An die Musik Live celebrates the 50th anniversary of legendary Chicago percussionist Kahil El’Zabar’s Ethnic Heritage Ensemble and the group's 19th Annual Black History Month Celebration!

Two shows at 7 pm & 9 pm, livestream passes and student tickets are available!

Kahil El’Zabar – drums, percussion
Corey Wilkes – trumpet
Alex Harding – baritone saxophone

A leading proponent of the AACM’s “ancient to the future” philosophy, multi-instrumentalist Kahil El’Zabar has led various incarnations of the Ethnic Heritage Ensemble since 1973, one year after returning from his studies at the University of Ghana. His goal was to combine concepts of African American music-making with the roots of traditional African music to produce something that carried the music into the 21st century and beyond. Half a century later, this legendary band is still serving people worldwide with their special brand of 21st century Griot music. He’s recorded with Nina Simone, Pharaoh Sanders, Archie Shepp, and many more.

"The goal of this 50th anniversary project is to keep looking forward in terms of a contemporary approach to an authentic concept, music, arrangements, and performance. Corey Wilkes, Alex Harding, and our special guests, James Sauders, and Ishmael Ali, are exemplary players, as well as being extraordinary improvisers! It is a new EHE sound with strings that combines the history of our music to a contemporary approach to arrangements, performance, and ensemble interplay, that speaks to the now and beyond."

In-person tickets: $30 / $10 students
Attendees receive a link to the recording to view for one week.

Streaming passes: $15
The link will be sent out 15 minutes before the show and will remain active through Feb. 17

Donations welcome