The Horn celebrates 10 years over four days.
PREVIEW
The Horn African Cafe and Restaurant celebrates its 10th birthday, June 1 – 4, 20 Johnston Street, Collingwood
Excitement is building as the opening night of the Melbourne International Jazz Festival approaches on Friday, but The Horn Cafe in Collingwood is about to launch its own mini festival to celebrate 10 years of providing food and live music.
All guests who drop in over the four days of celebration, starting today, will be given a free glass of bubbles to accompany lots of music, special guests, food and drink specials.
The African cafe and music lounge was opened in June, 2007, by Peter Harper and his wife, Enushu. Over that time it has given patrons the opportunity to experience authentic and modern Ethiopian cuisine, including homemade injera, in a comfortable and relaxed environment. Guests also relax in the courtyard and enjoy the large range of African beers.
Live music performances take place on Thursdays and Sundays with special performances by jazz bands in residence, Ted Vining and Bob Sedergreen, on Thursdays. On Sundays, the usual fare is Ethiopian jazz, funk, hip-hop when the Black Jesus Experience performs between 6.30pm and 10pm.
The Horn Cafe serves organic and single blend Sidamo Ethiopian Coffee and traditional Ethiopian Coffee ceremonies are available upon request.
Blow members relax at The Horn. Picture courtesy Gerry Koster
First up at The Horn in the live music line-up for the 10th birthday will be exceptional improvisers Blow, comprising Ted Vining on drums, Bob Sedergreen on keys, Peter Harper on alto saxophone, Ian Dixon on trumpet and flugelhorn and Gareth Hill on double bass. Blow will perform on June 1.
On Friday, June 2 the line-up will be Elmoth Reggae, Funk, Soul Legends. On Saturday, June 3 Alariiya Afrobeat Sounds will feature GP Saxy.
The Black Jesus Experience. Picture: Bram Lammers
On Sunday, June 4, The Black Jesus Experience will perform with special guests. BJX is an eight-piece band playing a danceable blend of traditional Ethiopian songs and 21st Century groove. With backgrounds as diverse as the five continents the members of ‘BJX’ hail from, their music reflects the multicultural vibrancy of the band’s hometown, Melbourne.
The Horn Cafe opens at 7pm Wednesday to Friday and 6.30pm on Saturday, 3pm on Sunday. Call (03) 9417 4670 for details of performance times during the 10th birthday celebrations.
ROGER MITCHELL
Ausjazz Blog 