Soul Rebels

This eight-piece brass ensemble has been tearing it up in New Orleans for years now. After holding it down on the NOLA scene for some time, the Soul Rebels have finally started to receive the national acclaim they deserve. In the last few years the Rebels have shared the stage with Metallica, Green Day, Galactic, Dr. John, Kanye West, the Arcade Fire, Alabama Shakes and many more. The Soul Rebels will be bringing their brand of funky hip-hop infused brass music to the Highline Ballroom on Friday, October 19 at the Soul Rebels and Friends showcase.

Turkuaz

This Brooklyn-based funk army is a live music tour de force. Then again, that’s what you get when there’s nine musicians giving everything they’ve got on stage. With multiple residencies at the Brooklyn Bowl under their belt, these guys are deserving of your attention. You can catch them at a CMJ Music Marathon Showcase at Sullivan Hall on Saturday, October 20.

Moon Hooch

This unlikely combination of two saxophone players and a drummer got its start playing dance music for passersby at parks and subway platforms across New York City. The trio has since moved on to better venues— but then maybe they had no choice after getting banned from the Bedford Avenue L train stop for starting too many dance parties. You can see them at the Soul Rebels & Friends Showcase at the Highline Ballroom on Friday, October 20.

Gold Magnolias

You’d be hard pressed to find too many bands at CMJ this year who are as unabashedly Southern as the Gold Magnolias. Their combination of old school rhythms and soulful singing is reminiscent of a bygone era when rock n’ roll hadn’t yet taken the world by storm. These guys are a breath of fresh air in a world dominated by bass drops and auto-tune. You can catch the Gold Magnolias at the Communion Presents Showcase at Rockwood Music Hall on Friday, October 19.

Ragbirds

This Michigan-based quintet creates a genre bending fusion of folk music and world beats. Their sound is like a perfect gumbo, with each of its parts blending into a even more delicious whole. The Ragbirds have played some of the best festivals the Midwest has ever seen, from 10K Lakes to Rothbury. You can see them at the Vinefield Agency & HMG PR Showcase at Rockwood Music Hall on Saturday, October 20.