Above: Members of Zena Bel Band: violinist Kaethe Hostetter,
singer Selamnesh Zemene (C) and drummer Asrat Ayalew (R).
Tadias Magazine
Events News
Updated: Friday, October 1, 2010
New York (Tadias) – Addis Ababa-based Zena Bel Band will be performing at L’Orange Bleue in New York City on Saturday, October 2nd, 2010.
Zena Bel Band is a three piece group whose members came together when Boston’s Debo Band collaborated with traditional musicians in Ethiopia in 2009. The group is composed of two Ethiopian Azmari musicians, and one violin player from Debo.
The traditional drum “kebero” is played by Asrat Ayalew, while Kaethe Hostetter’s five-string acoustic violin evokes the Ethiopian “masinqo,” a one-string bowed instrument. Selamnesh Zemene, the vocalist, sings in a variety of traditional Ethiopian styles. Her mother and grandmother both having been Azmari singers, Zemene is steeped in this tradition. Azmari singing incorporates humor and improvisation in its performance.
The band plays both familiar Azmari songs that most Ethiopians cherish, as well as original songs by Selamnesh and her husband, who is also an Azmari musician. The trio’s repertoire includes the beloved Tizita and Ambassel songs by Bezunesh Bekkele, Birtukan Dubale, and Maritu Leggesse, and some regionally specific songs that display the rich diversity of Ethiopian traditions.
The music is by turns dreamily mesmerizing, circular, heavy, exhilarating, compelling and whimsical. Selamnesh’s sure and powerful voice reaches across political borders and musical backgrounds. Kaethe’s 5 string violin presents a modern ambiance. Asrat’s kebero provides the project’s strong backbone, as he highlights the contour of the songs.
This is Zena Bel’s first tour in the U.S. and they are thrilled to bring their music to new friends, and introduce a new take on the tradition that they are so proud of.
If you go:
Zena Bel Band in NYC
Saturday at 10:00pm.
L’Orange Bleue
430 Broome Street
New York – NY 10013
www.lorangebleue.com
Cover: $10
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Cover image: courtesy photo.
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Related events:
Ethiopian Dance Workshop
Melaku Belay with Zinash Tsegaye
Class for Children and Parents
Saturday, October 2
12:00pm – 1:00pm
Adult Class- 1:15pm – 3:00pm
University Settlement – Houston Street Center
273 Bowery (at Houston), NYC
Adults: $20 (Bring a friend, and both of you can take the class for $30)
Children under 12: $12
Students with student ID: $15
RSVP: info@hornartscouncil.org
Organized by the Horn of Africa Arts Council
Learn more about Melaku Belay at www.melakubelay.com
Watch: Backstage With Danny Mekonnen and Melaku Belay