Old Town School of Folk Music
The Old Town School of Folk Music in Chicago has served as a hub for global music in the city. I have partnered with the School in various capacities since 2009 and am currently managing the Ojalá project.
For our first partnership, we presented Qawwal Faiz Ali Faiz for the first time in Chicago (2009). This started a sustained partnership between IMAN and Old Town School of Folk Music and evolved into an intentionality in working with and presenting Muslim artists.
In 2015, I was asked to produce Iron Heart Chicago, a series of concerts featuring Chicago’s musical heroes at places that brings us together - Chicago’s train stations. We featured 6 artists over a week with 40 concerts on every train line!
Ojalá
Currently, I am managing the Ojalá project, funded by the Doris Duke Foundation for Islamic Art, presenting local and international musicians through Chicago-based residencies. Over the course of two years, we will produce a total of 14 residencies alongside Chicago partners.