MAIN ROOM / Free Entry

Solomon Sisay is a world-class musician who shot to fame after being the chosen saxophone player for Axumite Band, a legendary outfit in Ethiopia. Solomon has since continued his legacy, playing alongside the greats such as Mahmoud Ahmed, Aleymehu Eshete, Ali Bira, Tsegaye Eshetu and with many of the young, up and coming Ethiopian music stars.

Now living in Australia, he has toured Europe, Middle East, Japan and New Zealand, performing at WOMADelaide, Port Fairy Folk Festival and MONA FOMA.

In November 2019, Solomon Sisay launched his debut album, ‘Sitota’ as part of the Due West Arts Festival. It is one of the most talked about releases within Ethiopia and has propelled Solomon’s onto many new stages including the Melbourne International Jazz Festival, Paris Cat and the Eltham Wine and Jazz Festival. Written by Solomon and fellow Ethiopian artist Nhatty Man, Sitota (meaning gift in Amharic) is a tribute to the Ethio-Jazz modes endemic to their homeland and is a fitting salute to the saxophone’s role within Ethiopian Jazz.

Since becoming popularised under the reign of Emperor Haile Selassie, who had a fondness for military brass bands, it is rare to hear an Ethio-Jazz jam without it.

The Retreat Hotel would like to acknowledge the Wurundjeri People of the Kulin Nation, the traditional custodians of the land on which The Retreat now stands, and pay our respects to all elders past, present and emerging. We acknowledge that sovereignty has never been ceded and that our venue operates on stolen land.