Nigerian-born guitarist and storyteller Ekene Music brings three of the Monterey Peninsula's most original musicians into the galleries of the Monterey Museum of Art at La Mirada for the Ekene & Friends Experience: an intimate, listening-room evening of entirely original music, presented by 2 Lands LLC.

Joining Ekene on stage are Nicola Reilly (violin), the classically trained violinist who has led the Monterey Symphony as President & CEO since 2016; Azi Fedoui (guitar), the Central California singer-songwriter and bandleader of Azi Fedoui and the Reggaesoldierz; and Erin with an E (guitar & bass), singer-songwriter.

"This is not background music," says Ekene. "It is a room built for listening. Every song that night is original and every artist owns their work."

The evening moves between West African melody, classical strings and the songwriter's craft, woven together among the paintings of the historic La Mirada adobe. Seating is limited. Doors 6 PM; music 6-9 PM. $75 general admission.

Press kit: ekenemusic.com/press/ekene-friends/