El Khat brings Yemeni sound to Bishop Hill

El Khat, the boundary-pushing Arabic-Yemeni trio, will perform Monday, Nov. 17, at Bishop Hill Creative Commons on Monday, Nov. 17.

The evening begins with a community potluck and social hour at 6 p.m., followed by the concert at 7 p.m. The event is for all ages and family-friendly, offering a rare opportunity to experience a globally acclaimed sound in an intimate local setting. Guests are welcome to bring their own food, drinks, lawn chairs, or blankets.

A $20–$30 suggested donation is requested, with 100% of proceeds going directly to the performers. For tickets and more information, visit here.

El Khat (Bishop Hill Creative Commons)

Formed in 2019, El Khat has risen to international attention for its electrifying blend of traditional Yemeni rhythms, experimental composition, and striking use of DIY, self-made instruments. Born from jam sessions in garages and warehouses, the group forged a sound rooted in heritage yet radically modern in approach.

Their music is shaped by Yemeni cultural memory, war-driven displacement, and reconstructed identity — themes that echo through every rhythmic pattern and vocal cry. While El Khat embraces a philosophy of detachment from national borders, their connection to Yemeni culture is unmistakable, pulsing through their use of traditional percussive forms and the evocative timbre of the homemade instruments they build themselves.

With three albums released and a fourth arriving in 2026, El Khat is celebrated for bridging past and present, reviving Yemeni tradition while fearlessly reimagining its future. Their performances have become known worldwide for their emotional depth, raw inventiveness, and powerful cultural storytelling.

Members of El Khat are