Tag Archives: ZIKRAYAT

Concert Review: Zikrayat, An Immersion In The Traditions of Arabic Music

Date: January 10, 2016
Venue: Drom (NY)

Review by Dawoud Kringle

Zikrayat, the Arab music and dance ensemble offered their first performance of 2016 at Drom, NYC. Led by violinist / composer / teacher Sami Abu Shumays, Zikrayat (the Arabic word for “memories”) presents the classical music and the dance traditions of Egypt, Lebanon, Syria, and the greater Arab World. They also perform rare music from the “golden age” of Egyptian musical cinema (1940’s-60’s), traditional and standard pieces, and original compositions in these styles.

The sound at Drom on this night was quiet, by “club” standards. Zikrayat had no need to overwhelm the listener. They knew, not thought but knew, the music was beautiful on its own terms. There was no need or urge to prove anything. The set began with a varied exploration of the traditions to which Zikrayat is devoted.

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Music listings – 1/10 through 1/16

1. Sierra Leone’s Refugee All Stars

Date: Monday, January 10, 2011
Time:  8pm
Venue: Drom (85 Avenue A, NY, NY 10009, 212- 777-1157)
Ticket: $25
Genre: Sierra Leone pop music

Sierra Leone’s Refugee All Stars are a group of musicians who escaped the horrific violence of Sierra Leone’s civil war, landed in a West African refugee camp and formed a band to keep their spirits up and their hopes alive. From these humble beginnings the band has now grown to be an international musical sensation. Their can’t help but dance live shows and their musical message have earned them devoted fans around the world. They’ve known the horrors of war firsthand and have become ambassadors of peace. An unbelievable testament to the human spirit, the journey of Sierra Leone’s Refugee All Stars exemplifies the universal healing power of music.
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