Music and Poetry of South Asian Mystics: an exploration of Sufi Qawwali

Saturday April 4th 4:30pm - 6:30pm Lotisland Yoga 1360 Valencia Street, San Francisco admission $25 advance $30 at the door venmo or cash accepted at the door. Join us for the evening of sufi poetry and qawwali music with Anhad Naad Collective, Our meetup member and a teacher at Lotusland yoga, Tori Paul will be our MC. ### **We are sharing our own experience with Sufism through singing, music and poetry. Audience is encouraged to sing along with us, we will provide lyrics with English translations.Historically, in South Asia, Sufism played a huge role in inter-faith syncretism and Sufi shrines (dargahs) have been pivotal to communal harmony.** Formed in 2019, *Anhad Naad Collective* is a genre-defying ensemble rooted in the exploration of South Asian musical traditions and their intersections with global genres. The collective had its debut concert in 2020 in San Francisco, led by core members **Divya Purohit Vyas** and **Jun Ishimuro** (of Qb Moda Jazz). Initially, their work centered around blending South Asian raga-based music with the soulful textures of jazz, R&B, and Black musical traditions. With a flexible and evolving lineup of collaborating artists, Anhad Naad Collective has performed at notable Bay Area venues including **Bird & Beckett**, **Integral Yoga Institute**, the **Golden Gate Park Bandstand**, and events such as **San Francisco’s Summer of Music** hosted by Noise Pop and the **Civic Joy Fund**. In 2023, the group expanded its focus to delve deeper into South Asian spiritual music, with a special emphasis on **Sufi Qawwali** traditions. Anhad Naad treats the spiritual dimension of Sufi poetry and music with deep reverence, often seeking guidance from poets and experts from Pakistan and India. Lead vocalist **Divya Purohit Vyas** has previously been a part of **Bay Dervish** in Alameda, a spiritual music collective associated with *Sufi Way*, led by the late **Kiran Rana** and **Jeanne Rana**. **Anhad Naad Collective Current Members:** *…