The Soundtrack of Casablanca
Every evening as the Moroccan dusk settles over Sour Jdid, the courtyard fills with the timeless chords of American swing, French chanson, and Andalusian Arabesques.
Rick's Café Casablanca — As Time Goes By & Live Jazz Atmosphere
Performed Live at Rick's Café Casablanca • 248 Boulevard Sour Jdid
The Courtyard Grand Piano
In Hollywood’s 1942 classic, Dooley Wilson immortalized Sam singing to Ingrid Bergman and Humphrey Bogart. When founder Kathy Kriger set out to construct the real Rick’s Café in Casablanca, she knew that no replica or ordinary keyboard would suffice.
Resting with timeless elegance under dramatic brass archways, our black lacquered grand piano commands the center of the riad's courtyard. Its mellow, singing tone fills the acoustics of the riad with authentic warmth as resident maestro Issam Chabaa brings the cinematic romance of 1942 to life each night.
"Play it once, Sam. For old times' sake."
Ivory and ebony resonance in the central courtyard.
Issam Chabaa & The Jazz Quartet
From the day Rick’s Café opened its heavy cedar doors on March 1, 2004, resident pianist Issam Chabaa has provided the living, breathing musical soul of the establishment.
Issam Chabaa
Hailing from Rabat with formal conservatory training in classical harmony and an instinctive passion for American swing, Issam Chabaa embodies the international grace of Rick's Café. His touch is both delicate and commanding, effortlessly weaving from upbeat swing tempo to poignant romantic ballads.
Over two decades, Issam has performed for world leaders, cinema legends, jazz enthusiasts, and couples celebrating once-in-a-lifetime milestones.
The Rhythm & Strings
Accompanying Issam on select evenings is Rick’s acoustic jazz rhythm section: double bass, subtle brush percussion, and guest brass soloists.
In our celebrated Arabesques sessions, master lutenists Driss Nigra and classical guitarist Ahmed Gendouz join resident vocalists like Dalila Meksoub, bridging Western jazz improvisation with Moroccan and Andalusian modal traditions.
Live Sessions & Weekly Programs
While live piano and acoustic swing fill the courtyard throughout the week, our musical evenings also showcase regional North African and Arabesque artistry.
Sundays: Arabesque Music Program
Sundays are usually dedicated to our Arabesque music program, focusing on Arabic and Moroccan sounds and classical regional repertoire.
These evocative sessions are typically performed by acoustic duets or trios—pairing classical lute (oud) and guitars with acoustic resonance—and are sometimes accompanied by guest singers who bring Andalusian muwashahat, oriental classics, and traditional Moroccan melodies into the riad courtyard.
Atmosphere & Music Policy
Rick’s Café is a dining restaurant and bar. Live music is provided as complimentary evening dining entertainment (no concert tickets or cover charge). Performances can take place anytime from the start of dinner service (6:30 PM) to around midnight in periodic sets totaling approximately two hours. No live music is played during the daytime lunch service.
Ensemble formats, styles, and guest musicians vary and are never guaranteed. If your visit relies on a particular performance, it is always better to check directly with Rick’s in advance.
Where East Meets West in Swing
From the Great American Songbook to Parisian Chanson
The music at Rick’s Café is curated to maintain the intimate conversation of diners while transporting the room into cinematic nostalgia. No electronic synthesizers or loud amplification—only pure, warm acoustic resonance.
American Jazz
- • As Time Goes By
- • Summertime (Gershwin)
- • Night and Day (Porter)
- • Autumn Leaves
- • Satin Doll (Ellington)
French Chansons
- • La Vie en Rose (Piaf)
- • Les Feuilles Mortes
- • C'est Si Bon
- • La Bohème (Aznavour)
- • Ne Me Quitte Pas (Brel)
Arabesques & Latin
- • Lamma Bada Yatathanna
- • Andalusian Muwashahat
- • Bésame Mucho
- • Hermanos Tuna Selections
- • Oriental Jazz Variations
Experience Live Music in Casablanca Tonight
Tables during our second evening seating (9:00 PM – Midnight) offer the premier vantage point to enjoy live music. Music programs may vary—please check directly with Rick’s if your visit relies on a specific performance.