YOUSSRA EL HAWARY became a sensation in the aftermath of the Egyptian revolution … capturing the stories of Cairo and the Mediterranean basin that fuels her music. A fixture of Egypt’s independent music scene, El Hawary and her five-piece band meld the sounds of Cairo’s underground with acoustic charm, led by the sway and swagger of El Hawary’s accordion. Her songs entwine French chanson, indie rock, and jazz to underscore an idiosyncratic artistic world. She is currently on her debut US tour as part of Center Stage, a cultural exchange program that invites performing artists from abroad to the United States to perform, meet, and share their experiences with communities around the country.