Mikanic: In From The Cold
Mikanic is back in South Africa with a number of shows in February and March, and more dates to be added soon. The Cape Town duo Mike and Nick kick off the tour in Johannesburg with two acoustic shows. Shirzad and Alex will join them for the remaining dates ending at the spectacular Oude Libertas amphitheater in Stellenbosch and the much anticipated Sons of Trout reunion show on the 24th of February at Mercury in Cape Town.
Mikanic was formed in 2003, with Michael Rennie on violin & vocals and Nick Turner on acoustic guitar & vocals. Both musicians were already well known on the South African music scene having founded Sons of Trout, one of the country’s top selling acts. With Trout they headlined every major music festival in the country and toured extensively, releasing four albums and opening for a number of international artists.
In 2004 Mikanic released its first album, Swimming with the Women, to great critical acclaim and popular success. The album crossed musical boundaries, established Mikanic’s characteristic sound, and provided the springboard for their departure to the USA.
Now based in New York, Mikanic’s line-up features musicians from Japan (Yasuhito Sasaki on lead guitar), India (Shirzad Khusrokhan on bass) and the USA (Alex Beckmann on drums).
Mikanic’s music effortlessly spans genres with influences ranging from rock, reggae and African to hip-hop and jazz. Lyrically powerful, relevant, humorous and energetic, the music has a wide appeal. With shows that feature virtuosic musicianship, funky grooves and catchy tunes, Mikanic has quickly become one of New York’s hottest live acts.
In June 2005, upon returning from tours in the UK and South Africa, Mikanic released a powerful second album, The Subway Tracks, showcasing the diversity and the instant appeal of their sound. Mikanic also toured Japan with great success. Among other shows, the band played sold-out concerts at Sweet Basil and Mandala in Tokyo and at Olive Hall in Takamatsu, collaborating with some of Japan’s biggest stars, and appearing live on radio and TV.
Mikanic has played many of New York City’s legendary venues including CBGB’s, Ace of Clubs and The Knitting Factory. They have also performed at the UN, Lincoln Center and at 9/11 memorial services held at Ground Zero in 2004 and 2005.
Mikanic’s universal appeal lies in the sincerity and positive energy of their music. Their new single Sweet Radio is mastered and up on MySpace. Click here to listen to it.
South African Tour line-up:
Wed, 07 Feb 2007, Tanz Café, Brynston (Duo)
Thurs, 08 Feb 2007, Kippies, Newtown (Duo)
Fri, 09 Feb 2007, Kippies, Newtown
Sun, 11 Feb 2007, Bassline, Newtown
Mon, 12 Feb 2007, Back2Basics, Westdene
Sun, 18 Feb 2007, Oude Libertas, Stellenbosch
Sat, 24 Feb 2007, Mercury, Cape Town
Fri 02 March 2007, Independent Armchair Theatre, Cape Town
