Yemen Blues, one of the hottest bands at last years' WOMEX World Music Expo in Copenhagen, has announced dates for their upcoming North American tour starting February 24th.

The Israeli-American ensemble bills itself as an "original and fascinating meeting of traditional Yemenite melodies and the world of blues, jazz and funk. The flavors of the West African roots and enhanced modern compositions are bringing together a breathtaking experience and a mixture of beautiful complex grooves." That's about as apt a description of this truly original group as we could come up with. Take our word for it, they need to be seen to be believed.

Yemen Blues was founded by Ravid Kahalani, a rising star in Israel formerly with The Idan Raichel Project. Kahalani grew up in a traditional Yemenite family; where he learned the language and the traditional chants of his people, and studied everything from West African soul, through operatic singing and African-American blues. Ravid teamed up with fellow Israeli bass player and composer Omer Avital to form Yemen Blues, bringing together musicians from New York, Israel and Uruguay.

Yemen Blues North American Tour Dates:

Thu. Feb 24 - The Venue - Vancouver, BC

Sat. Feb 26 - The Mod Club Theatre - Toronto, ON

Sun. Feb 27 - Old Town School of Folk Music - Chicago, IL

Tue. Mar 01 - Congregation Rodeph Shalom - Philadelphia, PA

Wed. Mar 02 - The Triple Door - Seattle, WA

Sat. Mar 05 - Freight & Salvage - Berkeley, CA

Sun. Mar 06 - The Troubadour - Los Angeles, CA

Mon. Mar 07 - Mandalay Bay Resort Beach - Las Vegas, NV

Wed. Mar 09 - Le Poisson Rouge - New York, NY

Thu. Mar 10 - Somerville Theatre - Somerville, MA