Join us for an exciting concert with Lebanese pianist Tarek Yamani and French-Tunisian saxophonist Yacine Boulares together in a new project that celebrates their mutual heritages.

From Lebanese Dabke to the Tunisian traditions of Stambeli and Mezwed, the two musicians bring Arabic trance rhythms and the harmonic and melodic flexibility of Jazz together in a dynamic quartet featuring Jongkuk Kim on drums (Aaron Parks, Meshell, Dayna Stephens…) and Sam Minaie on bass (Tigran Hamassian, Dhafer Youssef…).

Yamani and Boulares are amongst a handful of Arabic musicians who have devoted their life to Jazz Music. Tarek Yamani lives between New York and Berlin and has been hailed a “trailblazing pianist” by CNN. Winner of the prestigious “Thelonious Monk Int’l Jazz Composers Competition” for his composition “Sama’i Yamani”, Tarek has been part of 4 all-star global concerts of the International Jazz Day and shared the stage with luminaries such as Wayne Shorter, Richard Bona, Zakir Hussein, Esperanza Spalding, Antonio Sanchez, Brian Blade and Vinnie Colaiuta.

Described by Radio France Internationale as “one of the most talented Jazzmen of his generation” and Yacine Boulares has recently accompanied Archie Shepp for the re-creation of “the Cry of my people” in New York and has worked with the likes of Placido Domingo, Nasheet Waits, Vincent Segal and Tabou Combo. He’s also the coleader of AJOYO with Sarah Elizabeth Charles & Jesse Fischer and the co-founder of Habibi Festival in New York.

Listen to a few tracks by Yacine Boulares & Tarek Yamani Quartet below:

• Baaltek
• New Dabke
• Ifriqiya

Security Rules: Each person attending the event must have a ticket registered in their name and a government-issued ID that matches the name on the reservation to enter the Embassy. No one will be admitted without a reservation and official ID. Due to strict security measures, please arrive on time, as doors will be closed at 7:30 pm sharp. Please allow for extra time for security screenings.

Credits: This event is organized by the Institut Français USA – Villa Albertine and the Resources USA Foundation. Resources USA Foundation, is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization promoting collaboration between the US and France to encourage Innovation in Science, Technology, Culture, and Higher Education. Our organization is able to continue its mission because of your support and generosity for our events at Maison Française, whether it’s a one-time gift, a monthly contribution, or part of a matching gifts program. Please contact us for contributions exceeding $250.