National Sawdust presents National Sawdust Presents: Silkroad Up-Close featuring Shawn Conley and Kinan Azmeh Trio
National Sawdust80 North 6th Street, New York 11249
Silkroad Up-Close features the newly formed Kinan Azmeh Trio: Syrian-born, New York-based clarinetist and composer Kinan Azmeh, pianist Amino Belyamani and bassist Shawn Conley. Their acoustic set moves between composition and improvisation, with the three musicians’ interplay shaping music that draws from a wide range of traditions and resists easy categorization.
Azmeh has developed what National Sawdust calls a “distinctive musical language” through collaborations with artists including Yo-Yo Ma, Marcel Khalife, John McLaughlin, Daniel Barenboim, Aynur and Djivan Gasparian. The New York Times has called him “virtuoso, intensely soulful,” while The New Yorker called him “spellbinding.”
National Sawdust offers a unique evening where music and innovation meet in a thoughtfully designed space that once housed a sawdust factory. The main hall, seating up to 185 guests with flexible arrangements, features a cutting-edge Meyer spatial sound system that immerses you in every note. The room’s raw brick walls and crystalline architectural elements create a striking contrast, enhancing the focus on the performance. A full bar is available, inviting you to enjoy a drink while fully engaging with the diverse range of genres presented by both emerging and established artists. Shows are ticketed, and purchasing ahead is recommended to secure your spot in this intimate yet spacious venue. The experience is centered on listening and discovery, making for an evening that feels both special and thoughtfully curated.