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Ethnic Heritage Ensemble Photo

In Artword Theatre main theatre, February 22, 2002

Ethnic Heritage Ensemble:
25th Anniversary Concert


Produced by:
Rhythmethod Productions in association with CKLN 88.1 FM

One Show Only: Friday, February 22, 2002
Show Time:
Doors open at 9 p.m. /performance at 9:30 p.m. sharp!
Two one hour sets with an intermission
Price: All seats $20
Advance door reservations can be made by calling or e-mailing Rhythmethod Productions
Ph: 416.532.7224 or E-mail: rhythm1@total.net
For more information on the Ethnic Heritage Ensemble, please visit their website at: http://www.fred.net/jbowie/ehe.html

In 1976, renowned Chicago percussionist Kahil El'Zabar formed the ETHNIC HERITAGE ENSEMBLE shortly after graduating from the school of the Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians. Combining contemporary African American musical styles with traditional African instrumentation and rhythms the ensemble heralded a new style of Post-Bop Free Jazz expression which has continued over a quarter century through worldwide touring and 9 critically acclaimed albums. The trio of Kahil El'Zabar, Joseph Bowie and Ernest "Khabeer" Dawkins' unique instrumentation - trap drums, African and Latin hand-percussion, saxophone, trombone, digeridoo, bass clarinet and kalimba among many others - endow their music with a warm textural richness and depth. While classic albums like Continuum and Freedom Jazz Dance embody the ensemble's spirit, witnessing the live mulit-instrumental improvisations of the group is an experience unique in Jazz music.
Toronto's Artword Theatre is an elegant setting in which to see and hear the ensemble. This intimate space has sloped movie theatre seating and a large dance stage combined with professional lighting and sound facilities. This is a non-smoking venue. This event is produced in association with CKLN 88.1 FM and Rhythmethod Productions. The ensemble will also be playing in Ottawa and Montreal.

ETHNIC HERITAGE ENSEMBLE mini biographies:

Kahil El'Zabar - This internationally renowned percussionist and composer is an accomplished musician with mastery of a variety of instruments to his credit  - congas, bongos, African drums, shekere, gongs, trap drums, balaphon, marimba, sanza, kalimba, balaphon, and berimbau. He has performed and recorded worldwide with such luminaries as Dizzy Gillespie, Donny Hathaway, David Murray, Stevie Wonder, Henry Threadgill and Paul Simon. In addition to the Ensemble, El'Zabar also leads the Ritual Trio (featuring bassist Malachi Favors Maghostut and saxophonist Ari Brown) as well as collaborating with Pharoah Sanders, Hamiett Bluiett and Billy Bang. His talents have also extended to scoring feature films like "Mo' Money" (Columbia Pictures) and "How U Like Me Now" (Universal Pictures).
Joseph Bowie - Brother to legendary trumpeter Lester Bowie, Bowie first learned the trombone and later became skilled at playing the saxophone and percussion. In 1973, Bowie managed the legendary La Mama Theater and performed with jazz innovators like Cecil Taylor, Frank Lowe and Anthony Braxton. Also during this period, Bowie formed the St. Louis Creative Ensemble and performed with the New York All-Star Blues Band (Left Hand Frank, Philip Wilson and Henry Threadgill). From 1978-1983 Bowie turned New York's radical underground music scene on its ear with his avant Jazz Funk creation Defunkt - producing classic albums like Defunkt, Razor's Edge and Thermonuclear Sweat. Bowie has also toured with Charlie Haden's Liberation Orchestra and performed with the David Murray Big Band while also recording with a number of European artists including the Vienna Arts Orchestra, Count Basic and the Sebastian Piekarek Quartet.
Ernest "Khabeer" Dawkins - Replacing Edward Wilkerson Jr. in the Ethnic Heritage Ensemble in 1997, Dawkin's constantly utilizes his skills as a musician, composer and arranger as an educator in order to advance the identification and appreciation of the rich African-American music experience into a realm of high recognition. Since 1978, Dawkins has been teaching at AACM's school of music as well as leading the New Horizons Ensemble - which plays a combination of Jazz, Bebop, Swing and Avant Garde. Skilled at playing bass, conga, saxophone, clarinet and flute - Dawkins has worked with a myriad of music greats including; Ramsey Lewis, Muhal Richard Abrams, Lester Bowie, Edward Wilkerson, Jr., Henry Threadgill, Amina Claudine Meyers, Anthony Braxton, Jack McDuff, Famadou Don Moye, Jerry Butler, and the Dells.

For further information, please contact:
Shane Gerard
Rhythmethod Productions
Ph: 416.532.7224
E-mail: rhythm1@total.net