Experience the rich and captivating musical traditions of South and Central Asia in a performance that bridges the refined artistry of Indian classical music with the vibrant folk heritage of Afghanistan.
Siddique Ahmed - Rubab
Kamal Ahmad - Sitar, Tambur
Edrees Osman - Tabla, Dholak
Natalie Nayun - Dancer
The first part of the performance features the sitar and tabla, exploring a raga in its full classical form. The journey unfolds from the meditative, free-flowing Alap into the rhythmic interplay of Vilambit Gat, building in pace and intensity through Drut before culminating in the exhilarating Jhala. As the music develops, the Afghan rubab joins the ensemble, adding its distinctive voice and creating a compelling meeting of musical traditions.
The second part explores the connections and contrasts between raga-based music and regional folk melodies. The Afghan tanbur joins the ensemble at various moments, while the sitar returns in selected pieces. Through a series of ragas, audiences will experience lyrical, ghazal-inspired compositions alongside lively regional folk tunes, discovering how shared melodic foundations can give rise to strikingly different musical expressions.
From meditative melodies to exhilarating rhythms, and from the intricacies of classical ragas to the earthy spirit of Afghan folk music, this performance offers an immersive journey through the sounds, stories, and living traditions of the region.
An evening of original music spanning the intricate rhythms of math rock and the grooves of funk brought by two Bay Area local bands Still Deer and Howan.
Still Deer
Formed in 2022, Still Deer is an all-Asian-female band from the Bay Area drawing inspiration from alternative rock, math rock, Japanese rock, and indie. Their music blends irregular rhythms, contrapuntal instrumental textures, and melodic vocals. Still Deer presents a creative space for pushing musical boundaries while staying true to the emotions and stories they want to share.
Their debut EP "still here" brings together five songs written over the past few years, sung across three languages, moving through themes of passage, paradox, refuge, and cosmic imagination, tracing worlds that feel both intimate and surreal.
Howan
HOWAN (後頑) is a San Francisco Bay Area-based indie band blending indie pop, funk, and dreamy, groove-driven sounds. Their self-titled debut album HOWAN was nominated for Best Rock Album at the 2024 Wave Music Awards.
With playful rhythms, atmospheric textures, and introspective songwriting, HOWAN explores the space between everyday life, imagination, and the strange experience of being human.
The name HOWAN comes from the band's Chinese name, “後頑”, while also drawing inspiration from the word "human." It's not quite a real word, but it's their own version of "human."
The Good Talks is a trio whose three-part harmonies over acoustic guitar and piano evoke the feeling of a conversation among dear friends, at once spacious and intimate, joyous and empathic, playful and cathartic.
The Good Talks is made up of Chris Rubeo, Benjamin Klein, and Anya Lamb. It began when the three discovered there’s no place they’d rather be on a Sunday afternoon than in a living room, singing together. Come join us for an evening of heartwarming music.
And after the formal set, the band invites you to join them in a low pressure singalong because they want everyone to share in the joy of singing together.
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