World Music Divas Dazzle In "Let Her Sing: A Celebration Of Female Vocalists" At Marines' Memorial Theatre Oct. 28

SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

Eleven accomplished chanteuses take the stage Oct. 28 for "Let Her Sing," an evening of song and artistry that promises to be one of the most inspirational musical experiences in the Bay Area this season. Behind many of the singers are stories of suppression, censorship, and threat as they have left repressive societies and struggled to pursue musical careers despite great obstacles. 

Presenting this unique concert is Diaspora Arts Connection, an organization that supports artists who have left their homelands and helps introduce them to Bay Area audiences.   

Nazy Kaviani, DAC executive director, describes "Let Her Sing" as a celebration of phenomenal talent, from a range of women artists with varied styles. "Front and center in this performance will be the music, which transcends time and place – presented by singers with fantastic voices and great passion. Some are famous and well-loved in their homelands, despite having been censored or taking asylum in other countries." 

Kaviani adds, "In some Central Asian cultures, singing publicly is forbidden for women. Wars in the region have also silenced women's artistic voices. An Afghan diva, one of the singers at the event, almost died at the hands of a relative who poisoned her for defying family honor by singing; others have faced persecution and harassment. We want them to be heard, their beautiful voices unleashed and soaring."

The singers' musical styles represent pop, folk, rock, and fusion, as well as traditional compositions, in their native languages or English. Actress Ana Bayat emcees in English.

Performers include internationally celebrated vocalist Ustad Farida Mahwash. Known as the "voice of Afghanistan," Mahwash is one of the most beloved singers in Central Asia, and the first woman to receive the title "Ustad" ("Master"). In 2001, she united with other exiled musicians to lead the group Kabul, which won a BBC World Music Award. Her story has been featured on NPR.

As the pop duo Abjeez, Melody and Safoura Safavi — whose Iranian parents raised them in Sweden — offer their astute, humorous take on East-West cultural confusion and politics, with edgy lyrics and high-intensity music. Their songs have earned them a loyal following in Europe, Canada, and the U.S. Internationally recognized for their creative music videos, they were nominated in 2007 for a Tribeca Film Festival award.

Singer-songwriter Adrienne Shamszad, a Bay Area native of Middle Eastern parentage, is known for her complex guitar work and distinctive folk, blues, and Eastern-influenced vocals. Her lyrics are inspired by the mystic poets of Iran as much as by American folk songwriters. Shamszad's new EP "Love You Without Fear" was recently featured on Berkeley's KPFA. 

Other soloists include Marjan Farsad, Mima Goodarz, Mamak Khadem, Sara Naeini, Parnaz Partovi, Parisa Vaaleh, and Sepideh Vahidi. The Bay Area Iranian Choir, directed by Maziar Atrian, will also participate. Music Director for the event is Erwin Khachikian.

Of these artists, Kaviani says, "All are spellbinding, some are haunting. Music is so important in times of repression, as it carries the culture forward and brings beauty, emotion, and relief. Here, we can give these gifted women a stage to share their talent with a new audience." 

Diaspora Arts Connection (DAC) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to fostering deeper understanding and connections among diverse cultural and ethnic groups in the Bay Area and beyond, through cultural and artistic events. DAC has helped introduce dozens of singers, dancers, film and theater directors, and authors to Bay Area audiences. See diasporaartsconnection.org. 

PRESS INQUIRIES: 
For a compilation of the singers' work: https://vimeo.com/236778505

For more on their stories: https://www.facebook.com/events/140766113192591/

To speak with artists in "Let Her Sing," contact Nazy Kaviani at [email protected].

SOURCE Diaspora Arts Connection

Related Links

http://www.diasporaartsconnection.org