As we were treated to song after song of the special brand of fusion Fared’s music offers, I was so aware of the group of young, talented American musicians accompanying him. Isn’t it amazing that Fared has pulled Texas musicians together to play Persian music?!!
“Slowly but surely I realized where my heart lied, both musically and personally. On my own, without access to any proper training, I dove head first into the study of the santur, avaz, and then setar, dabbling in tombak and tar.“
Photo essay: The captivating Fared Shafinury
Photo essay: The captivating Fared Shafinury
With author Persis Karim and filmmaker Taghi Amirani at the IAAB Conference.
Photo essay: The captivating Fared Shafinury
The wait was all worth it! Within the first few notes Fared and Tehranosaurus had the audience captured and wrapped around their little fingers! Percussionist Pejham Akhvass joined the band to deliver a most unforgettable performance. Tehranosaurus band, Fared Shafinury, setar, vocals; Roberto Riggio, violin; Najeeb Sabour, cello; Christopher Ledesma, guitar, electric bass; Andy Beaudoin, drum kit; Jason McKenzie, tabla, and guest musician Pejham Akhvass on daf and tombak.
Photo essay: The captivating Fared Shafinury
Photo essay: The captivating Fared Shafinury
The next day I heard Fared Shafinury as a panelist at the IAAB Conference in Berkeley. He delivered his paper “From Terrorist to Tourist,” offering his reflections on his identity and life in the US as an Iranian American. He talked about returning to Iran and his efforts to integrate into a society which resisted and challenged his full participation as a “complete Iranian.”
Photo essay: The captivating Fared Shafinury
After lunch we went to Berkeley’s Persian Center to get together briefly with our very own Hamed Nikpay.
Photo essay: The captivating Fared Shafinury