About Us
The Low Flying Knobs
An all women’s Afro-pop marimba ensemble, the “Knobs” play traditional and contemporary music from Zimbabwe, South Africa and other areas of the African diaspora. Our music is upbeat, engaging, danceable and will make you rock!
What is a marimba?
A marimba is a keyboard percussion instrument similar to a xylophone. Our particular style of marimba was developed in Zimbabwe, based on the ancient marimba and balafon instruments found in other parts of Africa.
Our Ensemble
The music we play is largely influenced by the traditional instrument of Zimbabwe, the mbira dza vadzimu, or thumb piano. In addition to the mbira, our instrumentation includes seven marimbas, drums, vocals, hosho (traditional gourd shakers) and percussion. The size of our performing ensemble varies depending on the nature of the event and the constraints of the venue. A quartet of marimbas will provide unique background music perfect for a reception or other small event, whereas the sound of our full, nine-member band will fill a concert hall, festival stage or a celebratory party.
History
Formed in 1993, The Low Flying Knobs have performed throughout Colorado at festivals, concert series, art galleries, private parties, schools, libraries, weddings, benefits and corporate events. Past venues include:
• Denver Center for Performing Arts
• Taste of Colorado
• Crested Butte summer concert series
• Crestone Music Festival
• University of Colorado
• Zimbabwean Music Festival (ZimFest)
• Boulder Creek Festival
• Brighton Culture Fest
• Lincoln Center for the Arts (Ft. Collins)
• Adams County Fair
• EDGE Gallery (Denver)
• Denver Art Museum
• Regis University
• Colorado Xplosion
• Longmont Artwalk
• Keystone summer concert series
• Colorado Suzuki Institute (Snowmass)
• One Boulder Plaza summer concert series
• Million Mom March (Denver)
• Race for the Cure (Denver)
Classes
Marimba classes are fun for everyone! Anyone who loves this music can learn to play it! Beginning and intermediate classes available for adults and youths.
Our Commitment
As an all-women’s band, The Low Flying Knobs are committed to supporting women and girls in Zimbabwe, and a portion of our proceeds are donated annually to charities working in Zimbabwe to improve daily living conditions and access to education.
An all women’s Afro-pop marimba ensemble, the “Knobs” play traditional and contemporary music from Zimbabwe, South Africa and other areas of the African diaspora. Our music is upbeat, engaging, danceable and will make you rock!
What is a marimba?
A marimba is a keyboard percussion instrument similar to a xylophone. Our particular style of marimba was developed in Zimbabwe, based on the ancient marimba and balafon instruments found in other parts of Africa.
Our Ensemble
The music we play is largely influenced by the traditional instrument of Zimbabwe, the mbira dza vadzimu, or thumb piano. In addition to the mbira, our instrumentation includes seven marimbas, drums, vocals, hosho (traditional gourd shakers) and percussion. The size of our performing ensemble varies depending on the nature of the event and the constraints of the venue. A quartet of marimbas will provide unique background music perfect for a reception or other small event, whereas the sound of our full, nine-member band will fill a concert hall, festival stage or a celebratory party.
History
Formed in 1993, The Low Flying Knobs have performed throughout Colorado at festivals, concert series, art galleries, private parties, schools, libraries, weddings, benefits and corporate events. Past venues include:
• Denver Center for Performing Arts
• Taste of Colorado
• Crested Butte summer concert series
• Crestone Music Festival
• University of Colorado
• Zimbabwean Music Festival (ZimFest)
• Boulder Creek Festival
• Brighton Culture Fest
• Lincoln Center for the Arts (Ft. Collins)
• Adams County Fair
• EDGE Gallery (Denver)
• Denver Art Museum
• Regis University
• Colorado Xplosion
• Longmont Artwalk
• Keystone summer concert series
• Colorado Suzuki Institute (Snowmass)
• One Boulder Plaza summer concert series
• Million Mom March (Denver)
• Race for the Cure (Denver)
Classes
Marimba classes are fun for everyone! Anyone who loves this music can learn to play it! Beginning and intermediate classes available for adults and youths.
Our Commitment
As an all-women’s band, The Low Flying Knobs are committed to supporting women and girls in Zimbabwe, and a portion of our proceeds are donated annually to charities working in Zimbabwe to improve daily living conditions and access to education.
© All Images, Design, Music, and Text 2014 Low Flying Knobs.