KinfolK

On the horizon

Hip-hop continues to cross over into all musical genres, due both to bands under its influence and rappers trying out something different. New Madison band A.N.T. & KinFolk was formed in April by local emcee Anthony Ward (who performs as A.N.T.); they'll be playing at R Place on Park Thursday, Oct. 22 (note corrected date), at 9:30 p.m.

Ward says his motivation to assemble a full band was multifaceted. "First I wanted to add a live element to the hip-hop I was doing as a solo artist, and second I wanted to create some great original music with a group of talented people. Hip-hop struggles to draw crowds and be well supported, so I figured that if we did our own original music with a live band not defined by a genre, we could get more opportunities."

Along with A.N.T., KinFolk also features Marcus Fleming (lead singer for Vibe Syndicate and Mifasol) and Lavar Charleston (a former backup singer for Lyle Lovett) on vocals. Jazz guitarist Richard Hildener, one-time Felicia Alima Band bassist Corey Saffold, and Chicago transplants Damon Scruggs on keyboards and the singularly-named Ramon on drums hold down the groove.

The band started with covers and has been gradually introducing originals into their sets, Ward says. "Marcus and Lavar both play instruments and we all are songwriters. We are hoping to have an album done in early spring, to be released next summer." - Isthums|The Daily Page