Yehya Khalil:
Widely regarded as the founding father of Oriental Jazz, Yehya Khalil founded the Cairo Jazz Quartet in Egypt when he was only 13 years old. In the 60s, Yehya traveled to America to study at the American Music Conservatory and was tutored by legendary jazz drummer Roy Knapp, teacher to jazz legend Gene Krupa. In America, Yehya toured with American jazz, soul, blues and country bands "Friend & Lover", "Raspitin Stach", "Richard Berry," and many others. When he returned to Egypt, Yehya began his own music program "World of Jazz," shown on Egyptian Television. Yehya has hosted and played with jazz legends Oliver Jones, Dave Young, John Lee, Von Freeman, James Moody, Herbie Hancock, Quincy Jones, and Dizzy Gillespie, the latter with whom he performed at the opening of the Cairo Opera House in 1989. Yehya is founder of The Yehya Khalil Foundation for the Culture of Jazz Music in Egypt.
Yves Francois & Rocambu Jazz:
Yves Francois is a jazz trumpeter and an esteemed artist award recipient from DCASE. His Rocambu Jazz project draws on influences of his family's connection to Tunisia and North Africa, and also explores world jazz genres including Retro Afro-Caribbean Grooves, Congas, High Life, Rumbas, Soukous, and New Orleans Jazz. Yves honed his skills on the south side of Chicago, by playing alongside jazz legends such as Paul Bascomb, Odie Payne Jr, Eddie Johnson and his mentor Franz Jackson. He is a Delmark Records recording artist and will be releasing a new album this year through Intercultural Music Production with funding from DCASE.
Sponsored by: Egyptian American Society of Chicago, Doris Duke Foundation for Islamic Art, National Endowment for the Arts, DCASE, and Illinois Arts Council.
Old Town School of Music: World Music Wednesdays - Yehya Khalil / Yves Francois & Rocambu Jazz
4544 N Lincoln Ave · Gary and Laura Maurer Concert Hall · 773.728.6000
FREE!
World Music Wednesdays
A weekly showcase of world music and dance featuring the best local and touring talent! Most shows are Wednesday nights at 8:30 PM.
Most World Music Wednesday concerts are free with a $10 suggested donation. TO GUARANTEE YOUR ENTRY MAKE YOUR RESERVATIONS IN ADVANCE EITHER ONLINE OR BY CALLING THE BOX OFFICE AT 773.728.6000. Reservations unclaimed 10 minutes before showtime will be released to waiting patrons.