Credit: Theresa Montgomery
Bassel Almadani, the singer who fronts the Chicago-based soul/funk group Bassel and the Supernaturals, has deep ties to Northeast Ohio. Born and raised in Kent, he blossomed as a songwriter here, where he regularly attended shows.

After moving to Chicago a few years ago, he started listening to the music of Otis Redding, Al Green, Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder; their “emotionally saturated” music inspired him to put together his own damn band, Bassel & the Supernaturals.

As a first-generation Syrian-American — his parents were born and raised in Aleppo — he’s particularly troubled by the crisis happening in the country. Now, his band along with Omar Offendum, Kayem, Ronnie Malley & Turath Ensemble and DJ Bella Loki has embarked on the Amplify Peace Tour: Saving Syrian Lives. The tour comes to the Beachland Ballroom on Oct. 24.

Sponsored by the Syrian American Medical Society (SAMS), the tour aims to “increase awareness of the humanitarian crisis in Syria and help gather support and resources to save the lives of Syrians affected by war.”

Bassel & the Supernaturals recently released a live performance video for “Aleppo” that aims to show “the music and spirit” the tour will showcase.

Youtube video

This article appears in Oct 11-17, 2017.

Jeff has been covering the Cleveland music scene for more than 25 years now. On a regular basis, he tries to talk to whatever big acts are coming through town. And if you're in a local band that he needs to hear, email him at jniesel@clevescene.com.