River Trail Nature Center’s Maple Syrup Festival – Sunday, March 15th

Celebrate the arrival of spring with a special day of activities including crafts, games, tree tapping and maple syrup history.

FREE

The event runs from 11am – 3pm

Lamajamal Trio will perform 3 sets of around 20 minutes at 11:30, 12:30, and 1:30

Lamajamal — a palindrome for the Arabic word "jamal" (beauty) — is a collective like-minded musicians who have been collaborating since 2004.  Their evocative sound fuses folk music traditions from the Greater Middle East, South Asia and the Mediterranean.  The current trio features Eve Monzingo on Greek sandouri (hammered dulcimer), flute, and Turkish clarinet; Habib Wardak on the ancient Persian rubab; and George Lawler on diverse world percussion and guitar.

Brought to you by The Old Town School of Folk Music

River Trail Nature Center

3120 Milwaukee Ave, Northbrook, IL 60062 (view web map)

+++ EVENT DETAILS ON FACEBOOK

Maple Syrup Festival 2026

Stations and activities that make this event memorable for the visitors: 

Interpretive Programs:

• Maple syrup culture and history  

• Tree tapping walks in the sugar bush  

• The Sugar Shack: Maple syrup production 

• Animals of the Forest Preserves

• What’s on the Menu? feeding time program

Event Stations:

• Information Booth 

• Bus stop Helpers

• Pure maple syrup taste samples

• Games & crafts

Music and storytelling performances by

• The Lamajamal Trio

• Children's book author, Leslie Handler

Partner Exhibits

• Touch a Truck with Forest Preserves Resource Management  

• University of Illinois Extension 4-H Program

• Beekeepers Bee All About It

• Bach to Rock Music School 

• The Gichigamiin Indigenous Nations Museum 

• The Morton Arboretum

• Blue Star Families of Chicago

• Prospect Heights Public Library

• Border Tails Rescue

Food Vendors

• Fat Tommy's

• and Tamales Express

Karim Nagi & Huzam Ensemble

After a 1-year hiatus, HUZAM is back. We will debut two new original pieces, along with songs from our albums Huzam and Karama, plus some iconic favorites from around the Arab world. We celebrate this return at our favorite Chicago venue, Epiphany on Sunday February 1st at 7pm.

Date: Sunday, February 1st, 2026

Doors: 6:30PM

Showtime: 7:00PM

Tickets: Adult - $20 | Youth (Under 18) - $10

‘Service charges apply to ALL ticket purchases (online and box office)’ - Credit card only at door

About:

Lead by Egyptian percussionist and composer Karim Nagi, the ensemble performs original and traditional repertoire of various Arab regions and genre. Their passionate on-stage dynamism and improvisatory flair is something that can be enjoyed by even those unfamiliar with the style. Karim Nagi is an accomplished performer, TEDx Speaker, and bestower of joy, who gathers the top virtuosic talents of Chicago to represent the beauty of Arab music & culture. 

Ronnie Malley : oud lute
Naeif Rafeh : nay flute
Mohannad AlZahabi : cello
Karim Nagi : riqq & tublah percussion 

huzamensemble

January 23 | 7 PM (Doors 6:30 PM)

Bramble Arts Loft

5545 N Clark St 2nd Floor Chicago, IL

Voices in Confluence: An Evening of Music, Poetry, and Conversation

Join Hera Mubashir and Ronnie Malley for a captivating evening of music, poetry, and conversation. Voices in Confluence brings together South Asian and Middle Eastern musical traditions for a live conversation between lineages coming together in a shared musical exchange. Hera will be joined by Dhananjay Kunte on tabla, Hitesh Master on harmonium, and Sonny Patel on flute, adding rich instrumental depth to the evening. The event also features a special Meet & Greet with Bushra Amiwala (for Congress), offering a chance to connect with the artists and fellow attendees. Eyekhanic Eats food popup onsite!

Saturday January 17 | 6 PM

Logan Center for the Arts | University of Chicago

915 E 60th St, Chicago, IL

Film Screening of Kashmiri film Saffron Kingdom | Featuring Q&A with the director and music composers of the film

Join us for an immersive screening of the recently released film Saffron Kingdom by director Arfat Sheikh and Daffodil Studios. The event will feature a Q&A with the director and live demonstrations by the film’s music composers from Intercultural Music Production — Ronnie Malley (oud), Habibullah Wardak (rubab), George Lawler (tumbak), and Eve Monzingo (santoor).

Tuesday, October 28th | 7pm

Lute Legends Collective

Presents Borderlands: Music on the Edge

FREE CONCERT PERFORMANCE

University of Chicago Fulton Recital Hall in Goodspeed Hall

1010 E. 59th St. Chicago, IL

The Lute Legends Collective is a performing association of musicians who represent ancient plucked-string traditions. Each member of our collective is a committed carrier of an ancient musical tradition, whether it be the virtuosic modal improvisation of the Middle East, the intricate polyphony of the European Renaissance and Baroque, or the picturesque musical depiction of nature from China.  Though instruments such as the oud, lute, & pipa each have evolved a distinct set of techniques and sounds, we delight in recognizing that most of our instruments are long-lost cousins.  The Lute Legends Collective is our way of reuniting them onstage in a cross-traditional musical experiment for the twenty-first century.

Presents Borderlands: Music on the Edge - This transfixing musical journey is anchored by a triangle of distinct traditions: the evocative depiction of nature in ancient China, the multilayered ornamentation of the European Renaissance, and the improvisatory brilliance of Arabic maquam.  Yet the performance explores the uncharted geographical and stylistic spaces between the points of that triangle. Through diverse repertoire such as haunting Uyghur folk tunes from Xinjiang, polyphonic songs from the Iberian peninsula, and classical forms from the Ottoman court, we experience moments when these three musical traditions reached out to engage with one another.  Guided by three plucked-string specialists joined in collaboration by mutual curiosity and friendship, listeners will hear musical dialogues that can only take place in real or imagined "borderlands" where cultural boundaries blur and creativity knows no bounds.

A Taste of Seraj Palestine

Sunday, October 26th | 3pm

Seraj Libraries Project Annual Benefit

Palestinian streets are where culture lives, connection thrives, and resilience is strengthened. Join us for an evening alive with the flavors, sounds, and soul of Palestinian culture.

Irish American Heritage Center | 4626 N Knox Ave. Chicago, IL

The Event will Feature

• Palestinian Performers & Artists

  • Ronnie Malley and Sumoud Collective

  • Asil Alkabariti

  • Mia Angelique

  • Linda abdallah, interdisciplinary artist, designer, curator, and daughter of Historic Palestine.

  • The Ramallah Cultural Center Dabkeh Group

  • TEE [A Program for Teaching Children Arabic Language & Culture]

  • Tatreez Jenin

• A Souk with Handmade Palestinian Products

  • Tatreez and Handmade Products by Amal Workshop

  • Falasteen Favorites

  • Palestinian Handmade Ceramics – Jerusalem Shops

  • Dima Jewelry

  • Handcrafted soaps (Saboon)

  • Intifada collective

  • Tatreez From Bethlehem

  • Canaan Olive Oil

  • Z&Z Palestinian za'atar

  • Bright stars of Bethlehem

  • Homemade baked goods by Lena kitchen

  • Haymarket Books

• Palestinian Street food + Sweet Knafeh

  The streets of Palestine are alive with flavor and tradition—shawarma carved fresh from vertical spits, falafel tucked into warm khobez with herbs and pickles, and bakeries filling the air with the scent of za’atar and cheese pies. In Jerusalem, the iconic Kaek al-Quds—sesame-crusted bread sold at markets and street corners, often served with a pouch of za’atar—reminds us of the ingenuity and flavor of everyday life. With every bite, you taste history, community, and resilience.

  Your ticket includes Palestinian street food favorites, plus the beloved sweet knafeh. Prepared on site in the traditional way, this Nablus specialty is served piping hot, drizzled with syrup, and sprinkled with pistachios. More than dessert, knafeh is a symbol of hospitality and celebration—an experience to be shared.

  Join us to enjoy the vibrant flavors, aromas, and spirit of Palestinian street life!

Chicago Park District Night Out in the Parks Presents

Yves Francois Rocambu Jazz at Shabbona Park

Date and Time:

Oct 18, 2025
Saturday, 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM

Location

Shabbona Park

6935 W. Addison St. Chicago, IL 60634

FREE | ALL AGES

Since 2002 Yves Francois Rocambu Jazz has been entertaining audiences with its intoxicating mix of jazz horns and Afro-Caribbean rhythms. Rocambu Jazz is a collaboration of global artists from diverse backgrounds, and their sound is a marriage of world beat rhythms with swinging jazz horns reminiscent of a time when such a sound was prevalent in Paris, Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean. Their recently-released CD ¡Viva Rocambu! represents how the world meets in Chicago. This event was originally scheduled on July 30th.
https://yvesfrancoisritmo.com/rocambu-jazz

ALBUM RELEASE!

Surabhi Ensemble, Las Guitarras de España, and special guests

Monday, October 6th | 7:30 PM (Doors 6pm)

City Winery 1200 W. Randolph Street, Chicago, IL

Guitarras Trotamundos soon available on Bandcamp

Listen to Surabhi Ensemble’s latest release: Respiro Libre

After returning from a successful tour to India, members of Surabhi Ensemble and Las Guitarras de España will come together for a global music and dance performance with the release of new music. The album titled “Guitarra Trotamundos” or “Globe Trotting Guitar” celebrates years of travel, study, teaching and performance to countries such as Vietnam, Spain, Portugal, Senegal, Mexico and India. The title is also a nod to the members of Surabhi Ensemble who have taking to jogging in various places with recent appearances in the Mumbai and Boston Marathons. This evening of music and dance is guaranteed to inspire with surprises and collaborating artists including Abdoulaye Conde (Kora - Guinea), Juan Dies and Lorena Iniguez (Sones de Mexico), Patricia Ortega (Las Guitarras de España), Kinnari Vora and Leticia Aravena (Indian and flamenco dance traditions), Chiara Mangiameli (USA/Italia), Ronnie Malley (Oud/Vocals - Arabic traditions) and Carlo Basile (Spanish Guitar/Chicago)

Saturday, October 4th | 2pm

Chicago World Music Festival

Diwan al-Han and Mohamed Abozekry

Beverly Arts Center 2407 W 111th St, Chicago, IL

Diwan al-Han’s traditional classical Middle Eastern music sound joins the ensemble of Egyptian jazz musician and oud virtuoso Mohamed Abozekry Sextet.

The Beverly Arts Center is proud to host a World Music Festival Chicago performance, sponsored by DCASE, featuring internationally acclaimed Egyptian jazz artist Mohamed Abozekry and the dynamic ensemble Diwan al-Han.

Renowned for blending traditional Middle Eastern melodies with contemporary jazz, Abozekry’s music bridges cultures and genres, creating a style that is both deeply rooted and refreshingly modern. Diwan al-Han complements this energy with soulful, transcendent sounds that transport audiences to the heart of Egypt’s vibrant musical heritage.

Join us for this unforgettable, free afternoon concert—part of Chicago’s citywide celebration of world music happening at venues across the city. Immerse yourself in the rhythms, melodies, and cultural richness of this extraordinary event.

This event is sponsored by DCASE (Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events)

FREE ALL AGES SHOW!

Chicago Park District Night Out in the Parks Presents

Yves Francois Rocambu Jazz at Kenwood Community Park

Wed Sept 10th 5:30 - 7pm,

Kenwood Community Park

1336 E. 49th St. Chicago, IL 60615

FREE | ALL AGES

Since 2002 Yves Francois Rocambu Jazz has been entertaining audiences with its intoxicating mix of jazz horns and Afro-Caribbean rhythms. Rocambu Jazz is a collaboration of global artists from diverse backgrounds, and their sound is a marriage of world beat rhythms with swinging jazz horns reminiscent of a time when such a sound was prevalent in Paris, Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean. Their recently-released CD ¡Viva Rocambu! represents how the world meets in Chicago. This event was originally scheduled on July 30th.
https://yvesfrancoisritmo.com/rocambu-jazz

“ARTS IN SOLIDARITY” A Benefit Concert for Immigrant Legal Defense
Sunday, September 7, 2025
5:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Segundo Ruiz Belvis Cultural Center

4046 West Armitage Avenue Chicago, IL 60639

$25 suggested donation / no one turned away

ABOUT THE EVENT
An ad-hoc volunteer collective of local arts presenters and advocates has come together to raise funds for legal defense and to speak out against the ongoing persecution of our family, friends, and neighbors by law enforcement agencies—often without due process. This group has curated a powerful event featuring cultural voices from across the community. All proceeds will support legal expenses resulting from detentions and prosecutions.

Participating artists confirmed to date are:
CARPACHO Y SU SUPER COMBO
LOS PLENEROS DE DON SEGUNDO
SURABHI ENSEMBLE
AFROCOLOMBIAN BAND “EPA!”
DAMON LOCKS

LUIS TUBENS - Emcee

Speakers confirmed to date::
AISLINN PULLEY
ALEJANDRA OLIVA
With additional news to be announced

The organizers bring together this international chorus of voices to express solidarity with people targeted by ICE and other para-military forces.
We are alarmed by the attacks and the ongoing psychological and physical trauma they cause, and seek to assist in adequately fighting the mounting legal battles immigrants are facing.
The program will raise funds for The Midwest Immigration Bond Fund

PURCHASE TICKETS HERE
During the event, speakers will provide information on how you can help and a literature table will include education info, “Know Your Rights”, and other useful resources.
The organizers of the concert have donated their labor to create this event. The money raised above event production expenses will directly support the beneficiaries. The event is ticketed with a minimum suggested donation of $25 but no one will be turned away for lack of funds.
The event is open to all ages with parental supervision.
The non-profit concert producers are also accepting donations from event sponsors to offset the production expenses via HotHouse.

ABOUT THE ARTISTS

LOS PLENEROS DE DON SEGUNDO
Born at the Segundo Ruiz Belvis Cultural Center (SRBCC), Los Pleneros de Don Segundo have been performing original plena music in Chicago since 2016. They have become one of the city’s most sought-after Afro-Puerto Rican folkloric groups, known for their commitment to advancing the genre through original compositions and arrangements, and a celebration of plena as music of resistance.

SURABHI ENSEMBLE
The Surabhi Ensemble is a Chicago-based world music collective that blends diverse musical traditions, including Indian, Arabic, African, and Spanish flamenco. Founded by Saraswathi Ranganathan (veena) and Carlo Basile (guitar) and featuring Ronnie Malley (oud) and Bob Garrett (percussion) along with special guests, the ensemble tastefully fosters cross-cultural connections through music and dance. The ensemble often incorporates traditional dance forms from various cultures into their music performances.

CARPACHO Y SU SUPER COMBO
Carpacho y su Super Combo is a fun, high-energy group specializing in Colombian Salsa and other Tropical dance styles like Cumbia, Merengue, Latin Jazz, and Cha Cha. Carpacho y su Super Combo started in 1986 with a main idea of integrating the band with musicians and sounds from various Latin American countries including Puerto Rico, Ecuador, and Colombia.

AFROCOLOMBIAN BAND “EPA!”
Ecos del Pacifico Afrocolombia is a Chicago-based group formed in 2006 by Julio Cesar Montaño Montenegro and steeped in the Afro-Colombian music and dance traditions of the Pacific coast of Colombia. The group features members of the Montaño Arboleda family and a diverse complement of Chicago musicians of various ethnicities performing on traditional Afro-Colombian percussion, marimba, guitar, clarinet, and bass. Ecos del Pacifico focuses on the Pacific cost sounds of Currulao, one of the most African influenced-styles in all of Colombia, The music is centered around a drum known as a "cununo", which superficially resembles the "alegre" drum (used in Cumbia), and a shaker known in parts of Colombia as a "guasá" or "guache", and Colombian marimba, a wooden xylophone which resembles the African balafon.

DAMON LOCKS featured DJ
Damon Locks is a Chicago-based visual artist, educator, vocalist/musician and DJ. He attended the Art Institute of Chicago where he received his BFA in fine arts. Since 2014 he has been working with the Prisons and Neighborhood Arts Project at Stateville Correctional Center teaching art. He is a 2025 recipient of the Creative Capital Award. In 2017 he became a Soros Justice Media Fellow. He received a Helen Coburn Meier and Tim Meier Achievement Award in the Arts in 2015. In 2019, he became a 3Arts Awardee. He spent 4 years as an artist in residence as a part of the Museum of Contemporary Arts’ SPACE Program, introducing civically engaged art into the curriculum at Sarah E. Goode STEM Academy High School. He teaches Improvisation in the Sound Department at The School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Damon leads the Black Monument Ensemble, is a member of New Future City Radio, Exploding Star Orchestra and co-founded the band The Eternals.

EMCEE: LUIS TUBENS
Luis Tubens, a.k.a “Logan Lu”, was born in Chicago’s West Town neighborhood and raised in Logan Square. In 2014, he earned a B.A. in Communications, media and theater from Northeastern Illinois University. Luis has performed poetry across the United States including with the GUILD COMPLEX, Tia Chucha Press, and the National Museum of Mexican Art.

ABOUT THE SPEAKERS
ALEJANDRA OLIVA, MIBF BOARD CO-VICE PRESIDENT
Alejandra Oliva is the Co-Vice President of the Midwest Immigration Bond Fund, as well as the author of the book Rivermouth: A Chronicle of Language, Faith and Migration.

AISLINN PULLEY
Aislinn Pulley is a co-executive director of the Chicago Torture Justice Center founded out of the historic 2015 reparations ordinance for survivors of Chicago police torture. Aislinn is also the co-founder of Black Lives Matter Chicago.

ABOUT THE RECIPIENT
The Midwest Immigration Bond Fund was formed through a coalition in 2020 and began paying out immigration bonds for IL, IN, WI, and KY residents as funds allow in February 2021.
The Midwest Immigration Bond Fund facilitates a revolving immigration bond fund to pay immigration bonds that frees individuals from ICE custody and gathers community to advocate for the abolition of immigration detention and surveillance.

ABOUT THE EVENT ORGANIZERS
A broad array of community based NGO’s, solidarity organizations, religious congregations, peace activists and others, are joining the organizers and supporting this event with outreach and volunteer efforts.

The ad-hoc volunteer committee organizing this event are:
Presented by host committee: Marguerite Horberg, Jaime Garza, Juan Dies, Nan Warshaw, Omar Torres-Kortright, Shawn Lent, Elsie Hernandez, and Brian Keigher.

This group represents many seasoned arts administrators who have enjoyed collaborating on building community-based projects over the years.

HotHouse is an award-winning non-profit arts and education institution in Chicago that has programmed international events for 39 years.

Segundo Ruiz Belvis Cultural Center (SRBCC) is the longest-standing Latiné cultural center in Chicago. Established in 1971, it was named in honor of Segundo Ruiz Belvis, a Puerto Rican patriot and member of a secret abolitionist society that freed children who had been enslaved under Spanish rule. In that spirit, SRBCC realizes its mission to preserve and promote appreciation of the culture and arts of Puerto Rico and Latin America, with a focus on its African heritage.

In the Realm of Osman: Music from the Early Modern Ottoman Empire and Beyond

The Newberry Consort and Ronnie Malley present a program of varied musical traditions from the realm of Osman Ghazi, or Osman I, founder of the vast territory that would eventually be known as the Ottoman Empire. Originally performed at the Newberry Library in the spring of 2023 and back by wildly popular demand, this program was inspired by the Tarih-i Yeni Dünya, or A History of the India of the West, an Ottoman manuscript dated around 1600. The Tarih relates stories of the explorations of Columbus, Cortés, Pizarro, and others, with commentary by Ottoman scholars. Illuminated hand-drawn maps and images from the Tarih are projected onto slides behind the musicians, and music is played on period instruments from the Ottoman Empire and beyond, including oud, sandouri, sackbut, nay, violin, percussion, and kanun.

Friday, May 9 | 7:30pm
First Unitarian Church of Chicago

5650 S Woodlawn Ave., Chicago, 60637

Buy Hyde Park Tickets

Saturday, May 10 | 7:30pm
The Newberry Library

60 W Walton St., Chicago, 60610

Buy Near North Tickets

Sunday, May 11 | 4:00pm
St. Luke’s Episcopal Church

939 Hinman Ave., Evanston

Buy Evanston Tickets

In the Realm of Osman: Music from the Early Modern Ottoman Empire and Beyond

The Newberry Consort and Ronnie Malley present a program of varied musical traditions from the realm of Osman Ghazi, or Osman I, founder of the vast territory that would eventually be known as the Ottoman Empire. Originally performed at the Newberry Library in the spring of 2023 and back by wildly popular demand, this program was inspired by the Tarih-i Yeni Dünya, or A History of the India of the West, an Ottoman manuscript dated around 1600. The Tarih relates stories of the explorations of Columbus, Cortés, Pizarro, and others, with commentary by Ottoman scholars. Illuminated hand-drawn maps and images from the Tarih are projected onto slides behind the musicians, and music is played on period instruments from the Ottoman Empire and beyond, including oud, sandouri, sackbut, nay, violin, percussion, and kanun.

Friday, May 9 | 7:30pm
First Unitarian Church of Chicago

5650 S Woodlawn Ave., Chicago, 60637

Buy Hyde Park Tickets

Saturday, May 10 | 7:30pm
The Newberry Library

60 W Walton St., Chicago, 60610

Buy Near North Tickets

Sunday, May 11 | 4:00pm
St. Luke’s Episcopal Church

939 Hinman Ave., Evanston

Buy Evanston Tickets

In the Realm of Osman: Music from the Early Modern Ottoman Empire and Beyond

The Newberry Consort and Ronnie Malley present a program of varied musical traditions from the realm of Osman Ghazi, or Osman I, founder of the vast territory that would eventually be known as the Ottoman Empire. Originally performed at the Newberry Library in the spring of 2023 and back by wildly popular demand, this program was inspired by the Tarih-i Yeni Dünya, or A History of the India of the West, an Ottoman manuscript dated around 1600. The Tarih relates stories of the explorations of Columbus, Cortés, Pizarro, and others, with commentary by Ottoman scholars. Illuminated hand-drawn maps and images from the Tarih are projected onto slides behind the musicians, and music is played on period instruments from the Ottoman Empire and beyond, including oud, sandouri, sackbut, nay, violin, percussion, and kanun.

Friday, May 9 | 7:30pm
First Unitarian Church of Chicago

5650 S Woodlawn Ave., Chicago, 60637

Buy Hyde Park Tickets

Saturday, May 10 | 7:30pm
The Newberry Library

60 W Walton St., Chicago, 60610

Buy Near North Tickets

Sunday, May 11 | 4:00pm
St. Luke’s Episcopal Church

939 Hinman Ave., Evanston

Buy Evanston Tickets

Saturday April 5th
Doors at 6:30pm
Show: 7-10pm

Please join the Solidarity Studios collective for a night of music and community. We will be raising money for Al Rowwad community center in Aida refugee camp in Bethlehem Palestine.

Al Rowwad is a grassroots organization focused on making everyday life better for Palestinians in Aida. They run theater, photography, dance, music, culinary, and other education programs.

Music by:
@jamilaandtheotherheroes
@sumoudcollective
Hamnavi

Visit solidaritystu on Instagram

Suggested donations between $10 and $20 please. Also accepting virtual donations via our website + nonprofit partner!
https://www.solidaritystudios.org/take-action

Solidarity Studios 3323 North Pulaski Road Chicago, IL 60641

#communitymusic #fundraiser #palestine #solidarity

A community conversation discussing the impact of music in bridging cultural divides featuring three musicians of different backgrounds.

“Breaking Down Racial Barriers With Music” is a community conversation and storytelling event demonstrating how music has been historically impactful in bridging cultural divides and mutual understanding.  In the current climate of war and the socio-political tensions that have arisen, artists are standing as cultural diplomats through their instruments and voices. 

Join Palestinian-American musician Ronnie Malley of the band Lamajamal and Intercultural Production; Indian born, Midwest based, classical veena player, Saraswathi Ranganathan of the Surabhi Ensemble; and Kenyan born, Chicago-based musician and Psychologist Dr. Rahul Sharma from the band Funkadesi, will help lead a conversation on how they each use the power of music to connect communities and fight racism through music programs and education of cultures. The three musicians and cultural leaders will follow their unique cultural conversation with a short impromptu musical collaboration.  

*Bridging The Divide is supported by The IL Department of Human Services and The Field Foundation

Sunday February 23, 2025 Salon Series Concert Chicago Klezmer Ensemble & Ronnie Malley

Join us at the Sunday, February 23, 2025 Outpost After Dark Salon Series featuring the incredible musical stylings of the Chicago Klezmer Ensemble & Ronnie Malley!

6:00 pm - 9:00 pm at Art Makers Outpost!

Doors open: 5:45

Tickets $25 online each (anyone who is no longer sitting on a lap needs a ticket)

(*Tickets are $30 if purchased at the door)

Open Seating / Some standing room - first come first serve

SPONSORED BY: Evanston Family Chiropractic, Sketchbook, La Principal, Art Makers Outpost & Our Evanston

Opener: Ronnie Malley

Ronnie Malley is a Palestinian-American multi-instrumentalist musician, theatrical performer, producer, playwright, and educator specializing in musical styles from the Middle East, North Africa, South Asia, and medieval Spain. Ronnie performs with many global artists and ensembles and has worked on award-winning theatrical plays, films, and TV series. He appears on numerous albums and has produced original and collaborative works including Ziryab, The Songbird of Andalusia, American Griot, and Little Syria. Ronnie received the 2023 Chamber Music America Michael Jaffee Visionary Award, 2020 Kennedy Center American College of Music Theater Festival Certificate of Merit for Music Direction, and several Jeff Award nominations for Best Original Composition. He holds a BA in Global Music Studies from DePaul University and a MA in Languages and Linguistics from University of Chicago, where he is currently a PhD student in Ethnomusicology.

Headliner: Chicago Klezmer Ensemble

The Chicago Klezmer Ensemble is led by clarinetist Kurt Bjorling, joined on this program by Annette Bjorling, harp and Joseph Spilberg, bass fiddle. The Ensemble develops modern klezmer music that draws directly from historical East European Jewish music and creates original interpretations and compositions which build upon that tradition. The result is a repertoire that is equally at home on a concert stage or at a celebration. Earthy, emotional music that elevates the spirit and warms the soul. 

Kurt Bjorling (clarinet) The ensemble's director, is a noted performer, teacher, and researcher of klezmer music, having taught at numerous workshops and festivals worldwide since 1986. He appears on recordings by Brave Old World, Itzhak Perlman, Klezmatics, Duo Controverso and Chicago Klezmer Ensemble. Kurt teaches privately in a studio in Evanston. 

Annette Bjorling (harp) Beyond merely adapting Jewish tunes to the harp, Annette creates a unique voice that fits naturally within the idiom of Yiddish music. She has performed and taught at festivals in Europe and North America. Annette teaches harp, in the Chicago area and online. 

Joseph Spilberg (cello) studied jazz bass at New York University and apprenticed with Tunisian Master Percussionist Najib Bahri in Chicago. Joseph is a founding member of Lamajamal and has performed and conducted workshops in Chicago and across the country.  Joseph served as Associate Director of Education at Chicago Arts Partnerships in Education for over ten years providing arts programming for underserved populations in Chicago public schools. 

PCRF - Chicago 16th Annual Fundraising Dinner 2025

Sunday, February 16, 2025 @ 04:00 pm CST at The Westin Chicago Lombard

The PCRF-Chicago Chapter invites you to our annual benefit dinner. This will be the 16th fundraising dinner for PCRF in Chicago, please join us for a heartwarming evening of community as we shine a light on the vital work of the Palestine Children's Relief Fund, a dedicated non-profit providing medical and humanitarian relief to children in Palestine and the region. Your support and presence brings hope to our mission and brightens the future of those who need our help most. 

Deadline to Purchase Tickets: February 11th or until the event is Sold Out.

We are so excited to announce that the incredibly talented Ronnie Malley will be performing a beautiful set of folkloric music at our 16th Annual Fundraising Dinner 🎶

Hey Chicago! From Gaza to Beirut, we're in this together

Friday December 6th 2024 • 6:00 pm

Nabala Cafe 4660 North Broadway, Chicago, IL

Come and meet UNRWA USA staff and fellow supporters for an inspiring and informative evening together at Nabala Cafe in support of urgent assistance to Gaza and Lebanon. 

We are here to answer all of your questions about the headlines in the news and how you can help save lives on the ground in Gaza and Lebanon. We will be joined by Palestinian journalist Amjad Shabat, a recent evacuee from Gaza now living in the U.S.

(Spoiler alert: UNRWA is still operational, and still providing the majority of relief in Gaza!)

We will also feature a music performance by Sumoud Collective, a local Arab music ensemble. Grab a friend, grab a coffee, and come spend an evening in community and advocacy with us - thank you for showing Palestine refugees that Americans care.

You'll also be supporting a local, Palestinian-owned business. Special thanks to Eyad Zeid and our friends at Nabala Cafe for hosting this special event.

Saturday November 30th

Constellation Chicago 3111 North Western Avenue

Doors: 8pm Show: 8:30pm

Get your tickets now before they sell out!

CHICAGO MAQAM

TRADITIONAL ARAB MUSIC AND CONTEMPORARY IMPROVISATION

Instagram #chicagomaqam #interculturalmusic

Chicago Maqam is an ensemble founded by accomplished Middle Eastern solo artists from Egyptian, Palestinian, and Syrian descent living in the Chicagoland area. The core members are Ronnie Malley, Karim Nagi, Issam Rafea, Naeif Rafeh, and Wanees Zarour. They are also frequently accompanied by guest artists. The group came together at the prominent Chicago venue Constellation to volunteer for a relief effort benefiting victims of the 2023 earthquake that devastated Syria and Turkey. Since then, the ensemble has built a following among Chicago’s diverse communities bringing people together from different backgrounds across multiple music genres.

Featuring:
Wanees Zarour ونيس زعرورes Zarour ونيس زعرور
عصام رافع Issam Rafea
Naeif Rafeh
Karim Nagi
Ronnie Malley
Kitt Lyles

Yves Francois Rocambu Jazz

YVES FRANCOIS ROCAMBU JAZZ is a dance band that performs Retro African, Latin, Arabic, and Caribbean grooves, exploring the rhythms of the African diaspora, such as biguine, conga, rumba, highlife, rai, as well as Chicago, New Orleans, and Harlem jazz. Our music is based on the rich rhythmic vocabulary of diverse world cultures, in the context of our deep connection to Chicago's rich musical history, particularly traditional jazz, blues, and world cultures that have called Chicago home for generations.

Date & Time: Thu, Jul 25, 2024 from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Location: Garfield (James) Park

100 N. Central Park Ave.
Chicago, IL 60624

Fee: $0.00

Age Range: All Ages

Categories: MusicNight Out in the Parks

We suggest bringing a blanket, a chair or whatever you'd like to make yourself comfortable during the concert.

https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/events/yves-francois-rocambu-jazz-garfield

Celebrate Chicago’s Cultural Community in the Parks!

Night Out in the Parks activates parks across the city with robust cultural events – bringing neighbors together to laugh, dance, sing, and engage. The Chicago Park District, in partnership with 100 local artists and organizations, presents engaging events and performances to amplify the artistic and cultural vibrancy of our city in every neighborhood and enhance the quality of life across Chicago. Learn more:  About Night Out in the Parks.

NEW - Receive Night Out in Parks text messages!
Get text updates this summer about the Night Out in the Parks program and schedule. To sign up, text night out to (833) 270-0707.

To see movies below, search by movie title. Learn more: Movies in the Parks

#NightOutInTheParks

Tuesday in the Gazebo - Turath Ensemble at Welles

Date & Time: Tue, Jul 23, 2024 from 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM

Location: Welles (Gideon) Park

2333 W. Sunnyside Ave.
Chicago, IL 60625

Fee: $0.00

Age Range: All Ages

Categories: MusicNight Out in the Parks

Description: The Chicago Park District's Night Out in the Parks brings Tuesdays at the Gazebo Concert Series to Welles Park, this weeks performer is: Turath Ensemble (a classical Middle Eastern music group)!

Turath means "heritage" in Arabic. The ensemble presents classical and folk music from the Middle East and North Africa on traditional instruments such as the oud (Middle Eastern lute), nay (bamboo flute) and riq (Egyptian tambourine). The group consists of musicians steeped in their tradition, yet with a dynamic flair for modern performance and improvisation.

We suggest bringing a blanket, a chair or whatever you'd like to make yourself comfortable during the concert.

For additional events at Welles Park visit https://bit.ly/Welles2024

Celebrate Chicago’s Cultural Community in the Parks!

Night Out in the Parks activates parks across the city with robust cultural events – bringing neighbors together to laugh, dance, sing, and engage. The Chicago Park District, in partnership with 100 local artists and organizations, presents engaging events and performances to amplify the artistic and cultural vibrancy of our city in every neighborhood and enhance the quality of life across Chicago. Learn more:  About Night Out in the Parks.

NEW - Receive Night Out in Parks text messages!
Get text updates this summer about the Night Out in the Parks program and schedule. To sign up, text night out to (833) 270-0707.

To see movies below, search by movie title. Learn more: Movies in the Parks

Night Out in the Parks is Supported by:      

#NightOutInTheParks

Vernon Area Public Library 6/25 world music performance with Lamajamal

Lamajamal, a musical trio presented with Old Town School of Folk Music, explores classical, folk, and sacred music traditions from around the world. With each member trained in various musical traditions and instruments, the group has an extensive repertoire from the Middle East, North Africa, Balkans, Turkey, Greece, and South Asia.

This outdoor concert is on the Annex Lawn. Bring a chair; a hat and bottle of water is recommended. 

If the weather is inclement, this program will move to the meeting room.

Lamajamal, a palindrome for jamal, the Arabic word for beauty, is an ensemble that explores classical, folk, and sacred music traditions from around the world. With each member trained in various musical traditions and instruments, the group has an extensive repertoire from the Middle East, North Africa, Balkans, Turkey, Greece, and South Asia. For over ten years, Lamajamal has established itself as a vanguard in the world music market performing at international festivals, renowned venues, interfaith events, as well as houses of worship for Jewish, Christian, and Muslim services. Lamajamal’s core mission is to identify historical and social commonalities among different musical styles, cultures, and religions to foster a sense of global citizenry. www.interculturalmusic.com/lamajamal

MUSICIANS

Percussion - George Lawler

Santouri, Woodwinds - Eve Monzingo

Oud, Vocals - Ronnie Malley

Stand With Gaza-A Cultural Benefit for Humanitarian Aid

Music, Dance and Spoken Word Performances

By Muslim Writers Collective Chicago

Sunday, June 23 · 2 - 5pm CDT

Alhambra Palace Restaurant

1240 West Randolph Street Chicago, IL 60607

Stand With Gaza-A Cultural Benefit for Humanitarian Aid

Come join us for an afternoon of solidarity and support at the Alhambra Palace Restaurant on Sun Jun 23 2024 at 2:00 PM. This event aims to raise awareness and funds for humanitarian aid in Gaza. Enjoy a diverse cultural program featuring music, dance, and speakers. Let's come together to show our support for those in need. See you there!

Artists: Emcee Yazid Suliman, Sumoud Collective, STEAM Irish Quartet, Shades of Green, Amira Sackett & Company, Nazhah Khawaja, Fatima Musa, Sana Akhter, Safia Mahjebin, Dinamiin & Freecheh

Endorsed by: Stand With Gaza Chicago (@swgchicago), Muslim Writers Collective - Chicago(@mwc_chi), ecologic, US Palestinian Community Network (USPCN), American Friends Service Committee (AFSC), Muslim Bar Association of Chicago

All proceeds to be donated to the United Nations Relief and Works for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA-USA) If you are not able to make the event, you can donate to unrwa-usa directly here: https://getinvolved.unrwausa.org/team/582505

Little Syria with Omar Offendum, Ronnie Malley and Thanks Joey

3 Performances Fri, Nov 3 - Sat, Nov 4, 2023

UCLA @ The Nimoy 1262 Westwood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90024

“By interweaving different narrative and musical techniques, Offendum shines a light on a historic Syrian neighborhood in Manhattan, New York and creates a space for communal healing.” — The University of North Carolina Press

Set in the Lower Manhattan neighborhood once known as Little Syria (1880~1940), this genre-bridging performance — spanning Hip-Hop, Arabic instrumentation, and ḥakawātī oral storytelling traditions — reimagines early 20th-century life in the heart of Arab-America. Just south of the current World Trade Center, this once vibrant cultural hub for New York’s Middle Eastern immigrants was home to artists and intellectuals, With live instrumentation by Ronnie Malley on the Oud and Piano and beats by Thanks Joey, this creative retelling of a tragically underrepresented history draws an audience attuned to stories of immigration, xenophobia, and the elusive “American dream.” 

Omar Offendum

Omar Offendum is a Syrian-American rapper/spoken word artist. Known for his unique blend of hip-hop and Arabic poetry, he's been featured on prominent world news outlets (Aljazeera, BBC, PBS, LA Times), lectured at a number of prestigious academic institutions (Harvard, Yale, Stanford, Northwestern, UT-Austin, UCLA, SOAS, American University of Beirut), collaborated with major museums and cultural organizations (LACMA / Penn Museum / Ithra / Shangri-La / Arab-American National Museum), and helped raise millions of dollars for various humanitarian relief groups (Islamic Relief, Karam Foundation, Syrian-American Medical Society). Offendum was recently named a Kennedy Center Citizen Artist Fellow, an Arab America Foundation "40 Under 40" award recipient, and a member of both the Pillars Fund cohort for Muslim Narrative Change and the RaceForward Butterfly Lab cohort for Immigrant Narrative Strategy. He currently resides in the great state of New York with his wife and two little children, while daydreaming about the jasmine tree-lined streets of Damascus.

Ronnie Malley

Ronnie Malley is a Palestinian-American multi-instrumentalist musician, composer, sound designer, producer, actor, playwright, educator, and executive director of Intercultural Music Production. With a focus on various musical styles from the Middle East, North Africa, South Asia, and medieval Spain, Ronnie has performed with several artists including Allos Musica, Apollo's Fire, Diwan al-Han, EMME, Huzam, Lamajamal, Mucca Pazza, Newberry Consort, Picosa, Omar Offendum, Surabhi Ensemble, University of Chicago Middle East Music Ensemble, and Yves Francois & Rocambu Jazz. Ronnie has worked on award-winning theatrical plays, films, and TV series including The Band's Visit (Broadway, Tony Awards, Grammy Awards), Mo (Netflix), The Jungle Book (Disney, Goodman Theatre), and The New Mother (Eleva Singleton). He has recorded on over twenty albums and has co-produced several works and staged productions including Little Syria, Karim Nagi's Huzam, The Reminders, Yves Francois, and The Andalusian Trail. Ronnie was recipient of the 2023 Chamber Music America Michael Jaffee Visionary Award. He holds a BA in Global Music Studies from DePaul University and is currently pursuing a graduate degree at the University of Chicago.

Thanks Joey

Born in Brooklyn, New York to Syrian immigrants & having a classical Arabic musician as a grandfather already set the palette for what Thanks Joey would be exposed to - Fairouz, Om Kalthoum, Abdel-Halim Hafez with a little bit of Jay Z, BIGGIE SMALLS, Nas etc. Thanks Joey met his long time collaborator/artist/friend, NIKO IS at 13 years old in Orlando, Florida and the two immediately began creating music together. In 2009 Joey established the Colours Of The Culture label on which the 2015 NIKO IS' album “BRUTUS” was released in collaboration with Talib Kweli's label, Javotti Media. In 2018, Joey released his first instrumental album inspired by the works of Khalil Gibran entitled “On Beats.” He also produced the 2018 NIKO IS album “UNIKO” which was also released in collaboration with Talib Kweli and featured artists from around the world including Curren$y, Tego Calderón, HAIKAISS, and more. He is currently working on multiple projects set to be released on Colours Of The Culture in the near future.

Little Syria with Omar Offendum, Ronnie Malley and Thanks Joey

3 Performances Fri, Nov 3 - Sat, Nov 4, 2023

UCLA @ The Nimoy 1262 Westwood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90024

“By interweaving different narrative and musical techniques, Offendum shines a light on a historic Syrian neighborhood in Manhattan, New York and creates a space for communal healing.” — The University of North Carolina Press

Set in the Lower Manhattan neighborhood once known as Little Syria (1880~1940), this genre-bridging performance — spanning Hip-Hop, Arabic instrumentation, and ḥakawātī oral storytelling traditions — reimagines early 20th-century life in the heart of Arab-America. Just south of the current World Trade Center, this once vibrant cultural hub for New York’s Middle Eastern immigrants was home to artists and intellectuals, With live instrumentation by Ronnie Malley on the Oud and Piano and beats by Thanks Joey, this creative retelling of a tragically underrepresented history draws an audience attuned to stories of immigration, xenophobia, and the elusive “American dream.” 

Omar Offendum

Omar Offendum is a Syrian-American rapper/spoken word artist. Known for his unique blend of hip-hop and Arabic poetry, he's been featured on prominent world news outlets (Aljazeera, BBC, PBS, LA Times), lectured at a number of prestigious academic institutions (Harvard, Yale, Stanford, Northwestern, UT-Austin, UCLA, SOAS, American University of Beirut), collaborated with major museums and cultural organizations (LACMA / Penn Museum / Ithra / Shangri-La / Arab-American National Museum), and helped raise millions of dollars for various humanitarian relief groups (Islamic Relief, Karam Foundation, Syrian-American Medical Society). Offendum was recently named a Kennedy Center Citizen Artist Fellow, an Arab America Foundation "40 Under 40" award recipient, and a member of both the Pillars Fund cohort for Muslim Narrative Change and the RaceForward Butterfly Lab cohort for Immigrant Narrative Strategy. He currently resides in the great state of New York with his wife and two little children, while daydreaming about the jasmine tree-lined streets of Damascus.

Ronnie Malley

Ronnie Malley is a Palestinian-American multi-instrumentalist musician, composer, sound designer, producer, actor, playwright, educator, and executive director of Intercultural Music Production. With a focus on various musical styles from the Middle East, North Africa, South Asia, and medieval Spain, Ronnie has performed with several artists including Allos Musica, Apollo's Fire, Diwan al-Han, EMME, Huzam, Lamajamal, Mucca Pazza, Newberry Consort, Picosa, Omar Offendum, Surabhi Ensemble, University of Chicago Middle East Music Ensemble, and Yves Francois & Rocambu Jazz. Ronnie has worked on award-winning theatrical plays, films, and TV series including The Band's Visit (Broadway, Tony Awards, Grammy Awards), Mo (Netflix), The Jungle Book (Disney, Goodman Theatre), and The New Mother (Eleva Singleton). He has recorded on over twenty albums and has co-produced several works and staged productions including Little Syria, Karim Nagi's Huzam, The Reminders, Yves Francois, and The Andalusian Trail. Ronnie was recipient of the 2023 Chamber Music America Michael Jaffee Visionary Award. He holds a BA in Global Music Studies from DePaul University and is currently pursuing a graduate degree at the University of Chicago.

Thanks Joey

Born in Brooklyn, New York to Syrian immigrants & having a classical Arabic musician as a grandfather already set the palette for what Thanks Joey would be exposed to - Fairouz, Om Kalthoum, Abdel-Halim Hafez with a little bit of Jay Z, BIGGIE SMALLS, Nas etc. Thanks Joey met his long time collaborator/artist/friend, NIKO IS at 13 years old in Orlando, Florida and the two immediately began creating music together. In 2009 Joey established the Colours Of The Culture label on which the 2015 NIKO IS' album “BRUTUS” was released in collaboration with Talib Kweli's label, Javotti Media. In 2018, Joey released his first instrumental album inspired by the works of Khalil Gibran entitled “On Beats.” He also produced the 2018 NIKO IS album “UNIKO” which was also released in collaboration with Talib Kweli and featured artists from around the world including Curren$y, Tego Calderón, HAIKAISS, and more. He is currently working on multiple projects set to be released on Colours Of The Culture in the near future.

Little Syria with Omar Offendum, Ronnie Malley and Thanks Joey

3 Performances Fri, Nov 3 - Sat, Nov 4, 2023

UCLA @ The Nimoy 1262 Westwood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90024

“By interweaving different narrative and musical techniques, Offendum shines a light on a historic Syrian neighborhood in Manhattan, New York and creates a space for communal healing.” — The University of North Carolina Press

Set in the Lower Manhattan neighborhood once known as Little Syria (1880~1940), this genre-bridging performance — spanning Hip-Hop, Arabic instrumentation, and ḥakawātī oral storytelling traditions — reimagines early 20th-century life in the heart of Arab-America. Just south of the current World Trade Center, this once vibrant cultural hub for New York’s Middle Eastern immigrants was home to artists and intellectuals, With live instrumentation by Ronnie Malley on the Oud and Piano and beats by Thanks Joey, this creative retelling of a tragically underrepresented history draws an audience attuned to stories of immigration, xenophobia, and the elusive “American dream.” 

Omar Offendum

Omar Offendum is a Syrian-American rapper/spoken word artist. Known for his unique blend of hip-hop and Arabic poetry, he's been featured on prominent world news outlets (Aljazeera, BBC, PBS, LA Times), lectured at a number of prestigious academic institutions (Harvard, Yale, Stanford, Northwestern, UT-Austin, UCLA, SOAS, American University of Beirut), collaborated with major museums and cultural organizations (LACMA / Penn Museum / Ithra / Shangri-La / Arab-American National Museum), and helped raise millions of dollars for various humanitarian relief groups (Islamic Relief, Karam Foundation, Syrian-American Medical Society). Offendum was recently named a Kennedy Center Citizen Artist Fellow, an Arab America Foundation "40 Under 40" award recipient, and a member of both the Pillars Fund cohort for Muslim Narrative Change and the RaceForward Butterfly Lab cohort for Immigrant Narrative Strategy. He currently resides in the great state of New York with his wife and two little children, while daydreaming about the jasmine tree-lined streets of Damascus.

Ronnie Malley

Ronnie Malley is a Palestinian-American multi-instrumentalist musician, composer, sound designer, producer, actor, playwright, educator, and executive director of Intercultural Music Production. With a focus on various musical styles from the Middle East, North Africa, South Asia, and medieval Spain, Ronnie has performed with several artists including Allos Musica, Apollo's Fire, Diwan al-Han, EMME, Huzam, Lamajamal, Mucca Pazza, Newberry Consort, Picosa, Omar Offendum, Surabhi Ensemble, University of Chicago Middle East Music Ensemble, and Yves Francois & Rocambu Jazz. Ronnie has worked on award-winning theatrical plays, films, and TV series including The Band's Visit (Broadway, Tony Awards, Grammy Awards), Mo (Netflix), The Jungle Book (Disney, Goodman Theatre), and The New Mother (Eleva Singleton). He has recorded on over twenty albums and has co-produced several works and staged productions including Little Syria, Karim Nagi's Huzam, The Reminders, Yves Francois, and The Andalusian Trail. Ronnie was recipient of the 2023 Chamber Music America Michael Jaffee Visionary Award. He holds a BA in Global Music Studies from DePaul University and is currently pursuing a graduate degree at the University of Chicago.

Thanks Joey

Born in Brooklyn, New York to Syrian immigrants & having a classical Arabic musician as a grandfather already set the palette for what Thanks Joey would be exposed to - Fairouz, Om Kalthoum, Abdel-Halim Hafez with a little bit of Jay Z, BIGGIE SMALLS, Nas etc. Thanks Joey met his long time collaborator/artist/friend, NIKO IS at 13 years old in Orlando, Florida and the two immediately began creating music together. In 2009 Joey established the Colours Of The Culture label on which the 2015 NIKO IS' album “BRUTUS” was released in collaboration with Talib Kweli's label, Javotti Media. In 2018, Joey released his first instrumental album inspired by the works of Khalil Gibran entitled “On Beats.” He also produced the 2018 NIKO IS album “UNIKO” which was also released in collaboration with Talib Kweli and featured artists from around the world including Curren$y, Tego Calderón, HAIKAISS, and more. He is currently working on multiple projects set to be released on Colours Of The Culture in the near future.

RONNIE MALLEY: ZIRYAB, THE SONGBIRD OF ANDALUSIA

OCTOBER 22 @ 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Benaroya Hall: Illsley Ball Nordstrom Recital Hall

200 University St
Seattle, WA 98101 United States + Google Map

From 9th century Islamic Spain to present day America

Oudist Ronnie Malley presents his original musical narrative about the life of Ziryab, a 9th century musician and polymath, who traveled from Baghdad to Muslim Spain and shifted the course of history. 2023 Recipient of the Michael Jaffee Visionary Award of Chamber Music America,

“Ronnie Malley’s musicianship is superb and his interweaving of his own life with the story of Ziryab’s, as well as his highly-informative discourse on the medieval master’s legacy, make for an enlightening performance.” — Jacob Davis, chicagocritic.com

Ziryab, The Songbird of Andalusia

– SOLO PLAY WRITTEN & PERFORMED BY RONNIE MALLEY

TAKE AN ENCHANTING MUSICAL JOURNEY FROM 9TH CENTURY ISLAMIC SPAIN TO PRESENT DAY AMERICA. ARABIC MUSIC, POETRY, AND SONGS BREATHE LIFE INTO THE STORY OF ZIRYAB, A FORMER SLAVE FROM BAGHDAD, WHOSE MUSICAL ABILITIES BROUGHT HIM FAME THROUGHOUT THE MIDDLE EAST, NORTH AFRICA, AND AL-ANDALUS: A LAND WHERE CHRISTIANS, JEWS, AND MUSLIMS CO-EXISTED FOR CENTURIES CREATING A UNIQUE AND DIVERSE SOCIETY. THE PLAY DESCRIBES THE HISTORY OF ZIRYAB, ISLAM IN MEDIEVAL EUROPE AND THE MIDDLE EAST, AND EL OUD – A MIDDLE EASTERN LUTE THAT EVENTUALLY BECAME THE GUITAR. THE STORY ALSO WEAVES PAST AND PRESENT INCLUDING ANECDOTES FROM RONNIE’S OWN LIFE GROWING UP AS A MUSICIAN AND MUSLIM PALESTINIAN-AMERICAN IN THE UNITED STATES.