Tag Archives: Sohrab Saadat Ladjavardi

2nd Hudson Valley Music Summit: 40 Speakers, 10 Panels, 4 Networking Breaks!

“The Hudson Valley has long been intertwined with the American music industry. It goes back further than you think. Staying power is what this is all about – building an artist/fan relationship that outlasts trends, evolves with the artist, and spans generations. The music that comes out of this region has always been less about reading charts and more about channeling a vibe, and a conference works similarly: it’s the unspoken connections that help us navigate to where we’re going,” – David Hoffman

The Hudson Valley Music Summit returns after a seven-year hiatus for a full-day industry conference and live showcase on Saturday, November 21, 2026, at the Chappaqua Performing Arts Center (480 North Bedford Road, Chappaqua, NY 10514) in New York. The day features panels, networking, and live music.

Continue reading →

Fela Kuti

Fela Kuti – the Godfather of Afrobeat – Who was He?

MFM Presents “Music Is Essential,” a Zoom Roundtable Discussion on the Legacy and Impact of Fela Kuti’s Music and Activism on the African Continent. With Special Guests who knew or worked with the “Godfather of Afrobeat”

“Music is the weapon of the future.” – Fela

Review by Heidi Johanna Vierthaler

Continue reading →

MFM African Music Webinar Ad

MFM ZOOM Roundtable Discussion V.2: the Value of African Music

MFM Presents “Music Is Essential,” a Zoom Roundtable Discussion Among MFM Members – Musicians with a Deep Connection to African Music – Speaking on the Value of Studying Music in Africa.

Date: Monday, October 7th, 2024
Time: 5:00 pm – 6:30 pm. ET
Venue: ZOOM
Ticket: $5 for non-members
Register and pay here: https://mfmassociation.thrivecart.com/african-music-zoom-roundtable/

Zoom Host and PR Campaign Manager: Adam Reifsteck

Continue reading →

Commentary: Iran Rising, Woman, Life, Freedom Movement

By Dawoud Kringle

Before I get to the meat & potatoes about the subject of this article, I must offer a few caveats.

First, I am a Muslim, and this is an article about Iran. So from time to time, I will speak with a Muslim voice – but perhaps not the voice you expected to hear. Second, I have some very specific ideas about geopolitics that some may find at best, interesting and at worst, disturbing or incomprehensible. Finally, I am going to present some very personal thoughts on a few things related to the subject matter and the editorial context in which this is being presented.

You are doubtless aware of the troubles happening in Iran.

Continue reading →

Interview: Koubeh – Revoicing Iranian Folk Music in Brooklyn

Interview by Sohrab Saadat Ladjevardi 

Since early 2000 a talented diaspora of a number of Iranian-born musicians have been producing sumptuous sound landscapes here in New York that both incorporate tradition and go beyond it incorporating jazz, blues, alternative rock, chanson, flamenco, heavy metal and electronica.

Well known bands, such as HYPERNOVA and KIOSK moved to New York which was the right artistic location and space to make music without the pressure to get a permission from the Department of Culture in Tehran which required pre-approval of all public performances and CD releases.

KoubehOne of the newer bands coming out in 2019 is Koubeh based in Brooklyn, New York.

Continue reading →