Ethio Cali live in Los Angeles

Experience Ethio Cali live on August 15th

Ethio Cali is scheduled to perform at Grand Performances in Los Angeles on August 15, 2026. The group blends Ethiopian jazz traditions with elements of Californian funk, soul, and hip-hop, creating a distinctive sound often described as Ethio-funk or Ethio-soul. Their music incorporates traditional Ethiopian scales and instrumentation – frequently featuring instruments like the krar (a five-stringed lyre) – alongside contemporary arrangements and grooves. Ethio Cali formed in 2015, initially as a project celebrating the work of Ethiopian musical icon Mulatu Astatke, and has since developed its own original compositions while remaining rooted in that foundational influence.

Grand Performances is a free outdoor concert series held annually in downtown Los Angeles’ California Plaza. Established in 1986, it has presented a diverse range of performing arts, including music, dance, theater, and spoken word. The venue itself features an amphitheater setting with lawn seating and is known for its commitment to presenting accessible cultural experiences to the community. It consistently features both established and emerging artists across numerous genres, aiming to reflect the cultural diversity of Los Angeles.