HONORING ZAKIR HUSSAIN:

- Zakir Hussain Concert Film Screening: “The SF Sessions”
- Q & A with Film Directors and Zakir Hussain’s Family Members, Anisa Qureshi and Taylor Phillips
- Reception to follow

Join us for a special night dedicated to the late Ustad Zakir Hussain, the renowned tabla player who was set to perform at the Chicago Symphony Center this year as part of his bi-annual Master’s of Percussion tour. In light of his passing on December 15, 2024, we are honoring his legacy by screening “The SF Jazz Sessions”, followed by a Q&A and reception. It is a chance to join together with friends, fellow fans, music lovers and Zakir’s own family to witness the great percussionist in this rarely seen incredible concert film directed by Zakir's own daughter, Anisa Qureshi and his son-in-law, Taylor Phillips. Funds from the program will go to support a very special cause, the launch of the Zakir Hussain Music Institute.

*The Zakir Hussain Institute of Music was founded to further the knowledge of classical Indian percussion music and its place in contemporary music. Drawing upon the legacy of 40 years of workshops, retreats and seminars led by Zakir, the Institute will work to instruct and inspire future generations of musicians by archiving this recorded body of work, along with Zakir’s concerts, lectures and appearances.

Zakir Hussain: The SF Jazz Sessions
(2013, 3 hrs, Directed by Anisa Qureshi & Taylor Phillips) The SF Jazz Sessions tells a story of four extraordinary nights showcasing the formidable talents and genre-bending collaborations of the peerless tabla virtuoso, percussionist, composer Zakir Hussain, in concert with some of his favorite musicians. Filmed and recorded in 2013, during the historic inaugural season of the SF Jazz Center, these sessions highlight the consummate virtuosity and improvisational genius of one of the world's greatest musicians and the easy, personable charisma which have made Zakir an international celebrity. The presentation of the music is interwoven with insightful interviews, personal commentary and intimate glimpses of life, offstage and backstage. The phenomenal artists who came together during the SF sessions include: Zakir Hussain, tabla, percussion • Bela Fleck, banjo • Edgar Meyer, bass • Steve Smith, drums • Giovanni Hidalgo, conga • Eric Harland, drums • Ganesh Rajagopalan, violin • Rakesh Chaurasia, flute • Niladri Kumar, sitar • George Brooks, saxophone • Antonia Minnecola, Kathak dance • Molly Holm, vocal • Dana Pandey, tabla • Osam Ezzeldin, keyboard • Sanket Acharya, tabla • Salar Nader, tabla.

The film screening will be followed by a Q&A with the Directors and a short reception.

Promotional Partner: Chicago Symphony Center