The creators of SHAOLIN JAZZ (Gerald Watson and myself) are pleased to announce our biggest project to date . . . SHAOLIN JAZZ in Ethiopia! It’s a new initiative that will use Jazz and Hip-Hop to build a cultural bridge between the Sister Cities of Washington, DC and Addis Ababa.
SHAOLIN JAZZ in Ethiopia will take place in May 2-10, 2016, and will consist of two parts. The first being travel to Addis Ababa to interview local Jazz and Hip-Hop artists to learn about the history of those genres of music in Ethiopia, and a collaboration with some of those artists for a special SHAOLIN JAZZ L!VE performance (live Jazz and Hip-Hop). The second part will take place in Washington, DC and will consist of a panel discussion about Jazz and Hip-Hop culture in the US and Ethiopia, followed by a performance of SHAOLIN JAZZ L!VE, in the historic U Street Corridor, featuring both local and guest Ethiopian musicians.
In order to make this all happen we need your support. We have launched an IndieGogo campaign for the month of March to raise funds this initiative. For each donation of $15 or more we have a long list of SHAOLIN JAZZ perks and goodies that you can choose from including music, tote bags, baseball tees, clutch bags, vinyl records, show tickets. Please help me reach my personal goal of raising $4,250 by the end of March.
To learn more and support go to: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/shaolin-jazz-in-ethiopia#