So tonight I will be going to the Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts to see S.A.R.A. (Sounds and Rhythms of Afghanistan). This show will be exciting as I’ve spent so much time the past couple of years learning about the Uzbek doira through the career of Abbos Kosimov and he is actually a member of this ensemble!
Four of Asia’s most acclaimed musicians come together for a fusion of cultures and art forms to create SARA, featuring Salar Nader, who thrilled local audiences in Actors Theatre’s production of The Kite Runner, and Homayoun Sakhi, master of the rubâb (the national lute of Afghanistan). Drawing on centuries’ old heritages from throughout Central and South Asia, SARA explores musical styles both ancient and completely modern.
I had no idea this group existed until seeing some of the advertisements for this show recently. This is going to be a nice prelude to my show tomorrow night with Raks Makam where I’ll be playing a doira solo with dancers. This is a part of a tour with members of the Bellydance Superstars called Club Bellydance which features local acts in the first half of the show.
I never thought I would get a chance to Kosimov so soon–this will definitely be a treat, as will the show tomorrow night. And just getting a chance to hear classical Afghani music will be a pleasure as there are so many similarities to South Asian classical music but I’ve never had a chance to hear the former live.
Here’s a cool video of a warm-up the group did before a show in LA at the Getty Center:
Mae Mai 