March 13 at Roulette: Explorations in Arabic Maqam—Brian Prunka & Ayman Asfour: (RBA)
8:00 pm
Oud player Brian Prunka, whose music has been described as “intricate, anthemic” and “spellbinding” (NY Music Daily), and the award-winning Egyptian violinist Ayman Asfour present exciting new music for a traditional Arabic takht (chamber ensemble).
As two of New York’s most distinctive and compelling composers of modern music rooted in the Arabic maqam tradition, their work maintains deep roots in Arabic melodic forms and rhythms while authentically exploring their diverse experiences.
Ayman Asfour - violin
Brian Prunka - oud
Firas Zreik - qanun
Gideon Forbes - nay, clarinet
John Murchison - bass
Alber Baseel - percussion
Simon Moushabeck - accordion, percussion
Get Info & Tickets: Roulette.org
March 17: Group Maqam Singing Classes: Arabic Music for All
7pm-8:30pm
This month's maqam class focuses on Maqam Nawa Athar/Nikriz.
Learn Arabic Music from master musician and educator Sami Abu Shumays, co-author of the acclaimed book Inside Arabic Music and creator of the YouTube series "Maqam Lessons." The group call-and-response singing format of these classes creates a non-judgmental environment that makes learning enjoyable. Non-musicians, beginner musicians, and experienced practitioners will all benefit from the insights and pragmatic approach Sami offers.
March 18: 10-Week Group Percussion Course with Nezih Antakli
All classes will meet at 7pm at Brooklyn Music School (126 St Felix St, Brooklyn, NY 11217).
Journey through the rich history and culture of Middle Eastern and North African drumming. This hands-on course continues to build players' skills with more advanced techniques with a focus on tone and sound quality, while continuing to work on basic fundamentals and rhythms to deliver the "language" of the darbuka. Build your skills with call-and-response exercises and practice drills and soloing concepts, then apply them to a final collaborative arrangement. To further expand your rhythmic palette, we'll also explore distinctive odd-time signatures from Turkey and the Balkans. Please bring your darbuka. Class is open to intermediate and beginner drummers.
March 24: Sami Salloum at Sisters
8 PM
Sami Salloum is a vocalist whose musical journey is deeply rooted in the rich traditions of Arabic music. Born and raised in Syria, he cultivated his passion for singing early on. He has called New York home for the past seven years; previously he lived in Lebanon, during which time he performed in numerous festivals across Lebanon. He currently performs with the New York Arab Chorus and is a featured singer with Ameer Armaly's band. Sami enjoys singing various genres, including tarab and Arabic classics.
Sami Salloum: Vocals
Mohammad Salah: Oud
Sarah Mueller: Violin
Gideon Forbes: Flute, Nay and Saxophone
John Murchison: Qanun
Johnny Farraj: Percussion