Ethiopian Dreams

Amazingly enough, in 2004, Russ Gershon’s adventurous Either/Orchestra jazz ensemble became the first American big band to play Addis Ababa since Duke Ellington hit Ethiopia in 1973, spawning a cross-cultural collaboration with some of the East African nation’s top musicians that continues to this day. That includes a partnership with...

By Susan Froyd

February 12, 2009

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Amazingly enough, in 2004, Russ Gershon’s adventurous Either/Orchestra jazz ensemble became the first American big band to play Addis Ababa since Duke Ellington hit Ethiopia in 1973, spawning a cross-cultural collaboration with some of the East African nation’s top musicians that continues to this day.

That includes a partnership with internationally known multi-octave singer Mahmoud Ahmed — a true Ethiopian treasure whose complex, ethereal, traditionally based vocals mesh freshly with Either/Orchestra’s jazz rhythms — that’s resulted in both recordings and live performances across the globe. But tonight at 7:30 p.m., the two forces will join together on an American stage for only the second time (the first was at New York’s Lincoln Center) at the Newman Center for the Performing Arts, 2344 East Iliff Avenue, for an evening of music that transcends yet defines the worldbeat groove.

Admission ranges from $28 to $52; to reserve tickets, visit www.ticketmaster.com or call 303-357-ARTS.
Sat., Feb. 14, 7:30 p.m., 2009

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Susan Froyd started writing for Westword as the "Thrills" editor in 1992 and never quite left the fold. These days she still freelances for the paper in addition to walking her dogs, enjoying cheap ethnic food and reading voraciously. Sometimes she writes poetry.

Contact: Susan Froyd

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