(This program is entirely in Persian.)

In days when the body feels tired and the heart feels heavy, this is a space to pause — and gently begin moving again, with grief, not against it.

We gather to move slowly through gentle yoga, conscious breathing, meditation, music, and song in Persian. This is not a space to silence sorrow or rush toward feeling “better.” Instead, we practice walking hand in hand with grief — allowing it, honoring it, and giving it room.

There will be a circle for reflection and shared presence. You may speak or simply sit in quiet. Tears are welcome. Silence is respected. The breath is our guide.

This is a non-political space created with the intention of calm, presence, and emotional support for the Iranian community.

The City of Richmond, The West Contra Costa Unified School District, and Diaspora Arts Connection present Norooz*, A Celebration of Spring and Solidarity on Saturday, March 7, 2026 from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM at De Anza High School in Richmond. This event is free and open to the public. We will gather around the arts to find solace in community and bring light to these dark times by embracing the beauty of togetherness as spring begins. This is a family event and will feature arts & crafts, activities for children, music, dance, and food.

In solidarity with the people of Iran, join us for a night of music of Southern Iran with Mohammad Khodadadi.

Saturday, February 21, 2025, Doors at 7:30, Show at 8:00 PM
Askhenaz, 1317 San Pablo Avenue, Berkeley

About the artist: Mohammad Khodadadi, born in 1979 in Bushehr, Iran, is a Ney player and a composer who has studied composition of western classical music at the university of Anton Bruckner in Linz/Austria. Mohammad started playing Ney from the age of 15 through strong self-discipline and coaching of Masters of Ney such as Mr. Hassan Kassai, and Mr. A. Afsharnia. He has also studied the Persian radif and techniques of singing with Master Hatam Askari & Seddigh Tarif. He learned to play the piano with Rosita Shaker and Tamara Dolidze in Iran and continued with Andreas Taller in Austria. Mohammad learned composition with Master Alireza Mashayekhi, Professor Soyka and Erland Freudenhaler. He has performed at various US stages.

In solidarity with the people of Iran, join us for an evening of music as Narges Jajarmi and Martin Shamoonpour come together to perform on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at Central Stage.

Join us for an afternoon of poetry, music and community with writer, translator, and theater artist Zara Houshman as she reads from her book, "Moon and Sun," a selection of Rumi's poetry, accompanied by live music. The readings will be in English and Persian. Refreshments will be served. Come, bring your friends and families and spend a couple of hours with our community.

This is a free event

Saturday, January 24, 2026, 3:00 PM
Impossible Stage, 2033 University Avenue, Berkeley

About Zara Houshmand: Zara Houshmand is an Iranian-American writer, translator, and theatre artist whose work focuses on opening the borders between different cultures. Born in San Francisco, she was raised in the Philippines and attended Wellesley College and London University, where she received her BA in English

🗓️ Saturday, December 27, 2025
🕕 7:00–9:00 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.

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!

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.

This program is dedicated to the people of Iran and their struggles for freedom.

Join us for an unforgettable evening of cross-cultural musical exploration with Sibarg Ensemble, a group that blends the traditions of Persian music, jazz, and free improvisation to create something truly unique. Through a rich tapestry of original compositions, classical reinterpretations, and live improvisation, Sibarg dissolves boundaries and invites us to experience music as a living dialogue.

Diaspora Arts Connection and The Roxie proudly present multiple screenings of It Was Just an Accident, the latest bold and haunting film by acclaimed Iranian director Jafar Panahi.

Screenings:
November 12, 14, 19, 22 & 23
The Roxie Theater, San Francisco
Live Q&A with Jafar Panahi following the screenings on November 22 & 23 only

Diaspora Arts Connection and The Roxie proudly present multiple screenings of It Was Just an Accident, the latest bold and haunting film by acclaimed Iranian director Jafar Panahi.

Screenings:
November 12, 14, 19, 22 & 23
The Roxie Theater, San Francisco
Live Q&A with Jafar Panahi following the screenings on November 22 & 23 only

Diaspora Arts Connection and The Roxie proudly present multiple screenings of It Was Just an Accident, the latest bold and haunting film by acclaimed Iranian director Jafar Panahi.

Screenings:
November 12, 14, 19, 22 & 23
The Roxie Theater, San Francisco
Live Q&A with Jafar Panahi following the screenings on November 22 & 23 only

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.

Diaspora Arts Connection and The Roxie proudly present multiple screenings of It Was Just an Accident, the latest bold and haunting film by acclaimed Iranian director Jafar Panahi.

Screenings:
November 12, 14, 19, 22 & 23
The Roxie Theater, San Francisco
Live Q&A with Jafar Panahi following the screenings on November 22 & 23 only

Diaspora Arts Connection and The Roxie proudly present multiple screenings of It Was Just an Accident, the latest bold and haunting film by acclaimed Iranian director Jafar Panahi.

Screenings:
November 12, 14, 19, 22 & 23
The Roxie Theater, San Francisco
Live Q&A with Jafar Panahi following the screenings on November 22 & 23 only

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.

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

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

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

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!

🗓️ 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.

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.

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.

Join us for a screening of Afshin Hashemi's film, "Sea Boys," on Sunday, August 17, 2025 at 3:15 PM. The screening will be followed by a Q&A session with the film's director, Afshin Hashemi. Join us for an afternoon of arts and community!

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.

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.

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!

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.