Khumariyaan

Khumariyaan's residency concludes with a performance at the Santa Fe International Folk Art Market's Opening Night Celebration. 

This is the first opportunity to explore and shop the Market before it opens to the public. You are invited to enjoy an evening with smaller crowds, cooler temperatures, complimentary food, drinks, and live music.

Join IFAM's Region Supporters to receive an invitation to the Opening Night Market.

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.