Yerba Buena Gardens Festival Presents QWANQWA

A supergroup bringing together leading Ethiopian musicians from Addis Ababa's fervently creative music scene, QWANQWA features Endris Hassen on the bowed, one-string masinko, Bubu Teklemariam on groove-driving bass krar, Misale Legesse on goat-skin kebero drum and incantatory vocals by Selamnesh Zemene. The group was convened by Santa Cruz violinist Kaethe Hostetter, a founding member of the popular Boston-based Debo Band, which has introduced many American audiences to Ethiopia's enthralling music. Looking to forge deeper ties with the Ethiopian scene, Hostetter moved to Addis Ababa and sought out the city's best players, resulting in QWANQWA. The band's experimental sound has continued to evolve since the 2022 debut US tour dazzled audiences at jazz joints, rock clubs, folk festivals, performing arts centers, universities and opera houses.