The Arab Blues mixes the music of the Middle East and the Midwest

The Arab Blues is the name of a Chicago duo made up of Karim Nagi and Rami Gabriel. Nagi is a native Egyptian; Gabriel is of Lebanese-Egyptian descent. They are both fixtures of the Chicago music scene, tapping into the city’s deep well of jazz and blues, and fusing it with the traditional music and sounds of their Middle Eastern heritage.The Arab Blues will be performing in Urbana on November 9 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at the Illini Union. It's part of the celebration commemorating the opening of the Salaam MENA Cultural Center at the University of Illinois.

GUESTS: 

Karim Nagi

Percussionist, The Arab Blues

Rami Gabriel 

Oud & other string, The Arab Blues

​​​​​​