Debo Band
8:00PM
Boston’s Debo Band combines the best of 1970’s Ethiopian music, jagged and complex with its traditional scales and vocal styles, with the brassy punch of Klezmer and Roma music, the sheer force of psychedelic rock, and an accordion and rhythm section that strut like a New Orleans marching band. The 11-piece ensemble’s groundbreaking take on Ethiopian funk and popular music never seems caught in some retro haze, but feels fiercely, vividly of this current moment. With media outlets from Rolling Stone to The New York Times racing to find the words to describe their stunning live shows, Debo Band creates brave, beautiful music that appeals to just about everybody.
Tongues in Trees, the North Indian music fusing dream pop trio lead by Sunny Jain of Red Baraat, will open up the evening.
“Debo Band is as much orchestra as a dance band. Its brass section can rally with Tower of Power force and polish, and lock into grooving hooks worthy of Nigerian Afrobeat. But the distinctive scales and harmonies are unmistakably Ethiopian.” — NPR
