BIG EARS FESTIVAL

Kahil El’Zabar Ethnic Heritage Ensemble

“Over the past 50 years, Chicago drummer Kahil El’Zabar has been at the forefront of the avant garde in jazz.” – The Guardian

Kahil El’Zabar has been one of the deepest and most forward-thinking artists from Chicago’s renowned improvised music scene for many years. Working in many creative contexts as a member of the boundlessly innovative AACM, El’Zabar founded the Ethnic Heritage Ensemble in 1974, as a way to further explore the connections between African-American music, like jazz, with more traditional African instrumentation and rhythms. Touring frequently in Europe and the United States, they established a global reputation. The Ethnic Heritage Ensemble includes trumpeter, Corey Wilkes, baritone saxophonist Alex Harding, cellist Ishmael Ali and the compelling presence of Kahil El’Zabar on drum set, hand percussion, Kalimba, and soulful vocalizations.

 

BIG EARS
03.27_03.30.25
Knoxville, TN · USA

PASSES DONATE

Festival

Explore the lineup of upcoming Big Ears performances.

Explore

Discover travel, lodging, & dining options to enhance your festival experience.

Support

Big Ears is made possible by the passion & generosity of our supporters.

About

Learn more about what The New York Times calls “one of the world’s greatest music bashes.”