Jazzfest Berlin
October 29-November 1, 2026
Schaperstraße 24
10719 Berlin-Bezirk
Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf, Germany
Iraqi-American trumpeter Amir ElSaffar (2026 Creative Capital Awardee) plays in the second night of Jazzfest Berlin, presenting the latest iteration of his long-time investigation of Iraqi maqam tradition filtered through the improvisation lens of smoldering post-bop and microtonality. The evening concludes with a set by saxophonist Immanuel Wilkins (2023 Creative Capital Awardee), a deep-thinking, wildly versatile New York-based reedist, and his explosive quartet on the heels of an acclaimed series of hard-swinging live albums.
Amir ElSaffar
Ruins of the Encampment, a Maqam Opera in Arabic
Iraqi-American Amir ElSaffar is a trumpeter, composer, santur player, and vocalist bridging jazz and Arabic music. He leads the Two Rivers sextet and 17-piece Rivers of Sound Orchestra, merging maqam modes with swing and improvisation. ElSaffar has toured with jazz legends, invented trumpet microtonal techniques, and received prestigious commissions and awards.
Immanuel Wilkins
COMMUNION
Immanuel Wilkins is a saxophonist, composer, aArranger, and bandleader from the greater Philadelphia area. He has two albums out on Blue Note Records—Omega and his most recent release, The 7th Hand.