Amir ElSaffar's Two Rivers Ensemble at Bowker Auditorium

Two Rivers Ensemble is a sextet of Middle Eastern jazz musicians that has made innovative strides in using the Arabic maqam modal system to transform the jazz idiom. ElSaffar, an expert trumpeter with a classical background, has been described as “uniquely poised to reconcile jazz and Arabic music” (the Wire). With musical traditions from Iraq and nearby regions blended with the language of swing, improvisation and group interaction, the ensemble represents a distinct contemporary cross-cultural musical fusion.

JAZZ FLIGHT: A series sampler of jazz events including Angelica Sanchez, Amir ElSaffar and Dee Dee Bridgewater...

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Two Rivers Ensemble is a sextet of Middle Eastern jazz musicians that has made innovative strides in using the Arabic maqam modal system to transform the jazz idiom. ElSaffar, an expert trumpeter with a classical background, has been described as “uniquely poised to reconcile jazz and Arabic music” (the Wire). With musical traditions from Iraq and nearby regions blended with the language of swing, improvisation and group interaction, the ensemble represents a distinct contemporary cross-cultural musical fusion.

JAZZ FLIGHT: A series sampler of jazz events including Angelica Sanchez, Amir ElSaffar and Dee Dee Bridgewater. Get a ticket to all three shows for only $65 (price range A); $20 for Five College Students and youth 17 and under. Plus, you’ll automatically become a subscriber and get a 15% ticket discount on future performances and additional discounts on area dining. More information at fineartscenter.com/JazzFlight.

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