Three years after he swept the Barby away for two unforgettable summer gigs, American folk artist Devendra Banhart is heading this way again for one show only, on June 16. Banhart, who was born in Houston, Texas to one Venezuelan and one American parent, was named after the Hindu god of rain and thunder. Growing up in the Houston, Caracas and L.A., Banhart makes music that is as singular as his background, exploring the origins of roots music, straddling the divide between Latin and American folk art, and encapsulating a uniquely American 21st-century folk-rock culture that is loosely termed “new weird America.”Since performing here in 2006, Banhart has released a number of EPs and what is perhaps his best album yet, 2007’s Smokey Rolls Down Thunder Canyon, which was followed in 2009 by his seventh studio album, What Will Be Will Be. Aside from his solo work, Banhart has collaborated with top-notch artists, among them Beck, Jana Hunter, Bert Jansch and Joanna Newsom; he plays with the band Vetiver and has produced remixes for popular electro-rock band Phoenix. Judging by his colorful, spirited work, both new and old, his live show is not to be missed. Devendra Banhart performs at the Barby club in Tel Aviv on June 16. The first 100 tickets will cost NIS 180, going up to NIS 200 until May 24. Tickets purchased after May 24 or on the night of the show will cost NIS 220. To get your ticket, visit www.barby.co.il.
