The concert by Abjeez and Kiosk bands in San Francisco was one that would make any Iranican mother happy and proud [Photos]. My teenage daughter finally found herself some role models she could comfortably identify with, not through any computer-related accomplishments but by one of the most relevant of mediums, closest to a young person's heart: music.
Abjeez's energetic blend of ska and rock with Persian fusion (especially through their lyrics and physical nuances) did wonders for a half Iranian teenager's identity crisis, who never before related to the Iranian pop (out of L.A. or Iran ) or had a hard time connecting with Shajarian or Parissa. (She also doesn't mind Mohsen Namjoo who I play around the house recently, BUT as impressive and provocative as Namjoo's music style is… he is a Male musician in Iran, as my daughter remarked once, depicting some of the female issues in his songs…. still not that easy for my teenager to connect with.)
We all loved the Abjeez when we first played their “Hameh” CD. I immediately took some time translating their songs into English for the non-Persian speaking kids and grownups among us (whether I did justice to Malody's lyrics or not was only judged by noticing the smiles or laughter upon listening to the Abjeez music.)
But let me tell you, seeing this band perform live on stage, adds a certain special element of fun, which happens through their ease of communication with their audience through their nonverbal, as well as verbal cues. Safoura and Melody's quality of stage presence, was not just about the two sisters, but extended to their entire talented and good-looking band members. This band simply enjoyed themselves being there playing the gig.
These Abjeez had a down-to-earth, relaxed and mature wisdom about them (hats off to their parents as well by the way) which combined with their musical and writing talents and creativity, will take them far on a successful career path. Their music and lyrics certainly capture the soul of the new generation of out-of-Iran audience (i.e. our kids who are brought up here, Europe or Australia, can easily fall in love with the Abjeez music.)
We thoroughly enjoyed the Kiosk performance as well. They may be too sophisticated for the teenage ears but most grown ups in the audience enjoyed themselves dancing and singing to them as well. The two bands were different, nonetheless both gifted musicians with lots to say, relating to our cultural identities.
My only disappointment at the May 4th concert was the absence of any teenagers in the audience, aside from my daughter and one boy. Therefore, my hope for the next Abjeez or Kiosk concerts relates to a) having a larger venue (although both bands sounded good enough in that cozy atmosphere) And b) seeing more teens and 20-somethings attending.
The ticket price of $40 may sound steep to some people, but how much did you pay for that Juicy Couture item again on SALE?! I mean the one that your teenager was carrying so elegantly on Sizdah Bedar at McNear's?!
And to those of you whose excuse for not attending the May 4th performances was the shadiness of the location … how about sometimes letting go of our obsession with the image and instead investing into the real experiences, for our kids' sakes? Think about facilitating an enjoyable experience for our kids in sharing some good clean fun with their parents, even if that takes place in the tenderloin section of San Francisco.
Oh and we will not forget the (rather too short) surprise appearance of our hilarious Peyvand Khorsandi, of whom we can never get enough, no matter what age we are.
We are grateful for iranian.com's advertising for these events, Beyond Persia's efforts and truly look forward to the Abjeez's, Kiosk's and of course Peyvand's next live performances in the Bay Area.
