Hailu Mergia

Ethio-jazz legend of the ‘70s and ‘80s Hailu Mergia has returned to playing music. We promise you a night completely unique to the jazz style of last century’s ‘Ethiopian hotel’ music scene.

Together with his band, Hailu energetically and playfully unpeels layer after layer of harmonic and rhythmic interest out of a range of Ethiopian sounds.

This band is unstoppable when it comes to turning age-old melodies (like “Tizita” or “Anchihoye Lene”) upside down and inside out until they emerge as molten new works, often spontaneously. Mergia’s original compositions (like “Yegle Nesh”) shine brighter than ever here as well. Moving from keyboard to organ to accordion to melodica, he deftly switches instruments—often during the same song.

At 78 this maestro, is a powerhouse. Swoon over his sweepingly beautiful sound. You’ll be moving and grooving in a set as fun as it is virtuosic.

Licensed venue. Under 18s permitted with supervision. All minors must be under the direct supervision of their own parent or legal guardian.