American violinist and composer
Kaethe Hostetter (Debo Band, QWANQWA, Fred Frith) plays solo musical vignettes. Sourcing from her 11 years living in Addis Ababa, she transports you to the bustling streets of the East African metropolis, evoking the crackling sounds of a saxophone blaring out of a barbershop radio, a shepherd's flute melody turned dub reggae, the beam of light shafting through a thousand year old church, the fervent dancing on packed dirt floors of a rural honey-wine bar, and the funky big band psychedelic sounds of Ethiopia's "Golden Era".
A founding member of critically-acclaimed Debo Band, Kaethe relocated to Ethiopia's capital, Addis Ababa, immersing herself in the country's deep musical culture. In her eleven years there, she founded a music school, and started a new band,
QWANQWA; which brought together some of the most accomplished players in Addis Ababa’s music scene. QWANQWA has recorded 3 albums and made several international tours. During the COVID lockdown, she relocated to her hometown of Santa Cruz, CA, to quarantine with her family.
While there Kaethe released QWANAQA's third album, and recorded a solo album of Ethiopian-inspired violin compositions, as well as two other albums in collaboration with other artists.
As as solo artist she has performed with Fred Frith, Butch Morris, Ava Mendoza, Henry Kaiser, and others
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