Khumariyaan Virtual Visit

We are excited to provide a special online visit with Khumariyaan in preparation for their New Mexico residency July 7 to 11. Click here to see their residency activities.

The program is designed to be done with schools in connection with virtual visits from the artists. We are doing a public program, so everyone can join in and participate. The group will be joining us live via Zoom from Pakistan, where it will be 7 AM the next day! You'll receive the Zoom link once you make a reservation.  We’ll publish it on this page that evening as well.

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.

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.

Center Stage has collaborated with World Culture in Context to provide educational projects and curriculum in conjunction with the artist's visits. Check out the World Culture in Context page for additional background on the artists, instruments and Pashtun people of Pakistan. There are also programs to do with kids and some hands-on activities.