Club Afropop 2003 season opens with Iraqi superstar Kazem al-Sahir on friday Feb. 28th at Beacon Theater in New York. Join fellow Afropop fans for this historic concert. Our events are always fun social gatherings too, and we will hang out at local watering hole after the show. We are holding limited number of prime, first balcony seats. Tickets for concert and post-concert party are $100. Reserve yours by calling 718-398-2733. More info: email us at info@afropop.org

Here is more background from Kazem tour press release:

Iraqi Superstar Brings Love Songs to America A cultural icon throughout the Arabic-speaking world, Iraq's most popular living singer, Kazem al-Sahir, embarks on an historic performance tour this winter. As the United States hovers on the brink of war with his country, Al-Sahir will visit major American cities in order to present a positive view of life and culture in his troubled region of the world, a view imbued with elegance, sophistication, celebration, and hope. Al-Sahir's gesture transcends politics, but it is not naïve. He believes that there is no more important thing he can do at this perilous moment than extend a genuine hand of friendship from one Iraqi to all Americans. For these unique American performances, Al-Sahir will be joined by fourteen of the most respected Middle Eastern musicians currently living and working in the United States. The lineup includes virtuosos from Israel, Egypt, and Lebanon, playing an enchanting array of traditional string and percussion instruments, in addition to modern pop instrumentation. Just one example, Bassam Saba, is a master of the nay flute and has performed and recorded with Simon Shaheen's genre-breaking ensemble Qantara, and also with Yo-Yo Ma. Of special interest to fans of Arabic classical music will be representatives of the esteemed Bahlouk family of Lebanon. Michel Merhej Bahlouk will participate with his superbly talented daughters, Christiana and Claudette, who rarely sing in public. The complete entourage will meet in Los Vegas on February 14 to begin rehearsals, and the public phase of the tour will begin at the Beacon Theatre in New York on February 28, followed by shows in Detroit, Chicago, San Francisco and San Diego.