Classic Persian Pop: Mitra Sumara

Revisit the Iranian pop music scene of the 1960s and 1970s with updated versions of classic songs made famous by the likes of Googoosh, Hayedeh, Pari Zangeneh, and Parva, along with mesmerizing bandari-beat tunes by Zia Atabi. 
Mitra Sumara, based in New York, features Iranian American vocalist Yvette Perez, joined by Peter Zummo on trombone, Bill Ruyle on santur (hammer dulcimer), Michael Evans on percussion, and Jim Duffy on keyboards. The band re-energizes Persian pop with influences ranging from salsa and disco to Nigeria’s Fela Kuti and Middle Eastern rhythms.
Mitra Sumara has appeared in New York at Le Poisson Rouge, Alwan for the Arts’ Maqam Festival, Barbès, Brooklyn Bowl, Café Nadery, Clemente Soto Vélez Cultural Center, Great Neck Park House, and DROM. The band was also featured on the WFMU program “Transpacific Sound Paradise.”

Saturday, March 7, 2015, 4 pm
Meyer Auditorium
Freer Gallery of Art

Made possible through a generous grant from Jahangir and Eleanor Amuzegar.

Set list:
1. Mi Ravi
Lyrics: Emad Khorasani; recorded by Soli, ca. 1970s

2. Nagoo Memian
Lyrics and music: Jahanbakhsh Pazouki; recorded by Hayedeh, 1980

3. Kofriam
Lyrics: Khouzestani traditional; recorded by Zia Atabay, ca. 1970s

4. Mehr o vafa
Recorded by Afhassi, ca. 1960s

5. Gole Sangam
Lyrics: Bijan Samandar; music: Anoushirvan Rohani; recorded by Hayedeh

6. Jomjomak
Adapted from a traditional children’s song; recorded by Googoosh

7. Helelyos
Lyrics: Khouzestani traditional; recorded by Zia Atabay, ca. 1970s

8. Noruz Amad
Music: Anoushirvan Rohani; recorded by Hayedeh, 1977


Video by Hutomo Wicaksono