***TWO SETS: 9PM & 10:15PM***
***$10 (CASH) SUGGESTED DONATION***
***LUNATICO HAS A FULL DINNER AND COCKTAIL MENU SO COME EARLY TO EAT!***

Gnawa master musician Maalem Hassan Benjaafer and drummer Daniel Freedman joined forces on our bandstand back in early 2023 and since, the project has grown into this dream team which, tonite, includes guest Gilad Hekselman on second guitar! Not to be missed!

Maalem Hassan Benjaafar ~ Guembri, Voice
Daniel Freedman ~ Drummer
Gilad Hekselman ~ Guitar
Guilherme Monteiro ~ Guitar
Amino Belyamani ~ Percussion
David Lizmi ~ Percussion

MAALEM HASSAN BENJAAFER is a Maalem or Master of gnawa music. He is the son of the esteemed Maalem Abdullah Benjaafar of Fes, Morocco. He was raised and educated in Al Azhar Association for Culture and the Arts, an officially recognized zaouia (Gnawa school) his father founded and ran in the Medina of Fes jdid. As a youth he travelled throughout Morocco, living, studying and performing with Maalems in every region, including Maalem Sam of Casablanca, Maalem Ahmed Bakbou and Maalem Abdelatif of Marrakesh, Maalem Boujmaa of Fes, Maalem Abdelouahed Stitu and Maalem Mbarek Kasri of Tangier, and Maalem Hmida Boussou of Marrakesh and Casablanca. He currently resides in NYC where he is the lead singer and Artistic Director of Innov Gnawa.

The musical vision of drummer, percussionist and composer DANIEL FREEDMAN extends well beyond the reach of his drum kit. A master rhythmic catalyst, he brings a boundless imagination to his gift for sonic alchemy, conjuring sparks from unexpected combinations of collaborators, influences and cultures. He has recorded and performed with artists such as David Byrne, Angelique Kidjo, Sting, Meshell Ndegeocello, Youssou N-Dour, Wynton Marsalis, Omara Portuondo and Tom Harrell.