Mono Space presents an evening with Kahil El’Zabar and Meg Samples, centered on listening, conversation, and selections drawn from El’Zabar’s body of work.
For more than five decades, El’Zabar has stood as a central figure in spiritual jazz and Black American music, shaping the direction of the music not only through his recordings and performances, but through his role as a bandleader, collaborator, and cultural organizer. His influence extends across generations, connecting ancestral traditions to contemporary practice, and grounding his work in what he describes as his spiritual groove.
This evening takes place during El’Zabar’s Annual Black History Month Tour with the Ethnic Heritage Ensemble and features focused listening alongside additional works from across his catalog. Together, these selections offer insight into the philosophies, histories, and rhythmic language that have shaped his lifelong practice.
Following the listening session, Meg Samples will join El’Zabar for a conversation and audience Q+A. The evening will conclude with a record signing.
Wine for the evening has been generously donated by Bow & Arrow Wines and will be provided complimentary to guests. Tea and other beverages will be available for purchase.
About Kahil El'Zabar
Kahil El’Zabar is a percussionist, composer, bandleader, and cultural organizer whose work has shaped spiritual jazz and Black American music for more than five decades. Guided by what he describes as his spiritual groove, El’Zabar’s practice draws from African traditions, improvisation, and community-based music making, forming a singular and far-reaching musical language.
Across his career, El’Zabar has performed, recorded, and collaborated with a wide range of artists spanning jazz, experimental, and popular music, including Pharoah Sanders, Nina Simone, Dizzy Gillespie, Stevie Wonder, Archie Shepp, Cannonball Adderley, Paul Simon, and Neneh Cherry. He is the founder and longtime leader of the Ethnic Heritage Ensemble and has remained deeply active as a touring artist, recording musician, educator, and advocate for music as a living cultural force. His influence extends across generations, connecting artists through shared rhythm, inquiry, and exchange.
About Meg Samples
Meg Samples Morrow grew up in Kentucky. A lifelong drummer and percussionist, she was the first woman to graduate from the University of Louisville’s Jazz Studies Program with an emphasis in drum set. Meg served as an Assistant Director for the Louisville Leopard Percussionists, Program Director for Girls Rock Louisville, Percussion Instructor for the Kentucky School for the Blind, and on-air host at Louisville Public Media's WFPK. Meg was a working drummer for many years touring, performing, and recording with her own bands and the likes of Will Odlham, Dawn Landes, and Mark Charles Heidinger.
Meg is the host of “Blue in Green” and co-host of “Today’s Good News” with DJ Rev Shines on KMHD, Portland’s Jazz Radio. She is also the Executive Director of Portland Jazz Composers Ensemble, a non-profit whose mission is to create and perform original jazz music that engages and supports our community’s diverse artists, cultures, and place.
The Listening Experience
This program is part of Mono Space’s intentional listening series, a seated, focused format centered around the OJAS hi-fi sound system. Sessions last 60 to 90 minutes, with 30 minutes of open listening before and after. Up to 50 guests gather in a shared setting to experience curated recordings, guided by a host who offers context and reflections as the music unfolds. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are available for purchase. Phones and cameras are set aside to support attention and presence. Details about visiting the space, accessibility, and ticketing can be found in the FAQs.
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