Mohamed Abozekry - Arizona Arts Live

Mohamed Abozekry

On Tour as Part of Center Stage

September 20, 2025

Venue:
The Century Room
Start Time:
6:30PM
Run Time:
1 Hour 15 Minutes

Groove to the smooth, lyrical beats of Egyptian oud master Mohamed Abozekry in a moving evening filled with unbridled imagination and improvisation.

“With brilliant, inventive virtuosity that goes far beyond technical mastery…Abozekry’s compositions are interwoven with jazz, Arabic modes, and swirling ardor.”
– Le Monde (France)

Mohamed Abozekry is one of today’s most exciting and creative musicians. Born in Cairo, Abozekry is a master of the oud — a beautiful, pear-shaped string instrument often called the “grandfather of the guitar.” Blending the sounds of his homeland with jazz, classical, and world music, Mohamed Abozekry creates something completely his own. His music feels both ancient and new, carrying the soul of Egypt.

With a talented group of six musicians from two continents (Camille Maussion on saxophone; George Nabil on keyboards; André Segone on bass; Ahmed Aly on percussion; Kerdani on drums; and Mohamed Abozekry on the Oud and vocals), Mohamed Abozekry’s performance is a powerful journey through improvisation, rhythm, and emotion. This is a rare chance to experience a modern master reimagining centuries-old traditions in thrilling, unexpected ways. Presented together with and in the Century Room.

Mohamed Abozekry is on tour in the USA as part of Center Stage, an initiative of the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs with funding provided by the U.S. Government. It is administered by the New England Foundation for the Arts in cooperation with the U.S. Regional Arts Organizations. General management is provided by Lisa Booth Management, Inc. www.centerstageUS.org.

Venue:
The Century Room
Start Time:
6:30PM
Run Time:
1 Hour 15 Minutes
PARTNERS

You might also like

September 7, 2025

Cathy and Harry

DOUBLE FEATURE
Explore and discover an intimate look at acclaimed artists Catherine Murphy and Harry Roseman, revealing the everyday realities behind creating meaningful art. A revealing and humorous double portrait of Catherine Murphy and Harry Roseman whose work is in collections from the Metropolitan Museum of Art to the Metropolitan Transit Authority. “Cathy & Harry” documents how their lives revolve in joyous, dizzying intensity around work, food, friends, and each other. Both Cathy and Harry are well-known artists with works in major museums and private collections. “Cathy & Harry” demystifies that, letting us get a feel for the day-to-day work of trying to make something of value. As well as important contemporary artists, Cathy and Harry become people – and people you’d probably like to have dinner with. This screening is part of a double feature preceded by a presentation of The Pantone Guy in Marroney Theatre. Artist's Site

September 7, 2025

The Pantone Guy

DOUBLE FEATURE
At 96, Larry Herbert reflects on his life, from his Depression-era upbringing in Brooklyn to creating the Pantone Matching System, which revolutionized the global use of color. Larry Herbert, known as “The Pantone Guy,” is a visionary whose revolutionary idea to standardize color remains largely unrecognized. Growing up in Depression-era Brooklyn, Larry entered the print and manufacturing trade during a time when color was a chaotic and subjective experience. He channeled his unique vision into creating the Pantone Matching System. This groundbreaking invention established a universal language for color, profoundly enhancing artistic expression and commercial production across all industries. Directed by Patrick Creadon (Wordplay, Hesburgh), this compelling documentary features an exclusive interview with Larry himself, offering an intimate glimpse into the mind behind Pantone and his enduring impact on how we perceive and use color today. This screening is part of a double feature followed by a presentation of Cathy and Harry in Marroney Theatre. Artist's Site Instagram Facebook

September 28, 2025

Capturing Kennedy

Follow Jacques Lowe, a Holocaust survivor turned 28-year-old personal photographer to JFK, chronicling his rise, through rare interviews and archives, to shaping the iconic Camelot imagery. Capturing Kennedy tells the story of Jacques Lowe, the Kennedy Family’s personal photographer who followed JFK from the earliest days of his 1960 campaign. Lowe’s work included many of the most iconic photographs of the Kennedy era, including images used for JFK’s campaign posters and the most recognized portrait of Jackie Kennedy. Based on over 10 hours of newly discovered footage, the film traces Lowe’s story from his first days with the Kennedy’s to the loss of his vast majority of 40,000+ Kennedy negatives lost in a Manhattan bank vault on September 11, 2001. The film also includes previously unpublished photographs of Ground Zero taken by a New York photographer who knew Lowe. It reveals a uniquely American story of hope, loss, and the enduring power of political imagery. Presented in Marroney Theatre. Artist's Site Instagram