Ethiopian psychedelic rock band Qwanqwa bends genres at the Cedar

The Twin Cities art scene this weekend pulsates with global sounds and social commentary. Ethiopian musicians take the stage with psychedelic rock and experimental folk tunes, a thought-provoking play follows a Black writer accused of plagiarism, and a musical featuring shadow puppetry brings the struggles of the working class to life.

Ethiopian musicians bring experimental sounds to the stage

The Cedar Cultural Center is hosting an evening exploring traditional Ethiopian music through a contemporary lens .

Qwanqwa , a string-based rock band formed in 2012 by American violinist Kaethe Hostetter , headlines the event. After collaborating with various Ethiopian musicians in Addis Ababa, Hostetter assembled Qwanqwa, which she describes as the “ultimate supergroup.” The band blends psychedelic elements with traditional Ethiopian music, featuring vocalist Selamnesh Zemene, masinko (one-string fiddle) player Endris Hassen, bassist Bubu Teklemariam, and kebero (hand drum) player Misale Legesse. Their performances range from intimate jazz clubs and country opera houses to high-energy rock shows and folk festivals.

“Qwanqwa means ‘language’ in Amharic,” Hostetter said. “We are named after the idea that music can be a universal language to unify and bring people together.”

Joining Qwanqwa is drummer Abinnet Berhanu ’s band Ahndenet featuring vocalist Genet Abate . Led by Berhanu, the group explores both Ethiopian folk and popular music, drawing influences from the wider East and West African diaspora.

Hostetter sees the show as a vehicle for cultural exchange. “Music can be genreless,” she said. “We are playing Ethiopian melodies but we’ve seen that it speaks to people across genres, from jazz to punk rock.”

Date: Friday, April 19

Time: 8 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Location: The Cedar Cultural Center, 416 Cedar Ave., Minneapolis

Cost: $30 online, $35 day of the show.

For more information: Visit thecedar.org .

Play examines representation and authorship

The Jungle Theater is staging “ A Jumping-Off Point ,” a new play by Inda Craig-Galván , known for her comedic and magical realist works that explore experiences within the Black community.

“A Jumping-Off Point” follows Leslie Wallace ( Vinecia Coleman ), a Black writer celebrating her first HBO deal. Her joy is disrupted by Andrew (Gabriel Murphy), a white former classmate, who accuses her of plagiarizing his script featuring Black characters.

Directed by Shá Cage , the production explores questions of representation, privilege and the right to tell a particular story.

Date: Saturday, April 20 to May 19

Time: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, 2 p.m. on Sunday.

Location: The Jungle Theater, 2951 Lyndale Ave. S., Minneapolis

Cost: Tickets start at $16 or pay what you can.

For more information: Visit jungletheater.org .

Opera reimagines ‘The Cradle Will Rock’ with shadow puppets

An Opera Theatre is presenting “The Cradle Will Rock,” a new interpretation of Marc Blitzstein’s 1937 musical. Directed by Christina Baldwin , the 90-minute performance incorporates shadow puppetry designed by Lizz Windnagel , adding a visual dimension to the play’s insights on capitalism and class struggle.

Set during the Great Depression, “The Cradle Will Rock” follows a union organizer’s efforts to rally workers against exploitation. “Blitzstein didn’t write this because he had the answers, and almost 90 years later, we still don’t,” said Kelly M. Turpin, the theater’s executive director and producer, in the program notes. The musical aims to provoke laughter and spark questions that linger long after the performance.

Conductor Marco Real d’Arbelles leads the musical accompaniment featuring Blitzstein’s classic score. The cast includes Maurice Fields III, making their AOT debut, Korean American soprano Corissa Bussian , and Filipino artist Ches Cipriano.

Date: Friday, April 19 to Sunday, April 21

Time: 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, 5 p.m. on Sunday.

Location: Avalon Theatre, 1500 E., Lake St., Minneapolis

Cost: Free or pay what you can. For more information: Visit anoperatheatre.org .

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