BIO: The Durham, NC based Triangle Afrobeat Orchestra (TAO) is a diverse, multi-generational, multi-ethnic band founded in 2018 by bassist/composer Vattel Cherry. The members include: a former firefighter; a professor of dance; a prison physical therapist; a newspaper journalist; two doctors of pathology, as well as full time musicians, who have toured and recorded internationally. TAO takes its inspiration from: Afro Funk pioneer, Geraldo Pino; Afro Beat creator Fela Kuti; pianist/singer Nina Simone; trailblazing queen of Funk Betty Davis, and activist/revolutionary Fred Hampton. TAO has performed at: Francis Marion University (Florence, SC); New Belgium Brewery (Asheville, NC); Snug Harbor & Petra’s (Charlotte, NC); Motorco Music Hall & Fullsteam Brewery (Durham, NC); Local 506 (Chapel Hill, NC); Cat’s Cradle (Carrboro, NC); The Pour House Music Hall & Kings (Raleigh, NC).
