Qadim is a word found in both Arabic and Hebrew meaning ‘ancient’ as well as ‘that which will come.’

The Qadim Ensemble’s repertoire includes folk songs in Arabic, Turkish, Hebrew, Ladino, Farsi, Greek and Armenian. The ensemble aims to celebrate the common musical and spiritual heritage of these cultures while honoring the great diversity found within them.

Acclaimed for their passionate performances, The Qadim Ensemble is comprised of accomplished and acclaimed musicians. The San Francisco-based band has attracted a growing global audience who are responding to their authentic musicianship and timely message of peace and cross-cultural appreciation. Their album, Eastern Wind, reached #7 on Billboard’s World Music chart.

Eliyahu Sills, Turkish & Persian ney

Rachel Valfer – Oud & vocals

Nariman Assadi – Persian percussion Daf & Tombak

Sirvan Manhoobi – Setar

Eliyahu Sills is a highly acclaimed musician of many instruments and deep knowledge of multiple musical traditions, from spiritual music of the Middle East and India to American Soul and Jazz and their African roots.

Known for his authenticity and soulful musicianship, Eliyahu Sills has been performing music for over 20 years on multiple instruments, including bansuri (the bamboo flute of India), and Turkish and Arabic ney (the reed flute of the middle east), the upright bass, and electric bass.

Rachel Valfer is a passionate singer and oud (Arabic lute) player who brings depth of feeling to every song. She studied Maqam and Persian dastgah modal systems in Israel and Palestine for six years at the Center for Middle Eastern Studies, and sings with several ensembles in the Bay Area. Gifted in the art of language, Rachel sings in Hebrew, Arabic, Farsi, Greek, Turkish, Ladino, and Armenian.

Nariman Assadi is an Iranian percussionist. Raised in Tehran, he always felt drawn to percussion instruments. At the age of thirteen, he began studying Tombak under Master Amir Mogharab Samadi. From 2008 to 2013, Nariman performed at Vahdat Hall as a soloist and with the Persian Percussion Ensemble at Pars Academy, the premier music academy for children. After mastering Tombak, he then began learning Daf under the great Master Bijan Kamkar. With a strong understanding of the Daf and Tombak, Nariman started learning Barbat (Oud) under Master Mohammad Firouzi.

In 2015, Nariman immigrated to the United States. He immediately began his professional music career by performing and attending festivals.

Sirvan Manhoobi started his musical journey at age 13 studying tar/sehtar with Persian masters, and later choosing oud as his primary instrument. He has studied classical and folk music of Iran with masters such as the Kamkars and Mohammad Reza Lotfi. He received Best Soloist awards at Iranian music festivals.

Tickets are $29 in advance and $35 at the door. Children under 12 are free. Advance tickets are available here, or if the show is not sold out, you may purchase your tickets at the door before the show.

Doors open one half hour before show time. We accept cash or Venmo only at the door.

The Back Room is an all-ages, BYOB (for those 21+) space, dedicated to (mostly) acoustic music of all kinds. You are welcome to bring your own food and beverages. The venue is ADA accessible. If you need more information or have any questions, please call us: #510-381-1997.

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Please note: Although masks are no longer required, we strongly encourage their use to keep everyone safe in our intimate space.