Ali Paris in concert

I saw and heard a really exciting concert this evening.  Ali Paris, a Palestinian musician sings and plays a Middle Eastern instrument called a Qanun. Note to self: remember that word for Scrabble games. This is a 76 string zither that dates back to the 14th century. What I find fascinating about this instrument is that, while it has 76 strings, each string can play eight different tones. He describes it as being like a piano that has 8 extra keys between one white key and the black key next to it.  Ali was accompanied by an excellent drummer and guitarist and the music ranged from traditional Middle Eastern music to contemporary jazz and and a song he co-created and has performed with Alicia Keys. All in all, a truly excellent program.