Aynur LIVE in Los Angeles
Oct
26
7:30 PM19:30

Aynur LIVE in Los Angeles

Diaspora Arts Connection proudly welcomes back prominent Kurdish vocalist, Aynur, to Los Angeles on Sunday, October 26, 2025 at Zipper Hall at 7:30 PM. Join us for a very special performance!

"To hear Aynur's voice is to hear the transformation of all the layers of human joy and suffering into one sound. It reaches deep into the soul, tears into the heart, and for a moment, all are joined as one. It is unforgettable." Yo-Yo Ma

Saturday, October 25, 2025, 7:00 PM
Marines' Memorial Theatre, 609 Sutter St, San Francisco, CA 94102, San Francisco

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Fared Shafinury Live
Nov
8
7:00 PM19:00

Fared Shafinury Live

Diaspora Arts Connection proudly welcomes back Fared Shafinury to stage on Saturday, Novemb 8th at 7:00 PM at Berkeley's Live Oak Theater. Join us for an unforgettable evening as Fared Shafinury and his Ghajar Dynastic power trio take the stage for a concert that promises to be a sublime exploration of classical Persian art. This performance will weave together the rich tapestry of Persian poetry, featuring poetic selections from the revered works of Rumi and Hafiz, transporting listeners to a realm where music and literature intertwine seamlessly.

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IMMERSION A Guided Listening Session with Mohamad Khodadadi
Nov
15
7:00 PM19:00

IMMERSION A Guided Listening Session with Mohamad Khodadadi

Diaspora Arts Connection is proud to present IMMERSION, a rare and intimate listening experience guided by master musician and composer Mohamad Khodadadi.

Blending deep roots in Persian folk traditions with formal training in classical composition, Khodadadi brings a unique sensitivity and depth to this one-of-a-kind evening. Over the course of three hours, he will guide a small audience through a personally curated selection of musical pieces, drawing from centuries-old repertoires and lesser-known regional sounds. Each piece is framed with context, reflection, and poetic insight — offering the listener a new way of connecting with music beyond performance.

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Sheikh San'an: A Play by Shadi Moeini Nejad, Introduction by Shahrokh Moshkin Ghalam
Dec
7
5:00 PM17:00

Sheikh San'an: A Play by Shadi Moeini Nejad, Introduction by Shahrokh Moshkin Ghalam

Diaspora Arts Connection proudly presents the performance of Faridoddin Attar's “Dokhtare Tarsa’s and Sheikh San‘an" from his "Conference of Birds" collection of stories, performed by Shadi Moeini Nejad with an introduction by Shahrokh Moshkin Ghalam.

This play, taken from the masterpiece The Conference of the Birds, carries profound lessons on the meaning of true love, expressed in a simple yet symbolic language, and will be performed by Shadi Moeini Nejad.

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Yalda with Sadegh Nojouki
Dec
20
8:00 PM20:00

Yalda with Sadegh Nojouki

Diaspora Arts Connection proudly presents a rare and unforgettable Yalda event with Sadegh Nojouki, one of Iran’s most legendary composers, arrangers, and pianists. Known as a pioneer who helped shape the sound of modern Persian pop, Nojouki has written and arranged timeless songs for some of the greatest voices of our time — from Hayedeh, Googoosh, and Ebi to Mahasti, Dariush, Moein, and beyond. come spend the longest night of the year with us!

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Aynur LIVE in San Francisco
Oct
25
7:00 PM19:00

Aynur LIVE in San Francisco

Diaspora Arts Connection proudly welcomes back prominent Kurdish vocalist, Aynur, to San Francisco on Saturday, October 25, 2025 at Marines' Memorial Theatre at 7:00 PM. Join us for a very special performance!

"To hear Aynur's voice is to hear the transformation of all the layers of human joy and suffering into one sound. It reaches deep into the soul, tears into the heart, and for a moment, all are joined as one. It is unforgettable." Yo-Yo Ma

Saturday, October 25, 2025, 7:00 PM
Marines' Memorial Theatre, 609 Sutter St, San Francisco, CA 94102, San Francisco

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Shâhak & Mâhak
Oct
12
7:00 PM19:00

Shâhak & Mâhak

  • Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Diaspora Arts Connection proudly presents "Shâhak & Mâhak" on Sunday, October 12, 2025. Shahak and Mahak is a poetic, romantic, and imaginative narrative, written by Gardafrid. This work tells the story of two infatuated souls in a poetic format. The play draws inspiration from ancient Iranian storytelling traditions and is presented with a melodious, metaphorical, and at times, lyrical language. Shabnam Tolouei and Gordafarid are directors and actors of the play and will be accompanied by Theo Sepanta Dehghan on percussion

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Without Borders
Sep
27
8:00 PM20:00

Without Borders

Diaspora Arts Connection proudly presents Emad Bonakdar's "Without Borders" on Saturday, September 27, 2025, 8:00 PM, at the Brava Theater in San Francisco. Join us for a unique concert offering a blend of authentic Iranian, Flamenco, and Jazz music. In this special event, you’ll witness the beautiful Flamenco dance of Fanny Ara, and live performances by three vocalists with unique voices, Dina Zarif, Azadeh Farpour, and Khatchatour Khatchatourian. This concert especially focuses on women and the pressures they have faced throughout history, celebrating women’s freedom and empowerment. It emphasizes the role of female artists and aims to bridge cultures through a memorable and unforgettable experience for all music lovers and advocates of social justice. Join us!

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Third Culture Tales: Stories Beyond Borders | Berkeley
Sep
20
6:00 PM18:00

Third Culture Tales: Stories Beyond Borders | Berkeley

🗓️ Friday, September 20, 2025
🕕 6:00–8:00 PM
📍 Impossible Stage, 2033 University Ave, Berkeley, CA

Third Culture Tales is back in the Bay! 🌍✨
Born from a deep need to connect beyond borders, languages, and inherited identities, this traveling series brings stories and music to center stage—celebrating the lived experiences of those who exist between cultures.

Join us for an evening of real stories and soul-stirring music, shared live by a powerful lineup of Bay Area artists. Whether you’re an immigrant, a child of immigrants, or someone shaped by movement, memory, and multicultural experience—this event is for you.

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Let Her Sing 2025: A Celebration of Female Voices LOS ANGELES
Sep
14
7:00 PM19:00

Let Her Sing 2025: A Celebration of Female Voices LOS ANGELES

  • Zipper Hall at Colburn School (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Let Her Sing® returns to Los Angeles for its third year—and its ninth globally—as a breathtaking celebration of women’s voices from around the world. More than just a concert, this powerful annual event uplifts the voices of women who have been silenced, censored, or threatened simply for expressing themselves through song.

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Let Her Sing 2025: A Celebration of Female Voices
Sep
13
7:00 PM19:00

Let Her Sing 2025: A Celebration of Female Voices

  • Yerba Buena Center for the Arts (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Diaspora Arts Connection proudly presents its ninth annual event, "Let Her Sing 2025: A Celebration of Female Voices." This event showcases an inspiring array of female artists from diverse cultural backgrounds, each bringing their unique voices and perspectives to the stage. "Let Her Sing" is dedicated to highlighting the strength and diversity of women’s voices worldwide, featuring performances that blend traditional and contemporary musical styles.

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Intimate with King Raam
Aug
16
7:00 PM19:00

Intimate with King Raam

Diaspora Arts Connection proudly welcomes back King Raam for an intimate performance at Central Stage on Saturday, August 16, 2025 at 7:00 PM. Join us for an evening of King Raam's most unforgettable music from his past albums and his new material from his upcoming album.

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Film Screening of "The Sealed Soil"
Jul
22
6:15 PM18:15

Film Screening of "The Sealed Soil"

Diaspora Arts Connection and Roxie Theater proudly present a special screening of Marva Nabili's 1975 film. The earliest complete surviving feature film directed by an Iranian woman, Marva Nabili’s The Sealed Soil chronicles a young woman in pre-revolution Iran is caught between the traditional values of her small village and her own yearnings for independence and individuality. Her persistent refusal of marriage proposals coupled with her unseemly removal of her hood causes her family to seek the help of an exorcist, convinced she must be possessed by evil spirits.

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Film Screening & Farewell to Center for Iranian Diaspora Studies at SFSU
Jun
22
5:00 PM17:00

Film Screening & Farewell to Center for Iranian Diaspora Studies at SFSU

Diaspora Arts Connection and Center for Iranian Diaspora Studies proudly present an intimate screening of "The Dawn Is Too Far" documentary on Sunday, June 22nd at 5:00 PM at Central Stage. The screening will be followed by a Q&A with the film's co-director, Dr. Persis Karim. Stay afterwards for a celebration of the Center's work as it closes down on June 30th. Join us for snacks and festivities and share memories of the Center's work. Tell your friends and family to come along!

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A Celebration of Arts and Community: DAC's 2025 Fundraiser
Jun
7
7:00 PM19:00

A Celebration of Arts and Community: DAC's 2025 Fundraiser


You’re cordially invited to a vibrant evening of art, music, and entertainment! Mark your calendars for June 7, as Diaspora Arts Connection hosts a special fundraiser at the beautiful Leon Event Hall in San Francisco. This unforgettable night promises a rich showcase of artistic talent, featuring live music performances, stunning art displays, and much more. It’s all in support of our ongoing efforts to empower and promote artists from diverse diasporas.

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Vengê Waran: Voices of the Highlands
May
18
7:00 PM19:00

Vengê Waran: Voices of the Highlands

Diaspora Arts Connection and Center for Iranian Diaspora Studies, San Francisco State University proudly present a delightful presentation of Kurdish music, "Vengê Waran: Voices of the Highlands," featuring Işık Berfin (vocals), Sirvan Manhoobi (Oud and arrangements), Nariman Assadi (percussion), and Asaf Ophir (clarinet). Join us for an unforgettable night of Kurdish music!

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Screening of The Great Yawn of History
Apr
12
3:00 PM15:00

Screening of The Great Yawn of History

Join us for a special community presentation and cultural afternoon spotlighting bold voices from the Iranian independent film scene.

The screening of "The Great Yawn of History," the acclaimed debut feature film by Aliyar Rasti, which won the Special Jury Prize in the Encounters section at Berlinale 2024, starring Saber Abar and Mohammad Aghebati, will be followed by a Q&A session by the film's actor and producer Mohammad Aghebati.

This is a celebration of film, artistic freedom, and community—and an opportunity to discover the vibrant, underground creativity emerging from the Iranian diaspora.

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Third Culture Tales: Stories Beyond Borders | Los Angeles
Apr
11
7:00 PM19:00

Third Culture Tales: Stories Beyond Borders | Los Angeles

Presented by Diaspora Arts Connection, Third Culture Tales (TCT) is a space for stories that cross borders, challenge definitions, and celebrate the complexity of identity. On April 11, we make our Los Angeles debut with a powerful lineup of storytellers and musicians who will bring their personal journeys to the stage, exploring themes of belonging, displacement, and self-discovery.

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Third Culture Tales: Stories Beyond Borders | Richmond (Copy)
Mar
28
7:00 PM19:00

Third Culture Tales: Stories Beyond Borders | Richmond (Copy)

Presented by Diaspora Arts Connection, Third Culture Tales (TCT) is a space for stories that cross borders, challenge definitions, and celebrate the complexity of identity. On March 28, we return with a powerful lineup of storytellers and musicians who will bring their personal journeys to the stage, exploring themes of belonging, displacement, and self-discovery.

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Norooz Spring  Equinox Celebration
Mar
22
11:00 AM11:00

Norooz Spring Equinox Celebration

Join us for a celebration of Norooz* as we welcome the arrival of Spring at the Marina Bay Park in Richmond on Saturday, March 22, 2025 between 11:00 and 5:00 PM. The City of Richmond and Diaspora Arts Connection proudly present “Norooz Spring Equinox Celebration,” where we will gather for a day of music, dance and community. This event is free and open to the public. Bring your families and friends and join us!

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Meet Directors of In the Shadow of the Cypress
Mar
9
4:00 PM16:00

Meet Directors of In the Shadow of the Cypress

Diaspora Arts Connection proudly presents a screening of the Academy Award winning short film, In the Shadow of the Cypress, presented by directors Shirin Sohani and Hossein Molayemi on Sunday, March 9th at 4:00 PM at Central Stage. Come meet with the directors and see their acclaimed animation. Refreshments will be served.

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B-Band Live in San Francisco
Feb
28
8:00 PM20:00

B-Band Live in San Francisco

Diaspora Arts Connection proudly presents B-Band Live in San Francisco on Friday, February 28, 2025. Join us for an exciting night of Iranian rock as we welcome B-Band to San Francisco for the first time. B-Band members: Behzad Khiavchi (guitar and vocals), Babak Khiavchi (guitar), Yahya Alkhansa (drums), Pouya Mehrabian (bass and backing vocals), and Milad Ashtiani (keyboards & backing vocals).

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Emel at Freight & Salvage
Feb
16
7:00 PM19:00

Emel at Freight & Salvage

Diaspora Arts Connection and Freight & Salvage proudly present Emel Mathlouthi, a Tunisian-American singer-songwriter, composer, performer and producer whose music has crossed time, countries and continents. She rose to fame in 2012 with her protest song “Kelmti Horra” (My Word Is Free) from the eponymous album Kelmti Horra and was subsequently called the voice of the Arab spring. In 2016, she performed Kelmti Horra at the Nobel Peace Prize Ceremony, marking a climax in her journey with this powerful song.

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Third Culture Tales: Stories Beyond Borders | Berkeley
Dec
14
5:00 PM17:00

Third Culture Tales: Stories Beyond Borders | Berkeley

Join us on December 14th at the East Bay Media Center in Berkeley for an inspiring evening of storytelling, poetry, and music that transcends borders. Diaspora Arts Connection proudly presents Third Culture Tales: Stories Beyond Borders, a celebration of voices from around the globe, bringing together individuals eager to share their unique experiences of living between cultures.

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A Gathering of Light for Yalda
Dec
7
7:00 PM19:00

A Gathering of Light for Yalda

Diaspora Arts Connections and Center for Iranian Diaspora Studies, San Francisco State University proudly presents “A Gathering of Light for Yalda” on Saturday, December 7, 2024 at 8:00 PM at Leon Events Hall in San Francisco. Join us for a night of unity through music, dance, and poetry in honor of Shabe Yalda (Winter Solstice) as we envision peace and unity on earth, bringing light into the darkest nights of the year on Winter Solstice. The event will feature spiritual and folkloric music and dances by amazing musicians and dancers.

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Koubeh in San Francisco
Nov
15
8:00 PM20:00

Koubeh in San Francisco

Koubeh, formed in 2019 in Brooklyn, takes audiences on a captivating journey through Iranian melodies of the past. From sold-out shows in New York, they introduced fresh tunes like "Kook", "Gonjeshk", "Farvardin", "Ghadam Zanan". Their breakout hit, "Kook", marked a turning point, inspiring them to craft original music through collaborative and single-author efforts. Koubehband weaves their rich musical heritage into innovative unforgettable compositions.

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Namâd Ensemble and Mahbobe Golzari at Central Stage
Nov
9
7:00 PM19:00

Namâd Ensemble and Mahbobe Golzari at Central Stage

Join us on Friday, November 9, 2024 at 7:30 PM at Central Stage for an evening of Persian classical music where diverse melodies and rhythms seamlessly fuse into a perfect whole, illuminating the collective pulse and its power to bring peace to all. Namâd Ensemble and Mahbobe Golzari will perform traditional and modern melodies, setting us afloat on an inner journey of passion and tranquility.

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Namâd Ensemble and Mahbobe Golzari in Mountain View
Nov
8
7:00 PM19:00

Namâd Ensemble and Mahbobe Golzari in Mountain View

  • Community School of Music and Arts (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Join us on Friday, November 8, 2024 at 7:30 PM at Community School of Music & Art in Mountain View for an evening of Persian classical music where diverse melodies and rhythms seamlessly fuse into a perfect whole, illuminating the collective pulse and its power to bring peace to all. Namâd Ensemble and Mahbobe Golzari will perform traditional and modern melodies, setting us afloat on an inner journey of passion and tranquility.

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Ali Azimi LIVE in San Francisco
Oct
11
7:00 PM19:00

Ali Azimi LIVE in San Francisco

Diaspora Arts Connection proudly presents Ali Azimi Live in San Francisco as a part of his 2024 US tour. Join us for an amazing evening of exciting new and nostalgic music from Ali Azimi. Ali will be accompanied by musicians Yahya Alkhansa (drums), Faarjam Saidi (bass), Kourosh Kanani (guitar), and Ali Bros (keyboard).

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Let Her Sing 2024: A Celebration of Female Voices LOS ANGELES
Sep
8
7:00 PM19:00

Let Her Sing 2024: A Celebration of Female Voices LOS ANGELES

For the second year in Los Angeles, Diaspora Arts Connection is proud to present "Let Her Sing 2024: A Celebration of Female Voices" in Los Angeles. Nine female vocalists and a group of exceptional musicians will come together on Sunday, September 8, 2024 to celebrate the female voice, suppressed, censored, and threatened in parts of the world.

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Let Her Sing 2024: A Celebration of Female Voices
Sep
6
7:00 PM19:00

Let Her Sing 2024: A Celebration of Female Voices

  • Yerba Buena Center for the Arts (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

For the eighth year running, Diaspora Arts Connection is proud to present "Let Her Sing 2024: A Celebration of Female Voices." Eight female vocalists and a group of exceptional musicians will come together on Friday, September 6, 2024 to celebrate the female voice, suppressed, censored, and threatened in parts of the world.

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A Celebration of Arts and Community: DAC's 2024 Fundraise
Jul
21
6:00 PM18:00

A Celebration of Arts and Community: DAC's 2024 Fundraise


You’re cordially invited to a vibrant evening of art, music, and entertainment! Mark your calendars for July 21st, as Diaspora Arts Connection hosts a special fundraiser at the beautiful Leon Event Hall in San Francisco. This unforgettable night promises a rich showcase of artistic talent, featuring live music performances, stunning art displays, and much more. It’s all in support of our ongoing efforts to empower and promote artists from diverse diasporas.

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