As part of the US Embassy’s ongoing efforts to engage Ethiopian audiences through music and create opportunities for music lovers to interact directly with American musicians, Crow and the Canyon – an American bluegrass band based in Portland, Oregon – toured Ethiopia from March 12-21, 2018.
Crow and the Canyon visited Ethiopia on a four-nation Africa tour to introduce bluegrass music to audiences in Ethiopia, Eritrea, Uganda and Zambia. Bluegrass music is a genre of American roots music that draws upon the musical traditions of Irish, Scottish and English immigrants to the United States, incorporates elements of African-American jazz and gospel, and cultural influences from the Appalachia region.
Ambassador Raynor said, “Bluegrass is a particularly apt choice for Ethiopia right now, as the country strives to take strength from its long tradition of cultural and ethnic diversity.” He also added, “Crow and the Canyon will take us on a musical journey through classic bluegrass, heartland acoustic folk, and bluesy country – all aspects of one sound that reflect so much of the story of the United States.”
During their ten-day visit to Ethiopia, Crow and the Canyon conducted workshops, trainings, lecture demonstrations as well as performed in Addis Ababa, Gondar and Mekelle. In Addis Ababa, the band worked with music students at the Yared School of Music, Mekannisa Jazz School, and Entoto Polytechnic College. The band also gave workshops to music students at the University of Gondar and Mekelle University as well as performed at the University of Gondar Community School and the Nicolas Robinson School in Mekelle.
Crow and the Canyon’s four-nation Africa tour is sponsored by the US Department of State through the American Music Abroad program, which is a people-to-people cultural exchange program designed to communicate America’s rich musical contributions and diverse culture to the global music scene.
Although the band has only been playing together since 2014, Crow and the Canyon sound like a band of age-old collaborators and friends. Their heartfelt yet cerebral lyrics, soaring vocals, and impressive instrumentals are endlessly listenable, while also remaining inventive and interesting.
Their debut album, Leaving Soon, is a refreshingly contemplative take on high-spirited Americana songwriting which rewards repeated listening, and weaves back and forth between precise bluegrass, heartland acoustic folk, and bluesy country.
The result is a series of songs that sound just as natural on a front porch in the heat of summer, in a dimly lit basement pub in the dead of winter or rollicking on a big festival stage. Their charismatic, engaging performances have garnered them a beloved reputation that keeps music lovers returning time and time again.
Band members are: Ben Larsen on the Mandolin, Austin Quattlebaumon the Banjo, Leigh Jones – Vocals, Jeremy Elliott on the Guitar and Audra Nemiron the Upright Bass.
American Bluegrass music band ‘Crow and the Canyon’ successfully concludes Ethiopia tour
A new autobiography by Teklu Tabor
A new autobiography by Teklu Tabor was inaugurated on Friday march 23 at Wabe Shebelle Hotel. The book depicts the life and work of Teklu tabor who was a public relations officer for Ministry of Information during the Derg Regime.
Wolayta should keep rolling
It looks like Wolayta Dicha’s wild ride will last further than the preliminary rounds as they play the decisive return leg match at Hawassa International Stadium against humble Young Africa from Tanzania.
Relegated to the Confederation Cup, Saint George faces a strong adversary from the Congo Republic staging the first leg in Addis Ababa.
Damping out five time African champion Zamalek after a penalty shootout the debutants under inspirational head coach Zenebe Feseha are in pole position to get through this final qualification round. They have been handed a modest East African side relegated to the Confederation Cup after a 2-1 aggregate defeat to little known Botswana side Township Rollers.
They have strong home supporters, team spirit, discipline and commitment as well as home advantage; Dicha is on the verge of writing a new successful history. An inspiring head coach, lethal strike force through Bezabeh Meleyo and Jaco Arafat and amazing goalie Wondwosen Germew, Dicha has all the fire power to demolish Young Africa.
On the other hand Saint George returns to Congo for a second successive season last time kicking out AC Leopards from the competition. Though Vaz Pinto’s mentorship is admired and the impact is said to result in the long run, “The Horse Riders” current form makes the visitors favorites to get past the stage. Saint George is relegated from the Champions league while Cara Brazzaville reached the stage thrashing big name sides from Ghana and Tunisia.
Okiki, Kenaan, Wondwosen top first round players
Ji3mma AbaJifar’s striker Okiki Afolabi, Adama midfielder Kenaan Markneh and Wolayta Dicha goalie Wondwosen Germew were the most talked about players during the first half of the Premier League season.
The Nigerian striker, Okiki, was the most successful foreign footballer in the first round. He was tied for the most with nine and helped AbaJifar to second place with 25 points and many feel the 1.92m tall striker could lead AbaJifar to the title in the second round.
Kenaan Markneh’s consistent midfield performance has helped Adama stay close to the league leaders. In full control of the midfield flow Kenaan’s almost telepathic combination with striker Dawa Hutesa gave Adama an unprecedented edge. Kenaan has given much of the credit to his teammates, and this attitude could help Adama to sit among the league leaders.
Former Ethiopia Bunna goal keeper Wondowosen Germew has stood between the wood for the last eight games for Wolayta and they have lost only one of those. Wolayta has shot up to 8th place since. They are currently on cloud nine as he also saved a spot kick against Zamalek in the Confederation Cup. Wondwosen could take Wolayta further on both fronts at the league as well as the Confederation Cup.
