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White Rabbits: 'Honky-Tonk Calypso' : World Cafe Earlier this year, the New York-based group released Fort Nightly, which expertly applies reggae and ska rhythms to a roots-rock template. In this segment, its members perform new songs and discuss what their early sound was like.

World Cafe

Essential and Emerging Artists

World Cafe

White Rabbits: 'Honky-Tonk Calypso'

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White Rabbits: 'Honky-Tonk Calypso'

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Set List

  • "Sea of Rum"
  • "Navy Wives"
  • "While We Go Dancing"

White Rabbits formed in 2004, when members Greg Roberts and Stephen Patterson bonded as college students in Columbia, Missouri. They moved to New York City the next year and quickly expanded into a quintet, complete with two drummers. After signing to an independent record deal, the group recorded Fort Nightly, which expertly blends reggae and ska rhythms to form a sound its members describe as "honky-tonk calypso."

White Rabbits. D. Yee hide caption

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D. Yee

The group has already opened for acts such as Peter Bjorn & John, The Walkmen and Richard Swift. In this segment, its members discuss how they got together in college and what their early sound was like.

World Cafe

Essential and Emerging Artists