Orchestra Gold

African Psychedelic Rock

Dance floor is General Admission standing room only. If you would prefer seats, please select a different level for this show.

Featuring the soaring vocals of Mali-born Mariam Diakite, the Oakland-based Orchestra Gold brings a kaleidoscope of sound rooted in the traditions of West Africa, adding pulse-raising horns, cosmic guitar, and powerful rhythms to build the genre-bending future of African psychedelic rock.  

Formed a decade ago by Diakite and guitarist Erich Huffaker, the group had its spark in Huffaker’s mind during his 2006 trip to Mali when he met Diakite through master drummer Matche Traore.  

Combining influences from the 1970s African pop of Super Biton de Ségou, Orchestre Poly-Rythmo de Cotonou, and Super Djata Band with the rock, electric blues, and psychedelia of Led Zeppelin and Jimi Hendrix, Orchestra Gold has forged its own approach, performing widely around California and beyond.  

After releasing a handful of singles, a pair of EPs, and their full-length debut Medicine, the band is still riding high on their hard-hitting sophomore album Dakan — a powerful statement exploring themes of destiny and passion. 

On Dakan, Diakite’s lyrics navigate the dance between fate and free will. Sonically, the album solidifies Orchestra Gold’s role as a bridge between psychedelic rock and Malian musical traditions. With deep grooves, cosmic guitar licks, and a punchy horn section, the album is spiritual, edgy, danceable, and it rocks. 

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