Khumariyaan

Thanks to the Friends of the Santa Fe Public Library for funding this show!

Register for the event and we'll send you updates if there are any schedule changes, as well as info on future free programs and other events around Santa Fe and Albuquerque.

Khumariyaan will be here as part of Center Stage, a public diplomacy initiative of the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs with funding provided by the U.S. Government, administered by the New England Foundation for the Arts in cooperation with the U.S. Regional Arts Organizations. General management is provided by Lisa Booth Management, Inc.

Khumariyaan, a renowned music band from Pakistan, is celebrated for blending traditional folk music with modern styles. The band's name, translating to "the state of intoxication from music," captures the essence of their music, mesmerizing and captivating listeners.

Formed in 2009 in Peshawar, Pakistan, Khumariyaan emerged during a tumultuous period marked by Talibanization, sectarian violence, military operations, and neo-imperialist expansions. In such a climate, art, including music, served as a form of resistance. The band's mission is to use native music, infused with elements from other world music traditions, to enlighten and inspire the educated youth of Pakistan.

Focused on elevating music as a medium of peace and breaking away from the South Asian tradition of vocal-based music, Khumariyaan composes with minimal vocal fragments to enhance the overall harmony. The group of musicians shares a vision of experiencing the trance of live, acoustic music, believing it is the highest form of art, leaving its interpretation to the audience. Their journey aims to evoke musical "goosebumps" and provide a moving philosophical experience.