The Ethiopian ensemble Ethiocolor will perform on Sept. 29 at UCLA’s Nimoy Theater. (photo by Miki Mak)

UCLA’s Center for the Art of Performance is presenting two performances that promise to captivate and inspire audiences at The Nimoy in September including, the nine-member Ethiopian ensemble Ethiocolor on Friday, Sept. 29 at 8 p.m., followed by “Counterpoint,” a collaboration from pianist-composer Conrad Tao and dancer-choreographer Caleb Teicher on Saturday, Sept. 30 at 8 p.m.

On Friday, Sept. 29 at 8 p.m., immerse in the mesmerizing world of Ethiocolor, led by the charismatic Melaku Belay. With deep roots in Ethiopia’s rich Azmari culture, this nine-member ensemble transcends time, fusing ancient traditions with modern sensibilities. Through a spellbinding synergy of dance and music, Ethiocolor takes audiences on a journey that defies boundaries and unites hearts across cultures. Melaku Belay brings to life the rhythmic marvel of eskista, a shoulder-shimmying dance, while his Fendika Cultural Center in Addis Ababa has become a global hub of artistic exchange.

Ethiocolor is part of Center Stage, a public diplomacy initiative of the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs with funding provided by the U.S. Government, administered by the New England Foundation for the Arts in cooperation with the U.S. Regional Arts Organizations. General management is provided by Lisa Booth Management, Inc.

Tao and Teicher present a captivating collaboration on Saturday, Sept. 30 at 8 p.m., as the two merge their exceptional talents to create Counterpoint. A harmonious convergence of pianistic brilliance and dynamic choreography, Counter-point showcases the artistic fusion of two distinct worlds. Tao’s evocative piano compositions, ranging from Bach to Gershwin, intertwine seamlessly with Teicher’s expressive dance, as they explore the fluid boundaries between their respective disciplines. The result is an experience that pushes artistic frontiers and extends the realms of both music and dance.

The CAP UCLA 2023 spring programs continue on Oct. 5-7 with Edgar Arceneaux: “Boney Manilli” and Oct. 7-8 with Ann Carlson + “inkBoat: These Are the Ones We Fell Among.” Tickets for the entire season are available now at cap.ucla.edu, by phone (310)825-2101 or at the UCLA Central Ticket Office. UCLA’s Nimoy Theater is located at 1262 Westwood Blvd.