The Saami Brothers

Qawwali’s devotional poetry, improvisation and call-and-response traditions come to the Miami Beach Bandshell in a performance by Karachi-based Saami Brothers. The Sunday, November 15 concert is presented by Rhythm Foundation and Live Arts Miami, bringing one of South Asia’s longstanding Sufi musical traditions to the open-air venue.

The ensemble belongs to the hereditary Qawwal Bacha Delhi Gharana, a musical lineage associated with 13th-century poet and mystic Amir Khusrau. Their performances combine layered vocals, rhythmic repetition and extended improvisation designed to build toward wajd, a state of spiritual ecstasy central to the qawwali tradition.

The Saami Brothers also draw on training in khayal classical singing and a rare microtonal system that expands the tonal possibilities of their performances. Miami Beach residents may purchase $15 tickets with valid ID.