SANDARAA

SANDARAA, a new musical collaboration between some of the finest musicians in Brooklyn, New York and Lahore. The band captivates audiences and fascinates listeners with their unique sound and inspired approach to musical and cultural synthesis. SANDARAA is co-fronted by one of Pakistan's most loved vocalists, Zebunnisa (Zeb) Bangash and Klezmer clarinet virtuoso Michael Winograd. The pair became acquainted in the summer of 2012, when Zeb invited Michael to join her band Zeb and Haniya, for a concert at the Pakistani Embassy in Washington DC. Bangash and Winograd were both intrigued by the music of Balochistan, Afghanistan, Klezmer and other Eastern European music; after a wonderful first concert, the idea for SANDARAA came to life. During US Center Stage program, Zeb and Michael presented this new idea to the Center for Traditional Music and Dance, and were awarded the prestigious Map Fund Fellowship and a commission grant from Chamber Music America. Inspired by legendary artists such as Sabzal Saami, Beltoon, Haji Saifudin and others, they used personal styles and vocabulary to expand upon the music. Each band member added his or her own musical history to the fusion, creating a signature sound that is distinctive and original.

Zeb and Michael are joined by a stellar group of Brooklyn musicians. Accordionist and keyboardist Patrick Farrell is known in Klezmer, European and new music circles for his virtuosic technique and sonically wide palate. Violinist Eylem Basaldi hails from Istanbul, and is a master of Turkish and Arabic styles. Guitarist and Oudist Yoshi Fruchter is equally comfortable in Jewish music and Heavy Metal settings; when he rocks, he rocks hard. The band's newest Brooklyn resident, Zoe Guigueno is quickly building a reputation as a creative and versatile bassist in multiple circles. Known for his work with Chick Corea, Herbie Hancock, Esperanza Spaulding and more, drummer and percussionist Richie Barshay, with a keen ear for musical aesthetics and diversity, holds down the groove in SANDARAA.

You will enjoy Sandaraa and Zeb Bangash at the Mosaic Festival stage on Friday 15th of August.

Visit their website at www.sandaraa.com