About the Artists:
Brian Prunka Oud Equally proficient on both guitar and oud, Brian Prunka composes and performs jazz and middle-eastern influenced music with his own projects (such as Nashaz and the Near East River Ensemble). In addition, he currently performs with Nano Raies, the Bil Afrah Project, Sharq Attack, Zikrayat, Matt Darriau, Samer Ali and others, as well performing on Broadway and writing for film soundtracks and theater. Although he spent his musically formative years immersed in the jazz community of New Orleans, for over a decade Brian has been based in Brooklyn. Always drawn to a wide range of music without regard to boundaries, national or otherwise, Brian began his deep study of Arabic music 20 years ago when he began playing the oud. His many diverse compositions and distinct improvisational style express his personal musical journey. He has performed throughout the U.S. and internationally with such artists as Simon Shaheen, Wajde Ayoub, Michael Bates, Ravish Momin, the New York Arabic Orchestra, and The Vancouver International Orchestra. www.brianprunka.com
Rami El-Aasser Tabla, riq, bendir
Photo Credit: Nousha Salimi
Photo Stylist/ Set Design Credit: Zola Zakiya