London's Krar Collective brings Ethiopian grooves to Lincoln Center

London's KRAR COLLECTIVE is coming to Lincoln Center for a free concert!

Free Thursdays at the Atrium
Thursday, September 24 , 7:30 pm

David Rubenstein Atrium at Lincoln Center
Broadway between 62nd and 63rd Streets, Manhattan
(map/directions)

Serving up a colorful feast of mind-blowing grooves, this unstoppable London-based trio—Temesegen Zeleke on the krar (an ancient five- or six-stringed lyre), Genet Asefa on vocals, and Amare on drums—performs a rootsy yet contemporary take on traditional music from Ethiopia based on other-worldly modes and driven by hypnotic rhythms. The traditional acoustic krar is associated with the azmari minstrel tradition; electrified in the hands of Zeleke, it becomes a gritty, ancient rock guitar. Add to it Amare’s traditional kebero drums and Asefa’s stunning singing, and this minimal lineup creates a surprisingly full sound that has led to the group being dubbed ‘”The Ethiopian White Stripes.”

Seating is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, including program updates, visit atrium.lincolncenter.org.