Primary Scene: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Kaethe Hostetter is a 5 string electro-acoustic violin player who splits her time between Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and wherever her projects take her. As a child, she was exposed to traditional musics of all kinds – Mexican, Cajun, Balkan, Klezmer, Albanian – and a passion for virtuoso folk music has stayed a theme in her life throughout. It is no surprise, then, that Kaethe is well versed in Ethiopian music, leading to the creation of the successful groove outlet Debo Band, of which she was a co-founder in Jamaica Plain, MA, 2006. Currently in Addis, she has focused her energy now on her project QWANQWA, which is an experimental/traditional band with traditional instruments using effects pedals. She also works with a string quartet of local folks, and is writing string quartet arrangements of Ethiopian music. She is exploring the possibilities of violin in this new setting. Her myriad influences have resulted in a unique approach and sound, showing incredible technique, musicality, and the influence of a rich tapestry of genres and cultures.
Hostetter, Kaethe