Kenyan/American outfit Extra Golden has seen its share of highs and lows over the years, including the death of its original singer, Otieno Jagwasi, in 2004, visa difficulties that had to be solved with the help of Barack Obama, and much critical praise for 2007’s African benga-meets-American rock album, Hera Ma Nono (Thrill Jockey).

2008 finds the bandmembers preparing for their second U.S. tour ever, ready to perform songs from Hera Ma Nono, 2006’s Ok-Oyot, as well as new material, including another rumored Obama-inspired track. Equipped with an impressive arsenal of drums and guitars, the five members scheduled for the tour will trade off on lead vocal duties from song to song while simultaneously keeping the guitar rhythms moving and the vibes of praise and thanks for fans coming.

Dates
06/09 Charlotte, NC: The Milestone
06/10 Asheville, NC: Grey Eagle Tavern
06/11 Athens, GA: Caledonia Lounge
06/12 Manchester, TN: Bonnaroo Festival
06/14 Houston, TX: Orange Show Center for Visionary Art
06/15 Austin, TX: Club DeVille
06/17 San Diego, CA: Pink Elephant Bar
06/18 Los Angeles, CA: The Echo
06/19 Santa Barbara, CA: Muddy Waters Cafe
06/20 Visilia, CA: Cellar Door
06/21 Boonville, CA: Sierra Nevada World Music Festival
06/22 San Francisco, CA: Rickshaw Stop
06/24 Seattle, WA: Nectar Lounge
06/25 Portland, OR: Holocene
06/26 Calgary, AB: Sled Island Festival
07/17 Chicago, IL: Millennium Park
07/18 Madison, WI: Der Rathskeller
07/19 Chicago, IL: Union Park (Pitchfork Festival)
07/20 Detroit, MI: Concert of Colors
07/21 Cleveland, OH: Grog Shop
07/23 Minneapolis, MN: 10,000 Lakes Festival
07/26 Louisville, KY: Forecastle Festival
07/28 Alexandria, VA: Birchmere
07/30 Boston, MA: Boston Museum of Fine Arts
07/31 Northampton, MA: Iron Horse Music Hall
08/03 Brooklyn, NY: Prospect Park (Celebrate Brooklyn!)
08/20 New York, NY: Lincoln Center

Photo by Noel Kupersmith.