MEKLIT - "A Piece of Infinity" Album Release Concert

Presented in Partnership with KALW Music
Join us for the release party for Meklit's brand new record A Piece of Infinity, an invitation to think, to love, and to groove newly out on Smithsonian Folkways. Celebrating the rich musical traditions of Ethiopia, the Addis-born, San Francisco based vocalist, songwriter, and composer molds folk tunes from a multitude of communities and cultures throughout Ethiopia into jazz-inflected fantasies imbued with warmth and reverence. At it's center is Meklit's voice, which soars and whispers, intoning strength and devotion in Kembatigna, Amharic, Oromo, and English. From songs of longing and love to children's riddles and original compositions, Meklit traverses expansive sonic ground that offers just a glimpse at the infinite complexity of Ethiopian culture.

With an opening set by August Lee Stevens
August Lee Stevens is a Bay Area-based artist whose sound merges the lyrical rawness and simplicity of folk songs with lush melodies and powerhouse vocals. Her latest track "Tell Me" is an urgent plea to speak out and not look away when the world seems to be falling apart. In the last year, August has supported artists ranging from 2024 Tiny Desk winner Philharmonik to Motown legend Smokey Robinson, and she recently performed at LaRussell's self-curated festival. In addition to her rapidly rising solo career, she recently performed at the Kennedy Center and supported Rhiannon Giddens at the Mountain Winery as part of the emerging artist collective Oakland Rising, which made its debut at last year's Hardly Strictly Bluegrass festival. Her 2024 debut EP Better Places received critical acclaim, and she is currently working on her next project, slated for release in 2026.

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