New York Arab Festival presents Taktouka live in concert for the debut of their album "Bassara" on May 17th at Soapbox Gallery. Taktouka features Alia Haju on vocals, Bashar Farran on bass, Daro Behroozi on woodwinds, with Rema Hasumi on synth. All performers currently reside in NYC but come from wildly different musical and geographical backgrounds. Together they create a new sound and vision for Arabic music today. Bassara showcases their reinterpretation of Arabic folk songs with futuristic sounds drawn from jazz, improvised music, electronic textures, and dance rhythms with evocative lyrics that reflect the experiences and perspectives of the band. These legacies enrich and transform each other, bridging cultures, genres, ideas, and communities. Join us for this beautiful, dense and surprising journey of sound to celebrate the launch of Taktouka's new album "Bassara" and experience Arabic music as you've never heard it before! The recording of Taktouka band's album "Bassara" is supported by The NY Women's Fund and New York Foundation for the Arts. NYAF's 2023 programming is made possible in part with funds from the Howard Gilman Foundation, administered by the Brooklyn Arts Council, the Lower Manhattan Cultural Council, and additional support from partnerships and supporters.
Alia Haju- vocals, music director
Bashar Farran- bass, music director
Daro Behroozi- woodwinds, sound designer
Rema Hasumi- synthesizers/keys
www.newyorkarabfestival, @newyorkarabfestival @taktoukaband @bkartscouncil @nyfacurrent @nycwomensfund