Amir ElSaffar

Experience the transcendent artistry of Amir ElSaffar, a visionary musician who has redefined the boundaries of jazz by weaving together the intricate melodic traditions of Iraqi maqam with the improvisational freedom of contemporary jazz. A virtuoso trumpeter and santur player, ElSaffar has earned international acclaim for his singular ability to bridge two deeply soulful musical worlds into one breathtaking sonic experience. On Thursday, June 25, 2026, he brings his extraordinary music to Minneapolis for an unforgettable evening at the Cedar Cultural Center. The Cedar Cultural Center, one of Minneapolis's most beloved and acoustically intimate venues, provides the perfect setting for ElSaffar's nuanced and deeply expressive performances. Known for championing world music and adventurous artists, the Cedar's warm, community-centered atmosphere ensures that every seat feels close to the stage — placing you inside the music itself. Whether you are a devoted jazz enthusiast or a curious newcomer, the intimacy of the space transforms the concert into a profoundly personal encounter with sound. ElSaffar's performances are meditative journeys through melody, rhythm, and improvisation that leave audiences moved and transformed. Drawing on his Iraqi heritage and his deep study of maqam scales alongside his jazz training at some of America's finest conservatories, his music speaks a universal language that transcends genre and geography. This is a rare opportunity to witness a truly once-in-a-generation musical mind in an intimate Minneapolis setting — an evening not to be missed.