his fretless bass playing on Paul Simon's 1986 Graceland album.

According to the band's website, his music career started with filling in for the bassist in his uncle’s band at seven years old. Now, Kumalo has toured with Gloria Estefan, Chico Ceasar, Laurie Anderson, Jon Secada, Josh Groban, and Chris Botti, among others — including Simon, of course.

A Grammy-winning bassist, he created this band to offer "a joyful musical journey from the roots and rhythms of South Africa."

The night in Newtown, called “A Tribute to Graceland: Paul Simon’s Classic Album," will primarily feature a performance of the entire Graceland album as well as "a selection of world music."

The lineup features Ryan Tennis, Tom Spiker, Jaron Olevsky, Keaton Thandi, Joseph Keim, Chris Aschman, Maxfield Gast, Alexa Gold, and Bethlehem Roberts.

The show will take place Feb. 25 at 8 p.m. at 120 N. State Street in Newtown.

Tickets are available online for $35 per person, or $30 for theatre members. Any remaining tickets will be sold for $45 at the door on the night of the show, if available. All seating is general admission.

Be the first to know what's going on in Newtown when you subscribe to Patch.