Music, Poetry and Reflection: A Night for Esha Momeni

An Iranian opera singer, a poet and other musicians will perform this Friday (Jan. 23)  at USC’s United Universal Church at an event focusing on our graduate student, Esha Momeni, who is still unable to leave Iran.

Esha, a dual US-Iranian citizen, was initially arrested and jailed in October for videotaping interviews with members of the Campaign for Equality.  She was released from jail in November but never given back her passports.  Last week the Iranian government “officially” announced Esha is under a travel ban.

The event’s performers include:

Shahla Sarokhani, who studied music in Tehran and Vienna, was with the Opera House in Tehran, and has performed in Austria, Italy, Switzerland and the US.

Sahba Motallei, a graduate of Tehran Conservatory and member of the Iranian National Orchestra,  who was awarded best tar player four years in a row by the Iranian Music Festival.

Ziba Shirazi, a poet and musician, who combines Persian folk music with American jazz and other forms in her work.

Fariborz Azizi, Master musician.

See the Facebook Event Page for more info.

From the For Esha blog:

We, as friends of Esha, students and faculty of CSUN, members of the Million Signatures Campaign in Southern California, academics and fellow artists, are delighted and honored to invite you to an evening event that seeks to highlight Esha’s continued restriction under a travel ban.

We would like to acknowledge the unity displayed to secure her release and to highlight what can be accomplished when we join hands and work together with a common purpose and unified goal.

Please feel free to bring family and friends. We look forward to seeing you there.

Time: 8:00 pm (Doors open at 7:30 pm)

Date: Friday January 23, 2009

Admission: Free

Place:

United University Church

University of Southern California

817 West 34th Street

Los Angeles, CA 90089-0751