Rupa and the April Fishes

One of the most important things my dad taught me was to always try something once. Growing up, we rarely went to the same place twice, the exception being if we were visiting friends and family. This weekend, while visiting family in NYC, I tagged along with my step brother to see a band I had never heard of called, Rupa and the April Fishes, and I was in love about ten seconds into the first song.
These guys are from San Francisco and are absolutely amazing! First off, they sing in several languages, including; Hindi, French, Spanish, and English. Second their music is a beautiful blend of several different styles, the closest thing I can come up with is Klezmer, or Gypsy music. Third, you really have to TRY to stay seated through the show. Fourth, the songs aren't your typical top 40 dribble, sure there are songs about love and loss, but much of the music is profound aches and longings, as well as moving on and improving the world. Lastly, the lead singer's other job is being a profesor of internal medicine. Anyone else feel like a slacker?

Video from: http://vimeo.com/5441250

Currently these guys are doing a six month world tour called Build after their latest album. Farmer Ben is running their merch booth, and is doing a seed exchange. He will trade seeds with you or, if you don't have seeds, talk to him, and he'll be happy to share some with you. This guy knows tons about the seeds he has, and is more than happy to talk with you about them, as well as share his knowledge of farming, or share some information about how to save seeds. I  got a few Popping Buckwheat seeds from SC, that I will be trying to grow in a container later on this year. Hopefully I'll actually be able to get seeds from the plants.
Also, their current album "BUILD" is available in CD, or digital format. For $5, you can buy a download code, which is printed on a small card that is full of wild flower seeds! So, once you have safely downloaded the album, you can plant the card, and add a little beauty to this world.
Check out Rupa and the April Fishes' website for tour info, more music, and just general awesomeness: http://theaprilfishes.com/