El Khat - Live in Berkeley on October 3!

Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Out of the Park, Roots Rewired and The Freight proudly present

El Khat

Junkyard Funk from Yemen!

special guest TBA

doors 7pm / showtime 8pm

“Brilliant!” - Gilles Peterson

“Vigorous psychedelic stomps … an exciting new discovery.” - Uncut

El Khat is a homemade junkyard band led by multi-instrumentalist Eyal El Wahab. Their original compositions are inspired by the music of the golden age in Aden, Yemen.

Experimenting with DIY, self-made instruments as an expression of a minimalist life philosophy—while remaining loyal to traditional Yemeni percussive roots—the three-piece developed a unique Arabic-Yemeni style. Although their detachment from any nation or flag is a driving force behind the group, the heart of their music and heritage remains deeply rooted in Yemeni culture. The constant divisions created by war and migration have given rise to a reassembled identity, one that resonates strongly throughout El Khat’s music. With a fourth album to be released in 2026, El Khat continues to forge a sound that bridges past and present—keeping Yemeni culture alive while reimagining its future.

''everything is recycled metal, plastic or wood.... like a huge, disgruntled anima shaking itself into life.” - **** Financial Times