Brooklyn Maqam is an organization dedicated to presenting Middle Eastern (in particular, Arabic) music, with the goals of expanding its audience, preserving it as an art form, and building community centered around the music.

Dubbed “one of New York’s most eclectic, interesting oudists” by NY Music Daily, Brian Prunka’s band Nashaz finds unexpected kinship between jazz and Arabic music, playing original music that stays true to the maqam tradition of the middle east while keeping the spontaneous interplay and energy of jazz at the forefront.  

"Nashaz has found that sweet spot between jazz, Arabic rhythms, and traditional Middle-Eastern melodies" (Brooklyn Magazine, "5 Bands You Need to Know in Brooklyn's Arabic Music Scene”)

With Brian Prunka - oud; Matt Darriau (reeds), Kenny Warren (trumpet), John Murchison (bass), Philip Mayer (percussion) and Chris Stromquist (drums)