Kelan Phil Cohran

Chimurenga proudly presents “Heliacal Rising of Sothis“, a celebration of the late great musician and educator Kelan Phil Cohran on his birthday 8 May 2024, also the 59th anniversary of the founding of AACM (Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians).

Cohran was a co-founder of AACM as well as the founder of the Afro Arts Theatre. His seminal group the Artistic Heritage Ensemble generated numerous recordings and offshoots, including groups such as Earth, Wind and Fire and The Pharaohs. Baba Kelan was a prolific composer, bandleader, and father of all the members of Hypnotic Brass Ensemble. His explorations of culture, history, astronomy, music, herbalism, mathematics, and language were highly influential among the community of musicians that rose during the Black Arts Movement and subsequent artistic schools in Chicago.

Led by bassist and AACM member Adam Zanolini, “Heliacal Rising of Sothis” is a project dedicated to the work and teaching of Kelan Phil Cohran. Featuring cornetist Ben Lamar Gay, saxophonist Fred Jackson Jr, Sharon Udoh on keys and drummer Naydja Bruton AKA Rhythm Ninja.

A once-off performance at the Chimurenga Factory, not to be missed.

Wednesday, 08 May 2024 from 8pm
Chimurenga Factory (157 Victoria Road, Woodstock, Cape Town)

R250 at quicket here.
R300 at the door.