Tarriona “Tank” Ball sings National Anthem with Preservation Hall Jazz Band at NCAA Finals

Last Night Tarriona “Tank” Ball – Best New Artist Grammy Nominees Tank and the Bangas— sang the national anthem with the Preservation Room Jazz Band before the men’s NCAA tournament final between Kansas and North Carolina. Watch/share the performance HERE.

Additionally, Tank and his band are gearing up to release their third studio album, Red Balloon, on May 13 via Verve Forecast. The band’s singles “Why Try” featuring Questlove, “Black Folk” featuring Alex Isley & Masego, “Stolen Fruit” and “No ID” continue to receive acclaim; Vibe proclaims: “[‘Black Folk’ is an] an endearing ode to black people, culture and experiences, showcasing the most underrated moments of the neo-soul wave. BET adds, “Tarriona Ball’s commanding vocal presence is alchemized on ‘No ID’, a disco-influenced number.”

Red Balloon was born out of a pandemic-ordained hiatus from the band’s rigorous touring schedule. The break gave the band space to breathe and double down on who they are as artists, allowing them to come together as a more unified group. The new work has evolved and takes the band to a new level, highlighting their unique observations and songwriting reflecting the ills of America while celebrating the beauty of black life.

Produced primarily by Tank and the Bangas, the 16-track album was recorded at Bangaville Studios in New Orleans and Revival Studios in Los Angeles. Red Balloon also includes contributions from Lalah Hathaway, Big Freedia, Jacob Collier, Trombone Shorty, Jamison Ross, The Hamiltones, Georgia Anne Muldrow and Wayne Brady.

Additionally, the band will continue their long streak of touring dates with Big Freedia and Trombone Shorty. The tour includes performances at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles, Central Park Summerstage in New York, Red Rocks Amphitheater in Denver, 9:30 Club in DC and more. Further dates for 2022 will be announced shortly, while the current tour itinerary can be found below.

New Orleans-based Tank and the Bangas rose to prominence in 2017 after their unanimous victory at the NPR Music Tiny Desk Contest. In 2019, the band released their major label debut, Green Balloon, on Verve Forecast to much critical acclaim. Last year Tank and The Bangas released their EP Friend Goals, featuring CHIKA, Duckwrth and PJ Morton.

Throughout their career, the group has performed on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon”, “Austin City Limits”, and “TODAY”. Tank and The Bangas toured nonstop, selling out venues in the United States and overseas, including festival appearances at Coachella, Glastonbury, Bonnaroo and the Newport Jazz Festival.

Tank and The Bangas are Tarriona “Tank” Ball (vocalist, lead vocals), Albert Allenback (alto saxophone, flute), Joshua Johnson (drums), and Norman Spence (keyboards).

TANK AND THE BANGAS — RED BALLOON

1. Intro (with Wayne Brady)
2. Mr. Bluebell
3. Anxiety
4. Oak
5. Communion In My Cup (with The Hamiltones)
6. Who is responsible
7. Why try
8. No ID
9. Black Folk (with Alex Isley and Masego)
10. Cafe Du Monde (with Jamison Ross and Trombone Shorty)
11. Easy Goes It (with Lalah Hathaway)
12. Stolen Fruit
13. Big (with Big Freedia)
14. Heavy
15. Jellyfish
16. Where Are We Going (with Lalah Hathaway and Jacob Collier)

TANK AND BANGAS LIVE

April 7—Santa Ana, California—The Observatory*
April 8—San Francisco, California—August Hall*
April 9—San Jose, CA—The Ritz*
April 22—New Orleans, LA—French Quarter Festival*
April 30—New Orleans, LA—JazzFest*
June 10—Hampton Beach, NH—Hampton Beach Casino†
June 11—Boston, MA—Leader Bank Pavilion†
June 13—New York, NY—Central Park Summerstage†
June 14—Buffalo, NY—Artpark†
June 15—Toronto, CA—Massey Hall†
June 17—Providence, RI—Bold Point Park†
June 18—Vienna, Virginia—Wolftrap†
June 21—Cary, NC—Koka Booth Amphitheater†
June 22—Atlanta, Georgia—Chastain Park†
June 24—Grand Rapids, MI—Meijer Gardens†
June 25—Detroit, M—Aretha Franklin Amphitheater†
June 26—Chicago, IL—Ravinia†
June 28—Denver, CO—Red Rocks Amphitheater†
June 29—Salt Lake City, MO—Red Butte Gardens†
July 1—Missoula, Montana—Kettlehouse Amphitheater†
July 2—Seattle, WA—Chateau Ste. Michelle Vineyard†
July 3—Troutdale, OR—McMenamins Edgefield †
August 10—Los Angeles, CA—Hollywood Bowl†
Aug. 11—Saratoga, CA—Mountain Winery†
Aug. 12—Saratoga, CA—Mountain Winery†
Aug. 13—Santa Barbara, CA—Santa Barbara Bowl†
Aug. 14—San Diego, CA—Rady Shell†
*with Big Freedia
†with short paper clip