Yousif spent the end of January in the recoding studio with Stephan Said. This amazing band included drummer Cindy Blackman (Lenny Kravitz), guitarist Kevin Hunter (Shanya Twain, Janet Jackson) and bassist George Mitchell. The CD is being produced by Hal Wilner (Lou Reed, Lucinda Williams). Stay tuned for release information.

Yousif was an honored guest at his alma mater for the University of Iowa’s 100th Anniversary of the School of Music and the Thomas L. Davis percussion concert. Other guests included Steven Schick , David Lang and John Wooton. Steven, John and Yousif each gave clinics and played solos on the concert. David Lang was there for the premier of a new work for Steven Schick and percussion quartet.

The Lockwood/Sheronick Project has their first tour to Australia this summer. They will be performing as well as teaching clinics and masterclasses in Melbourne, Adelaide and Brisbane. If you are interested in lessons or clinics please email either Yousif or Kathryn directly. www.lockwoodsheronickproject.com.

Yousif’s recently released self published instructional DVD and Book for the Riq (Middle Eastern Tambourine) has sold over 200 copies worldwide! The DVD guides you from the basics of holding the Riq all the way through playing and embellishing traditional Middle Eastern Rhythms in both Cabaret and Soft positions. Included are technique exercises to develop your tones and build your strength, as well as two spectacular solos played by Sheronick on this amazingly versatile instrument. The accompanying book includes a comprehensive collection of over 50 Middle Eastern Rhythms (many with multiple embellishments) and a scene layout of the DVD. Click here for more information.

Ethos Percussion Group will be recording two CD’s this summer. One will feature works by Lucas Ligheti, Dafnis Prieto, Robert Levin and Susie Ibarra. The second recording is dedicated to the percussion music of Daniel Levitan. Upcoming collaborations for EPG in 07/08 include zanu/Pulse with Bernard Woma (gyli) and Glen Velez (frame drums). Ethos will also be touring a new project with the Lark Quartet. See calendar for upcoming performance schedules. www.ethospercussiongroup.org

Ethos Percussion Group is featured on two new releases by Traditional Crossroads and First Impressions Music. The first is a West African inspired piece by Robert Levin, the second a collaboration with the Colorado Quartet.
Yousif recorded a new work by Daniel Bernard Roumain with the Lark String Quartet for Endeavor Records. He was guest artist on a movement of the newly commissioned work titled” Klap Ur Handz”. A CD release concert was held Nov. 19th at Merkin Concert Hall in New York.