Fundraiser for SAZ Fest (Z Fest II)

Hi, my name is Daaiyah A. Ziyad. Saalik Ahmad Ziyad is my son. He passed away in February of 2019. My husband - Taalib-Din Ziyad, myself, Lewis Achenbach, and Adam Zanolini, are on a committee to present the sazFest (Z Fest II). This will be the second annual music festival presented in memory of Saalik. He was an integral part of world music. Saalik was a member and instructor for the Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians (AACM). Saalik began AACM as a student circa 1989. By the time he completed high school, Saalik had performed in South Africa, Russia, and Poland. He started performing at the age of seven with the Chicago Children's Choir. Saalik performed with the Kenwood Academy Concert Choir while in high school. After high school, Saalik performed with the Northern Illinois University Concert Choir, while also being a soloist with NIU's Jazz band under the direction of Ron Carter. Music was Saalik's life. We intend this music festival to be an annual event. This year's festival will begin Thursday, June 2nd through Sunday, June 5th at various locations throughout the city of Chicago. The admission to the concerts are free, although a ticket will be required for entry. We are asking for donations to pay for the expenses of the fest. No amount is too small. We thank you in advance for your contribution. Our goal is $12,000. Please adhere to the various locations policy on Covid-19 entry. Locations, times, and musicians performing can be obtained on the website: zfestchicago.com. Look at the Events & Info page on that site for specific schedules.