Boundary-pushing jazz group plays in QC

Jonathan Turner
·2 min read

A special Quad City Arts jazz concert will be this Saturday, April 20, at 7 p.m.

The global jazz ensemble Wanees Zarour and East Loop will perform as part of Quad City Arts’ Visiting Artist Series residency program, at The Speakeasy, 1818 3rd Ave., Rock Island.

Patrons will experience a full-length performance, followed by an intimate conversation revealing the artist’s background and creative ventures. A cash bar will be available.

Wanees Zarour is a Palestinian-American virtuoso on the buzuq, which is like a lute with a fretted neck.
Wanees Zarour is a Palestinian-American virtuoso on the buzuq, which is like a lute with a fretted neck.

Wanees Zarour is an award-winning Palestinian-American composer, arranger, buzuq virtuoso and multi-instrumentalist steeped in maqam and jazz music, according to a Quad City Arts release.

“His compositional and arranging styles transcend borders and draw from traditions spanning the entire globe,” the release says. “As a community leader, he believes in creating a conducive environment to artistic expression and collective music-making. Zarour directs the Middle East Music Ensemble at the University of Chicago, co-directs the Chicago Immigrant Orchestra, and leads ‘East Loop,’ a septet that explores the intersections between maqam and jazz.”

East Loop is a septet that boldly delves into the captivating intersection between Middle Eastern musical traditions and the improvisational framework of jazz, according to the band bio. With a lineup of leaders in the music scene, East Loop brings together a wealth of experience to create a truly unique, immersive sonic exploration.

Zarour and his jazz ensemble will give a free concert Wednesday at 6 p.m. at the Watts-Midtown branch of Rock Island Public Library.
Zarour and his jazz ensemble will give a free concert Wednesday at 6 p.m. at the Watts-Midtown branch of Rock Island Public Library.

The boundary-pushing compositions and performance approach has established them as pioneers in the realm of global jazz fusion.

This event highlights performing arts’ pivotal role in providing cultural exchange opportunities and engagements with accomplished professional performing artists for area students, Quad City Arts said.

During Zarour’s week in residence, he will have visited nine local schools in six school districts, six area libraries, and five community organizations.

One is a free concert Wednesday, April 17 at 6 p.m. in the Rock Island Public Library’s Watts-Midtown Branch, 2715 30th Street.

The full 2023-2024 roster of artists participating in the Visiting Artist Series includes 14 professional performing artists providing educational activities in music, dance, theatre, and visual arts creation. Residencies featuring artists from across the U.S. and around the world are scheduled through May 2024 and will focus on presenting educational performing arts-based engagements in and around the Quad Cities.

Tickets for Saturday night’s show are $20 for general admission, $10 for students (limited capacity), and are available HERE.

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