Kent State Professor Emeritus Halim El-Dabh will celebrate his 88th birthday at 8 p.m. tonight at the North Water Street Gallery. Standing Rock Cultural Arts, a non-profit organization that focuses on preserving arts and culture in downtown Kent, will host the event. It is free and open to the public. Professors and musicians who El-Dabh worked with throughout the years are expected to attend.

Jeff Ingram, director of Standing Rock Cultural Arts, became friends with El-Dabh through their active involvement in the community and has thrown a birthday party for him every year since El-Dabh turned 80. Ingram plans to prepare a cake and present a “live jam.”

“As long as (El-Dabh) is willing and able, it’s a blessing to be able to be present with him and listen to his stories,” Ingram said.

-Joey Pompignano