Austin, Texas – November 3, 2016 – Texas Folklife’s intimate music series featuring roots music and emphasizing the non-profit’s mission to present the state’s traditional arts and culture has been announced for November. The concert will be held on Wednesday, November 16, at the Texas Folklife House—1708 Houston Street, Austin, Texas—from 7:00-9:00 p.m. 

Austin’s Arab-Brazilian fusion band Arazeel will perform and discuss the folk roots of their music, why they came together to form a band, and their goal to bridge cultures. The group formed in 2014 when musicians from the Brazilian band Seu Jacinto and musicians from Austin’s Arab music community music got together. Arazeel’s repertoire includes: forró, a musical genre that originated in Northeastern Brazil and has African roots, Palestinian folksongs, Lebanese folksongs, and popular songs by Iraqi and Egyptian composers. The group utilizes elements from each of these influences as a foundation for improvisation and exploration.   

The House Concert will be an intimate experience. Limited tickets are available and can be purchased at: houseconcertseriesarazeel.brownpapertickets.com/. Tickets are for $5 for Texas Folklife members and $10 for non-members. To become a member or renew your membership, go to: http://texasfolklife.org/info/membership.

Proceeds will benefit the artists and Texas Folklife’s statewide public programs. Beer and and wine will be available for a donation.

“Please plan to join us for this month’s concert,” says Executive Director Charlie Lockwood. “Arazeel’s playlist is unique. You won’t hear this special blend of Arab and Brazilian music anywhere else in Austin! We are lucky to have them at Texas Folklife for this special night and for the small group of music aficionados who buy their tickets early.” 

Parking for the event is available in Texas Folklife’s gravel driveway, on the street immediately in front of the building, and Asterra Properties (located next door). Overflow parking is available at Recycled Reads (5335 Burnet Rd). Please use the spaces in the back or on the South side of the Recycled Reads building.