ABINNET BERHANU – 8PM & 10PM

Washington, DC based drummer and composer Abinnet Berhanu is an up and coming artist that is developing a reputation for being an open, versatile, intense, emotional musician. Abinnet grew up in Williamsburg, VA where he originally studied trumpet, picking up the drums in middle school jazz band by way of a very encouraging band director. After finishing high school, Abinnet moved on to Richmond, VA, where he completed his studies in Economics and Jazz Performance between Virginia Commonwealth University and the University of Richmond. Ever since the moment he picked up drums, he knew where his heart lied.

As a bandleader, Abinnet tries to marry the sounds of his upbringing and his experiences looking at life through American and Ethiopian lenses. His group Hebret Musica (Community Music) comes together to make music that reflects the stories that are being told through his music. Abinnet’s groups have had fortunate opportunities to appear in concert at Twins Jazz Club, the CapitolBop Jazz Loft Series, the Richmond Jazz Society Stage at the Second Street Festival, the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, the University of Richmond, Virginia Commonwealth University, Havana Nights Jazz Club, the Williamsburg Library Theater, and the College of William and Mary. Hebret Musica’s debut album is currently in the works and is expected to be released in 2015.

Abinnet has had fortunate opportunities to be able to share the bandstand with such notable musicians including but not limited to: Steve Wilson, Allyn Johnson, John D’Earth, Justin Kauflin, Herman Burney Jr., Wells Hanley, Tom Varner, Michael Hawkins, Vincent Chauncey, Russell Wilson, Weldon Hill, and Charles Owens.