Toronto-based roots-calypso act, Kobo Town will headline the official Canadian Music Week (CMW) 'MusicDish 10th Anniversary' Showcase hosted at The Trane Studio in Toronto on March 8th. The Trane Studio is located at 964 Bathurst Street. Kobo Town takes the stage at 10:30 PM. Other performers include Caroline Glass, Mélissa Laveaux, Grüvoria and the Souljazz Orchestra. The showcase is free for all CMW badge holders and $10 for the general public. For more information, please visit http://www.musicdish.net/cmw/ or http://www.tranestudio.com

Kobo Town produced and self-released their debut album "Independence" in November 2006. It was named by Blogcritics as the best International album of the last year. CBC Radio One's "Fresh Air" and "Big City Small World" radio shows also chose the record among their Top 10 lists for 2006. Finally, The Live Music Report had this to say about the record after placing it on their Top 10 list of outstanding 2006 discoveries:

"It is daunting to attempt to describe a CD created by a poet with the eloquence of Trinidadian-born Drew Gonsalves. His 'St. James' would fit nicely in an anthology of Caribbean and Caribbean-born poets that would also include the works of Linton Kwesi Johnson. Some heavy material, but there is levity too — and rhythm! Lots of sounds to savour."

"Intoxicating calypso rhythms held straight with a reggae backbone is the best way to describe this Toronto based group's sound... "Independence" shows how music can be the voice of the people and that the message always rises from ashes. One of the most beautifully intelligent releases...ever!" – IndependentsOnly

Drawing heavily upon the sounds of traditional calypso, roots reggae and dub poetry, the album is a collection of stories which offer a running commentary on a wide variety of social and political themes including domestic violence, homelessness, globalization, the war on Iraq, and the various frustrations and betrayals of the post-colonial era. Named after the vibrant and turbulent neighborhood in old Port-of-Spain, Trinidad, where calypso was born, the group strives to recover the social conscience, satirical storytelling and strong acoustic/organic rhythms that characterized Trinidadian music in the past. For members of the eight-piece outfit, the name suggests an origin as well as a destination.

Independence was co-produced by Lyndon Livingstone (David Rudder, Andre Tanker, Mighty Scrunter) and Drew Gonsalves at the Razorshop in Maraval, Trinidad. Independence will be available for download through CD Baby, iTunes, Music Discovery Network, Calabash Music and select online retailers. For more information or to hear advance tracks from the album, please visit, http://www.kobotown.com.