Hassan Hakmoun to Perform at Trance Festival in New York

Celebrated Moroccan musician Hassan Hakmoun is set to perform on Saturday, May 2, 2015 A World In Trance Festival in New York City.

Marrakech-born, Hassan Hakmoun, is one of Morocco’s best-known artists. The Gnawa musician has performed since the age of seven, presenting concerts of music from Gnawa trance ceremonies as well as cross-cultural music. He has been praised for his spiritually-charged vocals, sintir (bass lute) playing, and acrobatic dancing.

Hassan Hakmoun’s music is rooted in that of the Gnawa sect, descendants of West African slaves brought to North Africa several hundred years ago. Since moving to the United States in 1987, Hassan has collaborated with renowned artists, including Richard Horowitz, David Sanborn, Pharoah Sanders, the Kronos Quartet, Peter Gabriel, Don Cherry, and Adam Rudolph.

His most recent album is Unity. In his concerts of trance ceremonies, Hassan’s ecstatic vocals invoke the spirits of healing through chants of praise. His ensemble provides backup vocals in a call-and-response style and accompanies him on drums and karkabas (metal castanets).

18:30 (6:30pm) talk with Dr. Philip Schuyler on trance music in Morocco
Concert time: 20:00 (8:00pm)
22:00 (10:00pm) Marrakech dance party with DJ
Roulette, 509 Atlantic Ave at 3rd Ave near BAM & Barclays Center, Downtown Brooklyn
Tickets: $30; students, seniors $25
Tickets: roulette.org, 917-267-0363

More at http://aworldintrance.com