Esaïe Menou  at The Mad Monkfish!

Esaïe Menou at The Mad Monkfish!

Experience the soulful fusion of West African rhythms and modern jazz with Esaie Meno—music that moves the heart and stirs the spirit.

By Jamme K. Chantler

Date and time

Location

The Mad Monkfish

524 Massachusetts Avenue Cambridge, MA 02139

Refund Policy

Refunds up to 7 days before event.

About this event

  • Event lasts 1 hour

Band name: Esaie MenoPersonnel:Esaie Meno, guitar & vocalsChase Behar, bassJulian Pavone, drumsSpecial guests:Jazzy Christophe, tenor saxophoneBoris Lugovik , tenor saxophone

NOTE:

Immerse yourself in the cozy atmosphere of the Jazz Baroness Room at The Mad Monkfish, where you can sip your favorite drink, savor sushi or Thai cuisine, and enjoy the mesmerizing sounds of a remarkable jazz ensemble. Whether you're a seasoned jazz aficionado or simply seeking a delightful night out, this event promises to be a treat for your senses. To keep this vibrant jazz scene alive, we require a minimum spend of $25 per person, since all ticket proceeds go directly to the musicians. If a guest spends less than $25, the difference will be added to the check—this small gesture helps us keep the restaurant running and the music flowing. We’re grateful for your support—it’s what keeps the spirit of live jazz alive here at The Mad Monkfish.

Our full bar and food menus are available to complement the musical experience, so indulge in our renowned cuisine while supporting live jazz at The Mad Monkfish. Together, we can keep the music playing!

BIO:

Esaie Hounmenou is a guitarist and composer from Porto-Novo, Benin,

whose music is a vibrant fusion of jazz and the traditional rhythms of his homeland. Growing up, Esaie discovered music as

both a passion and a path toward expression. His journey began with the

sounds of Beninese folk and traditional music, which shaped his deep sense of rhythm and

connection to community. Over

time, he became drawn to the freedom and complexity of jazz, leading him

to explore ways of

blending the two worlds.

Esaie studied music in Paris for five years, refining his technique and

deepening his understanding

of jazz, before continuing his artistic and academic journey at Berklee

College of Music in Boston.

There, he has immersed himself in a global network of musicians, further

expanding his sound and

exploring new collaborations.

With every note, Esaie aims to tell a story—of home, resilience, and

cultural pride. His playing is

deeply expressive, often weaving intricate improvisations with the warm,

earthy grooves of West

Africa. Through his music, he seeks to honor his roots while pushing

creative boundaries.

Currently based in Boston, Esaie is working on original compositions

that celebrate the connection

between African musical traditions and modern jazz. Whether performing

solo or in ensemble, he

brings an authentic and soulful energy to the stage—inviting listeners

on a journey that is both

deeply personal and universally human.

Organized by

Jamme K. Chantler is the proprietor of Thelonious Monkfish and long-time lover of vocal and instrumental jazz. His aim is to bring the best jazz talent possible to his venue The Jazz Baroness Room without added cost to diners. In addition, he and his bookings director, Scott Goulding–one third of the Yoko Miwa Trio–are dedicated to musical education and work in conjunction with The Cambridge Jazz Festival and Harvard's Kuumba Singers' director Sheldon Reid to achieve that end. 

$12.51
Aug 28 · 7:30 PM EDT