Kahil El'Zabar & David Murray - WE BE FREE Tour

Legendary percussionist and bandleader Kahil El'Zabar joins forces with saxophone icon David Murray at An die Musik Live for their 2026 tour, WE BE FREE—a dynamic and deeply expressive program rooted in spiritual jazz improvisation, and the ongoing exploration of freedom through sound.

Having captivated audiences worldwide for over 40 years, they continue to build on their shared legacy as pioneers of Great Black Music, bringing together decades of innovation, global performance history, and cultural impact.

Sir Kahil El’Zabar was Knighted by the Council General of France for Global Contributions to the Arts. He has performed with luminaries like Dizzy Gillespie, Cannonball Adderley, Pharoah Sanders, Nina Simone, Stevie Wonder, Archie Shepp, Eddie Harris, Donny Hathaway, Paul Simon, Ntozake Shange, Nona Hendryx, Neneh Cherry, Lester Bowie, Hamiet Bluiett, Malachi Favors, Billy Bang and Gene Ammons. Dr. El’Zabar, holds a PhD from Lake Forest College in Interdisciplinary Arts. He taught music and interdisciplinary arts at the University of Nebraska/Lincoln, and University of Illinois in Chicago. President Bill Clinton appotinted him to the National Task Force for Arts Presenting in Education. He won the International Ambassador Award from President Barak Obama’s Administration.

Dr. El’zabar has served on the prestigious boards of the Lila Wallace Readers Digest Fund, The National Endowment of the Arts, and the National Campaign for the Freedom of Expression. He is the former chairmen of the Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians (AACM). El’Zabar has recorded over 100 acclaimed projects, and founded and leads the legendary Ethnic Heritage Ensemble and Ritual Trio.

David Murray is considered to be the most influential tenor saxophonist of his generation. He has recorded more than 300 acclaimed projects. He has worked with many of the giants, such as Max Roach, Charles Mingus, Cecil Taylor, Jack DeJohnette, Chico Hamilton, Elvin Jones, Archie Shepp, Pharoah Sanders, Randy Weston, the list goes on. He is co founder of the World Saxophone Quartet and leads the famed David Murray Quartet, David Murray Octet, and the David Murray Big Band. Dr. Murray was awarded a PhD in the Arts from Claremont College, is a Guggenheim Fellow and a Fulbright Scholar. Dr. Murray has won two Grammys and is the prestigious recipient of the Jazz Par Award from the country of Denmark.

In-person seats: $35 / $15 students
Attendees receive a link to the recording to view for one week.

Streaming passes: $15
The link will remain active through July 5

Donations welcome!