The Los Angeles-based ensemble Ethio Cali will mark its 15-year anniversary with a performance at Grand Performances on Saturday, August 15, 2026. The event, curated by Nance Arte Presents, will feature the Ethio-Jazz group led by trumpeter and composer Todd Simon, alongside performances by hip-hop producer and turntablist DJ Nu-Mark.
Event Details and Performance Schedule
The celebration is scheduled to take place at 350 South Grand Avenue in Los Angeles. According to the event program, DJ Nu-Mark will open the night at 7:50 pm, followed by a one-hour set from Ethio Cali starting at 8:15 pm. DJ Nu-Mark is slated to return to the stage at 9:15 pm to conclude the evening’s programming.
Did You Know? Ethio Cali’s sound is built on the golden age of Ethiopian music from the 1960s and 70s, but the ensemble explicitly incorporates rhythmic and melodic textures from across Africa, Central and Latin America, and the Caribbean.
Musical Backgrounds of the Performers
Ethio Cali is recognized for its fusion of traditional Ethiopian rhythms with jazz and funk. The ensemble currently includes Todd Simon, Ruby Simon, Randal Fisher, Tylana Renga, Alan Lightner, Kibrom Birhane, Nadav Peled, Dexter Story, Brandon Owens, Kahlil Cummings, Te’Amir Yohannes Sweeney, and Evan Greer. The group has previously appeared at venues including the Broad Stage, LACMA, and the Blue Whale.
DJ Nu-Mark, a member of the hip-hop group Jurassic 5, brings a background in sampling and live production to the event. His career includes collaborations with artists such as MF DOOM and Aloe Blacc, as well as scoring work for film and television, including Tom & Jerry and Drop The Mic.
Funding and Future Implications
The event is supported by the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs and the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors through the Department of Arts and Culture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where will the performance take place?
The event will be held at Grand Performances, located at 350 South Grand Avenue, Los Angeles, CA, 90071.
Who is performing at the event?
The event features the ensemble Ethio Cali, led by Todd Simon, and DJ Nu-Mark.
How is this program funded?
The program is made possible in part by a grant from the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs and the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors through the Department of Arts and Culture.
How do you think the integration of hip-hop and traditional Ethio-Jazz influences the current sound of the Los Angeles music scene?
