RAS Day Expands

RAS Day returns for more summer fun, and this year, the wildly popular local husband and wife duo Riders Against the Storm, are going big.

They’ve decided to push the annual convergence into a grand two-day event, splitting it between Empire Control Room (Aug. 18) and Kenny Dorham’s Backyard (Aug. 19). Aside from the music portion, the festival includes yoga sessions and a Children’s Village presented by local web series ARTtv.

As for the soundtrack, scan R&B artist/Maroon 5 touring member PJ Morton, Latin soul/flamenco/jazz fusionist Raúl Midón, and eclectic funk bassist/vocalist Nik West on the top line of the bill.

“We’re really excited about bringing three internationally known artists to Austin that really haven’t been showcased here in a larger festival setting,” says Chaka Mpeanaji (aka Jonathan Mahone), half of RAS and the event’s creative director. “These artists, like our energy as a creative force, represent authenticity, soul, diversity, positive vibes, and a contagious raw power that inspires organically.”

One-man funk band Henry + the Invisibles and emerging blues singer/guitarist Jackie Venson, who reigning Austin bluesman Gary Clark Jr. has booked to open nine slots on his national tour, rep the homegrown talent. Riders Against the Storm also performs, of course, hot on the heels of the “Mali” single and video release. Expanding RAS Day represents a step forward for the Austin Music Awards threepeat winners for Band of the Year (2014-16).

The lineup also includes soul/hip-hop outfit Cure for Paranoia, electronic Afrobeat trio Trouble in the Streets, jazz/hip-hop band Ayuma, live wire rapper Omenihu, and the renowned DJ Chicken George.