El Khat: Yemeni Junkyard Funk w/ DIY Instruments (Berkeley)
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The Freight | 2020 Addison St, Berkeley, CA 94704
Event Details
Submitted by the Event Organizer
Presented by Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival’s “Out of the Park Series”
El Khat is a homemade junkyard band led by multi-instrumentalist Eyal El Wahab. Their original compositions are inspired by the music of the golden age in Aden, Yemen.
Experimenting with DIY, self-made instruments as an expression of a minimalist life philosophy—while remaining loyal to traditional Yemeni percussive roots—the three-piece developed a unique Arabic-Yemeni style. Although their detachment from any nation or flag is a driving force behind the group, the heart of their music and heritage remains deeply rooted in Yemeni culture. The constant divisions created by war and migration have given rise to a reassembled identity, one that resonates strongly throughout El Khat’s music. With a fourth album to be released in 2026, El Khat continues to forge a sound that bridges past and present—keeping Yemeni culture alive while reimagining its future.
Disclaimer: Please double check event information with the event organizer as events can be canceled, details can change after they are added to our calendar, and errors do occur.
Cost: $38*
