"Gently percolating, sashaying polyrhythms thread their way through a delicate, dreamy lattice of acoustic and electric guitars, creating a warm, translucent backdrop for one of three different lead vocalists. The music has some familiar Caribbean flavors sometimes Cuban, sometimes reggae but the stuttery grooves, characterized by forceful patterns on maracas and scraped turtle shells, are distinct to the Garifuna, who live in parts of Honduras, Guatemala, Nicaragua, and Belize." - Chicago Reader

"It's a resilient, groovy, somewhat more modern expression of Garifuna culture, a subtle update of the soulful sounds of black Central Americans. It's also proof positive that the band's polyrhythmic, slinky music is not only surviving but flourishing. Ayo means goodbye and the album features some tributes to Palacio and another departed member, Justo Miranda, yet it's ultimately quite upbeat. Ayo is sure to appear on lots of world music year-end Best Of lists." - vita.mn

"For his 10th album Michel deepened his connection, living in Benque Viejo del Carmen and working with musicians from the Garifuna Collective and producer Ivan Duran, who’s helped popularize music from Belize. It’s a fun and uplifting listen, bursting with acoustic and electric guitar, saxophones, organic, rich backup vocals and tons of Garifuna percussion. The obvious comparison is Paul Simon’s Graceland, but there are also moments of heavier Talking Heads-like funk." - Now Magazine

"Before you even read this review, go buy this album. Don’t think twice. Don’t wonder if it’s deep or approachable. Don’t worry if it’s too long or short. Just sit down with it and give it your full attention. The very nature of combining Canadian acoustic songwriting with the Garifuna’s sunny world blend has my head spinning. This is the best kind of music and this is the best kind of album. Black Birds Are Dancing Over Me is gold wrapped in chocolate and dipped in sunshine." - Angelica Music

THE GARIFUNA COLLECTIVE AND DANNY MICHEL
J U L Y
2	New York, NY	Highline Ballroom **
4	Marlboro, NY	The Falcon
5	Plainfield, VT	The Haybarn Theatre
6	South Burlington, VT	Higher Ground
8	Washington, DC	Tropicalia
11	Winnipeg, Manitoba	Winnipeg Folk Festival
12	Winnipeg, Manitoba	Winnipeg Folk Festival **
13	Winnipeg, Manitoba	Winnipeg Folk Festival **
14	Winnipeg, Manitoba	Winnipeg Folk Festival **
17	Duncan, British Columbia	Duncan Garage Showroom
18	Victoria, British Columbia	The Upstairs Cabaret **
20	Vancouver, British Columbia	Vancouver Folk Festival **
21	Vancouver, British Columbia	Vancouver Folk Festival **
23	Lethbridge, Alberta	The Slice
24	Banff, Alberta	The Club, Banff Centre
25	Calgary, Alberta	Calgary Folk Festival **
26	Calgary, Alberta	Calgary Folk Festival **
27	Edmonton, Alberta	Interstellar Rodeo **
28	Edmonton, Alberta	Interstellar Rodeo **
A U G U S T
2	Portland, OR	Mississippi Studios **
4	Percy, CA	Reggae on the River
8	Los Angeles, CA	Levitt Pavilion MacArthur Park
10	Waldport, OR	Beloved Sacred Art & Music Festival **