ABINNET BERHANU / LASSE CORSON / RYAN FREITAS

Virginia transplant Abinnet Berhanu started his fascination with Black American Music on the trumpet but later fell in love with the sheer power of drums.  Having a reputation for being a passionate, explosive drummer, Abinnet has had the opportunity to work with Steve Wilson, The Minnesota Orchestra, JD Allen, Michael Cain, Byron Stripling, Bruce Harris, Russ Johnson, Allyn Johnson, John D’Earth, Justin Kauflin, Russell Wilson and Mike Hawkins amongst others. His appearances include the Kennedy Center, Library of Congress, The White House, Blues Alley, Bohemian Caverns, DC Jazz Festival, Twin Cities Winter Jazz Festival, Minnesota State Fair, Embassy of Sweden, Embassy of Gabon, Embassy of Australia, Baltimore Artscape and the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. His group ‘Hebret Musica’ released their self entitled  debut album in 2019 and was described by Jamie Sandel of Washington, DC’s Capital Bop as having “a feeling of open-hearted sincerity permeating the music. It’s that sentiment — conveyed through lush melodies and satisfying harmonies — that makes his songs stick in your head long after the concert ends.”