Zabiha News

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“Since the Islamic Revolution in 1979, women vocalist and musicians have been forbidden to perform on stage. In the midst of these struggles, it was the dream of Mr. Pournazeri to give young artist and women the opportunity to perform in Iran, such as Najmeh Tajadod, Maryam Ibrahimpour, and Neda Khaki. Even though live performances were forbidden, Mr. Pournazeri founded the Shams Ensemble, which is a musical group that performs traditional Persian, mystic Sufi, and Kurdish music with the tanbour, daf (frame drum), and percussion instruments. The ensemble currently has nine members; three are women.

Shams Ensemble was among the first groups working for musical independence and freedom of women’s voices in Iran. Even though the Iranian government would not grant permission for live performances, the ensemble would continue to play - many times underground and without government support.

The ensemble will be in the US on Sept 22- October 30. For only four special nights, the Shams Ensemble will perform in San Francisco (10-5), New York (10-11), WashingtonDC (10-12), and Los Angeles (10-25). Their concerts are dedicated to the mystic and meaningful poetry of Rumi with Innovation, Evolution, and Peace being the theme.

WHO: Today’s global features an Iranian band that celebrates tradition while bending the rules. The band combines traditional Iranian music with tanbour sufi melodies.

WHEN:
Saturday, October 25, 2008
6:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Concert starts at 8:00 pm

WHERE:
Wilshire Ebell Theater
4401 West 8th Street, Los Angeles
Check in at the Press and VIP table and we will escort you back to the reception”