by Mike Telin
Since playing their first show on December 17, 1985, at the Cambridge (MA) Public Library, the acclaimed Either/Orchestra has been thrilling audiences around the globe with their unique combination of jazz, improvisation, and global musical influences.
This week, as part of the No Exit Presents series, Either/Orchestra will perform two different programs that feature Ethiopian music and Ethio-jazz.
On Friday, April 10 at 7:00 pm at Trinity Cathedral E/O will feature Ethiopian vocalist Bruck Tesfaye performing Mahmoud Ahmed and Nerses Nalbandian-associated songs.
And on Saturday, April 11 at 7:00 pm at The Bop Stop, the ensemble will be joined by vocalist Munit Mesfin. The program features Nerses Nalbandian songs, as well as songs by Teshome Mitiku, Bezunesh Bekele, and Mahmoud Ahmed. Both performances are free.
No Exit’s Laura King caught up with Either/Orchestra founder Russ Gershon and asked him about the ensemble’s long association with Ethiopian music, and what they have in store for audiences at this week’s concerts.