On March 21st, the beloved Cambodian-American band, Dengue Fever, returns to the country for the first time in nearly a decade for an action-packed show with Japan Guitar Shop at Chew & Bash, Phnom Penh Island Club.
This highly anticipated performance at Chew & Bash, Phnom Penh Island Club on Koh Pich, marks the band's first visit to Cambodia since 2016. They’ll be joined by the Phnom Penh favorites, Japan Guitar Shop, who will be opening the show, along with other local artists and Cambodian producer and DJ Larry Zinc.
Dengue Fever's connection to Cambodia is foundational, with their music heavily influenced by the sounds of 1960s and 70s Cambodian pop. Their return signifies a powerful reunion with the country and its vibrant music scene.
Highlighting the band's relationship to the Kingdom, Dengue Fever keyboardist Ethan Holtzman said:
"Of course the connection runs deep. Our lead singer, Chhom Nimol, is a Khmer native and as a child stayed in refugee camps following the political unrest and devastation of Pol Pot’s campaign of terror.” He went on to describe how the group’s roots in the country took hold.
“I first travelled to Cambodia in 1998 and listened to some great music that combined western psychedelic garage rock with traditional Khmer vocals and instrumental stylings. When we formed Dengue Fever our starting point was a lot of this music and we’ve continued to play and build on these musical ideas which has helped us create our own unique sound.”
Opening for Dengue Fever is Japan Guitar Shop, a Phnom Penh-based band known for their original sound combining rock, blues and hip-hop. The band is equally enthusiastic about the upcoming performance. Speaking with the group, they shared an appreciation for Dengue Fever and Cambodian music icons.
“One of our bandmates, Colin, used to live in Los Angeles and loved Dengue Fever even before moving to Cambodia. We share some of the same musical influences, such as Ethiopian musician Mulatu Astatke, as well as a profound appreciation for legendary Cambodian musicians like Pan Ron and Sinn Sisamouth. We’re genuinely honored to get to play what is sure to be an incredible show with them.”
The March 21st concert will be an unforgettable evening of music, dance and celebration. Fans can expect high-energy performances and rockin 'late into the night at the open-air Chew & Bash rooftop.
Reflecting on the upcoming return to the Kingdom, Dengue Fever bass guitarist Senon Williams said “Phnom Penh was the first place that Dengue Fever played outside of the U.S., so it always feels like a homecoming to return. Most American bands dream of touring Europe one day and here we were in a shanty house on the edge of the Tonle Sap playing to a packed-sweaty house of Cambodians and expats as our first experience outside of The States. It was incredible.”
Standard tickets for entry are currently available for $25, while Premium tickets are available for $45 and include a dinner plate from the popular Chew & Bash BBQ buffet and free-flow of select beer for 7pm-12am.
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