The deep, haunting voice and lyrical guitar of Stefani Valadez highlights an evening that will carry the audience on a musical journey from Spain through North Africa, Turkey, and the Near East.  The Stefani Valadez Ensemble, comprises a select number of the best players from Los Angeles's world music scene. Joined by guest dancer Melanie Kareem, they will essay a deep exploration of the roots and branches of the Sephardic music, associated with the Jews of medieval and Renaissance Spain, where Jews coexisted closely and amicably with Muslims—with some excursions into Sufi repertoire as well.

 The Ist-West Ensemble, led by Nyofu Tyson, master of the saz (Turkish long-necked lute), and flamenco guitarist Bobby Sokolov, meld these kindred traditions in a musical setting showcasing the dazzling vocal artistry of Cristobal Osorio hailing from Seville, Spain.  Egyptian/Lebanese percussionist and singer Ava Nahas leads the Ava Nahas Percussion Trio, presenting an excerpt from their full-length program “Telos:  Rhythms of Passage.”