Kahil El’Zabar’s Ethnic Heritage Ensemble

Ars Nova Workshop celebrates the 50th anniversary of legendary Chicago percussionist Kahil El’Zabar’s Ethnic Heritage Ensemble, February 9 and 10, 2023 at Solar Myth.

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.