November 11, 2016 – Dexter Story ‘Wondem Remixed’ Release – Soundway Records, Worldwide Digital

Dexter Story releases a Wondem Remix digital album on Soundway Records featuring LA and UK producers on November 11. This is a follow-up record to the acclaimed Wondem album release in October 2015. The producers include Ras G, Te’Amir Sweeney, Stomach Club, Carlos Niño, Jeremy Sole, Todd Simon, Al Dobbs, Jr. and Kutmah.

Wondem Remixed is a humble compilation of reworkings by some of my colleagues in Los Angeles and the UK. I asked musicians who were already interested or involved in my musical explorations or who lived in a parallel universe. In other words, I didn’t force it on a who’s who of “remixers” and as a result this body of work has a more organic and personal sense about it. The collection starts with a masterful reimagining by Brainfeeder beat maestro Ras G who has played a couple of shows with us. He took elements from the entire Wondem record and created an Afrikan Space Program classic. Producer and drummer Te’Amir Sweeney plays with the Wondem band and brought his sonic expertise with a crazy ambient remix of Saba. Emerging production collective Stomach Club, whom I met through my good friend and co-producer Carlos Niño one night in Venice, went all-in and vibey on the Somalian-inspired tune Xamar. Carlos himself provided a spirited soundscape featuring tracks from the entire record. International DJ and KCRW.com favorite Jeremy Sole took Lalibela to a new place with his awesome musicality and sensitivity. Prolific trumpeter, Ethio Cali bandleader and arranger Todd Simon did a sublime dub version of one of the more popular tunes on the record Sidet Eskemeche. The compilation is also blessed by an Al Dobson Jr. appearance. He completely flipped Mowa and I am grateful to him. Last but not least are two exceptional perspectives on Merkato Star and Eastern Prayer by our London-based homie Kutmah.

I am very proud of this Wondem Remixed offering and hope you find some new inspiration for yourself in here.

https://www.soundwayrecords.com/Shop/DownloadDetails?rid=SWR_RE_119

August 19, 2016 – Anne Litt + Edible Gardens LA Present ‘Music in the Garden’ featuring Dexter Story & Wondem Live – Natural History Museum, Los Angeles, CA

Dexter Story and his East Africa-influenced group Wondem perform live at Music in the Garden at the Natural History Museum on Friday, August 19. KCRW’s Anne Litt and Edible Gardens curate this special event.

The band includes:

Alan Lightner
Etsegenet Makonnen
Khalil Cummings
Kibrom Birhane
Michael McTaggart
Randal Fisher
Te’Amir Sweeney
and
Dexter Story

Dexter Story and Wondem Live
@ Anne Litt + Edible Gardens Present
Music in the Garden
(Summer Nights in the Garden)
Friday August 19, 2016
5-9pm
Natural History Museum

RSVP @ nhm.org.

July 17, 2016 – Wondem Live @ Japanese American Cultural & Community Center – JACCC ‎Little Tokyo Concert Series, James Irvine Japanese Garden, Downtown LA, CA

Dexter Story and Wondem band perform at Japanese American Cultural & Community Center – JACCC ‎Little Tokyo Concert Series, James Irvine Japanese Garden on Sunday, July 17, 2016.……………………………………………………………………………………………..
This summer, JACCC presents four, intimate outdoor concerts inside downtown’s James Irvine Japanese Garden in Little Tokyo.

SUNDAYS: JULY 10: SHEILA GOVINDARAJAN | JULY 17: WONDEM | JULY 24: DWIGHT TRIBLE’S ALTERNATE ANGLES + CARLOS NIÑO & FRIENDS | JULY 31: THE LONG LOST | EVERY SUNDAY: DUBLAB

$12 PRESALE, $15 DOOR | LIMITED ADMISSION | 5-9PM | 21+

Tickets available here: jaccc.org/littletokyoconcertseries

Returning for its second season, the Little Tokyo Concert Series honors the intimate, outdoor and natural setting as an ideal environment to experience good music up close. With a diverse lineup of LA’s hottest acts, each night will be a unique and exciting way to wrap your weekends. After selling out each concert last year, we are thrilled to bring this series back to Los Angeles with a fresh line-up, here in the heart of Little Tokyo.

Indulge in sake and soba bar for a taste of Little Tokyo. Visit and experience the magic hours of the summer in great company…

#littletokyoconcertseries

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
JULY 17: WONDEM
+ dublab DJ Frosty

On his debut Soundway Records release, Dexter Story distills his diverse background in soul, funk, jazz and folk idioms into his own unique and worldly voice. Borrowing from Ethiopia, Eritrea, Sudan, Somalia, and Kenya, this collection of East African-influenced music is a testament to Story’s decades of dedication to artistic excellence.

listen: wondem.bandcamp.com

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TICKETS

Tickets are $12 presale, $15 general admission, and are available at JACCC.ORG/littletokyoconcertseries

LIMITED NUMBER OF EARLY BIRD TICKETS ARE ONLY AVAILABLE BETWEEN MAY 24-MAY 31.
……………………………………………………………………………………………..
LOCATION

JAMES IRVINE JAPANESE GARDEN
(Japanese American Cultural & Community Center)
244 S. San Pedro St.
Los Angeles, CA 90012

GARDEN ENTRANCE

The entrance to the garden is conveniently located on San Pedro Street between 2nd and 3rd streets. Look for the narrow walkway between the JACCC Center Building and the adjacent alley.

PARKING

Joe’s Auto Parks/Sho Tokyo Garage
350 E 2nd St. Los Angeles, CA 90012

$10 parking. The entrance to Joe’s Auto Parks is on 2nd Street, walk across the JACCC plaza to the San Pedro Street garden entrance.

*Street parking in Little Tokyo is also free on Sundays.
……………………………………………………………………………………………..
Generous support from dublab, Amoeba Records, LA Downtowner, L.A. Record, Los Angeles County Arts Commission, Aratani Foundation & Bloomberg Philanthropies

July 4, 2016 – Wondem Live @ Grand Park / Music Center’s 4th of July Block Party – Grand Park, Downtown Los Angeles, CA

Dexter Story & Wondem perform live at Grand Park and The Music Center presents 4th of July Block Party on July 4, 2016 from 6:30 to 7:30pm.

FREE / GRATIS
#GO4THDTLA

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LOS ANGELES! #GO4THDTLA. Grand Park and The Music Center are where to celebrate together with music, food, and an incredible fireworks display launched from the civic center skyline. Grab the best friends, the whole family, and main squeezes and enjoy a bit of togetherness under the beautiful Angeleno sky. **Safety for everyone is número uno. Check back soon for more info on entrances, prohibited items, parking, etc.**

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SCHEDULE: Doors open at 2pm. Fireworks show will create stunning backdrop for L.A.’s iconic City Hall. Event ends at 9:30pm

MUSIC and ARTISTS that call L.A. home:

THE FIREWORKS STAGE (on The Music Center Plaza):

YOUR HOST: Mario Hernandez

Kotolan (Indie Pop meets global, sung in English, Spanish and Japanese)

108Hill (project debut by Peter Madana, Aalok Mehta, and Anisha Nagarajan exploring stories and sounds from Bombay to L.A.)

Jenny O. (L.A. based pop Singer-Songwriter)

Dexter Story (Wondem) (Soul, Funk, Jazz and Folk music with musical elements from East Africa)

The Echo Park Project and the dancers from the World Salsa Congress (legendary Salsa sounds with a twist)

THE BACKYARD STAGE (Grand Park near Hill St):

YOUR HOST: Kristin Rand

La Junta (DJ collective spinning tropical sounds of Brazil, Colombia, Peru, Africa, Cuba, Puerto Rico, India and Mexico)

Afro Funke’ with Rocky Dawuni, DJ Jeremy Sole, DJ Glenn Red(blends of African, Global, Hip-Hop, Jazz/Funk, Dub Reggae, Afro Beat and remixes)

EVENT LAWN: Dedicated space for play for children 4-14

Got Game Sports leading tag, soccer and other games thru 8:30pm // Tunes spun by DJ Francesca Harding and Ericalandia // Chris Douridas

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GETTING THROUGH BAG CHECK: All bags will be checked upon entry to event space.

FOOD + DRINK POLICY: PICNICS/OUTSIDE FOOD is welcome in totes and backpacks – NO COOLERS. SIZE OF BAGS AND BACKPACKS/TOTES must be standard backpack size or smaller (16.75 inches x 13 inches x 8.5 inches). NO OUTSIDE BEVERAGES including juice and soda (sealed juice boxes is the only exception). ONLY EMPTY (non glass) WATER BOTTLES allowed. PARK WATER FOUNTAINS and WATER FOR PURCHASE BOOTHS will be available in the event space. FOOD VENDORS BOOTHS will be available throughout event space. This is and alchohol-free event, NO ALCOHOL permitted.

THE FOLLOWING IS PROHIBITED: Bags and backpacks measuring larger than standard backpack size (16.75 inches x 13 inches x 8.5 inches), coolers, chairs, outside alcoholic beverages, sealed or open beverage bottles with liquid including water (fountains and water for purchase will be available), selfie sticks, glass, smartboards, projection devices, narcotics, tents, firecrackers, explosives, sparklers, firearms/weapons, identity-covering costumes, confetti cannons, generators, drones, printed signage measuring larger than 8.5 inches b x 11 inches, props, flag poles and sticks, public intoxication, rollerblading, skateboarding, smoking, vaping, unauthorized vending, unleashed animals, smart boarding, outside solicitation, staking objects to ground, drone operation, amplified noise and bicycles (may be parked outside of event at 1st and Hill streets).

ALLOWED: Snacks, food, sealed juice boxes, small bags, strollers, handheld umbrellas and empty reusable non-glass water containers.

THE FOLLOWING ACTIVITIES ARE PROHIBITED: Public Intoxication / Rollerblading / Skateboarding / Smoking / Vaping / Unauthorized Vending / Aggressive Solicitation / Staking Objects to Ground

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FOOD FOR SALE: Food vendors will be onsite.

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STREET CLOSURE INFO: Details on scheduled event street closures in the 4th of July Block Party Community Letter.

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BIKE PARKING: Bike valet available at 1st and Hill. FREE

METRO RECOMMENDATION: Take Metro Red/Purple lines to CIVIC CENTER/GRAND PARK STATION (use 1st St exit; Temple St exit is only open for ADA/elevator access). Gold Line to UNION STATION or LITTLE TOKYO/ARTS DISTRICT STATION, then 7-12 min walk towards The Music Center

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Summer at The Music Center: Performing Arts Center of Los Angeles + Grand Park: Free events for all, because everything is better together.

May 28, 2016 – Dexter Story and Wondem Live In-Store Performance – Record Surplus, Santa Monica, CA

Dexter Story performs an in-store with his Wondem group at Record Surplus in Santa Monica, CA on Saturday, May 28. Record Surplus is a longtime music store specializing in buying & selling used records, CDs, books, DVDs & memorabilia.

Dexter Story & Wondem Live
Live In-Store Performance
Saturday, May 28, 2016
Free

Record Surplus
12436 Santa Monica Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90025

Phone: (310) 979-4577

https://www.facebook.com/wondemmusic/

April 28, 2016 – Ethio Cali Presents New Offerings – Blue Whale, Downtown LA, CA

Dexter Story performs guitar, bass and organ with Todd Simon’s Ethio Cali at the Blue Whale on Thursday, April 28, 2016.Springtime is here and Ethio Cali has curated an eveing of NEW OFFERINGS featuring new compositions and arrangements to be premiered at one of our favorite LA venues, the Blue Whale.

We will also take a moment to pay tribute to Prince and Getatchew Mekurya, the pioneer of Ethiopian-Jazz tenor saxophone, who have recently passed away.

Featuring:
Todd Simon – trumpet/flügelhorn
Randal Fisher – tenor saxophone/flute
Tylana Renga – violin
Dexter Story – guitar/organ
Patrick Bailey -bass/guitar
Kibrom Birhane – piano
Alan Lightner – steel drums
Te’Amir Sweeney – drums
Steve Haney & Kahlil Cummings – percussion

Special guest DJ MZA providing selections throughout the night

Ethio Cali Presents New Offerings
Blue Whale
123 Astronaut E S Onizuka
Little Tokyo
Los Angeles, CA 90012

Doors: 8pm
Cover: $15

https://www.facebook.com/events/569262049917959/

February 26, 2016 – Metro Arts Presents Dexter Story & Wondem Live – Waiting Room, Union Station, Los Angeles, CA

Dexter Story & Wondem perform live in the beautiful waiting room of Los Angeles’ Union Station on Friday, February 26. The free late afternoon concert will feature selections from Dexter Story’s recent Soundway Records release ‪#‎Wondem‬ as well as new original compositions.
On Friday, February 26, the Wondem ensemble will proudly feature the following musicians in the Union Station main waiting room:

Etsegenet Mekonnen – Bass, Vocals
Kibrom Birhane – Keys, Vocals, Massinqo
Mike McTaggart – Guitar 
Randal Fisher – Tenor Saxophone, Flute
Te’Amir Yohannes Sweeney – Drums, Percussion
Dexter Story – Keys, Guitar, Vocals

Metro Arts Presents Dexter Story & Wondem Live
Friday, February 26, 2016
4-6pm
2 sets
Union Station Los Angeles
800 N. Alameda Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012

https://www.facebook.com/events/483174251879922/

January 28, 2016 – Dexter Story & Wondem Live – Del Monte Speakeasy, Venice, CA

Dexter Story and Wondem band perform live in Venice at the Del Monte Speakeasy on Thursday, January 28, 2016. The repertoire will be music from the recently released Soundway Records album #Wondem.


Thursday, January 28
DEXTER STORY & WONDEM BAND (LIVE)

The band:

Drums: Te’Amir Sweeney
Percussion: Kahlil Cummings
Percussion: Carlos Niño
Bass: Brandon Eugene Owens
Guitar: Michael McTaggart
Keys: Mark de Clive-Lowe
Tenor Saxophone: Randal Fisher
Trumpet: Todd M. Simon
Vocals: Dustin Warren

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Join us for a special 2016 Westside live performance at the Del Monte Speakeasy featuring music from the Soundway Records album inspired by East African sounds. With a special opening set by Ras G (The Afrikan Space Program / Brainfeeder)

Plus DJ sets by Mathieu “Mr. French” Schreyer (KCRW)

9pm / 21+ / $10

The Del Monte Speakeasy
@ The Townhouse
52 Windward Ave, Venice, CA 90291
*Celebrating Timkat and Aquarians worldwide
______________________________
www.wondem.com
www.townhousevenice.com

Like the Facebook page for more information and updates: https://www.facebook.com/wondemmusic/

November 24, 2015 – Radio Afrique Presents Dexter Story & Wondem Live – General Lee’s, Chinatown, Los Angeles, CA

Dexter Story & Wondem, in association with the Los Angles-based DJ collective Radio Afrique, present an encore performance of his Soundway Records body of work #Wondem at General Lee’s on Tuesday, November 24.

Band includes:

Carlos Niño – Percussion
Te’Amir Sweeney – Drums
Patrick Bailey – Bass
Mark de Clive-Lowe – Keys
Michael McTaggart – Guitar
Tenor Saxophone and Flute – Randal Fisher
Trumpet – Todd Simon
Vocals – Dustin Warren (Godfrey at Large)
Misc – Dexter Story

Radio Afrique Presents
Dexter Story & Wondem Live
Tuesday, November 24, 2015
8pm
General Lee’s
Chinatown
475 Gin Ling Way
Los Angeles, CA 90012

http://rafrique.tumblr.com
http://wondem.com
https://www.facebook.com/events/179959985679314/

July 31, 2015 – Ethio Cali Live (Opening for Zongo Junction) – El Cid, Los Angeles, CA

Playing multiple instruments with Ethio Cali on their opening set supporting Brooklyn Afrobeat collective Zongo Junction on Friday, July 31. Generating a well-deserved buzz in NYC’s exploding afrobeat scene, Zongo Junction electrifies dance floors wherever they perform. The Village Voice describes their live show as “Sheer energy with the force of a tractor-trailer that roars with power and noise.” With five horns, and a six-piece rhythm section, audiences can’t help but move no matter where the band is playing.

Ethio Cali opening for
Zongo Junction
Also featuring Quita Peñas
Friday, July 31, 2015
9pm
$15
El Cid
4212 W. Sunset Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA, 90029
http://www.elcidla.com/

July 11, 2015 – Artist For Charity’s Art Auction Fundraiser featuring Ethio Cali and JP Saxe – Voila! Gallery, Los Angeles, CA

Playing bass with Ethio Cali at Arts For Charity’s first Los Angeles fundraiser on Saturday, July 11 at Voila! Gallery. AFC uses the power of art to create hope for orphaned children with HIV and other illnesses in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The proceeds benefit orphaned children living with HIV.

Over the past 9 years, AFC’s efforts have been supported by our fabulous art auction benefit events in Washington, D.C., and New York City. We are now coming to Los Angeles for the first time on Saturday, July 11th, at the beautiful Voila! Gallery.

Our exciting live auction provides a unique opportunity for participants to bid on art from all over the world.  Come enjoy an evening in which you can bring home beautiful artwork by both well-known and up-and-coming artists, and also make a profound difference, creating hope for the children of AFC.

We will also feature:

– Band members from EthioCali playing afro-jazz, and other talented entertainers.

– A taste of Ethiopia, brought to you by Azla Vegan.

– Sipping on an assortment of drinks.

– Mixing and mingling with our amazing family of supporters and volunteers!

There are a limited number of tickets available, so don’t delay in snagging your seat! On behalf of the children, and all of us at AFC, we extend our warmest appreciation for your generosity. We look forward to seeing you there!

Ethio Cali Live @

Artists For Charity’s Art Auction Fundraiser

Saturday, July 11, 2015

6pm
Voila! Gallery
518 N. La Brea Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90036Tickets available at http://www.artistsforcharity.org

ethiocali.com

April 30, 2015 – Ethio Cali Live + Ras G – Del Monte Speakeasy, Venice, CA

Playing multiple instruments with Ethio Cali live at The Del Monte Speakeasy in Venice on Thursday, April 30.
Ethio Cali Live + Ras G
Thursday, April 30, 2015
9pm
$8
52 Windward Avenue
Venice, CA 90291
ethiocali.com

April 19, 2015 – Ethio Cali Live @ LA Times Festival of Books 2015 – USC, Los Angeles, CA

Playing guitar and keys with Ethio Cali live at the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books at USC on Sunday, April 19.

The Los Angeles Times Festival of Books began in 1996 with a simple goal: to bring together the people who create books with the people who love to read them. The festival was an immediate success and has evolved to include live bands, poetry readings, chef demos, cultural entertainment and artists creating their work on-site. There’s also a photography exhibit, film screenings followed by Q&A’s and discussion panels on some of today’s hottest topics. The festival attracts approximately 150,000 people each year of all ages from Southern California and even other parts of the country.

Ethio Cali Live
Sunday, April 19, 2015
3pm
Sound Stage
LA Times Festival of Books
USC Campus
Free

http://events.latimes.com/festivalofbooks/the-festival/info/

March 19, 2015 – Ethio Cali Live (3 of 4 Residency) – Acabar Restaurant, West Hollywood, CA

Playing guitar and arranging with Ethio Cali Ensemble at Acabar Restaurant in West Hollywood on Thursday, March 19. This is the third of four in a weekly residency in March.

ETHIO CALI ACABAR RESIDENCY
THURSDAYS IN MARCH (5th, 12th, 19th, 26th)

Featuring special DJ sets by:
– CANYON CODY – MARCH 5
– ETHIO CALI DJS – MARCH 12
– CARLOS NINO – MARCH 19
– BOSS HARMONY – MARCH 26

And resident/host/music director: WISEACRE aka ERIC TUCKER

Ethio Cali is a Los Angeles-based Ethio-Jazz ensemble, led by trumpeter, arranger, and composer Todd Simon. The ensemble’s sublime sound is inspired by the golden age of Ethiopian music of the 1960’s and 70’s, filtered through a lens that is uniquely Los Angeles. Acknowledging the diverse musical foundations of Ethio-Jazz, the ensemble also draws inspiration from the rhythmic and melodic textures of Sudan, Somalia, Ghana, and Colombia.

9pm
Dinner til midnight
$10. ADVANCE TIX http://www.eventbrite.com/e/ethio-cali-acabar-residency-tickets-15833749170?aff=erelexporg
$10. AT THE DOOR
21+ w/ ID

ACABAR
1510 North Stanley Avenue (@ Sunset Blvd.)

West Hollywood
http://acabar-la.com/
https://www.facebook.com/acabarla

about ETHIO CALI:
http://ethiocali.com/
https://soundcloud.com/ethiocali
https://www.facebook.com/EthioCali

https://www.facebook.com/events/1439906452916670/

March 5, 2015 – Ethio Cali Live (Residency) – Acabar, West Hollywood, CA

Playing guitar and arranging with Ethio Cali Ensemble at Acabar Restaurant in West Hollywood. This is the first in a weekly residency in March.

ETHIO CALI ACABAR RESIDENCY
THURSDAYS IN MARCH (5th, 12th, 19th, 26th)

Featuring special DJ sets by:
– CANYON CODY – MARCH 5
– ETHIO CALI DJS – MARCH 12
– CARLOS NINO – MARCH 19
– BOSS HARMONY – MARCH 26

And resident/host/music director: WISEACRE aka ERIC TUCKER

Ethio Cali is a Los Angeles-based Ethio-Jazz ensemble, led by trumpeter, arranger, and composer Todd Simon. The ensemble’s sublime sound is inspired by the golden age of Ethiopian music of the 1960’s and 70’s, filtered through a lens that is uniquely Los Angeles. Acknowledging the diverse musical foundations of Ethio-Jazz, the ensemble also draws inspiration from the rhythmic and melodic textures of Sudan, Somalia, Ghana, and Colombia.

9pm
Dinner til midnight
$10. ADVANCE TIX http://www.eventbrite.com/e/ethio-cali-acabar-residency-tickets-15833749170?aff=erelexporg
$15. AT THE DOOR
21+ w/ ID

ACABAR
1510 North Stanley Avenue (@ Sunset Blvd.)

West Hollywood
http://acabar-la.com/
https://www.facebook.com/acabarla

about ETHIO CALI:
http://ethiocali.com/
https://soundcloud.com/ethiocali
https://www.facebook.com/EthioCali

https://www.facebook.com/events/1439906452916670/