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Rattletree Marimba | Afro-Electronica Dance Party


Rattletree Marimba plays Dubstep - Blood Red by Feed Me


Moving the Ancient Forward

Rattletree Marimba loves to make you dance. It is our passion and our calling. We are excited to be in the forefront of a new era of live Electronica. Merging Dubstep, Glitch, and Downtempo Electronica with the roots of ancient and organic ~ Authentic ~ instruments.

GIANT hand-built marimbas...cutting-edge DIY live video and synth manipulation
We bring High-energy stage presence...and uplifting high-vibration dance music.


  • A high energy fusion that is immediately accessible, and rousing!
  • -David Courtney, KPFT Houston
  • Our students have been talking about discovering MUSIC again.
  • -Dr. Gary Westbrook, Tarleton State University

Listen:


Buy:

Marimba EP

An exciting adventure for all ages!

Rattletree Marimba is the perfect band for any occasion where a Dance Party is what the event calls for! Giant hand-built instruments, high-energy stage presence, and a friendly atmosphere invites the audience to become active participants in the music-making process!

Rattletree Marimba is as comfortable at Music Festivals as they are at All Night Dance Parties or teaching Clinics and Workshops. The program can be tailored to play more traditional music-as is often desired at University Workshops, or to feature a more modern sound incorporating Electronica and Visual Projection which is a big hit at Dance Parties and Festivals.

Whatever your High-Energy Dance Party needs are, Rattletree Marimba will deliver an unforgettable performance that will keep the audience talking for months!

Contact Us!

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Rattletree also offers three programs tailored to
Acoustic-Friendly Venues, Universities, Weddings, and Galas:

Rattletree Trio

Rattletree Marimba

An Eclectic Touch

Rattletree Trio captures the same traditional sounds of the full band, but in a quieter format.

This program is great for events and gatherings where an interesting and eclectic mood is desired, but dancing is not the focus.

Perfect for:

  • Smaller Family Festivals
  • Museum Concert Series
  • Benefits and Galas
  • Restaurant Entertainment
  • Gallery Openings
  • Conventions & Conferences
  • When you want lively music at a moderate volume.
(learn more...)

Joel Laviolette Solo

Rattletree Marimba

Intimate Sounds

Joel Laviolette is honored to be one of a handful of people in the world that plays traditional Zimbabwean trance music know as matepe.

This soothing and meditative music is perfect for quiet listening environments.

Perfect for:

  • Listening Rooms
  • Wedding Ceremonies
  • Spiritual Gatherings
  • Restaurant Entertainment
  • Workshops and Demonstrations
  • Gallery openings
  • When you want beautiful music at a low volume.
(learn more...)

MbiraMe

Rattletree Marimba

Afro-Glitch Dance Facilitator

MbiraMe plays Electronica music and seamlessly blends live traditional Zimbabwean instruments into his musical journeys. He strives to take you deep.

MbiraMe facilitates Ecstatic Dances, Candlelight Contact Jams, and spiritual gatherings both in his home base of Austin, TX and around the US and the world.

Perfect for:

  • Ecstatic Dances
  • Contact Improv Jams
  • Spiritual Gatherings
  • Dance Parties
(learn more...)

Rattletree Trio | An Eclectic Touch


  • We had NUMEROUS comments about your group! You guys really have a great thing going!
  • -Samantha Smith, Talent Buyer, Dead Fish Grill
  • Out off all the bands I booked last year, I got the best & most feedback about Rattletree.
  • -Alicia Alvarez, Talent Buyer, Blue Star Brewery

Listen:



Exciting Entertainment at a Moderate Volume!

Rattletree Trio is the perfect compliment to occasions where typical musical entertainment will not do. Featuring an exciting and eclectic blend of hand-built marimbas and the intricate melodies of the mbira, Rattletree Trio offers listeners an opportunity to experience something very exotic and unique.

Rattletree Trio is especially suited to events where the participants still want to easily talk among themselves without being overwhelmed by the volume of the music. It is especially well received at Gala's and benefits. Rattletree Trio has been a favorite at many conventions and museum and gallery openings.

If you want something unique and exciting, but at a moderate volume level-Rattletree Trio is just what you're looking for!

Contact Us!

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Joel Laviolette Solo | Intimate Sounds


  • The music was beautiful, and Joel's presence was a wonderful addition to the ceremony!
  • -Christen S, Bride
  • Joel's mbira music created a warm and inviting ambiance as guests arrived.
  • -Jamie L., Bride

Listen:


Buy:

Laviolette CD

Beautiful, Meditative Music for your Special Occasions.

Joel Laviolette is honored to be one of a handful of people in the world that plays the incredibly beautiful music known as mbira. The mbira is the sacred instrument of the Shona people of Zimbabwe.

The sounds of the mbira have been described as musical rain, and often leaves listeners mesmerized and speechless. This sacred music is especially powerful at Wedding Ceremonies and Spiritual Gatherings. The music is appropriate for occasions where a deep listening or meditative environment is desired. This may also include Gallery Openings and in intimate Restaurant environments.

As the mbira is used for many of life's transitions, Joel is also available to play music for birth and death ceremonies.

If you are looking for music that can help create a beautiful and sacred space, Joel Laviolette's solo mbira music is what you have been searching for.

Contact Joel

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MbiraMe | Afro-glitch Dance Facilitator


  • Thanks for holding such a safe, high-vibration, ecstatically fun space for us all to dance!
  • -Alyson S, Dancer
  • The format: intimate space, beautiful ambience, exceptional music, carefully chosen weekly intention - a really winning formula.
  • -Jessica T., Dancer

Listen:


Buy:

MbiraMe EP

Deep, Ecstatic Dance and Contact improv facilitation.

MbiraMe plays Afro-glitch and IDM mixed with live traditional Zimbabwean instruments. Over 20 years of experience including 2 years of living in Zimbabwe has taught MbiraMe to trust the flow and the roots of the ancient music as we push forward into the future.

MbiraMe facilitates Ecstatic Dances, Candlelight Contact Jams, and spiritual gatherings both in his home base of Austin, TX and around the US and the world. He plays well over 100 shows a year.

Contact MbiraMe

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