Ask the City
tell me your night, I'll build it from the listingsMay 2026
← agendaWill Calhoun's Mali Project ft. Cheick Tidiane Seck NYC Debut
Fri May 15 · 8pm · The Sultan Room
Grammy Award-winning percussionist Will Calhoun (Living Colour) and legendary Malian musician Cheick Tidiane Seck present the NYC debut of their collaboration. What began as a chance meeting at the Gnawa Festival in Morocco evolved into a powerful cross-cultural musical journey that saw the transformation from a documentation effort to a full-fledged recording in Bamako.
listed by World Music Institute
Simon Shaheen Ensemble
Thu May 21 · 8pm · Roulette Intermedium
Oud and violin maestro Simon Shaheen is recognized as one of the most prominent Arab musicians of our time. The Ensemble: Simon Shaheen – violin and 'ud, Najib Shaheen – 'ud, Layan Hawila – vocal, Firas Zreik – qanun, Tareq Rantisi – percussion. Opening act: Mehrnam Rastegari Trio.
listed by World Music Institute
Didem Başar 'Levantine Rhapsody'
Sun May 31 · 5pm · Corpus Christi Church
Turkish kanun virtuoso Didem Başar performs with an ensemble featuring bass flute, transverse flute, cello, and percussion. A vibrant dialogue enriched by Turkish maqams, ornate rhythmic cycles, improvisation, and impressionist compositions.
listed by World Music Institute