Nashaz at Barbes 7pm, Wednesday February 8th 2023 Barbes - 376 9th St, Brooklyn, NY 11215 $20 cover

Dubbed “one of New York’s most eclectic, interesting oudists” by NY Music Daily, Brian Prunka’s band Nashaz finds unexpected kinship between jazz and Arabic music, playing original music that stays true to the maqam tradition of the middle east while keeping the spontaneous interplay and energy of jazz at the forefront.

"Nashaz has found that sweet spot between jazz, Arabic rhythms, and traditional Middle-Eastern melodies" (Brooklyn Magazine, "5 Bands You Need to Know in Brooklyn's Arabic Music Scene”)

Featuring: Matt Darriau (reeds) Kenny Warren (trumpet) John Murchison (bass) Philip Mayer (percussion) Chris Stromquist (drums)

The Music of Hany Mehanna Tuesday February 21st 2023 8pm (7:30pm Doors) SISTERS - 900 Fulton St, Brooklyn, NY 11238 $20 Admission

Stick around for the Arabic Music Jam after the set!

Hany Mehanna is a musician and composer living in Egypt. As a master keyboardist, Mehanna performed alongside Umm Kulthum, Abdel Halim Hafez, and was a member of Al Firka Al Masiya (The Diamond Orchestra). The music performed will be a selection of his compositions for orchestra, film scores, and songs from his 1973 album "The Miracle of the Seven Dances".

Featuring: Mohamed Araki - keyboard Dave Adewumi - trumpet Gideon Forbes - nay Sami Abu Shumays - violin Sarah Mueller - violin Josh Farrar - electric guitar Marwan Allam - bass Johnny Farraj - percussion Philip Mayer - percussion

Maeandros Ensemble at Barbes 7pm, Wednesday March 8th 2023 Barbes - 376 9th St, Brooklyn, NY 11215 $20 cover

For over 15 years, the members of the Maeandros Ensemble have collaborated in concerts, workshops and recordings to bring old songs from the 78 rpm records of Greece and Turkey back to life, while also featuring original music and arrangements that blend in seamlessly and feature each member's unique talents and background.

Featuring: Lefteris Bournias - clarinet Megan Gould - violin Philip Mayer - percussion Mavrothi Kontanis - oud, guitar & voice

Lefteris Bournias was born in Queens and grew up there as well as in Greece. Lefteris has played the clarinet since age 11, and has performed and recorded with a long list of top performers in the US and abroad. As a diverse musician and composer, Bournias' style combines Greek traditional, Greek and Turkish Roma, Classical, and elements of Jazz (rhythmical and harmonic). With a special sound that emanates from his clarinet, he is a wanted man both live and in the studio.

Megan Gould (violin) is one of NYC's most versatile performers, composers and arrangers of Middle Eastern, Greek and popular music. Her comfort within a wide range of styles, her responsiveness to other musicians on stage, and a soulful improvisational style make Megan a sought-after element in many musical projects, from Natalie Merchant to Broadway shows.

Philip Mayer is a New York City based drummer and percussionist featured alongside Natalie Merchant and in the Broadway musical 'The Band's Visit' which won 10 Tony Awards. Aside from the drum set work, Mayer also loves playing Arabic and Turkish music, a passion which has taken him all over the world.

Mavrothi Kontanis is a multi-instrumentalist, singer, composer and educator born and raised in the US, but with roots in Halkidiki, Greece. Mavrothi's main instrument is the oud, and his vocal style is inspired by early recordings from Greece and Turkey.