EXCLUSIVE CONCERT – 50th Anniversary Celebration Tour – Kahil El’Zabar’s Ethnic Heritage Ensemble

Sun, 1 Jun

Atelier EMOH LEEF

EMOH LEEF

“Open Me: A Higher Consciousness of Sound and Spirit” –  Celebrating a Half Century of Great Black Music! Kahil El’Zabar has been one of the deepest and most forward-thinking artists from Chicago’s renowned improvised music scene for many years. As a long-time member of the groundbreaking Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians (AACM) – an influential collective founded in 1965 to support avant-garde African-American musicians – El’Zabar created the Ethnic Heritage Ensemble in 1974. His vision was to explore the connections between African-American music, like jazz, and traditional African rhythms and instrumentation. Touring frequently throughout Europe and the United States, the group quickly earned a global reputation for its powerful and transformative performances. Today, the Ethnic Heritage Ensemble features trumpeter Corey Wilkes, tenor saxophonist Kevin Nabors, cellist Ishmael Ali, and the charismatic Kahil El’Zabar himself on drum set, hand percussion, kalimba, and soulful vocalizations. The Ensemble is celebrating its 50th Anniversary with the acclaimed album “Open Me: A Higher Consciousness of Sound and Spirit” (Spiritmuse Records, released March 8, 2024) and an extensive world tour. The album features a combination of El’Zabar’s original compositions and new interpretations of classics by Miles Davis and McCoy Tyner, enriched by the ensemble’s expanded instrumentation. Their only concert in Switzerland will take place on June 1, 2025 at EMOH LEEF – a truly rare opportunity to experience this star, this icon, this phenomenon up close and personal. Meet and connect with Kahil El’Zabar in an intimate and unforgettable setting!   Musicians (Chicago, US) : Kahil El’Zabar – Drums percussion, vocals Corey Wilkes – Trumpet Alex Harding – Saxophone Ishmael Ali – Cello   Suppport DJ (Barcelone, ES) : Damián Botigué alias Karmasound, bringing his unique fusion of soulful rhythms, broken beat, and Latin-infused grooves to the floor. Expect deep vibes and irresistible energy – he’ll make us dance, no question.   Program : 17:00 Welcome DJ Set by Damián Botigué aka Karmasound 19:00 Concert by Kahil El’Zabar’s Ethnic Heritage Ensemble 20:30 Family Picture 20:30 - 22:00 Another danceful DJ Set by Damián Botigué aka Karmasound   LIMITED SPOTS – come experience a rare and unforgettable moment in an intimate setting!