World Music Institute

05/29/2026

The one and only Angélique Kidjo. We’re looking forward to seeing her at Central Park SummerStage on Aug 23 💖

05/27/2026

Eid Mubarak! 🕌🌙

Wishing joy and peace to all who celebrate this Eid al-Adha.

05/26/2026

Sun, May 31 - 5 PM - Join WMI and Music Before 1800 for an unforgettable afternoon of music in the beautiful setting of Corpus Christi Church, featuring Turkish kanun virtuoso, Didem Bașar, alongside a talented ensemble of musicians.

Originally from Istanbul and now based in Montreal, Didem masterfully weaves together Turkish and Western classical music into a vibrant dialogue enriched by Turkish maqams (modes), ornate rhythmic cycles, and improvisation.

Learn more: https://bit.ly/LevantineRhapsody

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05/22/2026

A magical moment with maestro Simon Shaheen سيمون شاهين last night at Roulette as a part of our 40th Anniversary Legacy Series ✨✨✨

Thanks to all who came out for an enchanting evening of strings courtesy of Simon and his ensemble, as well as kamancheh virtuoso Mehrnam Rastegari and her trio.

(video by Gwendolen Cates)

05/21/2026

Check out this New Sounds Gig Alert for Simon Shaheen سيمون شاهين and his Ensemble tonight (May 21) at Roulette in Brooklyn!

See you there 🔥🔥

Simon Shaheen at Roulette May 21 | 8:00 pm | $45+ The Palestinian musician Simon Shaheen is a master of both the oud, the Arab lute, and the violin. For much of the 80s and 90s he was...

05/21/2026

Tune in to a WBAI 99.5 FM New York archive recording of a 1987 WMI concert at BMCC featuring the legendary British folk artist Martin Carthy, an inspiration to icons such as Bob Dylan and Paul Simon, who marks his 85th birthday today! 🎉🥳

Happy birthday, Martin, and thanks to Edward Haber for the recording! 🎧 🎶

Listen Live On The Air Archives - Previously Aired Program Schedule Program Information Donate One-Time Cash Donation Donation With Thank-You Gift Monthly Donation - BAI Buddy Ways to Donate Get To Know Us About Us Staff Mission Pacifica Foundation Local Station Board Community Advisory Board Our Pa...

05/21/2026

Don't miss Simon Shaheen and his ensemble TONIGHT, May 21 at Roulette in Brooklyn! With opening act, Mehrnam Rastegari's Trio.

Tickets: https://bit.ly/simonandmehrnam

See you tomorrow night Brooklyn!

If there are tickets remaining, you can buy them here: https://ci.ovationtix.com/35721/production/1264141

05/19/2026

So this happened last Friday...

Just when you think the night couldn't get hotter than Will Calhoun and his amazing band featuring Cheick Tidiane Seck, Craig Harris drops by to jam at The Sultan Room 🔥🔥

(video by Keith Getter)

05/18/2026

Coming Thursday, May 21, to Roulette in Brooklyn! ✨✨

Don't miss an enchanting evening of strings with violin and oud maestro Simon Shaheen سيمون شاهين and his Ensemble. Simon Shaheen is recognized as one of the most prominent Arab musicians of our time, celebrated for his exceptional abilities in both traditional and contemporary music.

With opening act, kamancheh virtuoso Mehrnam Rastegari and her trio.

Learn more: https://bit.ly/simonandmehrnam