Kahil El'Zabar's Ethnic Heritage Ensemble

The Ethnic Heritage Ensemble was formed in 1974 shortly after Sir Kahil El'Zabar graduated from Lake Forest College, with the goal “to combine concepts of African American music with its earlier roots in traditional African music, to produce new motifs and sounds true to their origins yet firmly pointed in a new artistic direction “of enlightenment and deep listening.” Half a century later and the rich, compelling, ever-evolving sound they are known for is still going strong. Together with the Art Ensemble of Chicago, the Ethnic Heritage Ensemble (EHE) is one of the two remaining original groups active in the world today that were nurtured in the AACM (Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians).

The EHE has a strong rhythmic foundation, innovative harmonics and counterpoint, well-balanced interplay and polyphony among the players for highly developed ensemble dynamics. They are strong individual soloists with an in-depth grasp of music history, originality, fearlessness and deep spirituality.

Alongside multi-faceted El’Zabar, the EHE’s current line-up includes Corey Wilkes on trumpet, who has worked with numerous jazz masters, including Wynton Marsalis and Kurt Elling, and multi-instrumentalist Alex Harding on baritone sax, who has performed with Dollar Brand, Julius Hemphill Sun Ra, and Fela the Musical. They whip up an electrifying mix of spiritual jazz and African rhythms built around fundamental brass improvisations and a swing-induced groove. The resulting trance-like fervor transports one into a mind opening journey of spiritually enlightened deep listening.

Tickets are $20 general admission. Children under 12 are free. Advance tickets are available at the link below, or you may purchase your tickets at the door the night of the show.

Doors open one half hour before show time. We accept cash or Venmo only at the door.

The Back Room is an all-ages, BYOB (for those 21+) space, dedicated to (mostly) acoustic music of all kinds. You are welcome to bring your own food and adult beverages with no additional corkage fee. The venue is ADA accessible. If you need more information or have any questions, please call us: #510-381-1997.

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Please note: Although masks are no longer required, we strongly encourage their use to keep everyone safe in our intimate space.

Host or Publisher Sam Rudin