Gari Hegedus & Faisal Zedan: Instruments and Interpretations of Turkish, Arabic & Greek Traditions

Multi-instrumentalist Gari Hegedus is joined by master percussionist Faisal Zedan and his ensemble for an evening of instrumental music rooted in Turkish, Arabic and Greek traditions.

Gari Hegedus began devoting his life to music 25 years ago with the study of early European, Celtic and Bretagne music. From there he was led east into the intense practice and performance of Turkish classical and Mevlevi ceremonial music. His repertoire and playing styles span outward from Turkey to Greece and the Arab lands as well as to Iran and India. He plays the oud, violin and saz, and has expressed his talent on many other instruments including the mandocello, sarod and setar. As a composer and musician, Gari utilizes the various Eastern modal systems called maqam and has developed the art of improvisation (taqsim) to a soulful level for which he has become highly recognized.

Born in Lebanon and raised in Syria, Faisal Zedan grew up impassioned with the derbakki (Arabic drum). At the age of 15, after intensive study with a local drummer, Faisal became exposed to a wide repertoire of Arabic classical and contemporary music. Upon arrival in California in 1992, he joined the acclaimed UCLA Near East Music Ensemble directed by Dr. Ali Jihad Racy. Faisal is affiliated with several groups including Kan Zaman, Qadim, Stellamara and Aswat Ensemble. In addition to his collaborations with local and international artists, Faisal has taught at music camps, conducted workshops around the world, and has produced instructional DVDs on derbakki fundamentals and Arabic percussion.

Featuring:
Gari Hegedus – various string instruments
Faisal Zedan – derbakki, riqq, frame drum
Sarah Zita Rosen – duhulla
Michael Huffman – frame drum
Josh Mellinger – riqq

Admission: $15-20. Doors at 7:00pm. Show at 7:30pm. All ages welcome.

Tickets will not be sold in advance for this event. Please arrive at the Red Poppy when doors open to purchase tickets.

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