Join us for a journey of Sufi poetry and Middle Eastern music, exploring our shared human experience.

Curated/Hosted by Turkish-American writer & professor Nükhet Kardam, and Iranian-American musician, instructor, and composer Amir Etemadzadeh.

Whether you are brand new to – or an entrenched devotee of – the masterful poetry of Rumi, Yunus Emre and Hafez, and the captivating sounds of traditional Middle Eastern music, we promise you an engaging and entertaining evening!

Through live poetry readings and original music, this event will lead the audience through a weaving of words, music, philosophy, and awakening rooted in the Sufi themes of communing with the divine. Sharing not only famous works of Sufi writers such a Rumi and Hafez, the night will also feature original poetry by N¨ükhet and original musical compositions by Amir – all as a catalyst for furthering exploring the larger themes of connecting to ourselves, to the world around us, and to the divine.

We are pleased to hold this event at Wendi Kirby Music in the heart of downtown Monterey. This beautiful space offers comfort, an inspiring light-filled performance space, and uniquely beautiful acoustics…the perfect location for a musical journey.

Don’t miss this unique event that promises to touch your heart and soul.

If you are unable to purchase tickets in advance, tickets will be available at the door at the price of $40.

Ticket prices include tea/coffee and light desserts.

ABOUT THE HOSTS/PERFORMERS:

Nükhet Kardam:

Professor Emerita at The Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey, Nükhet is an author, poet and a music enthusiast. Originally from Turkey, where she was born and raised, she moved to North America for her graduate education in Gender Studies and Human Rights. She has maintained a strong connection to her home country even though she lives in the United States. Nükhet has researched and published three books and many articles on women’s rights and cultural identities. After retiring from teaching, Nükhet continued to pursue her passion for music by studying the piano and the frame drum, as well as curating workshops on living more creatively.

She has recently tapped into poetry as a means to communicate her message and her poetry comes to her in a state of silent meditation; it becomes a conversation – a conversation between the poems and herself, inspired by the Great Unknown. After focusing on intellectual pursuits for many years, Nükhet finds joy in living presently from the ‘heart’ and sharing her insights through poetry and music.

Amir A Etemadzadeh:

Amir, a Middle Eastern musician, instructor, and composer from Iran, studied at Tehran Music University, specializing in Persian, Sufi, and Middle Eastern instruments. Since relocating to the U.S. in 2003, he has broadened his repertoire to include global percussion traditions and pursued further studies in Music Composition at the University of California – Santa Cruz.

Driven by a passion for teaching and using music for spiritual growth, Amir established the Amir School of Music. His teaching, rooted in Western and Iranian classical theory, is tailored to individual learning styles, fostering a holistic educational environment.

Amir’s conviction in music’s healing and expressive power extends beyond teaching. He conducts workshops on music theory and emotion, inspiring students to create solo pieces and blend music with poetry and dance. He also works with psychotherapists to integrate music therapy into his practice. Through his dedication, Amir cultivates a community of empowered artists. With a deep interest in Sufi music and instruments, Amir collaborates with renowned artists and spiritual groups in the U.S.

Learn more about Amir’s music school: https://www.amirschoolofmusic.com/about-us

Explore the collaborative projects that Nükhet and Amir have created thus far, under the name Cubic Wisdom:

https://cubicwisdom.carrd.co/#work

*Free street parking and limited parking at the building.

**Please note that due to the historic nature of the building, there is no wheelchair access via ramp or elevator. There are only stairs.