Mhondoro plays at the Jazz Station in Eugene
- John Mambira percussion, vocals
- Idit Shner alto saxophone
- Torrey Newhart piano / keyboard
- Garrett Baxter bass
- Ken Mastrogiovanni drums
Mhondoro returns to The Jazz Station in celebration of the release of their second album, "Ngatibatanei / Let Us Unite!" Mhondoro is a band which melds Zimbabwean tradition and American jazz. It is a 5-person cooporative in which every member has full artistic agency in the project. Mhondoro has released their first album, HEATWAVE, in 2021. Their second release, titled "Ngatibatanei / Let Us Unite!" will by out in April 2024 on OA2.
John Mambira, vocalist and percussionist, hails from Bulawayo, Zimbabwe; he toured Europe with his band Bongo Love and has international experience in percussion, singing, traditional dance, and marimba band. He is also a member of legendary Zim musician Thomas Mapfumo. John is now settled in Eugene, Oregon.
Idit Shner, saxophonist, hails from Yahud, Israel. She is a diverse performer equally at ease in jazz and classical settings; currently professor of saxophone and jazz studies at The University of Oregon.
Torrey Newhart is a keyboardist, pianist, and composer; originally from Bend, Oregon, but now resides in Eugene. A consummate performer, Torrey has several releases under his name and ongoing project of Obsidian Animals, and performs often with Inner Limits trio.
Garrett Baxter, a bass virtuoso, is quickly gaining reputation on the national jazz scene and has been a staple of the Portland jazz scene.
Oregon-based drummer, Ken Mastrogiovanni, brings a unique sensibility and modern voice to the drums and the music, making him a rising musician of his generation in his music scene. He is drummer, producer, composer, and educator.
