BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Oakland Asian Cultural Center - ECPv6.15.17.1//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://oacc.cc X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Oakland Asian Cultural Center REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/Los_Angeles BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0800 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:PDT DTSTART:20230312T100000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0800 TZNAME:PST DTSTART:20231105T090000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0800 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:PDT DTSTART:20240310T100000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0800 TZNAME:PST DTSTART:20241103T090000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0800 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:PDT DTSTART:20250309T100000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0800 TZNAME:PST DTSTART:20251102T090000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0800 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:PDT DTSTART:20260308T100000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0800 TZNAME:PST DTSTART:20261101T090000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0800 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:PDT DTSTART:20270314T100000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0800 TZNAME:PST DTSTART:20271107T090000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260110T160000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260110T180000 DTSTAMP:20260405T062844 CREATED:20251212T053126Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251212T183728Z UID:22709-1768060800-1768068000@oacc.cc SUMMARY:Chinese Couplets: A Film by Felicia Lowe DESCRIPTION:Friday\, March 207:00-9:00 pm(doors open at 6:30 pm)  FREE \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Join us for an evening of Persian culture in celebration of Nowruz\, the Persian New Year. We are pleased to welcome the Persian Classical Trio (musicians Pezhham Akhavass\, Aryan Rahmanian\, and Ashkan Ghafouri)\, and the Pezhham Tombak Ensemble to the OACC stage. They dedicate their performance to the cherished memory of the beloved Iranians who lost their lives on the 18-19 of Dey (January 7-8)\, the martyrs of Iran’s path to freedom. Their memories live on through art\, culture\, and community.   The concert will be preceded by a calligraphy demonstration by artist Arash Shirinbab at 6:45 pm\, and a mini vendor market. If you would like to vend in the mini vendor market\, please apply at this link by March 15.   This event is part of the OACC “Celebrating our HeART-Filled Heritage” (COHH) series. COHH platforms local Asian and Pacific Islander performing artists and brings their artistry to diverse East Bay audiences. The event is free to attend\, but registration is requested at the link below.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register for Free Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT NOWRUZ \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Nowruz (meaning “New Day” in Persian) marks the arrival of spring and has been celebrated across West Asia\, Central Asia\, the Caucasus and the Black Sea Basin\, the Balkans\, and South Asia for over 3\,000 years. Ritual traditions include spring cleaning\, a 13-day celebration with visits\, gifts\, and feasts\, and gathering family around the Haft-Sin—a beautifully arranged table set with seven symbolic items (wheat sprouts for rebirth\, apples for beauty\, coins for prosperity\, and more – decorated with candles\, goldfish\, and colored eggs).  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT THE PERSIAN CLASSICAL TRIO \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Pezhham Akhavass was born in 1980 in Iran. He began studying the tombak at the age of five under Naser Farhanghfar and later continued his training with Saeid Roudbary. He earned his BA and MA degrees in music from San Francisco State University and is a Voting Member of the Recording Academy (GRAMMY). Akhavass has performed internationally with Shahram Nazeri and Zakir Hussain\, and appeared with Yo-Yo Ma at the Hollywood Bowl. He continues to perform\, teach\, and collaborate on projects promoting Persian music worldwide.   Aryan Rahmanian was born in 1976 in Iran and began studying Persian classical music at fifteen\, focusing on vocal performance and the tar. He trained under distinguished masters including Mohammad Reza Lotfi\, Nasrollah Nasehpoor\, and Mohsen Keramati. His wide intellectual interests in philosophy\, history\, and ethnomusicology have led him to author several books on music philosophy and Middle Eastern music theory. He has produced multiple albums featuring original compositions inspired by Rumi’s poetry and has performed at major international festivals worldwide.   Ashkan Ghafouri was born in 1967 in Tehran\, Iran. He studied traditional and contemporary tar techniques and the Persian radif under Hooshang Zarif and later refined his artistry with Mohammad Reza Lotfi. He also studied harmony and composition with Farhad Fakhredini. Ghafouri co-authored a textbook on the Persian modal system and transcribed the radif of Morteza Neydavood. In 2001\, he founded Tarschool in California. An active performer and educator\, he has appeared internationally and published Tar Book in 2019. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT THE CALLIGRAPHER \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Arash Shirinbab an award-winning Arabic and Persian calligrapher based in Oakland. His work has been featured in over 80 exhibitions around the world. His work is part of private collections and prominent museums worldwide\, including the Contemporary Museum of Calligraphy in Moscow and the Abgineh Museum in Tehran. Arash’s art draws from the rich traditions of Near Eastern lettering and calligraphy\, reimagining them in contemporary forms such as calligraffiti\, painting\, ceramics\, digital art\, and installations. For over 12 years\, he has dedicated his practice to public education\, leading workshops and lectures that bridge the gap between ancient tradition and modern Bay Area life. URL:https://oacc.cc/event/chinese-couplets/ LOCATION:Oakland Asian Cultural Center\, 388 9th St. #290\, Oakland\, CA\, 94607\, United States CATEGORIES:Featured,Upcoming Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://oacc.cc/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Chinese-Couplets-Preview-1080-x-1080-px.png ORGANIZER;CN="Oakland Asian Cultural Center":MAILTO:programs@oacc.cc END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251205T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251205T210000 DTSTAMP:20260405T062844 CREATED:20251107T213211Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251201T201421Z UID:22621-1764961200-1764968400@oacc.cc SUMMARY:“The Empathizer" A Documentary About Vietnam Screening and Discussion DESCRIPTION:Friday\, March 207:00-9:00 pm(doors open at 6:30 pm)  FREE \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Join us for an evening of Persian culture in celebration of Nowruz\, the Persian New Year. We are pleased to welcome the Persian Classical Trio (musicians Pezhham Akhavass\, Aryan Rahmanian\, and Ashkan Ghafouri)\, and the Pezhham Tombak Ensemble to the OACC stage. They dedicate their performance to the cherished memory of the beloved Iranians who lost their lives on the 18-19 of Dey (January 7-8)\, the martyrs of Iran’s path to freedom. Their memories live on through art\, culture\, and community.   The concert will be preceded by a calligraphy demonstration by artist Arash Shirinbab at 6:45 pm\, and a mini vendor market. If you would like to vend in the mini vendor market\, please apply at this link by March 15.   This event is part of the OACC “Celebrating our HeART-Filled Heritage” (COHH) series. COHH platforms local Asian and Pacific Islander performing artists and brings their artistry to diverse East Bay audiences. The event is free to attend\, but registration is requested at the link below.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register for Free Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT NOWRUZ \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Nowruz (meaning “New Day” in Persian) marks the arrival of spring and has been celebrated across West Asia\, Central Asia\, the Caucasus and the Black Sea Basin\, the Balkans\, and South Asia for over 3\,000 years. Ritual traditions include spring cleaning\, a 13-day celebration with visits\, gifts\, and feasts\, and gathering family around the Haft-Sin—a beautifully arranged table set with seven symbolic items (wheat sprouts for rebirth\, apples for beauty\, coins for prosperity\, and more – decorated with candles\, goldfish\, and colored eggs).  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT THE PERSIAN CLASSICAL TRIO \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Pezhham Akhavass was born in 1980 in Iran. He began studying the tombak at the age of five under Naser Farhanghfar and later continued his training with Saeid Roudbary. He earned his BA and MA degrees in music from San Francisco State University and is a Voting Member of the Recording Academy (GRAMMY). Akhavass has performed internationally with Shahram Nazeri and Zakir Hussain\, and appeared with Yo-Yo Ma at the Hollywood Bowl. He continues to perform\, teach\, and collaborate on projects promoting Persian music worldwide.   Aryan Rahmanian was born in 1976 in Iran and began studying Persian classical music at fifteen\, focusing on vocal performance and the tar. He trained under distinguished masters including Mohammad Reza Lotfi\, Nasrollah Nasehpoor\, and Mohsen Keramati. His wide intellectual interests in philosophy\, history\, and ethnomusicology have led him to author several books on music philosophy and Middle Eastern music theory. He has produced multiple albums featuring original compositions inspired by Rumi’s poetry and has performed at major international festivals worldwide.   Ashkan Ghafouri was born in 1967 in Tehran\, Iran. He studied traditional and contemporary tar techniques and the Persian radif under Hooshang Zarif and later refined his artistry with Mohammad Reza Lotfi. He also studied harmony and composition with Farhad Fakhredini. Ghafouri co-authored a textbook on the Persian modal system and transcribed the radif of Morteza Neydavood. In 2001\, he founded Tarschool in California. An active performer and educator\, he has appeared internationally and published Tar Book in 2019. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT THE CALLIGRAPHER \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Arash Shirinbab an award-winning Arabic and Persian calligrapher based in Oakland. His work has been featured in over 80 exhibitions around the world. His work is part of private collections and prominent museums worldwide\, including the Contemporary Museum of Calligraphy in Moscow and the Abgineh Museum in Tehran. Arash’s art draws from the rich traditions of Near Eastern lettering and calligraphy\, reimagining them in contemporary forms such as calligraffiti\, painting\, ceramics\, digital art\, and installations. For over 12 years\, he has dedicated his practice to public education\, leading workshops and lectures that bridge the gap between ancient tradition and modern Bay Area life. URL:https://oacc.cc/event/empathizer/ LOCATION:Oakland Asian Cultural Center\, 388 9th St. #290\, Oakland\, CA\, 94607\, United States CATEGORIES:Featured,Upcoming Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://oacc.cc/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Empathizer-Preview-1080-x-1080-px-2.png ORGANIZER;CN="Oakland Asian Cultural Center":MAILTO:programs@oacc.cc END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251205T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251205T130000 DTSTAMP:20260405T062844 CREATED:20251119T172208Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251119T173414Z UID:22663-1764936000-1764939600@oacc.cc SUMMARY:December Mending Circle DESCRIPTION:Friday\, March 207:00-9:00 pm(doors open at 6:30 pm)  FREE \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Join us for an evening of Persian culture in celebration of Nowruz\, the Persian New Year. We are pleased to welcome the Persian Classical Trio (musicians Pezhham Akhavass\, Aryan Rahmanian\, and Ashkan Ghafouri)\, and the Pezhham Tombak Ensemble to the OACC stage. They dedicate their performance to the cherished memory of the beloved Iranians who lost their lives on the 18-19 of Dey (January 7-8)\, the martyrs of Iran’s path to freedom. Their memories live on through art\, culture\, and community.   The concert will be preceded by a calligraphy demonstration by artist Arash Shirinbab at 6:45 pm\, and a mini vendor market. If you would like to vend in the mini vendor market\, please apply at this link by March 15.   This event is part of the OACC “Celebrating our HeART-Filled Heritage” (COHH) series. COHH platforms local Asian and Pacific Islander performing artists and brings their artistry to diverse East Bay audiences. The event is free to attend\, but registration is requested at the link below.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register for Free Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT NOWRUZ \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Nowruz (meaning “New Day” in Persian) marks the arrival of spring and has been celebrated across West Asia\, Central Asia\, the Caucasus and the Black Sea Basin\, the Balkans\, and South Asia for over 3\,000 years. Ritual traditions include spring cleaning\, a 13-day celebration with visits\, gifts\, and feasts\, and gathering family around the Haft-Sin—a beautifully arranged table set with seven symbolic items (wheat sprouts for rebirth\, apples for beauty\, coins for prosperity\, and more – decorated with candles\, goldfish\, and colored eggs).  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT THE PERSIAN CLASSICAL TRIO \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Pezhham Akhavass was born in 1980 in Iran. He began studying the tombak at the age of five under Naser Farhanghfar and later continued his training with Saeid Roudbary. He earned his BA and MA degrees in music from San Francisco State University and is a Voting Member of the Recording Academy (GRAMMY). Akhavass has performed internationally with Shahram Nazeri and Zakir Hussain\, and appeared with Yo-Yo Ma at the Hollywood Bowl. He continues to perform\, teach\, and collaborate on projects promoting Persian music worldwide.   Aryan Rahmanian was born in 1976 in Iran and began studying Persian classical music at fifteen\, focusing on vocal performance and the tar. He trained under distinguished masters including Mohammad Reza Lotfi\, Nasrollah Nasehpoor\, and Mohsen Keramati. His wide intellectual interests in philosophy\, history\, and ethnomusicology have led him to author several books on music philosophy and Middle Eastern music theory. He has produced multiple albums featuring original compositions inspired by Rumi’s poetry and has performed at major international festivals worldwide.   Ashkan Ghafouri was born in 1967 in Tehran\, Iran. He studied traditional and contemporary tar techniques and the Persian radif under Hooshang Zarif and later refined his artistry with Mohammad Reza Lotfi. He also studied harmony and composition with Farhad Fakhredini. Ghafouri co-authored a textbook on the Persian modal system and transcribed the radif of Morteza Neydavood. In 2001\, he founded Tarschool in California. An active performer and educator\, he has appeared internationally and published Tar Book in 2019. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT THE CALLIGRAPHER \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Arash Shirinbab an award-winning Arabic and Persian calligrapher based in Oakland. His work has been featured in over 80 exhibitions around the world. His work is part of private collections and prominent museums worldwide\, including the Contemporary Museum of Calligraphy in Moscow and the Abgineh Museum in Tehran. Arash’s art draws from the rich traditions of Near Eastern lettering and calligraphy\, reimagining them in contemporary forms such as calligraffiti\, painting\, ceramics\, digital art\, and installations. For over 12 years\, he has dedicated his practice to public education\, leading workshops and lectures that bridge the gap between ancient tradition and modern Bay Area life. URL:https://oacc.cc/event/mending-dec2025/ LOCATION:Oakland Asian Cultural Center\, 388 9th St. #290\, Oakland\, CA\, 94607\, United States CATEGORIES:Featured,Upcoming Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://oacc.cc/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Mending-Circle-Evergreen-Preview-White-Background.png ORGANIZER;CN="Oakland Asian Cultural Center":MAILTO:programs@oacc.cc END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251108T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251108T203000 DTSTAMP:20260405T062844 CREATED:20251008T150709Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251105T011128Z UID:22466-1762628400-1762633800@oacc.cc SUMMARY:Arabesque: A Middle Eastern Dance and Music Concert DESCRIPTION:Friday\, March 207:00-9:00 pm(doors open at 6:30 pm)  FREE \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Join us for an evening of Persian culture in celebration of Nowruz\, the Persian New Year. We are pleased to welcome the Persian Classical Trio (musicians Pezhham Akhavass\, Aryan Rahmanian\, and Ashkan Ghafouri)\, and the Pezhham Tombak Ensemble to the OACC stage. They dedicate their performance to the cherished memory of the beloved Iranians who lost their lives on the 18-19 of Dey (January 7-8)\, the martyrs of Iran’s path to freedom. Their memories live on through art\, culture\, and community.   The concert will be preceded by a calligraphy demonstration by artist Arash Shirinbab at 6:45 pm\, and a mini vendor market. If you would like to vend in the mini vendor market\, please apply at this link by March 15.   This event is part of the OACC “Celebrating our HeART-Filled Heritage” (COHH) series. COHH platforms local Asian and Pacific Islander performing artists and brings their artistry to diverse East Bay audiences. The event is free to attend\, but registration is requested at the link below.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register for Free Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT NOWRUZ \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Nowruz (meaning “New Day” in Persian) marks the arrival of spring and has been celebrated across West Asia\, Central Asia\, the Caucasus and the Black Sea Basin\, the Balkans\, and South Asia for over 3\,000 years. Ritual traditions include spring cleaning\, a 13-day celebration with visits\, gifts\, and feasts\, and gathering family around the Haft-Sin—a beautifully arranged table set with seven symbolic items (wheat sprouts for rebirth\, apples for beauty\, coins for prosperity\, and more – decorated with candles\, goldfish\, and colored eggs).  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT THE PERSIAN CLASSICAL TRIO \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Pezhham Akhavass was born in 1980 in Iran. He began studying the tombak at the age of five under Naser Farhanghfar and later continued his training with Saeid Roudbary. He earned his BA and MA degrees in music from San Francisco State University and is a Voting Member of the Recording Academy (GRAMMY). Akhavass has performed internationally with Shahram Nazeri and Zakir Hussain\, and appeared with Yo-Yo Ma at the Hollywood Bowl. He continues to perform\, teach\, and collaborate on projects promoting Persian music worldwide.   Aryan Rahmanian was born in 1976 in Iran and began studying Persian classical music at fifteen\, focusing on vocal performance and the tar. He trained under distinguished masters including Mohammad Reza Lotfi\, Nasrollah Nasehpoor\, and Mohsen Keramati. His wide intellectual interests in philosophy\, history\, and ethnomusicology have led him to author several books on music philosophy and Middle Eastern music theory. He has produced multiple albums featuring original compositions inspired by Rumi’s poetry and has performed at major international festivals worldwide.   Ashkan Ghafouri was born in 1967 in Tehran\, Iran. He studied traditional and contemporary tar techniques and the Persian radif under Hooshang Zarif and later refined his artistry with Mohammad Reza Lotfi. He also studied harmony and composition with Farhad Fakhredini. Ghafouri co-authored a textbook on the Persian modal system and transcribed the radif of Morteza Neydavood. In 2001\, he founded Tarschool in California. An active performer and educator\, he has appeared internationally and published Tar Book in 2019. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT THE CALLIGRAPHER \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Arash Shirinbab an award-winning Arabic and Persian calligrapher based in Oakland. His work has been featured in over 80 exhibitions around the world. His work is part of private collections and prominent museums worldwide\, including the Contemporary Museum of Calligraphy in Moscow and the Abgineh Museum in Tehran. Arash’s art draws from the rich traditions of Near Eastern lettering and calligraphy\, reimagining them in contemporary forms such as calligraffiti\, painting\, ceramics\, digital art\, and installations. For over 12 years\, he has dedicated his practice to public education\, leading workshops and lectures that bridge the gap between ancient tradition and modern Bay Area life. URL:https://oacc.cc/event/arabesque/ LOCATION:Oakland Asian Cultural Center\, 388 9th St. #290\, Oakland\, CA\, 94607\, United States CATEGORIES:Featured,Upcoming Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://oacc.cc/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Arabesque-Preview-1080-x-1080.png ORGANIZER;CN="Oakland Asian Cultural Center":MAILTO:programs@oacc.cc END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251105T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251105T203000 DTSTAMP:20260405T062844 CREATED:20250927T170106Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251104T034601Z UID:22386-1762369200-1762374600@oacc.cc SUMMARY:"Water Mirror Echo: Bruce Lee and the Making of Asian America" book talk with Jeff Chang DESCRIPTION:Friday\, March 207:00-9:00 pm(doors open at 6:30 pm)  FREE \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Join us for an evening of Persian culture in celebration of Nowruz\, the Persian New Year. We are pleased to welcome the Persian Classical Trio (musicians Pezhham Akhavass\, Aryan Rahmanian\, and Ashkan Ghafouri)\, and the Pezhham Tombak Ensemble to the OACC stage. They dedicate their performance to the cherished memory of the beloved Iranians who lost their lives on the 18-19 of Dey (January 7-8)\, the martyrs of Iran’s path to freedom. Their memories live on through art\, culture\, and community.   The concert will be preceded by a calligraphy demonstration by artist Arash Shirinbab at 6:45 pm\, and a mini vendor market. If you would like to vend in the mini vendor market\, please apply at this link by March 15.   This event is part of the OACC “Celebrating our HeART-Filled Heritage” (COHH) series. COHH platforms local Asian and Pacific Islander performing artists and brings their artistry to diverse East Bay audiences. The event is free to attend\, but registration is requested at the link below.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register for Free Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT NOWRUZ \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Nowruz (meaning “New Day” in Persian) marks the arrival of spring and has been celebrated across West Asia\, Central Asia\, the Caucasus and the Black Sea Basin\, the Balkans\, and South Asia for over 3\,000 years. Ritual traditions include spring cleaning\, a 13-day celebration with visits\, gifts\, and feasts\, and gathering family around the Haft-Sin—a beautifully arranged table set with seven symbolic items (wheat sprouts for rebirth\, apples for beauty\, coins for prosperity\, and more – decorated with candles\, goldfish\, and colored eggs).  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT THE PERSIAN CLASSICAL TRIO \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Pezhham Akhavass was born in 1980 in Iran. He began studying the tombak at the age of five under Naser Farhanghfar and later continued his training with Saeid Roudbary. He earned his BA and MA degrees in music from San Francisco State University and is a Voting Member of the Recording Academy (GRAMMY). Akhavass has performed internationally with Shahram Nazeri and Zakir Hussain\, and appeared with Yo-Yo Ma at the Hollywood Bowl. He continues to perform\, teach\, and collaborate on projects promoting Persian music worldwide.   Aryan Rahmanian was born in 1976 in Iran and began studying Persian classical music at fifteen\, focusing on vocal performance and the tar. He trained under distinguished masters including Mohammad Reza Lotfi\, Nasrollah Nasehpoor\, and Mohsen Keramati. His wide intellectual interests in philosophy\, history\, and ethnomusicology have led him to author several books on music philosophy and Middle Eastern music theory. He has produced multiple albums featuring original compositions inspired by Rumi’s poetry and has performed at major international festivals worldwide.   Ashkan Ghafouri was born in 1967 in Tehran\, Iran. He studied traditional and contemporary tar techniques and the Persian radif under Hooshang Zarif and later refined his artistry with Mohammad Reza Lotfi. He also studied harmony and composition with Farhad Fakhredini. Ghafouri co-authored a textbook on the Persian modal system and transcribed the radif of Morteza Neydavood. In 2001\, he founded Tarschool in California. An active performer and educator\, he has appeared internationally and published Tar Book in 2019. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT THE CALLIGRAPHER \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Arash Shirinbab an award-winning Arabic and Persian calligrapher based in Oakland. His work has been featured in over 80 exhibitions around the world. His work is part of private collections and prominent museums worldwide\, including the Contemporary Museum of Calligraphy in Moscow and the Abgineh Museum in Tehran. Arash’s art draws from the rich traditions of Near Eastern lettering and calligraphy\, reimagining them in contemporary forms such as calligraffiti\, painting\, ceramics\, digital art\, and installations. For over 12 years\, he has dedicated his practice to public education\, leading workshops and lectures that bridge the gap between ancient tradition and modern Bay Area life. URL:https://oacc.cc/event/jeff-chang-bruce-lee/ LOCATION:Oakland Asian Cultural Center\, 388 9th St. #290\, Oakland\, CA\, 94607\, United States CATEGORIES:Featured,Upcoming Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://oacc.cc/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Jeff-Chang-Bruce-Lee-Book-Launch-Preview-1080-x-1080.png ORGANIZER;CN="Oakland Asian Cultural Center":MAILTO:programs@oacc.cc END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251004T150000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251004T163000 DTSTAMP:20260405T062844 CREATED:20250807T182331Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250820T214833Z UID:21818-1759590000-1759595400@oacc.cc SUMMARY:Oakland Ilokana Film Premiere DESCRIPTION:Friday\, March 207:00-9:00 pm(doors open at 6:30 pm)  FREE \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Join us for an evening of Persian culture in celebration of Nowruz\, the Persian New Year. We are pleased to welcome the Persian Classical Trio (musicians Pezhham Akhavass\, Aryan Rahmanian\, and Ashkan Ghafouri)\, and the Pezhham Tombak Ensemble to the OACC stage. They dedicate their performance to the cherished memory of the beloved Iranians who lost their lives on the 18-19 of Dey (January 7-8)\, the martyrs of Iran’s path to freedom. Their memories live on through art\, culture\, and community.   The concert will be preceded by a calligraphy demonstration by artist Arash Shirinbab at 6:45 pm\, and a mini vendor market. If you would like to vend in the mini vendor market\, please apply at this link by March 15.   This event is part of the OACC “Celebrating our HeART-Filled Heritage” (COHH) series. COHH platforms local Asian and Pacific Islander performing artists and brings their artistry to diverse East Bay audiences. The event is free to attend\, but registration is requested at the link below.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register for Free Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT NOWRUZ \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Nowruz (meaning “New Day” in Persian) marks the arrival of spring and has been celebrated across West Asia\, Central Asia\, the Caucasus and the Black Sea Basin\, the Balkans\, and South Asia for over 3\,000 years. Ritual traditions include spring cleaning\, a 13-day celebration with visits\, gifts\, and feasts\, and gathering family around the Haft-Sin—a beautifully arranged table set with seven symbolic items (wheat sprouts for rebirth\, apples for beauty\, coins for prosperity\, and more – decorated with candles\, goldfish\, and colored eggs).  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT THE PERSIAN CLASSICAL TRIO \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Pezhham Akhavass was born in 1980 in Iran. He began studying the tombak at the age of five under Naser Farhanghfar and later continued his training with Saeid Roudbary. He earned his BA and MA degrees in music from San Francisco State University and is a Voting Member of the Recording Academy (GRAMMY). Akhavass has performed internationally with Shahram Nazeri and Zakir Hussain\, and appeared with Yo-Yo Ma at the Hollywood Bowl. He continues to perform\, teach\, and collaborate on projects promoting Persian music worldwide.   Aryan Rahmanian was born in 1976 in Iran and began studying Persian classical music at fifteen\, focusing on vocal performance and the tar. He trained under distinguished masters including Mohammad Reza Lotfi\, Nasrollah Nasehpoor\, and Mohsen Keramati. His wide intellectual interests in philosophy\, history\, and ethnomusicology have led him to author several books on music philosophy and Middle Eastern music theory. He has produced multiple albums featuring original compositions inspired by Rumi’s poetry and has performed at major international festivals worldwide.   Ashkan Ghafouri was born in 1967 in Tehran\, Iran. He studied traditional and contemporary tar techniques and the Persian radif under Hooshang Zarif and later refined his artistry with Mohammad Reza Lotfi. He also studied harmony and composition with Farhad Fakhredini. Ghafouri co-authored a textbook on the Persian modal system and transcribed the radif of Morteza Neydavood. In 2001\, he founded Tarschool in California. An active performer and educator\, he has appeared internationally and published Tar Book in 2019. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT THE CALLIGRAPHER \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Arash Shirinbab an award-winning Arabic and Persian calligrapher based in Oakland. His work has been featured in over 80 exhibitions around the world. His work is part of private collections and prominent museums worldwide\, including the Contemporary Museum of Calligraphy in Moscow and the Abgineh Museum in Tehran. Arash’s art draws from the rich traditions of Near Eastern lettering and calligraphy\, reimagining them in contemporary forms such as calligraffiti\, painting\, ceramics\, digital art\, and installations. For over 12 years\, he has dedicated his practice to public education\, leading workshops and lectures that bridge the gap between ancient tradition and modern Bay Area life. URL:https://oacc.cc/event/oakland-ilokana/ LOCATION:Oakland Asian Cultural Center\, 388 9th St. #290\, Oakland\, CA\, 94607\, United States CATEGORIES:Featured,Upcoming Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://oacc.cc/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Oakland-Ilokana-Preview-1080-x-1080.png ORGANIZER;CN="Oakland Asian Cultural Center":MAILTO:programs@oacc.cc END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250920T140000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250920T160000 DTSTAMP:20260405T062844 CREATED:20250721T061943Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250916T200256Z UID:21777-1758376800-1758384000@oacc.cc SUMMARY:Panel Discussion: A History of Chinese Life Under American Racial Law (1850s-1960s) DESCRIPTION:Friday\, March 207:00-9:00 pm(doors open at 6:30 pm)  FREE \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Join us for an evening of Persian culture in celebration of Nowruz\, the Persian New Year. We are pleased to welcome the Persian Classical Trio (musicians Pezhham Akhavass\, Aryan Rahmanian\, and Ashkan Ghafouri)\, and the Pezhham Tombak Ensemble to the OACC stage. They dedicate their performance to the cherished memory of the beloved Iranians who lost their lives on the 18-19 of Dey (January 7-8)\, the martyrs of Iran’s path to freedom. Their memories live on through art\, culture\, and community.   The concert will be preceded by a calligraphy demonstration by artist Arash Shirinbab at 6:45 pm\, and a mini vendor market. If you would like to vend in the mini vendor market\, please apply at this link by March 15.   This event is part of the OACC “Celebrating our HeART-Filled Heritage” (COHH) series. COHH platforms local Asian and Pacific Islander performing artists and brings their artistry to diverse East Bay audiences. The event is free to attend\, but registration is requested at the link below.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register for Free Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT NOWRUZ \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Nowruz (meaning “New Day” in Persian) marks the arrival of spring and has been celebrated across West Asia\, Central Asia\, the Caucasus and the Black Sea Basin\, the Balkans\, and South Asia for over 3\,000 years. Ritual traditions include spring cleaning\, a 13-day celebration with visits\, gifts\, and feasts\, and gathering family around the Haft-Sin—a beautifully arranged table set with seven symbolic items (wheat sprouts for rebirth\, apples for beauty\, coins for prosperity\, and more – decorated with candles\, goldfish\, and colored eggs).  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT THE PERSIAN CLASSICAL TRIO \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Pezhham Akhavass was born in 1980 in Iran. He began studying the tombak at the age of five under Naser Farhanghfar and later continued his training with Saeid Roudbary. He earned his BA and MA degrees in music from San Francisco State University and is a Voting Member of the Recording Academy (GRAMMY). Akhavass has performed internationally with Shahram Nazeri and Zakir Hussain\, and appeared with Yo-Yo Ma at the Hollywood Bowl. He continues to perform\, teach\, and collaborate on projects promoting Persian music worldwide.   Aryan Rahmanian was born in 1976 in Iran and began studying Persian classical music at fifteen\, focusing on vocal performance and the tar. He trained under distinguished masters including Mohammad Reza Lotfi\, Nasrollah Nasehpoor\, and Mohsen Keramati. His wide intellectual interests in philosophy\, history\, and ethnomusicology have led him to author several books on music philosophy and Middle Eastern music theory. He has produced multiple albums featuring original compositions inspired by Rumi’s poetry and has performed at major international festivals worldwide.   Ashkan Ghafouri was born in 1967 in Tehran\, Iran. He studied traditional and contemporary tar techniques and the Persian radif under Hooshang Zarif and later refined his artistry with Mohammad Reza Lotfi. He also studied harmony and composition with Farhad Fakhredini. Ghafouri co-authored a textbook on the Persian modal system and transcribed the radif of Morteza Neydavood. In 2001\, he founded Tarschool in California. An active performer and educator\, he has appeared internationally and published Tar Book in 2019. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT THE CALLIGRAPHER \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Arash Shirinbab an award-winning Arabic and Persian calligrapher based in Oakland. His work has been featured in over 80 exhibitions around the world. His work is part of private collections and prominent museums worldwide\, including the Contemporary Museum of Calligraphy in Moscow and the Abgineh Museum in Tehran. Arash’s art draws from the rich traditions of Near Eastern lettering and calligraphy\, reimagining them in contemporary forms such as calligraffiti\, painting\, ceramics\, digital art\, and installations. For over 12 years\, he has dedicated his practice to public education\, leading workshops and lectures that bridge the gap between ancient tradition and modern Bay Area life. URL:https://oacc.cc/event/chinese-author-panel/ LOCATION:Oakland Asian Cultural Center\, 388 9th St. #290\, Oakland\, CA\, 94607\, United States CATEGORIES:Featured,Upcoming Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://oacc.cc/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/UPDATED-Chinese-Author-Panel-Web-1080-x-1080-px.png ORGANIZER;CN="Oakland Asian Cultural Center":MAILTO:programs@oacc.cc END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250906T193000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250906T210000 DTSTAMP:20260405T062844 CREATED:20250812T221942Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250822T184819Z UID:21840-1757187000-1757192400@oacc.cc SUMMARY:Celebrating Our HeART-filled Heritage: Ragas in Conversation DESCRIPTION:Friday\, March 207:00-9:00 pm(doors open at 6:30 pm)  FREE \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Join us for an evening of Persian culture in celebration of Nowruz\, the Persian New Year. We are pleased to welcome the Persian Classical Trio (musicians Pezhham Akhavass\, Aryan Rahmanian\, and Ashkan Ghafouri)\, and the Pezhham Tombak Ensemble to the OACC stage. They dedicate their performance to the cherished memory of the beloved Iranians who lost their lives on the 18-19 of Dey (January 7-8)\, the martyrs of Iran’s path to freedom. Their memories live on through art\, culture\, and community.   The concert will be preceded by a calligraphy demonstration by artist Arash Shirinbab at 6:45 pm\, and a mini vendor market. If you would like to vend in the mini vendor market\, please apply at this link by March 15.   This event is part of the OACC “Celebrating our HeART-Filled Heritage” (COHH) series. COHH platforms local Asian and Pacific Islander performing artists and brings their artistry to diverse East Bay audiences. The event is free to attend\, but registration is requested at the link below.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register for Free Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT NOWRUZ \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Nowruz (meaning “New Day” in Persian) marks the arrival of spring and has been celebrated across West Asia\, Central Asia\, the Caucasus and the Black Sea Basin\, the Balkans\, and South Asia for over 3\,000 years. Ritual traditions include spring cleaning\, a 13-day celebration with visits\, gifts\, and feasts\, and gathering family around the Haft-Sin—a beautifully arranged table set with seven symbolic items (wheat sprouts for rebirth\, apples for beauty\, coins for prosperity\, and more – decorated with candles\, goldfish\, and colored eggs).  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT THE PERSIAN CLASSICAL TRIO \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Pezhham Akhavass was born in 1980 in Iran. He began studying the tombak at the age of five under Naser Farhanghfar and later continued his training with Saeid Roudbary. He earned his BA and MA degrees in music from San Francisco State University and is a Voting Member of the Recording Academy (GRAMMY). Akhavass has performed internationally with Shahram Nazeri and Zakir Hussain\, and appeared with Yo-Yo Ma at the Hollywood Bowl. He continues to perform\, teach\, and collaborate on projects promoting Persian music worldwide.   Aryan Rahmanian was born in 1976 in Iran and began studying Persian classical music at fifteen\, focusing on vocal performance and the tar. He trained under distinguished masters including Mohammad Reza Lotfi\, Nasrollah Nasehpoor\, and Mohsen Keramati. His wide intellectual interests in philosophy\, history\, and ethnomusicology have led him to author several books on music philosophy and Middle Eastern music theory. He has produced multiple albums featuring original compositions inspired by Rumi’s poetry and has performed at major international festivals worldwide.   Ashkan Ghafouri was born in 1967 in Tehran\, Iran. He studied traditional and contemporary tar techniques and the Persian radif under Hooshang Zarif and later refined his artistry with Mohammad Reza Lotfi. He also studied harmony and composition with Farhad Fakhredini. Ghafouri co-authored a textbook on the Persian modal system and transcribed the radif of Morteza Neydavood. In 2001\, he founded Tarschool in California. An active performer and educator\, he has appeared internationally and published Tar Book in 2019. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT THE CALLIGRAPHER \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Arash Shirinbab an award-winning Arabic and Persian calligrapher based in Oakland. His work has been featured in over 80 exhibitions around the world. His work is part of private collections and prominent museums worldwide\, including the Contemporary Museum of Calligraphy in Moscow and the Abgineh Museum in Tehran. Arash’s art draws from the rich traditions of Near Eastern lettering and calligraphy\, reimagining them in contemporary forms such as calligraffiti\, painting\, ceramics\, digital art\, and installations. For over 12 years\, he has dedicated his practice to public education\, leading workshops and lectures that bridge the gap between ancient tradition and modern Bay Area life. URL:https://oacc.cc/event/ragas-conversation/ LOCATION:Oakland Asian Cultural Center\, 388 9th St. #290\, Oakland\, CA\, 94607\, United States CATEGORIES:Featured,Upcoming Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://oacc.cc/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Ragas-in-Convo-Preview-1080-x-1080-px.png ORGANIZER;CN="Oakland Asian Cultural Center":MAILTO:programs@oacc.cc END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250816T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250816T170000 DTSTAMP:20260405T062844 CREATED:20250716T204802Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250721T184440Z UID:21768-1755345600-1755363600@oacc.cc SUMMARY:Celebrating Our HeART-filled Heritage: Hawaiian Arts and Culture Day DESCRIPTION:Friday\, March 207:00-9:00 pm(doors open at 6:30 pm)  FREE \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Join us for an evening of Persian culture in celebration of Nowruz\, the Persian New Year. We are pleased to welcome the Persian Classical Trio (musicians Pezhham Akhavass\, Aryan Rahmanian\, and Ashkan Ghafouri)\, and the Pezhham Tombak Ensemble to the OACC stage. They dedicate their performance to the cherished memory of the beloved Iranians who lost their lives on the 18-19 of Dey (January 7-8)\, the martyrs of Iran’s path to freedom. Their memories live on through art\, culture\, and community.   The concert will be preceded by a calligraphy demonstration by artist Arash Shirinbab at 6:45 pm\, and a mini vendor market. If you would like to vend in the mini vendor market\, please apply at this link by March 15.   This event is part of the OACC “Celebrating our HeART-Filled Heritage” (COHH) series. COHH platforms local Asian and Pacific Islander performing artists and brings their artistry to diverse East Bay audiences. The event is free to attend\, but registration is requested at the link below.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register for Free Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT NOWRUZ \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Nowruz (meaning “New Day” in Persian) marks the arrival of spring and has been celebrated across West Asia\, Central Asia\, the Caucasus and the Black Sea Basin\, the Balkans\, and South Asia for over 3\,000 years. Ritual traditions include spring cleaning\, a 13-day celebration with visits\, gifts\, and feasts\, and gathering family around the Haft-Sin—a beautifully arranged table set with seven symbolic items (wheat sprouts for rebirth\, apples for beauty\, coins for prosperity\, and more – decorated with candles\, goldfish\, and colored eggs).  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT THE PERSIAN CLASSICAL TRIO \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Pezhham Akhavass was born in 1980 in Iran. He began studying the tombak at the age of five under Naser Farhanghfar and later continued his training with Saeid Roudbary. He earned his BA and MA degrees in music from San Francisco State University and is a Voting Member of the Recording Academy (GRAMMY). Akhavass has performed internationally with Shahram Nazeri and Zakir Hussain\, and appeared with Yo-Yo Ma at the Hollywood Bowl. He continues to perform\, teach\, and collaborate on projects promoting Persian music worldwide.   Aryan Rahmanian was born in 1976 in Iran and began studying Persian classical music at fifteen\, focusing on vocal performance and the tar. He trained under distinguished masters including Mohammad Reza Lotfi\, Nasrollah Nasehpoor\, and Mohsen Keramati. His wide intellectual interests in philosophy\, history\, and ethnomusicology have led him to author several books on music philosophy and Middle Eastern music theory. He has produced multiple albums featuring original compositions inspired by Rumi’s poetry and has performed at major international festivals worldwide.   Ashkan Ghafouri was born in 1967 in Tehran\, Iran. He studied traditional and contemporary tar techniques and the Persian radif under Hooshang Zarif and later refined his artistry with Mohammad Reza Lotfi. He also studied harmony and composition with Farhad Fakhredini. Ghafouri co-authored a textbook on the Persian modal system and transcribed the radif of Morteza Neydavood. In 2001\, he founded Tarschool in California. An active performer and educator\, he has appeared internationally and published Tar Book in 2019. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT THE CALLIGRAPHER \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Arash Shirinbab an award-winning Arabic and Persian calligrapher based in Oakland. His work has been featured in over 80 exhibitions around the world. His work is part of private collections and prominent museums worldwide\, including the Contemporary Museum of Calligraphy in Moscow and the Abgineh Museum in Tehran. Arash’s art draws from the rich traditions of Near Eastern lettering and calligraphy\, reimagining them in contemporary forms such as calligraffiti\, painting\, ceramics\, digital art\, and installations. For over 12 years\, he has dedicated his practice to public education\, leading workshops and lectures that bridge the gap between ancient tradition and modern Bay Area life. URL:https://oacc.cc/event/hawaiian-day/ LOCATION:Oakland Asian Cultural Center\, 388 9th St. #290\, Oakland\, CA\, 94607\, United States CATEGORIES:Featured,Upcoming Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://oacc.cc/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Hawaiian-Day-2025-Web-1080x1080-v2.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Oakland Asian Cultural Center":MAILTO:programs@oacc.cc END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250814T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251101T120000 DTSTAMP:20260405T062844 CREATED:20250724T221909Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251030T164429Z UID:21799-1755172800-1761998400@oacc.cc SUMMARY:She Isn't A Metaphor: An Exhibition of Mixed Media by Nimisha Doongarwal DESCRIPTION:Friday\, March 207:00-9:00 pm(doors open at 6:30 pm)  FREE \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Join us for an evening of Persian culture in celebration of Nowruz\, the Persian New Year. We are pleased to welcome the Persian Classical Trio (musicians Pezhham Akhavass\, Aryan Rahmanian\, and Ashkan Ghafouri)\, and the Pezhham Tombak Ensemble to the OACC stage. They dedicate their performance to the cherished memory of the beloved Iranians who lost their lives on the 18-19 of Dey (January 7-8)\, the martyrs of Iran’s path to freedom. Their memories live on through art\, culture\, and community.   The concert will be preceded by a calligraphy demonstration by artist Arash Shirinbab at 6:45 pm\, and a mini vendor market. If you would like to vend in the mini vendor market\, please apply at this link by March 15.   This event is part of the OACC “Celebrating our HeART-Filled Heritage” (COHH) series. COHH platforms local Asian and Pacific Islander performing artists and brings their artistry to diverse East Bay audiences. The event is free to attend\, but registration is requested at the link below.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register for Free Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT NOWRUZ \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Nowruz (meaning “New Day” in Persian) marks the arrival of spring and has been celebrated across West Asia\, Central Asia\, the Caucasus and the Black Sea Basin\, the Balkans\, and South Asia for over 3\,000 years. Ritual traditions include spring cleaning\, a 13-day celebration with visits\, gifts\, and feasts\, and gathering family around the Haft-Sin—a beautifully arranged table set with seven symbolic items (wheat sprouts for rebirth\, apples for beauty\, coins for prosperity\, and more – decorated with candles\, goldfish\, and colored eggs).  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT THE PERSIAN CLASSICAL TRIO \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Pezhham Akhavass was born in 1980 in Iran. He began studying the tombak at the age of five under Naser Farhanghfar and later continued his training with Saeid Roudbary. He earned his BA and MA degrees in music from San Francisco State University and is a Voting Member of the Recording Academy (GRAMMY). Akhavass has performed internationally with Shahram Nazeri and Zakir Hussain\, and appeared with Yo-Yo Ma at the Hollywood Bowl. He continues to perform\, teach\, and collaborate on projects promoting Persian music worldwide.   Aryan Rahmanian was born in 1976 in Iran and began studying Persian classical music at fifteen\, focusing on vocal performance and the tar. He trained under distinguished masters including Mohammad Reza Lotfi\, Nasrollah Nasehpoor\, and Mohsen Keramati. His wide intellectual interests in philosophy\, history\, and ethnomusicology have led him to author several books on music philosophy and Middle Eastern music theory. He has produced multiple albums featuring original compositions inspired by Rumi’s poetry and has performed at major international festivals worldwide.   Ashkan Ghafouri was born in 1967 in Tehran\, Iran. He studied traditional and contemporary tar techniques and the Persian radif under Hooshang Zarif and later refined his artistry with Mohammad Reza Lotfi. He also studied harmony and composition with Farhad Fakhredini. Ghafouri co-authored a textbook on the Persian modal system and transcribed the radif of Morteza Neydavood. In 2001\, he founded Tarschool in California. An active performer and educator\, he has appeared internationally and published Tar Book in 2019. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT THE CALLIGRAPHER \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Arash Shirinbab an award-winning Arabic and Persian calligrapher based in Oakland. His work has been featured in over 80 exhibitions around the world. His work is part of private collections and prominent museums worldwide\, including the Contemporary Museum of Calligraphy in Moscow and the Abgineh Museum in Tehran. Arash’s art draws from the rich traditions of Near Eastern lettering and calligraphy\, reimagining them in contemporary forms such as calligraffiti\, painting\, ceramics\, digital art\, and installations. For over 12 years\, he has dedicated his practice to public education\, leading workshops and lectures that bridge the gap between ancient tradition and modern Bay Area life. URL:https://oacc.cc/event/she-isnt-a-metaphor/ LOCATION:Oakland Asian Cultural Center\, 388 9th St. #290\, Oakland\, CA\, 94607\, United States CATEGORIES:Current Events,Current Exhibitions,Featured ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://oacc.cc/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/She-Isnt-a-Metaphor-1080-x-1080-px.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Oakland Asian Cultural Center":MAILTO:programs@oacc.cc END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250802T150000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250802T170000 DTSTAMP:20260405T062844 CREATED:20250708T090041Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250715T231934Z UID:21700-1754146800-1754154000@oacc.cc SUMMARY:Taking Root: Southeast Asian Stories of Resettlement in Philadelphia film premiere and panel DESCRIPTION:Friday\, March 207:00-9:00 pm(doors open at 6:30 pm)  FREE \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Join us for an evening of Persian culture in celebration of Nowruz\, the Persian New Year. We are pleased to welcome the Persian Classical Trio (musicians Pezhham Akhavass\, Aryan Rahmanian\, and Ashkan Ghafouri)\, and the Pezhham Tombak Ensemble to the OACC stage. They dedicate their performance to the cherished memory of the beloved Iranians who lost their lives on the 18-19 of Dey (January 7-8)\, the martyrs of Iran’s path to freedom. Their memories live on through art\, culture\, and community.   The concert will be preceded by a calligraphy demonstration by artist Arash Shirinbab at 6:45 pm\, and a mini vendor market. If you would like to vend in the mini vendor market\, please apply at this link by March 15.   This event is part of the OACC “Celebrating our HeART-Filled Heritage” (COHH) series. COHH platforms local Asian and Pacific Islander performing artists and brings their artistry to diverse East Bay audiences. The event is free to attend\, but registration is requested at the link below.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register for Free Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT NOWRUZ \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Nowruz (meaning “New Day” in Persian) marks the arrival of spring and has been celebrated across West Asia\, Central Asia\, the Caucasus and the Black Sea Basin\, the Balkans\, and South Asia for over 3\,000 years. Ritual traditions include spring cleaning\, a 13-day celebration with visits\, gifts\, and feasts\, and gathering family around the Haft-Sin—a beautifully arranged table set with seven symbolic items (wheat sprouts for rebirth\, apples for beauty\, coins for prosperity\, and more – decorated with candles\, goldfish\, and colored eggs).  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT THE PERSIAN CLASSICAL TRIO \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Pezhham Akhavass was born in 1980 in Iran. He began studying the tombak at the age of five under Naser Farhanghfar and later continued his training with Saeid Roudbary. He earned his BA and MA degrees in music from San Francisco State University and is a Voting Member of the Recording Academy (GRAMMY). Akhavass has performed internationally with Shahram Nazeri and Zakir Hussain\, and appeared with Yo-Yo Ma at the Hollywood Bowl. He continues to perform\, teach\, and collaborate on projects promoting Persian music worldwide.   Aryan Rahmanian was born in 1976 in Iran and began studying Persian classical music at fifteen\, focusing on vocal performance and the tar. He trained under distinguished masters including Mohammad Reza Lotfi\, Nasrollah Nasehpoor\, and Mohsen Keramati. His wide intellectual interests in philosophy\, history\, and ethnomusicology have led him to author several books on music philosophy and Middle Eastern music theory. He has produced multiple albums featuring original compositions inspired by Rumi’s poetry and has performed at major international festivals worldwide.   Ashkan Ghafouri was born in 1967 in Tehran\, Iran. He studied traditional and contemporary tar techniques and the Persian radif under Hooshang Zarif and later refined his artistry with Mohammad Reza Lotfi. He also studied harmony and composition with Farhad Fakhredini. Ghafouri co-authored a textbook on the Persian modal system and transcribed the radif of Morteza Neydavood. In 2001\, he founded Tarschool in California. An active performer and educator\, he has appeared internationally and published Tar Book in 2019. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT THE CALLIGRAPHER \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Arash Shirinbab an award-winning Arabic and Persian calligrapher based in Oakland. His work has been featured in over 80 exhibitions around the world. His work is part of private collections and prominent museums worldwide\, including the Contemporary Museum of Calligraphy in Moscow and the Abgineh Museum in Tehran. Arash’s art draws from the rich traditions of Near Eastern lettering and calligraphy\, reimagining them in contemporary forms such as calligraffiti\, painting\, ceramics\, digital art\, and installations. For over 12 years\, he has dedicated his practice to public education\, leading workshops and lectures that bridge the gap between ancient tradition and modern Bay Area life. URL:https://oacc.cc/event/taking-root/ LOCATION:Oakland Asian Cultural Center\, 388 9th St. #290\, Oakland\, CA\, 94607\, United States CATEGORIES:Featured,Upcoming Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://oacc.cc/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Taking-Root-WebPage-Square.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Oakland Asian Cultural Center":MAILTO:programs@oacc.cc END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250622T090000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250622T170000 DTSTAMP:20260405T062844 CREATED:20250529T004707Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250530T002110Z UID:21588-1750582800-1750611600@oacc.cc SUMMARY:Changing Perspectives on Japanese American Incarceration - Day 2 DESCRIPTION:Friday\, March 207:00-9:00 pm(doors open at 6:30 pm)  FREE \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Join us for an evening of Persian culture in celebration of Nowruz\, the Persian New Year. We are pleased to welcome the Persian Classical Trio (musicians Pezhham Akhavass\, Aryan Rahmanian\, and Ashkan Ghafouri)\, and the Pezhham Tombak Ensemble to the OACC stage. They dedicate their performance to the cherished memory of the beloved Iranians who lost their lives on the 18-19 of Dey (January 7-8)\, the martyrs of Iran’s path to freedom. Their memories live on through art\, culture\, and community.   The concert will be preceded by a calligraphy demonstration by artist Arash Shirinbab at 6:45 pm\, and a mini vendor market. If you would like to vend in the mini vendor market\, please apply at this link by March 15.   This event is part of the OACC “Celebrating our HeART-Filled Heritage” (COHH) series. COHH platforms local Asian and Pacific Islander performing artists and brings their artistry to diverse East Bay audiences. The event is free to attend\, but registration is requested at the link below.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register for Free Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT NOWRUZ \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Nowruz (meaning “New Day” in Persian) marks the arrival of spring and has been celebrated across West Asia\, Central Asia\, the Caucasus and the Black Sea Basin\, the Balkans\, and South Asia for over 3\,000 years. Ritual traditions include spring cleaning\, a 13-day celebration with visits\, gifts\, and feasts\, and gathering family around the Haft-Sin—a beautifully arranged table set with seven symbolic items (wheat sprouts for rebirth\, apples for beauty\, coins for prosperity\, and more – decorated with candles\, goldfish\, and colored eggs).  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT THE PERSIAN CLASSICAL TRIO \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Pezhham Akhavass was born in 1980 in Iran. He began studying the tombak at the age of five under Naser Farhanghfar and later continued his training with Saeid Roudbary. He earned his BA and MA degrees in music from San Francisco State University and is a Voting Member of the Recording Academy (GRAMMY). Akhavass has performed internationally with Shahram Nazeri and Zakir Hussain\, and appeared with Yo-Yo Ma at the Hollywood Bowl. He continues to perform\, teach\, and collaborate on projects promoting Persian music worldwide.   Aryan Rahmanian was born in 1976 in Iran and began studying Persian classical music at fifteen\, focusing on vocal performance and the tar. He trained under distinguished masters including Mohammad Reza Lotfi\, Nasrollah Nasehpoor\, and Mohsen Keramati. His wide intellectual interests in philosophy\, history\, and ethnomusicology have led him to author several books on music philosophy and Middle Eastern music theory. He has produced multiple albums featuring original compositions inspired by Rumi’s poetry and has performed at major international festivals worldwide.   Ashkan Ghafouri was born in 1967 in Tehran\, Iran. He studied traditional and contemporary tar techniques and the Persian radif under Hooshang Zarif and later refined his artistry with Mohammad Reza Lotfi. He also studied harmony and composition with Farhad Fakhredini. Ghafouri co-authored a textbook on the Persian modal system and transcribed the radif of Morteza Neydavood. In 2001\, he founded Tarschool in California. An active performer and educator\, he has appeared internationally and published Tar Book in 2019. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT THE CALLIGRAPHER \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Arash Shirinbab an award-winning Arabic and Persian calligrapher based in Oakland. His work has been featured in over 80 exhibitions around the world. His work is part of private collections and prominent museums worldwide\, including the Contemporary Museum of Calligraphy in Moscow and the Abgineh Museum in Tehran. Arash’s art draws from the rich traditions of Near Eastern lettering and calligraphy\, reimagining them in contemporary forms such as calligraffiti\, painting\, ceramics\, digital art\, and installations. For over 12 years\, he has dedicated his practice to public education\, leading workshops and lectures that bridge the gap between ancient tradition and modern Bay Area life. URL:https://oacc.cc/event/changing-perspectives-on-japanese-american-incarceration-day-2/ LOCATION:Oakland Asian Cultural Center\, 388 9th St. #290\, Oakland\, CA\, 94607\, United States CATEGORIES:Featured,Upcoming Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://oacc.cc/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/2-CP-Conf-NBN-Ad.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Oakland Asian Cultural Center":MAILTO:programs@oacc.cc END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250621T090000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250621T170000 DTSTAMP:20260405T062844 CREATED:20250529T004151Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250530T002107Z UID:21583-1750496400-1750525200@oacc.cc SUMMARY:Changing Perspectives on Japanese American Incarceration DESCRIPTION:Friday\, March 207:00-9:00 pm(doors open at 6:30 pm)  FREE \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Join us for an evening of Persian culture in celebration of Nowruz\, the Persian New Year. We are pleased to welcome the Persian Classical Trio (musicians Pezhham Akhavass\, Aryan Rahmanian\, and Ashkan Ghafouri)\, and the Pezhham Tombak Ensemble to the OACC stage. They dedicate their performance to the cherished memory of the beloved Iranians who lost their lives on the 18-19 of Dey (January 7-8)\, the martyrs of Iran’s path to freedom. Their memories live on through art\, culture\, and community.   The concert will be preceded by a calligraphy demonstration by artist Arash Shirinbab at 6:45 pm\, and a mini vendor market. If you would like to vend in the mini vendor market\, please apply at this link by March 15.   This event is part of the OACC “Celebrating our HeART-Filled Heritage” (COHH) series. COHH platforms local Asian and Pacific Islander performing artists and brings their artistry to diverse East Bay audiences. The event is free to attend\, but registration is requested at the link below.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register for Free Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT NOWRUZ \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Nowruz (meaning “New Day” in Persian) marks the arrival of spring and has been celebrated across West Asia\, Central Asia\, the Caucasus and the Black Sea Basin\, the Balkans\, and South Asia for over 3\,000 years. Ritual traditions include spring cleaning\, a 13-day celebration with visits\, gifts\, and feasts\, and gathering family around the Haft-Sin—a beautifully arranged table set with seven symbolic items (wheat sprouts for rebirth\, apples for beauty\, coins for prosperity\, and more – decorated with candles\, goldfish\, and colored eggs).  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT THE PERSIAN CLASSICAL TRIO \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Pezhham Akhavass was born in 1980 in Iran. He began studying the tombak at the age of five under Naser Farhanghfar and later continued his training with Saeid Roudbary. He earned his BA and MA degrees in music from San Francisco State University and is a Voting Member of the Recording Academy (GRAMMY). Akhavass has performed internationally with Shahram Nazeri and Zakir Hussain\, and appeared with Yo-Yo Ma at the Hollywood Bowl. He continues to perform\, teach\, and collaborate on projects promoting Persian music worldwide.   Aryan Rahmanian was born in 1976 in Iran and began studying Persian classical music at fifteen\, focusing on vocal performance and the tar. He trained under distinguished masters including Mohammad Reza Lotfi\, Nasrollah Nasehpoor\, and Mohsen Keramati. His wide intellectual interests in philosophy\, history\, and ethnomusicology have led him to author several books on music philosophy and Middle Eastern music theory. He has produced multiple albums featuring original compositions inspired by Rumi’s poetry and has performed at major international festivals worldwide.   Ashkan Ghafouri was born in 1967 in Tehran\, Iran. He studied traditional and contemporary tar techniques and the Persian radif under Hooshang Zarif and later refined his artistry with Mohammad Reza Lotfi. He also studied harmony and composition with Farhad Fakhredini. Ghafouri co-authored a textbook on the Persian modal system and transcribed the radif of Morteza Neydavood. In 2001\, he founded Tarschool in California. An active performer and educator\, he has appeared internationally and published Tar Book in 2019. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT THE CALLIGRAPHER \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Arash Shirinbab an award-winning Arabic and Persian calligrapher based in Oakland. His work has been featured in over 80 exhibitions around the world. His work is part of private collections and prominent museums worldwide\, including the Contemporary Museum of Calligraphy in Moscow and the Abgineh Museum in Tehran. Arash’s art draws from the rich traditions of Near Eastern lettering and calligraphy\, reimagining them in contemporary forms such as calligraffiti\, painting\, ceramics\, digital art\, and installations. For over 12 years\, he has dedicated his practice to public education\, leading workshops and lectures that bridge the gap between ancient tradition and modern Bay Area life. URL:https://oacc.cc/event/changing-perspectives-on-japanese-american-incarceration/ LOCATION:Oakland Asian Cultural Center\, 388 9th St. #290\, Oakland\, CA\, 94607\, United States CATEGORIES:Featured,Upcoming Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://oacc.cc/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/2-CP-Conf-NBN-Ad.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Oakland Asian Cultural Center":MAILTO:programs@oacc.cc END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250614T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250614T150000 DTSTAMP:20260405T062844 CREATED:20250518T195746Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250518T200256Z UID:21539-1749906000-1749913200@oacc.cc SUMMARY:OACC Summer Showcase! DESCRIPTION:Friday\, March 207:00-9:00 pm(doors open at 6:30 pm)  FREE \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Join us for an evening of Persian culture in celebration of Nowruz\, the Persian New Year. We are pleased to welcome the Persian Classical Trio (musicians Pezhham Akhavass\, Aryan Rahmanian\, and Ashkan Ghafouri)\, and the Pezhham Tombak Ensemble to the OACC stage. They dedicate their performance to the cherished memory of the beloved Iranians who lost their lives on the 18-19 of Dey (January 7-8)\, the martyrs of Iran’s path to freedom. Their memories live on through art\, culture\, and community.   The concert will be preceded by a calligraphy demonstration by artist Arash Shirinbab at 6:45 pm\, and a mini vendor market. If you would like to vend in the mini vendor market\, please apply at this link by March 15.   This event is part of the OACC “Celebrating our HeART-Filled Heritage” (COHH) series. COHH platforms local Asian and Pacific Islander performing artists and brings their artistry to diverse East Bay audiences. The event is free to attend\, but registration is requested at the link below.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register for Free Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT NOWRUZ \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Nowruz (meaning “New Day” in Persian) marks the arrival of spring and has been celebrated across West Asia\, Central Asia\, the Caucasus and the Black Sea Basin\, the Balkans\, and South Asia for over 3\,000 years. Ritual traditions include spring cleaning\, a 13-day celebration with visits\, gifts\, and feasts\, and gathering family around the Haft-Sin—a beautifully arranged table set with seven symbolic items (wheat sprouts for rebirth\, apples for beauty\, coins for prosperity\, and more – decorated with candles\, goldfish\, and colored eggs).  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT THE PERSIAN CLASSICAL TRIO \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Pezhham Akhavass was born in 1980 in Iran. He began studying the tombak at the age of five under Naser Farhanghfar and later continued his training with Saeid Roudbary. He earned his BA and MA degrees in music from San Francisco State University and is a Voting Member of the Recording Academy (GRAMMY). Akhavass has performed internationally with Shahram Nazeri and Zakir Hussain\, and appeared with Yo-Yo Ma at the Hollywood Bowl. He continues to perform\, teach\, and collaborate on projects promoting Persian music worldwide.   Aryan Rahmanian was born in 1976 in Iran and began studying Persian classical music at fifteen\, focusing on vocal performance and the tar. He trained under distinguished masters including Mohammad Reza Lotfi\, Nasrollah Nasehpoor\, and Mohsen Keramati. His wide intellectual interests in philosophy\, history\, and ethnomusicology have led him to author several books on music philosophy and Middle Eastern music theory. He has produced multiple albums featuring original compositions inspired by Rumi’s poetry and has performed at major international festivals worldwide.   Ashkan Ghafouri was born in 1967 in Tehran\, Iran. He studied traditional and contemporary tar techniques and the Persian radif under Hooshang Zarif and later refined his artistry with Mohammad Reza Lotfi. He also studied harmony and composition with Farhad Fakhredini. Ghafouri co-authored a textbook on the Persian modal system and transcribed the radif of Morteza Neydavood. In 2001\, he founded Tarschool in California. An active performer and educator\, he has appeared internationally and published Tar Book in 2019. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT THE CALLIGRAPHER \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Arash Shirinbab an award-winning Arabic and Persian calligrapher based in Oakland. His work has been featured in over 80 exhibitions around the world. His work is part of private collections and prominent museums worldwide\, including the Contemporary Museum of Calligraphy in Moscow and the Abgineh Museum in Tehran. Arash’s art draws from the rich traditions of Near Eastern lettering and calligraphy\, reimagining them in contemporary forms such as calligraffiti\, painting\, ceramics\, digital art\, and installations. For over 12 years\, he has dedicated his practice to public education\, leading workshops and lectures that bridge the gap between ancient tradition and modern Bay Area life. URL:https://oacc.cc/event/summershowcase/ LOCATION:Oakland Asian Cultural Center\, 388 9th St. #290\, Oakland\, CA\, 94607\, United States CATEGORIES:Featured,Upcoming Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://oacc.cc/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Summer-Showcase-Flyer-Page1.png ORGANIZER;CN="Oakland Asian Cultural Center":MAILTO:programs@oacc.cc END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250606T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250606T140000 DTSTAMP:20260405T062844 CREATED:20250529T003050Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250529T004555Z UID:21577-1749211200-1749218400@oacc.cc SUMMARY:Mending Circle DESCRIPTION:Friday\, March 207:00-9:00 pm(doors open at 6:30 pm)  FREE \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Join us for an evening of Persian culture in celebration of Nowruz\, the Persian New Year. We are pleased to welcome the Persian Classical Trio (musicians Pezhham Akhavass\, Aryan Rahmanian\, and Ashkan Ghafouri)\, and the Pezhham Tombak Ensemble to the OACC stage. They dedicate their performance to the cherished memory of the beloved Iranians who lost their lives on the 18-19 of Dey (January 7-8)\, the martyrs of Iran’s path to freedom. Their memories live on through art\, culture\, and community.   The concert will be preceded by a calligraphy demonstration by artist Arash Shirinbab at 6:45 pm\, and a mini vendor market. If you would like to vend in the mini vendor market\, please apply at this link by March 15.   This event is part of the OACC “Celebrating our HeART-Filled Heritage” (COHH) series. COHH platforms local Asian and Pacific Islander performing artists and brings their artistry to diverse East Bay audiences. The event is free to attend\, but registration is requested at the link below.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register for Free Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT NOWRUZ \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Nowruz (meaning “New Day” in Persian) marks the arrival of spring and has been celebrated across West Asia\, Central Asia\, the Caucasus and the Black Sea Basin\, the Balkans\, and South Asia for over 3\,000 years. Ritual traditions include spring cleaning\, a 13-day celebration with visits\, gifts\, and feasts\, and gathering family around the Haft-Sin—a beautifully arranged table set with seven symbolic items (wheat sprouts for rebirth\, apples for beauty\, coins for prosperity\, and more – decorated with candles\, goldfish\, and colored eggs).  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT THE PERSIAN CLASSICAL TRIO \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Pezhham Akhavass was born in 1980 in Iran. He began studying the tombak at the age of five under Naser Farhanghfar and later continued his training with Saeid Roudbary. He earned his BA and MA degrees in music from San Francisco State University and is a Voting Member of the Recording Academy (GRAMMY). Akhavass has performed internationally with Shahram Nazeri and Zakir Hussain\, and appeared with Yo-Yo Ma at the Hollywood Bowl. He continues to perform\, teach\, and collaborate on projects promoting Persian music worldwide.   Aryan Rahmanian was born in 1976 in Iran and began studying Persian classical music at fifteen\, focusing on vocal performance and the tar. He trained under distinguished masters including Mohammad Reza Lotfi\, Nasrollah Nasehpoor\, and Mohsen Keramati. His wide intellectual interests in philosophy\, history\, and ethnomusicology have led him to author several books on music philosophy and Middle Eastern music theory. He has produced multiple albums featuring original compositions inspired by Rumi’s poetry and has performed at major international festivals worldwide.   Ashkan Ghafouri was born in 1967 in Tehran\, Iran. He studied traditional and contemporary tar techniques and the Persian radif under Hooshang Zarif and later refined his artistry with Mohammad Reza Lotfi. He also studied harmony and composition with Farhad Fakhredini. Ghafouri co-authored a textbook on the Persian modal system and transcribed the radif of Morteza Neydavood. In 2001\, he founded Tarschool in California. An active performer and educator\, he has appeared internationally and published Tar Book in 2019. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT THE CALLIGRAPHER \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Arash Shirinbab an award-winning Arabic and Persian calligrapher based in Oakland. His work has been featured in over 80 exhibitions around the world. His work is part of private collections and prominent museums worldwide\, including the Contemporary Museum of Calligraphy in Moscow and the Abgineh Museum in Tehran. Arash’s art draws from the rich traditions of Near Eastern lettering and calligraphy\, reimagining them in contemporary forms such as calligraffiti\, painting\, ceramics\, digital art\, and installations. For over 12 years\, he has dedicated his practice to public education\, leading workshops and lectures that bridge the gap between ancient tradition and modern Bay Area life. URL:https://oacc.cc/event/mending-circle/ LOCATION:Oakland Asian Cultural Center\, 388 9th St. #290\, Oakland\, CA\, 94607\, United States CATEGORIES:Featured,Upcoming Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://oacc.cc/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Mending-Circle-Flyer-1.png ORGANIZER;CN="Oakland Asian Cultural Center":MAILTO:programs@oacc.cc END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250518T140000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250518T160000 DTSTAMP:20260405T062845 CREATED:20250326T203839Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250513T002001Z UID:21128-1747576800-1747584000@oacc.cc SUMMARY:"Daryo’s All-American Diner": An Anti-Asian Hate Play DESCRIPTION:Friday\, March 207:00-9:00 pm(doors open at 6:30 pm)  FREE \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Join us for an evening of Persian culture in celebration of Nowruz\, the Persian New Year. We are pleased to welcome the Persian Classical Trio (musicians Pezhham Akhavass\, Aryan Rahmanian\, and Ashkan Ghafouri)\, and the Pezhham Tombak Ensemble to the OACC stage. They dedicate their performance to the cherished memory of the beloved Iranians who lost their lives on the 18-19 of Dey (January 7-8)\, the martyrs of Iran’s path to freedom. Their memories live on through art\, culture\, and community.   The concert will be preceded by a calligraphy demonstration by artist Arash Shirinbab at 6:45 pm\, and a mini vendor market. If you would like to vend in the mini vendor market\, please apply at this link by March 15.   This event is part of the OACC “Celebrating our HeART-Filled Heritage” (COHH) series. COHH platforms local Asian and Pacific Islander performing artists and brings their artistry to diverse East Bay audiences. The event is free to attend\, but registration is requested at the link below.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register for Free Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT NOWRUZ \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Nowruz (meaning “New Day” in Persian) marks the arrival of spring and has been celebrated across West Asia\, Central Asia\, the Caucasus and the Black Sea Basin\, the Balkans\, and South Asia for over 3\,000 years. Ritual traditions include spring cleaning\, a 13-day celebration with visits\, gifts\, and feasts\, and gathering family around the Haft-Sin—a beautifully arranged table set with seven symbolic items (wheat sprouts for rebirth\, apples for beauty\, coins for prosperity\, and more – decorated with candles\, goldfish\, and colored eggs).  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT THE PERSIAN CLASSICAL TRIO \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Pezhham Akhavass was born in 1980 in Iran. He began studying the tombak at the age of five under Naser Farhanghfar and later continued his training with Saeid Roudbary. He earned his BA and MA degrees in music from San Francisco State University and is a Voting Member of the Recording Academy (GRAMMY). Akhavass has performed internationally with Shahram Nazeri and Zakir Hussain\, and appeared with Yo-Yo Ma at the Hollywood Bowl. He continues to perform\, teach\, and collaborate on projects promoting Persian music worldwide.   Aryan Rahmanian was born in 1976 in Iran and began studying Persian classical music at fifteen\, focusing on vocal performance and the tar. He trained under distinguished masters including Mohammad Reza Lotfi\, Nasrollah Nasehpoor\, and Mohsen Keramati. His wide intellectual interests in philosophy\, history\, and ethnomusicology have led him to author several books on music philosophy and Middle Eastern music theory. He has produced multiple albums featuring original compositions inspired by Rumi’s poetry and has performed at major international festivals worldwide.   Ashkan Ghafouri was born in 1967 in Tehran\, Iran. He studied traditional and contemporary tar techniques and the Persian radif under Hooshang Zarif and later refined his artistry with Mohammad Reza Lotfi. He also studied harmony and composition with Farhad Fakhredini. Ghafouri co-authored a textbook on the Persian modal system and transcribed the radif of Morteza Neydavood. In 2001\, he founded Tarschool in California. An active performer and educator\, he has appeared internationally and published Tar Book in 2019. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT THE CALLIGRAPHER \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Arash Shirinbab an award-winning Arabic and Persian calligrapher based in Oakland. His work has been featured in over 80 exhibitions around the world. His work is part of private collections and prominent museums worldwide\, including the Contemporary Museum of Calligraphy in Moscow and the Abgineh Museum in Tehran. Arash’s art draws from the rich traditions of Near Eastern lettering and calligraphy\, reimagining them in contemporary forms such as calligraffiti\, painting\, ceramics\, digital art\, and installations. For over 12 years\, he has dedicated his practice to public education\, leading workshops and lectures that bridge the gap between ancient tradition and modern Bay Area life. URL:https://oacc.cc/event/daryos-all-american-diner/ LOCATION:Oakland Asian Cultural Center\, 388 9th St. #290\, Oakland\, CA\, 94607\, United States CATEGORIES:Featured,Upcoming Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://oacc.cc/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/DARYOs.png ORGANIZER;CN="Oakland Asian Cultural Center":MAILTO:programs@oacc.cc END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250516T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250809T170000 DTSTAMP:20260405T062845 CREATED:20250409T223815Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250625T180524Z UID:21237-1747396800-1754758800@oacc.cc SUMMARY:Satr-e Rahayi: An Exhibition of Calligraphy Works by Hakim Karimzada DESCRIPTION:Friday\, March 207:00-9:00 pm(doors open at 6:30 pm)  FREE \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Join us for an evening of Persian culture in celebration of Nowruz\, the Persian New Year. We are pleased to welcome the Persian Classical Trio (musicians Pezhham Akhavass\, Aryan Rahmanian\, and Ashkan Ghafouri)\, and the Pezhham Tombak Ensemble to the OACC stage. They dedicate their performance to the cherished memory of the beloved Iranians who lost their lives on the 18-19 of Dey (January 7-8)\, the martyrs of Iran’s path to freedom. Their memories live on through art\, culture\, and community.   The concert will be preceded by a calligraphy demonstration by artist Arash Shirinbab at 6:45 pm\, and a mini vendor market. If you would like to vend in the mini vendor market\, please apply at this link by March 15.   This event is part of the OACC “Celebrating our HeART-Filled Heritage” (COHH) series. COHH platforms local Asian and Pacific Islander performing artists and brings their artistry to diverse East Bay audiences. The event is free to attend\, but registration is requested at the link below.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register for Free Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT NOWRUZ \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Nowruz (meaning “New Day” in Persian) marks the arrival of spring and has been celebrated across West Asia\, Central Asia\, the Caucasus and the Black Sea Basin\, the Balkans\, and South Asia for over 3\,000 years. Ritual traditions include spring cleaning\, a 13-day celebration with visits\, gifts\, and feasts\, and gathering family around the Haft-Sin—a beautifully arranged table set with seven symbolic items (wheat sprouts for rebirth\, apples for beauty\, coins for prosperity\, and more – decorated with candles\, goldfish\, and colored eggs).  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT THE PERSIAN CLASSICAL TRIO \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Pezhham Akhavass was born in 1980 in Iran. He began studying the tombak at the age of five under Naser Farhanghfar and later continued his training with Saeid Roudbary. He earned his BA and MA degrees in music from San Francisco State University and is a Voting Member of the Recording Academy (GRAMMY). Akhavass has performed internationally with Shahram Nazeri and Zakir Hussain\, and appeared with Yo-Yo Ma at the Hollywood Bowl. He continues to perform\, teach\, and collaborate on projects promoting Persian music worldwide.   Aryan Rahmanian was born in 1976 in Iran and began studying Persian classical music at fifteen\, focusing on vocal performance and the tar. He trained under distinguished masters including Mohammad Reza Lotfi\, Nasrollah Nasehpoor\, and Mohsen Keramati. His wide intellectual interests in philosophy\, history\, and ethnomusicology have led him to author several books on music philosophy and Middle Eastern music theory. He has produced multiple albums featuring original compositions inspired by Rumi’s poetry and has performed at major international festivals worldwide.   Ashkan Ghafouri was born in 1967 in Tehran\, Iran. He studied traditional and contemporary tar techniques and the Persian radif under Hooshang Zarif and later refined his artistry with Mohammad Reza Lotfi. He also studied harmony and composition with Farhad Fakhredini. Ghafouri co-authored a textbook on the Persian modal system and transcribed the radif of Morteza Neydavood. In 2001\, he founded Tarschool in California. An active performer and educator\, he has appeared internationally and published Tar Book in 2019. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT THE CALLIGRAPHER \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Arash Shirinbab an award-winning Arabic and Persian calligrapher based in Oakland. His work has been featured in over 80 exhibitions around the world. His work is part of private collections and prominent museums worldwide\, including the Contemporary Museum of Calligraphy in Moscow and the Abgineh Museum in Tehran. Arash’s art draws from the rich traditions of Near Eastern lettering and calligraphy\, reimagining them in contemporary forms such as calligraffiti\, painting\, ceramics\, digital art\, and installations. For over 12 years\, he has dedicated his practice to public education\, leading workshops and lectures that bridge the gap between ancient tradition and modern Bay Area life. URL:https://oacc.cc/event/satr-e-rahayi/ LOCATION:Oakland Asian Cultural Center\, 388 9th St. #290\, Oakland\, CA\, 94607\, United States CATEGORIES:Current Exhibitions,Featured ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://oacc.cc/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Satr-e-Rahayi-Exhibition-thumbnail-2.png ORGANIZER;CN="Oakland Asian Cultural Center":MAILTO:programs@oacc.cc END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250427T140000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250427T160000 DTSTAMP:20260405T062845 CREATED:20250326T194249Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250326T194416Z UID:21124-1745762400-1745769600@oacc.cc SUMMARY:"Silencing the Drum: Religious Racism and Afro-Brazilian Sacred Music\," a Book Talk and Dynamic Presentation with Author Dr. Umi Vaughan. DESCRIPTION:Friday\, March 207:00-9:00 pm(doors open at 6:30 pm)  FREE \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Join us for an evening of Persian culture in celebration of Nowruz\, the Persian New Year. We are pleased to welcome the Persian Classical Trio (musicians Pezhham Akhavass\, Aryan Rahmanian\, and Ashkan Ghafouri)\, and the Pezhham Tombak Ensemble to the OACC stage. They dedicate their performance to the cherished memory of the beloved Iranians who lost their lives on the 18-19 of Dey (January 7-8)\, the martyrs of Iran’s path to freedom. Their memories live on through art\, culture\, and community.   The concert will be preceded by a calligraphy demonstration by artist Arash Shirinbab at 6:45 pm\, and a mini vendor market. If you would like to vend in the mini vendor market\, please apply at this link by March 15.   This event is part of the OACC “Celebrating our HeART-Filled Heritage” (COHH) series. COHH platforms local Asian and Pacific Islander performing artists and brings their artistry to diverse East Bay audiences. The event is free to attend\, but registration is requested at the link below.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register for Free Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT NOWRUZ \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Nowruz (meaning “New Day” in Persian) marks the arrival of spring and has been celebrated across West Asia\, Central Asia\, the Caucasus and the Black Sea Basin\, the Balkans\, and South Asia for over 3\,000 years. Ritual traditions include spring cleaning\, a 13-day celebration with visits\, gifts\, and feasts\, and gathering family around the Haft-Sin—a beautifully arranged table set with seven symbolic items (wheat sprouts for rebirth\, apples for beauty\, coins for prosperity\, and more – decorated with candles\, goldfish\, and colored eggs).  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT THE PERSIAN CLASSICAL TRIO \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Pezhham Akhavass was born in 1980 in Iran. He began studying the tombak at the age of five under Naser Farhanghfar and later continued his training with Saeid Roudbary. He earned his BA and MA degrees in music from San Francisco State University and is a Voting Member of the Recording Academy (GRAMMY). Akhavass has performed internationally with Shahram Nazeri and Zakir Hussain\, and appeared with Yo-Yo Ma at the Hollywood Bowl. He continues to perform\, teach\, and collaborate on projects promoting Persian music worldwide.   Aryan Rahmanian was born in 1976 in Iran and began studying Persian classical music at fifteen\, focusing on vocal performance and the tar. He trained under distinguished masters including Mohammad Reza Lotfi\, Nasrollah Nasehpoor\, and Mohsen Keramati. His wide intellectual interests in philosophy\, history\, and ethnomusicology have led him to author several books on music philosophy and Middle Eastern music theory. He has produced multiple albums featuring original compositions inspired by Rumi’s poetry and has performed at major international festivals worldwide.   Ashkan Ghafouri was born in 1967 in Tehran\, Iran. He studied traditional and contemporary tar techniques and the Persian radif under Hooshang Zarif and later refined his artistry with Mohammad Reza Lotfi. He also studied harmony and composition with Farhad Fakhredini. Ghafouri co-authored a textbook on the Persian modal system and transcribed the radif of Morteza Neydavood. In 2001\, he founded Tarschool in California. An active performer and educator\, he has appeared internationally and published Tar Book in 2019. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT THE CALLIGRAPHER \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Arash Shirinbab an award-winning Arabic and Persian calligrapher based in Oakland. His work has been featured in over 80 exhibitions around the world. His work is part of private collections and prominent museums worldwide\, including the Contemporary Museum of Calligraphy in Moscow and the Abgineh Museum in Tehran. Arash’s art draws from the rich traditions of Near Eastern lettering and calligraphy\, reimagining them in contemporary forms such as calligraffiti\, painting\, ceramics\, digital art\, and installations. For over 12 years\, he has dedicated his practice to public education\, leading workshops and lectures that bridge the gap between ancient tradition and modern Bay Area life. URL:https://oacc.cc/event/silencing-the-drum-religious-racism-and-afro-brazilian-sacred-music/ LOCATION:Oakland Asian Cultural Center\, 388 9th St. #290\, Oakland\, CA\, 94607\, United States CATEGORIES:Featured,Upcoming Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://oacc.cc/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Silencing-the-Drum-thumbnail.png ORGANIZER;CN="Oakland Asian Cultural Center":MAILTO:programs@oacc.cc END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250419T150000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250419T170000 DTSTAMP:20260405T062845 CREATED:20250305T175246Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250331T201340Z UID:21018-1745074800-1745082000@oacc.cc SUMMARY:Celebrating Our HeART-filled Heritage: "The Rebirth of Apsara: Beyond Genocide." A Performance by Charya Burt Cambodian Dance. DESCRIPTION:Friday\, March 207:00-9:00 pm(doors open at 6:30 pm)  FREE \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Join us for an evening of Persian culture in celebration of Nowruz\, the Persian New Year. We are pleased to welcome the Persian Classical Trio (musicians Pezhham Akhavass\, Aryan Rahmanian\, and Ashkan Ghafouri)\, and the Pezhham Tombak Ensemble to the OACC stage. They dedicate their performance to the cherished memory of the beloved Iranians who lost their lives on the 18-19 of Dey (January 7-8)\, the martyrs of Iran’s path to freedom. Their memories live on through art\, culture\, and community.   The concert will be preceded by a calligraphy demonstration by artist Arash Shirinbab at 6:45 pm\, and a mini vendor market. If you would like to vend in the mini vendor market\, please apply at this link by March 15.   This event is part of the OACC “Celebrating our HeART-Filled Heritage” (COHH) series. COHH platforms local Asian and Pacific Islander performing artists and brings their artistry to diverse East Bay audiences. The event is free to attend\, but registration is requested at the link below.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register for Free Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT NOWRUZ \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Nowruz (meaning “New Day” in Persian) marks the arrival of spring and has been celebrated across West Asia\, Central Asia\, the Caucasus and the Black Sea Basin\, the Balkans\, and South Asia for over 3\,000 years. Ritual traditions include spring cleaning\, a 13-day celebration with visits\, gifts\, and feasts\, and gathering family around the Haft-Sin—a beautifully arranged table set with seven symbolic items (wheat sprouts for rebirth\, apples for beauty\, coins for prosperity\, and more – decorated with candles\, goldfish\, and colored eggs).  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT THE PERSIAN CLASSICAL TRIO \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Pezhham Akhavass was born in 1980 in Iran. He began studying the tombak at the age of five under Naser Farhanghfar and later continued his training with Saeid Roudbary. He earned his BA and MA degrees in music from San Francisco State University and is a Voting Member of the Recording Academy (GRAMMY). Akhavass has performed internationally with Shahram Nazeri and Zakir Hussain\, and appeared with Yo-Yo Ma at the Hollywood Bowl. He continues to perform\, teach\, and collaborate on projects promoting Persian music worldwide.   Aryan Rahmanian was born in 1976 in Iran and began studying Persian classical music at fifteen\, focusing on vocal performance and the tar. He trained under distinguished masters including Mohammad Reza Lotfi\, Nasrollah Nasehpoor\, and Mohsen Keramati. His wide intellectual interests in philosophy\, history\, and ethnomusicology have led him to author several books on music philosophy and Middle Eastern music theory. He has produced multiple albums featuring original compositions inspired by Rumi’s poetry and has performed at major international festivals worldwide.   Ashkan Ghafouri was born in 1967 in Tehran\, Iran. He studied traditional and contemporary tar techniques and the Persian radif under Hooshang Zarif and later refined his artistry with Mohammad Reza Lotfi. He also studied harmony and composition with Farhad Fakhredini. Ghafouri co-authored a textbook on the Persian modal system and transcribed the radif of Morteza Neydavood. In 2001\, he founded Tarschool in California. An active performer and educator\, he has appeared internationally and published Tar Book in 2019. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT THE CALLIGRAPHER \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Arash Shirinbab an award-winning Arabic and Persian calligrapher based in Oakland. His work has been featured in over 80 exhibitions around the world. His work is part of private collections and prominent museums worldwide\, including the Contemporary Museum of Calligraphy in Moscow and the Abgineh Museum in Tehran. Arash’s art draws from the rich traditions of Near Eastern lettering and calligraphy\, reimagining them in contemporary forms such as calligraffiti\, painting\, ceramics\, digital art\, and installations. For over 12 years\, he has dedicated his practice to public education\, leading workshops and lectures that bridge the gap between ancient tradition and modern Bay Area life. URL:https://oacc.cc/event/the-rebirth-of-apsara-beyond-genocide/ LOCATION:Oakland Asian Cultural Center\, 388 9th St. #290\, Oakland\, CA\, 94607\, United States CATEGORIES:Featured,Upcoming Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://oacc.cc/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Charya_Burt_1080x1080_thumb.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Oakland Asian Cultural Center":MAILTO:programs@oacc.cc END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250411T193000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250411T213000 DTSTAMP:20260405T062845 CREATED:20250306T190554Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250408T173148Z UID:21030-1744399800-1744407000@oacc.cc SUMMARY:All Mixed Up! A Mixer Celebrating Multi-Racial Identity DESCRIPTION:Friday\, March 207:00-9:00 pm(doors open at 6:30 pm)  FREE \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Join us for an evening of Persian culture in celebration of Nowruz\, the Persian New Year. We are pleased to welcome the Persian Classical Trio (musicians Pezhham Akhavass\, Aryan Rahmanian\, and Ashkan Ghafouri)\, and the Pezhham Tombak Ensemble to the OACC stage. They dedicate their performance to the cherished memory of the beloved Iranians who lost their lives on the 18-19 of Dey (January 7-8)\, the martyrs of Iran’s path to freedom. Their memories live on through art\, culture\, and community.   The concert will be preceded by a calligraphy demonstration by artist Arash Shirinbab at 6:45 pm\, and a mini vendor market. If you would like to vend in the mini vendor market\, please apply at this link by March 15.   This event is part of the OACC “Celebrating our HeART-Filled Heritage” (COHH) series. COHH platforms local Asian and Pacific Islander performing artists and brings their artistry to diverse East Bay audiences. The event is free to attend\, but registration is requested at the link below.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register for Free Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT NOWRUZ \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Nowruz (meaning “New Day” in Persian) marks the arrival of spring and has been celebrated across West Asia\, Central Asia\, the Caucasus and the Black Sea Basin\, the Balkans\, and South Asia for over 3\,000 years. Ritual traditions include spring cleaning\, a 13-day celebration with visits\, gifts\, and feasts\, and gathering family around the Haft-Sin—a beautifully arranged table set with seven symbolic items (wheat sprouts for rebirth\, apples for beauty\, coins for prosperity\, and more – decorated with candles\, goldfish\, and colored eggs).  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT THE PERSIAN CLASSICAL TRIO \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Pezhham Akhavass was born in 1980 in Iran. He began studying the tombak at the age of five under Naser Farhanghfar and later continued his training with Saeid Roudbary. He earned his BA and MA degrees in music from San Francisco State University and is a Voting Member of the Recording Academy (GRAMMY). Akhavass has performed internationally with Shahram Nazeri and Zakir Hussain\, and appeared with Yo-Yo Ma at the Hollywood Bowl. He continues to perform\, teach\, and collaborate on projects promoting Persian music worldwide.   Aryan Rahmanian was born in 1976 in Iran and began studying Persian classical music at fifteen\, focusing on vocal performance and the tar. He trained under distinguished masters including Mohammad Reza Lotfi\, Nasrollah Nasehpoor\, and Mohsen Keramati. His wide intellectual interests in philosophy\, history\, and ethnomusicology have led him to author several books on music philosophy and Middle Eastern music theory. He has produced multiple albums featuring original compositions inspired by Rumi’s poetry and has performed at major international festivals worldwide.   Ashkan Ghafouri was born in 1967 in Tehran\, Iran. He studied traditional and contemporary tar techniques and the Persian radif under Hooshang Zarif and later refined his artistry with Mohammad Reza Lotfi. He also studied harmony and composition with Farhad Fakhredini. Ghafouri co-authored a textbook on the Persian modal system and transcribed the radif of Morteza Neydavood. In 2001\, he founded Tarschool in California. An active performer and educator\, he has appeared internationally and published Tar Book in 2019. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT THE CALLIGRAPHER \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Arash Shirinbab an award-winning Arabic and Persian calligrapher based in Oakland. His work has been featured in over 80 exhibitions around the world. His work is part of private collections and prominent museums worldwide\, including the Contemporary Museum of Calligraphy in Moscow and the Abgineh Museum in Tehran. Arash’s art draws from the rich traditions of Near Eastern lettering and calligraphy\, reimagining them in contemporary forms such as calligraffiti\, painting\, ceramics\, digital art\, and installations. For over 12 years\, he has dedicated his practice to public education\, leading workshops and lectures that bridge the gap between ancient tradition and modern Bay Area life. URL:https://oacc.cc/event/all-mixed-up-a-mixer-celebrating-multi-racial-identity/ LOCATION:Oakland Asian Cultural Center\, 388 9th St. #290\, Oakland\, CA\, 94607\, United States CATEGORIES:Featured,Upcoming Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://oacc.cc/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/UPDATED-THUMBNAIL.png ORGANIZER;CN="Oakland Asian Cultural Center":MAILTO:programs@oacc.cc END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250322T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250322T150000 DTSTAMP:20260405T062845 CREATED:20250207T212331Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250225T195915Z UID:20948-1742648400-1742655600@oacc.cc SUMMARY:"Not Your China Doll: The Wild and Shimmering Life of Anna May Wong." Book Release Event with Katie Gee Salisbury DESCRIPTION:Friday\, March 207:00-9:00 pm(doors open at 6:30 pm)  FREE \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Join us for an evening of Persian culture in celebration of Nowruz\, the Persian New Year. We are pleased to welcome the Persian Classical Trio (musicians Pezhham Akhavass\, Aryan Rahmanian\, and Ashkan Ghafouri)\, and the Pezhham Tombak Ensemble to the OACC stage. They dedicate their performance to the cherished memory of the beloved Iranians who lost their lives on the 18-19 of Dey (January 7-8)\, the martyrs of Iran’s path to freedom. Their memories live on through art\, culture\, and community.   The concert will be preceded by a calligraphy demonstration by artist Arash Shirinbab at 6:45 pm\, and a mini vendor market. If you would like to vend in the mini vendor market\, please apply at this link by March 15.   This event is part of the OACC “Celebrating our HeART-Filled Heritage” (COHH) series. COHH platforms local Asian and Pacific Islander performing artists and brings their artistry to diverse East Bay audiences. The event is free to attend\, but registration is requested at the link below.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register for Free Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT NOWRUZ \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Nowruz (meaning “New Day” in Persian) marks the arrival of spring and has been celebrated across West Asia\, Central Asia\, the Caucasus and the Black Sea Basin\, the Balkans\, and South Asia for over 3\,000 years. Ritual traditions include spring cleaning\, a 13-day celebration with visits\, gifts\, and feasts\, and gathering family around the Haft-Sin—a beautifully arranged table set with seven symbolic items (wheat sprouts for rebirth\, apples for beauty\, coins for prosperity\, and more – decorated with candles\, goldfish\, and colored eggs).  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT THE PERSIAN CLASSICAL TRIO \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Pezhham Akhavass was born in 1980 in Iran. He began studying the tombak at the age of five under Naser Farhanghfar and later continued his training with Saeid Roudbary. He earned his BA and MA degrees in music from San Francisco State University and is a Voting Member of the Recording Academy (GRAMMY). Akhavass has performed internationally with Shahram Nazeri and Zakir Hussain\, and appeared with Yo-Yo Ma at the Hollywood Bowl. He continues to perform\, teach\, and collaborate on projects promoting Persian music worldwide.   Aryan Rahmanian was born in 1976 in Iran and began studying Persian classical music at fifteen\, focusing on vocal performance and the tar. He trained under distinguished masters including Mohammad Reza Lotfi\, Nasrollah Nasehpoor\, and Mohsen Keramati. His wide intellectual interests in philosophy\, history\, and ethnomusicology have led him to author several books on music philosophy and Middle Eastern music theory. He has produced multiple albums featuring original compositions inspired by Rumi’s poetry and has performed at major international festivals worldwide.   Ashkan Ghafouri was born in 1967 in Tehran\, Iran. He studied traditional and contemporary tar techniques and the Persian radif under Hooshang Zarif and later refined his artistry with Mohammad Reza Lotfi. He also studied harmony and composition with Farhad Fakhredini. Ghafouri co-authored a textbook on the Persian modal system and transcribed the radif of Morteza Neydavood. In 2001\, he founded Tarschool in California. An active performer and educator\, he has appeared internationally and published Tar Book in 2019. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT THE CALLIGRAPHER \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Arash Shirinbab an award-winning Arabic and Persian calligrapher based in Oakland. His work has been featured in over 80 exhibitions around the world. His work is part of private collections and prominent museums worldwide\, including the Contemporary Museum of Calligraphy in Moscow and the Abgineh Museum in Tehran. Arash’s art draws from the rich traditions of Near Eastern lettering and calligraphy\, reimagining them in contemporary forms such as calligraffiti\, painting\, ceramics\, digital art\, and installations. For over 12 years\, he has dedicated his practice to public education\, leading workshops and lectures that bridge the gap between ancient tradition and modern Bay Area life. URL:https://oacc.cc/event/notyourchinadoll/ LOCATION:Oakland Asian Cultural Center\, 388 9th St. #290\, Oakland\, CA\, 94607\, United States CATEGORIES:Featured,Upcoming Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://oacc.cc/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/thumbnail-2.png ORGANIZER;CN="Oakland Asian Cultural Center":MAILTO:programs@oacc.cc END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250307T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250307T210000 DTSTAMP:20260405T062845 CREATED:20250207T210449Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250210T183132Z UID:20947-1741374000-1741381200@oacc.cc SUMMARY:Gumamela: An Intimate Preview. Florante Aguilar with Cascada de Flores and Special Guests Charmaine Clamor\, Jorge Mijangos\, and Greg Kehret DESCRIPTION:Friday\, March 207:00-9:00 pm(doors open at 6:30 pm)  FREE \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Join us for an evening of Persian culture in celebration of Nowruz\, the Persian New Year. We are pleased to welcome the Persian Classical Trio (musicians Pezhham Akhavass\, Aryan Rahmanian\, and Ashkan Ghafouri)\, and the Pezhham Tombak Ensemble to the OACC stage. They dedicate their performance to the cherished memory of the beloved Iranians who lost their lives on the 18-19 of Dey (January 7-8)\, the martyrs of Iran’s path to freedom. Their memories live on through art\, culture\, and community.   The concert will be preceded by a calligraphy demonstration by artist Arash Shirinbab at 6:45 pm\, and a mini vendor market. If you would like to vend in the mini vendor market\, please apply at this link by March 15.   This event is part of the OACC “Celebrating our HeART-Filled Heritage” (COHH) series. COHH platforms local Asian and Pacific Islander performing artists and brings their artistry to diverse East Bay audiences. The event is free to attend\, but registration is requested at the link below.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register for Free Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT NOWRUZ \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Nowruz (meaning “New Day” in Persian) marks the arrival of spring and has been celebrated across West Asia\, Central Asia\, the Caucasus and the Black Sea Basin\, the Balkans\, and South Asia for over 3\,000 years. Ritual traditions include spring cleaning\, a 13-day celebration with visits\, gifts\, and feasts\, and gathering family around the Haft-Sin—a beautifully arranged table set with seven symbolic items (wheat sprouts for rebirth\, apples for beauty\, coins for prosperity\, and more – decorated with candles\, goldfish\, and colored eggs).  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT THE PERSIAN CLASSICAL TRIO \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Pezhham Akhavass was born in 1980 in Iran. He began studying the tombak at the age of five under Naser Farhanghfar and later continued his training with Saeid Roudbary. He earned his BA and MA degrees in music from San Francisco State University and is a Voting Member of the Recording Academy (GRAMMY). Akhavass has performed internationally with Shahram Nazeri and Zakir Hussain\, and appeared with Yo-Yo Ma at the Hollywood Bowl. He continues to perform\, teach\, and collaborate on projects promoting Persian music worldwide.   Aryan Rahmanian was born in 1976 in Iran and began studying Persian classical music at fifteen\, focusing on vocal performance and the tar. He trained under distinguished masters including Mohammad Reza Lotfi\, Nasrollah Nasehpoor\, and Mohsen Keramati. His wide intellectual interests in philosophy\, history\, and ethnomusicology have led him to author several books on music philosophy and Middle Eastern music theory. He has produced multiple albums featuring original compositions inspired by Rumi’s poetry and has performed at major international festivals worldwide.   Ashkan Ghafouri was born in 1967 in Tehran\, Iran. He studied traditional and contemporary tar techniques and the Persian radif under Hooshang Zarif and later refined his artistry with Mohammad Reza Lotfi. He also studied harmony and composition with Farhad Fakhredini. Ghafouri co-authored a textbook on the Persian modal system and transcribed the radif of Morteza Neydavood. In 2001\, he founded Tarschool in California. An active performer and educator\, he has appeared internationally and published Tar Book in 2019. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT THE CALLIGRAPHER \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Arash Shirinbab an award-winning Arabic and Persian calligrapher based in Oakland. His work has been featured in over 80 exhibitions around the world. His work is part of private collections and prominent museums worldwide\, including the Contemporary Museum of Calligraphy in Moscow and the Abgineh Museum in Tehran. Arash’s art draws from the rich traditions of Near Eastern lettering and calligraphy\, reimagining them in contemporary forms such as calligraffiti\, painting\, ceramics\, digital art\, and installations. For over 12 years\, he has dedicated his practice to public education\, leading workshops and lectures that bridge the gap between ancient tradition and modern Bay Area life. URL:https://oacc.cc/event/gumamela-an-intimate-preview/ LOCATION:Oakland Asian Cultural Center\, 388 9th St. #290\, Oakland\, CA\, 94607\, United States CATEGORIES:Featured,Upcoming Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://oacc.cc/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/thumbnail.png ORGANIZER;CN="Oakland Asian Cultural Center":MAILTO:programs@oacc.cc END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250301T140000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250301T153000 DTSTAMP:20260405T062845 CREATED:20240822T180423Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250308T024424Z UID:19513-1740837600-1740843000@oacc.cc SUMMARY:"The Memory of Taste": Book Release Event with Chef Tu David Phu DESCRIPTION:Friday\, March 207:00-9:00 pm(doors open at 6:30 pm)  FREE \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Join us for an evening of Persian culture in celebration of Nowruz\, the Persian New Year. We are pleased to welcome the Persian Classical Trio (musicians Pezhham Akhavass\, Aryan Rahmanian\, and Ashkan Ghafouri)\, and the Pezhham Tombak Ensemble to the OACC stage. They dedicate their performance to the cherished memory of the beloved Iranians who lost their lives on the 18-19 of Dey (January 7-8)\, the martyrs of Iran’s path to freedom. Their memories live on through art\, culture\, and community.   The concert will be preceded by a calligraphy demonstration by artist Arash Shirinbab at 6:45 pm\, and a mini vendor market. If you would like to vend in the mini vendor market\, please apply at this link by March 15.   This event is part of the OACC “Celebrating our HeART-Filled Heritage” (COHH) series. COHH platforms local Asian and Pacific Islander performing artists and brings their artistry to diverse East Bay audiences. The event is free to attend\, but registration is requested at the link below.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register for Free Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT NOWRUZ \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Nowruz (meaning “New Day” in Persian) marks the arrival of spring and has been celebrated across West Asia\, Central Asia\, the Caucasus and the Black Sea Basin\, the Balkans\, and South Asia for over 3\,000 years. Ritual traditions include spring cleaning\, a 13-day celebration with visits\, gifts\, and feasts\, and gathering family around the Haft-Sin—a beautifully arranged table set with seven symbolic items (wheat sprouts for rebirth\, apples for beauty\, coins for prosperity\, and more – decorated with candles\, goldfish\, and colored eggs).  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT THE PERSIAN CLASSICAL TRIO \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Pezhham Akhavass was born in 1980 in Iran. He began studying the tombak at the age of five under Naser Farhanghfar and later continued his training with Saeid Roudbary. He earned his BA and MA degrees in music from San Francisco State University and is a Voting Member of the Recording Academy (GRAMMY). Akhavass has performed internationally with Shahram Nazeri and Zakir Hussain\, and appeared with Yo-Yo Ma at the Hollywood Bowl. He continues to perform\, teach\, and collaborate on projects promoting Persian music worldwide.   Aryan Rahmanian was born in 1976 in Iran and began studying Persian classical music at fifteen\, focusing on vocal performance and the tar. He trained under distinguished masters including Mohammad Reza Lotfi\, Nasrollah Nasehpoor\, and Mohsen Keramati. His wide intellectual interests in philosophy\, history\, and ethnomusicology have led him to author several books on music philosophy and Middle Eastern music theory. He has produced multiple albums featuring original compositions inspired by Rumi’s poetry and has performed at major international festivals worldwide.   Ashkan Ghafouri was born in 1967 in Tehran\, Iran. He studied traditional and contemporary tar techniques and the Persian radif under Hooshang Zarif and later refined his artistry with Mohammad Reza Lotfi. He also studied harmony and composition with Farhad Fakhredini. Ghafouri co-authored a textbook on the Persian modal system and transcribed the radif of Morteza Neydavood. In 2001\, he founded Tarschool in California. An active performer and educator\, he has appeared internationally and published Tar Book in 2019. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT THE CALLIGRAPHER \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Arash Shirinbab an award-winning Arabic and Persian calligrapher based in Oakland. His work has been featured in over 80 exhibitions around the world. His work is part of private collections and prominent museums worldwide\, including the Contemporary Museum of Calligraphy in Moscow and the Abgineh Museum in Tehran. Arash’s art draws from the rich traditions of Near Eastern lettering and calligraphy\, reimagining them in contemporary forms such as calligraffiti\, painting\, ceramics\, digital art\, and installations. For over 12 years\, he has dedicated his practice to public education\, leading workshops and lectures that bridge the gap between ancient tradition and modern Bay Area life. URL:https://oacc.cc/event/thememoryoftaste/ LOCATION:Oakland Asian Cultural Center\, 388 9th St. #290\, Oakland\, CA\, 94607\, United States CATEGORIES:Featured,Past Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://oacc.cc/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/thumbnail-NEW-DATE-2.png ORGANIZER;CN="Oakland Asian Cultural Center":MAILTO:programs@oacc.cc END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250220T183000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250220T203000 DTSTAMP:20260405T062845 CREATED:20250116T011202Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250306T184144Z UID:20843-1740076200-1740083400@oacc.cc SUMMARY:"The Camps America Built" - Honoring Day of Remembrance 2025 DESCRIPTION:Friday\, March 207:00-9:00 pm(doors open at 6:30 pm)  FREE \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Join us for an evening of Persian culture in celebration of Nowruz\, the Persian New Year. We are pleased to welcome the Persian Classical Trio (musicians Pezhham Akhavass\, Aryan Rahmanian\, and Ashkan Ghafouri)\, and the Pezhham Tombak Ensemble to the OACC stage. They dedicate their performance to the cherished memory of the beloved Iranians who lost their lives on the 18-19 of Dey (January 7-8)\, the martyrs of Iran’s path to freedom. Their memories live on through art\, culture\, and community.   The concert will be preceded by a calligraphy demonstration by artist Arash Shirinbab at 6:45 pm\, and a mini vendor market. If you would like to vend in the mini vendor market\, please apply at this link by March 15.   This event is part of the OACC “Celebrating our HeART-Filled Heritage” (COHH) series. COHH platforms local Asian and Pacific Islander performing artists and brings their artistry to diverse East Bay audiences. The event is free to attend\, but registration is requested at the link below.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register for Free Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT NOWRUZ \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Nowruz (meaning “New Day” in Persian) marks the arrival of spring and has been celebrated across West Asia\, Central Asia\, the Caucasus and the Black Sea Basin\, the Balkans\, and South Asia for over 3\,000 years. Ritual traditions include spring cleaning\, a 13-day celebration with visits\, gifts\, and feasts\, and gathering family around the Haft-Sin—a beautifully arranged table set with seven symbolic items (wheat sprouts for rebirth\, apples for beauty\, coins for prosperity\, and more – decorated with candles\, goldfish\, and colored eggs).  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT THE PERSIAN CLASSICAL TRIO \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Pezhham Akhavass was born in 1980 in Iran. He began studying the tombak at the age of five under Naser Farhanghfar and later continued his training with Saeid Roudbary. He earned his BA and MA degrees in music from San Francisco State University and is a Voting Member of the Recording Academy (GRAMMY). Akhavass has performed internationally with Shahram Nazeri and Zakir Hussain\, and appeared with Yo-Yo Ma at the Hollywood Bowl. He continues to perform\, teach\, and collaborate on projects promoting Persian music worldwide.   Aryan Rahmanian was born in 1976 in Iran and began studying Persian classical music at fifteen\, focusing on vocal performance and the tar. He trained under distinguished masters including Mohammad Reza Lotfi\, Nasrollah Nasehpoor\, and Mohsen Keramati. His wide intellectual interests in philosophy\, history\, and ethnomusicology have led him to author several books on music philosophy and Middle Eastern music theory. He has produced multiple albums featuring original compositions inspired by Rumi’s poetry and has performed at major international festivals worldwide.   Ashkan Ghafouri was born in 1967 in Tehran\, Iran. He studied traditional and contemporary tar techniques and the Persian radif under Hooshang Zarif and later refined his artistry with Mohammad Reza Lotfi. He also studied harmony and composition with Farhad Fakhredini. Ghafouri co-authored a textbook on the Persian modal system and transcribed the radif of Morteza Neydavood. In 2001\, he founded Tarschool in California. An active performer and educator\, he has appeared internationally and published Tar Book in 2019. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT THE CALLIGRAPHER \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Arash Shirinbab an award-winning Arabic and Persian calligrapher based in Oakland. His work has been featured in over 80 exhibitions around the world. His work is part of private collections and prominent museums worldwide\, including the Contemporary Museum of Calligraphy in Moscow and the Abgineh Museum in Tehran. Arash’s art draws from the rich traditions of Near Eastern lettering and calligraphy\, reimagining them in contemporary forms such as calligraffiti\, painting\, ceramics\, digital art\, and installations. For over 12 years\, he has dedicated his practice to public education\, leading workshops and lectures that bridge the gap between ancient tradition and modern Bay Area life. URL:https://oacc.cc/event/campuanamericanstory/ LOCATION:Oakland Asian Cultural Center\, 388 9th St. #290\, Oakland\, CA\, 94607\, United States CATEGORIES:Featured,Past Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://oacc.cc/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/NEW-FLYER.png ORGANIZER;CN="Oakland Asian Cultural Center":MAILTO:programs@oacc.cc END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250201T110000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250201T160000 DTSTAMP:20260405T062845 CREATED:20250107T012150Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250306T184213Z UID:20651-1738407600-1738425600@oacc.cc SUMMARY:Lunar New Year x Black History Month 2025: Celebrating Asian & African-American Solidarity DESCRIPTION:Friday\, March 207:00-9:00 pm(doors open at 6:30 pm)  FREE \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Join us for an evening of Persian culture in celebration of Nowruz\, the Persian New Year. We are pleased to welcome the Persian Classical Trio (musicians Pezhham Akhavass\, Aryan Rahmanian\, and Ashkan Ghafouri)\, and the Pezhham Tombak Ensemble to the OACC stage. They dedicate their performance to the cherished memory of the beloved Iranians who lost their lives on the 18-19 of Dey (January 7-8)\, the martyrs of Iran’s path to freedom. Their memories live on through art\, culture\, and community.   The concert will be preceded by a calligraphy demonstration by artist Arash Shirinbab at 6:45 pm\, and a mini vendor market. If you would like to vend in the mini vendor market\, please apply at this link by March 15.   This event is part of the OACC “Celebrating our HeART-Filled Heritage” (COHH) series. COHH platforms local Asian and Pacific Islander performing artists and brings their artistry to diverse East Bay audiences. The event is free to attend\, but registration is requested at the link below.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register for Free Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT NOWRUZ \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Nowruz (meaning “New Day” in Persian) marks the arrival of spring and has been celebrated across West Asia\, Central Asia\, the Caucasus and the Black Sea Basin\, the Balkans\, and South Asia for over 3\,000 years. Ritual traditions include spring cleaning\, a 13-day celebration with visits\, gifts\, and feasts\, and gathering family around the Haft-Sin—a beautifully arranged table set with seven symbolic items (wheat sprouts for rebirth\, apples for beauty\, coins for prosperity\, and more – decorated with candles\, goldfish\, and colored eggs).  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT THE PERSIAN CLASSICAL TRIO \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Pezhham Akhavass was born in 1980 in Iran. He began studying the tombak at the age of five under Naser Farhanghfar and later continued his training with Saeid Roudbary. He earned his BA and MA degrees in music from San Francisco State University and is a Voting Member of the Recording Academy (GRAMMY). Akhavass has performed internationally with Shahram Nazeri and Zakir Hussain\, and appeared with Yo-Yo Ma at the Hollywood Bowl. He continues to perform\, teach\, and collaborate on projects promoting Persian music worldwide.   Aryan Rahmanian was born in 1976 in Iran and began studying Persian classical music at fifteen\, focusing on vocal performance and the tar. He trained under distinguished masters including Mohammad Reza Lotfi\, Nasrollah Nasehpoor\, and Mohsen Keramati. His wide intellectual interests in philosophy\, history\, and ethnomusicology have led him to author several books on music philosophy and Middle Eastern music theory. He has produced multiple albums featuring original compositions inspired by Rumi’s poetry and has performed at major international festivals worldwide.   Ashkan Ghafouri was born in 1967 in Tehran\, Iran. He studied traditional and contemporary tar techniques and the Persian radif under Hooshang Zarif and later refined his artistry with Mohammad Reza Lotfi. He also studied harmony and composition with Farhad Fakhredini. Ghafouri co-authored a textbook on the Persian modal system and transcribed the radif of Morteza Neydavood. In 2001\, he founded Tarschool in California. An active performer and educator\, he has appeared internationally and published Tar Book in 2019. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT THE CALLIGRAPHER \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Arash Shirinbab an award-winning Arabic and Persian calligrapher based in Oakland. His work has been featured in over 80 exhibitions around the world. His work is part of private collections and prominent museums worldwide\, including the Contemporary Museum of Calligraphy in Moscow and the Abgineh Museum in Tehran. Arash’s art draws from the rich traditions of Near Eastern lettering and calligraphy\, reimagining them in contemporary forms such as calligraffiti\, painting\, ceramics\, digital art\, and installations. For over 12 years\, he has dedicated his practice to public education\, leading workshops and lectures that bridge the gap between ancient tradition and modern Bay Area life. URL:https://oacc.cc/event/lnybhm2025/ LOCATION:Oakland Asian Cultural Center\, 388 9th St. #290\, Oakland\, CA\, 94607\, United States CATEGORIES:Featured,Past Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://oacc.cc/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/LNY-x-BHM-2025-thumbnail-2.png ORGANIZER;CN="Oakland Asian Cultural Center":MAILTO:programs@oacc.cc END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250118T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250118T143000 DTSTAMP:20260405T062845 CREATED:20241204T204954Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250306T184235Z UID:20520-1737205200-1737210600@oacc.cc SUMMARY:The March Fong Eu Story: An Authorized Biography of an Unauthorized Woman. Book Talk with Author Tim Vandehey and Editor Pattie Fong. DESCRIPTION:Friday\, March 207:00-9:00 pm(doors open at 6:30 pm)  FREE \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Join us for an evening of Persian culture in celebration of Nowruz\, the Persian New Year. We are pleased to welcome the Persian Classical Trio (musicians Pezhham Akhavass\, Aryan Rahmanian\, and Ashkan Ghafouri)\, and the Pezhham Tombak Ensemble to the OACC stage. They dedicate their performance to the cherished memory of the beloved Iranians who lost their lives on the 18-19 of Dey (January 7-8)\, the martyrs of Iran’s path to freedom. Their memories live on through art\, culture\, and community.   The concert will be preceded by a calligraphy demonstration by artist Arash Shirinbab at 6:45 pm\, and a mini vendor market. If you would like to vend in the mini vendor market\, please apply at this link by March 15.   This event is part of the OACC “Celebrating our HeART-Filled Heritage” (COHH) series. COHH platforms local Asian and Pacific Islander performing artists and brings their artistry to diverse East Bay audiences. The event is free to attend\, but registration is requested at the link below.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register for Free Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT NOWRUZ \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Nowruz (meaning “New Day” in Persian) marks the arrival of spring and has been celebrated across West Asia\, Central Asia\, the Caucasus and the Black Sea Basin\, the Balkans\, and South Asia for over 3\,000 years. Ritual traditions include spring cleaning\, a 13-day celebration with visits\, gifts\, and feasts\, and gathering family around the Haft-Sin—a beautifully arranged table set with seven symbolic items (wheat sprouts for rebirth\, apples for beauty\, coins for prosperity\, and more – decorated with candles\, goldfish\, and colored eggs).  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT THE PERSIAN CLASSICAL TRIO \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Pezhham Akhavass was born in 1980 in Iran. He began studying the tombak at the age of five under Naser Farhanghfar and later continued his training with Saeid Roudbary. He earned his BA and MA degrees in music from San Francisco State University and is a Voting Member of the Recording Academy (GRAMMY). Akhavass has performed internationally with Shahram Nazeri and Zakir Hussain\, and appeared with Yo-Yo Ma at the Hollywood Bowl. He continues to perform\, teach\, and collaborate on projects promoting Persian music worldwide.   Aryan Rahmanian was born in 1976 in Iran and began studying Persian classical music at fifteen\, focusing on vocal performance and the tar. He trained under distinguished masters including Mohammad Reza Lotfi\, Nasrollah Nasehpoor\, and Mohsen Keramati. His wide intellectual interests in philosophy\, history\, and ethnomusicology have led him to author several books on music philosophy and Middle Eastern music theory. He has produced multiple albums featuring original compositions inspired by Rumi’s poetry and has performed at major international festivals worldwide.   Ashkan Ghafouri was born in 1967 in Tehran\, Iran. He studied traditional and contemporary tar techniques and the Persian radif under Hooshang Zarif and later refined his artistry with Mohammad Reza Lotfi. He also studied harmony and composition with Farhad Fakhredini. Ghafouri co-authored a textbook on the Persian modal system and transcribed the radif of Morteza Neydavood. In 2001\, he founded Tarschool in California. An active performer and educator\, he has appeared internationally and published Tar Book in 2019. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT THE CALLIGRAPHER \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Arash Shirinbab an award-winning Arabic and Persian calligrapher based in Oakland. His work has been featured in over 80 exhibitions around the world. His work is part of private collections and prominent museums worldwide\, including the Contemporary Museum of Calligraphy in Moscow and the Abgineh Museum in Tehran. Arash’s art draws from the rich traditions of Near Eastern lettering and calligraphy\, reimagining them in contemporary forms such as calligraffiti\, painting\, ceramics\, digital art\, and installations. For over 12 years\, he has dedicated his practice to public education\, leading workshops and lectures that bridge the gap between ancient tradition and modern Bay Area life. URL:https://oacc.cc/event/themarchfongeustory/ LOCATION:Oakland Asian Cultural Center\, 388 9th St. #290\, Oakland\, CA\, 94607\, United States CATEGORIES:Featured,Past Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://oacc.cc/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/march-fong-eu-thumbnail-2.png ORGANIZER;CN="Oakland Asian Cultural Center":MAILTO:programs@oacc.cc END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250112T123000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250112T163000 DTSTAMP:20260405T062845 CREATED:20241211T205434Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250107T001256Z UID:20553-1736685000-1736699400@oacc.cc SUMMARY:SOLD OUT: Celebrating Our HeART-filled Heritage: Sounds of Greater Khorasan — Afghan and Tajik Poetry and Music DESCRIPTION:Friday\, March 207:00-9:00 pm(doors open at 6:30 pm)  FREE \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Join us for an evening of Persian culture in celebration of Nowruz\, the Persian New Year. We are pleased to welcome the Persian Classical Trio (musicians Pezhham Akhavass\, Aryan Rahmanian\, and Ashkan Ghafouri)\, and the Pezhham Tombak Ensemble to the OACC stage. They dedicate their performance to the cherished memory of the beloved Iranians who lost their lives on the 18-19 of Dey (January 7-8)\, the martyrs of Iran’s path to freedom. Their memories live on through art\, culture\, and community.   The concert will be preceded by a calligraphy demonstration by artist Arash Shirinbab at 6:45 pm\, and a mini vendor market. If you would like to vend in the mini vendor market\, please apply at this link by March 15.   This event is part of the OACC “Celebrating our HeART-Filled Heritage” (COHH) series. COHH platforms local Asian and Pacific Islander performing artists and brings their artistry to diverse East Bay audiences. The event is free to attend\, but registration is requested at the link below.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register for Free Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT NOWRUZ \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Nowruz (meaning “New Day” in Persian) marks the arrival of spring and has been celebrated across West Asia\, Central Asia\, the Caucasus and the Black Sea Basin\, the Balkans\, and South Asia for over 3\,000 years. Ritual traditions include spring cleaning\, a 13-day celebration with visits\, gifts\, and feasts\, and gathering family around the Haft-Sin—a beautifully arranged table set with seven symbolic items (wheat sprouts for rebirth\, apples for beauty\, coins for prosperity\, and more – decorated with candles\, goldfish\, and colored eggs).  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT THE PERSIAN CLASSICAL TRIO \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Pezhham Akhavass was born in 1980 in Iran. He began studying the tombak at the age of five under Naser Farhanghfar and later continued his training with Saeid Roudbary. He earned his BA and MA degrees in music from San Francisco State University and is a Voting Member of the Recording Academy (GRAMMY). Akhavass has performed internationally with Shahram Nazeri and Zakir Hussain\, and appeared with Yo-Yo Ma at the Hollywood Bowl. He continues to perform\, teach\, and collaborate on projects promoting Persian music worldwide.   Aryan Rahmanian was born in 1976 in Iran and began studying Persian classical music at fifteen\, focusing on vocal performance and the tar. He trained under distinguished masters including Mohammad Reza Lotfi\, Nasrollah Nasehpoor\, and Mohsen Keramati. His wide intellectual interests in philosophy\, history\, and ethnomusicology have led him to author several books on music philosophy and Middle Eastern music theory. He has produced multiple albums featuring original compositions inspired by Rumi’s poetry and has performed at major international festivals worldwide.   Ashkan Ghafouri was born in 1967 in Tehran\, Iran. He studied traditional and contemporary tar techniques and the Persian radif under Hooshang Zarif and later refined his artistry with Mohammad Reza Lotfi. He also studied harmony and composition with Farhad Fakhredini. Ghafouri co-authored a textbook on the Persian modal system and transcribed the radif of Morteza Neydavood. In 2001\, he founded Tarschool in California. An active performer and educator\, he has appeared internationally and published Tar Book in 2019. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT THE CALLIGRAPHER \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Arash Shirinbab an award-winning Arabic and Persian calligrapher based in Oakland. His work has been featured in over 80 exhibitions around the world. His work is part of private collections and prominent museums worldwide\, including the Contemporary Museum of Calligraphy in Moscow and the Abgineh Museum in Tehran. Arash’s art draws from the rich traditions of Near Eastern lettering and calligraphy\, reimagining them in contemporary forms such as calligraffiti\, painting\, ceramics\, digital art\, and installations. For over 12 years\, he has dedicated his practice to public education\, leading workshops and lectures that bridge the gap between ancient tradition and modern Bay Area life. URL:https://oacc.cc/event/cohh-sounds-of-greater-khorasan/ LOCATION:Oakland Asian Cultural Center\, 388 9th St. #290\, Oakland\, CA\, 94607\, United States CATEGORIES:Featured,Upcoming Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://oacc.cc/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/thumbnail-2.png ORGANIZER;CN="Oakland Asian Cultural Center":MAILTO:programs@oacc.cc END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240922T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240922T143000 DTSTAMP:20260405T062845 CREATED:20240801T180527Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240922T220545Z UID:19346-1727010000-1727015400@oacc.cc SUMMARY:"Simone" Book Release & Reading DESCRIPTION:Friday\, March 207:00-9:00 pm(doors open at 6:30 pm)  FREE \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Join us for an evening of Persian culture in celebration of Nowruz\, the Persian New Year. We are pleased to welcome the Persian Classical Trio (musicians Pezhham Akhavass\, Aryan Rahmanian\, and Ashkan Ghafouri)\, and the Pezhham Tombak Ensemble to the OACC stage. They dedicate their performance to the cherished memory of the beloved Iranians who lost their lives on the 18-19 of Dey (January 7-8)\, the martyrs of Iran’s path to freedom. Their memories live on through art\, culture\, and community.   The concert will be preceded by a calligraphy demonstration by artist Arash Shirinbab at 6:45 pm\, and a mini vendor market. If you would like to vend in the mini vendor market\, please apply at this link by March 15.   This event is part of the OACC “Celebrating our HeART-Filled Heritage” (COHH) series. COHH platforms local Asian and Pacific Islander performing artists and brings their artistry to diverse East Bay audiences. The event is free to attend\, but registration is requested at the link below.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register for Free Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT NOWRUZ \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Nowruz (meaning “New Day” in Persian) marks the arrival of spring and has been celebrated across West Asia\, Central Asia\, the Caucasus and the Black Sea Basin\, the Balkans\, and South Asia for over 3\,000 years. Ritual traditions include spring cleaning\, a 13-day celebration with visits\, gifts\, and feasts\, and gathering family around the Haft-Sin—a beautifully arranged table set with seven symbolic items (wheat sprouts for rebirth\, apples for beauty\, coins for prosperity\, and more – decorated with candles\, goldfish\, and colored eggs).  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT THE PERSIAN CLASSICAL TRIO \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Pezhham Akhavass was born in 1980 in Iran. He began studying the tombak at the age of five under Naser Farhanghfar and later continued his training with Saeid Roudbary. He earned his BA and MA degrees in music from San Francisco State University and is a Voting Member of the Recording Academy (GRAMMY). Akhavass has performed internationally with Shahram Nazeri and Zakir Hussain\, and appeared with Yo-Yo Ma at the Hollywood Bowl. He continues to perform\, teach\, and collaborate on projects promoting Persian music worldwide.   Aryan Rahmanian was born in 1976 in Iran and began studying Persian classical music at fifteen\, focusing on vocal performance and the tar. He trained under distinguished masters including Mohammad Reza Lotfi\, Nasrollah Nasehpoor\, and Mohsen Keramati. His wide intellectual interests in philosophy\, history\, and ethnomusicology have led him to author several books on music philosophy and Middle Eastern music theory. He has produced multiple albums featuring original compositions inspired by Rumi’s poetry and has performed at major international festivals worldwide.   Ashkan Ghafouri was born in 1967 in Tehran\, Iran. He studied traditional and contemporary tar techniques and the Persian radif under Hooshang Zarif and later refined his artistry with Mohammad Reza Lotfi. He also studied harmony and composition with Farhad Fakhredini. Ghafouri co-authored a textbook on the Persian modal system and transcribed the radif of Morteza Neydavood. In 2001\, he founded Tarschool in California. An active performer and educator\, he has appeared internationally and published Tar Book in 2019. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT THE CALLIGRAPHER \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Arash Shirinbab an award-winning Arabic and Persian calligrapher based in Oakland. His work has been featured in over 80 exhibitions around the world. His work is part of private collections and prominent museums worldwide\, including the Contemporary Museum of Calligraphy in Moscow and the Abgineh Museum in Tehran. Arash’s art draws from the rich traditions of Near Eastern lettering and calligraphy\, reimagining them in contemporary forms such as calligraffiti\, painting\, ceramics\, digital art\, and installations. For over 12 years\, he has dedicated his practice to public education\, leading workshops and lectures that bridge the gap between ancient tradition and modern Bay Area life. URL:https://oacc.cc/event/simone/ LOCATION:Oakland Asian Cultural Center\, 388 9th St. #290\, Oakland\, CA\, 94607\, United States CATEGORIES:Featured,Past Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://oacc.cc/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/SIMONE-NEW-PRICE.png ORGANIZER;CN="Oakland Asian Cultural Center":MAILTO:programs@oacc.cc END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240907T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240907T163000 DTSTAMP:20260405T062845 CREATED:20240814T235924Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240908T000830Z UID:19383-1725714000-1725726600@oacc.cc SUMMARY:Celebrating Our HeART-filled Heritage: Hālau O Keikiali’i in Performance DESCRIPTION:Friday\, March 207:00-9:00 pm(doors open at 6:30 pm)  FREE \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Join us for an evening of Persian culture in celebration of Nowruz\, the Persian New Year. We are pleased to welcome the Persian Classical Trio (musicians Pezhham Akhavass\, Aryan Rahmanian\, and Ashkan Ghafouri)\, and the Pezhham Tombak Ensemble to the OACC stage. They dedicate their performance to the cherished memory of the beloved Iranians who lost their lives on the 18-19 of Dey (January 7-8)\, the martyrs of Iran’s path to freedom. Their memories live on through art\, culture\, and community.   The concert will be preceded by a calligraphy demonstration by artist Arash Shirinbab at 6:45 pm\, and a mini vendor market. If you would like to vend in the mini vendor market\, please apply at this link by March 15.   This event is part of the OACC “Celebrating our HeART-Filled Heritage” (COHH) series. COHH platforms local Asian and Pacific Islander performing artists and brings their artistry to diverse East Bay audiences. The event is free to attend\, but registration is requested at the link below.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register for Free Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT NOWRUZ \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Nowruz (meaning “New Day” in Persian) marks the arrival of spring and has been celebrated across West Asia\, Central Asia\, the Caucasus and the Black Sea Basin\, the Balkans\, and South Asia for over 3\,000 years. Ritual traditions include spring cleaning\, a 13-day celebration with visits\, gifts\, and feasts\, and gathering family around the Haft-Sin—a beautifully arranged table set with seven symbolic items (wheat sprouts for rebirth\, apples for beauty\, coins for prosperity\, and more – decorated with candles\, goldfish\, and colored eggs).  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT THE PERSIAN CLASSICAL TRIO \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Pezhham Akhavass was born in 1980 in Iran. He began studying the tombak at the age of five under Naser Farhanghfar and later continued his training with Saeid Roudbary. He earned his BA and MA degrees in music from San Francisco State University and is a Voting Member of the Recording Academy (GRAMMY). Akhavass has performed internationally with Shahram Nazeri and Zakir Hussain\, and appeared with Yo-Yo Ma at the Hollywood Bowl. He continues to perform\, teach\, and collaborate on projects promoting Persian music worldwide.   Aryan Rahmanian was born in 1976 in Iran and began studying Persian classical music at fifteen\, focusing on vocal performance and the tar. He trained under distinguished masters including Mohammad Reza Lotfi\, Nasrollah Nasehpoor\, and Mohsen Keramati. His wide intellectual interests in philosophy\, history\, and ethnomusicology have led him to author several books on music philosophy and Middle Eastern music theory. He has produced multiple albums featuring original compositions inspired by Rumi’s poetry and has performed at major international festivals worldwide.   Ashkan Ghafouri was born in 1967 in Tehran\, Iran. He studied traditional and contemporary tar techniques and the Persian radif under Hooshang Zarif and later refined his artistry with Mohammad Reza Lotfi. He also studied harmony and composition with Farhad Fakhredini. Ghafouri co-authored a textbook on the Persian modal system and transcribed the radif of Morteza Neydavood. In 2001\, he founded Tarschool in California. An active performer and educator\, he has appeared internationally and published Tar Book in 2019. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT THE CALLIGRAPHER \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Arash Shirinbab an award-winning Arabic and Persian calligrapher based in Oakland. His work has been featured in over 80 exhibitions around the world. His work is part of private collections and prominent museums worldwide\, including the Contemporary Museum of Calligraphy in Moscow and the Abgineh Museum in Tehran. Arash’s art draws from the rich traditions of Near Eastern lettering and calligraphy\, reimagining them in contemporary forms such as calligraffiti\, painting\, ceramics\, digital art\, and installations. For over 12 years\, he has dedicated his practice to public education\, leading workshops and lectures that bridge the gap between ancient tradition and modern Bay Area life. URL:https://oacc.cc/event/cohhhalauokeikialii/ LOCATION:Oakland Asian Cultural Center\, 388 9th St. #290\, Oakland\, CA\, 94607\, United States CATEGORIES:Featured,Past Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://oacc.cc/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/decorative-thumbnail.png ORGANIZER;CN="Oakland Asian Cultural Center":MAILTO:programs@oacc.cc END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240803T170000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240803T213000 DTSTAMP:20260405T062845 CREATED:20240710T002737Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240815T214223Z UID:19212-1722704400-1722720600@oacc.cc SUMMARY:BomBay to the Bay: a Garba Dance Festival DESCRIPTION:Friday\, March 207:00-9:00 pm(doors open at 6:30 pm)  FREE \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Join us for an evening of Persian culture in celebration of Nowruz\, the Persian New Year. We are pleased to welcome the Persian Classical Trio (musicians Pezhham Akhavass\, Aryan Rahmanian\, and Ashkan Ghafouri)\, and the Pezhham Tombak Ensemble to the OACC stage. They dedicate their performance to the cherished memory of the beloved Iranians who lost their lives on the 18-19 of Dey (January 7-8)\, the martyrs of Iran’s path to freedom. Their memories live on through art\, culture\, and community.   The concert will be preceded by a calligraphy demonstration by artist Arash Shirinbab at 6:45 pm\, and a mini vendor market. If you would like to vend in the mini vendor market\, please apply at this link by March 15.   This event is part of the OACC “Celebrating our HeART-Filled Heritage” (COHH) series. COHH platforms local Asian and Pacific Islander performing artists and brings their artistry to diverse East Bay audiences. The event is free to attend\, but registration is requested at the link below.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register for Free Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT NOWRUZ \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Nowruz (meaning “New Day” in Persian) marks the arrival of spring and has been celebrated across West Asia\, Central Asia\, the Caucasus and the Black Sea Basin\, the Balkans\, and South Asia for over 3\,000 years. Ritual traditions include spring cleaning\, a 13-day celebration with visits\, gifts\, and feasts\, and gathering family around the Haft-Sin—a beautifully arranged table set with seven symbolic items (wheat sprouts for rebirth\, apples for beauty\, coins for prosperity\, and more – decorated with candles\, goldfish\, and colored eggs).  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT THE PERSIAN CLASSICAL TRIO \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Pezhham Akhavass was born in 1980 in Iran. He began studying the tombak at the age of five under Naser Farhanghfar and later continued his training with Saeid Roudbary. He earned his BA and MA degrees in music from San Francisco State University and is a Voting Member of the Recording Academy (GRAMMY). Akhavass has performed internationally with Shahram Nazeri and Zakir Hussain\, and appeared with Yo-Yo Ma at the Hollywood Bowl. He continues to perform\, teach\, and collaborate on projects promoting Persian music worldwide.   Aryan Rahmanian was born in 1976 in Iran and began studying Persian classical music at fifteen\, focusing on vocal performance and the tar. He trained under distinguished masters including Mohammad Reza Lotfi\, Nasrollah Nasehpoor\, and Mohsen Keramati. His wide intellectual interests in philosophy\, history\, and ethnomusicology have led him to author several books on music philosophy and Middle Eastern music theory. He has produced multiple albums featuring original compositions inspired by Rumi’s poetry and has performed at major international festivals worldwide.   Ashkan Ghafouri was born in 1967 in Tehran\, Iran. He studied traditional and contemporary tar techniques and the Persian radif under Hooshang Zarif and later refined his artistry with Mohammad Reza Lotfi. He also studied harmony and composition with Farhad Fakhredini. Ghafouri co-authored a textbook on the Persian modal system and transcribed the radif of Morteza Neydavood. In 2001\, he founded Tarschool in California. An active performer and educator\, he has appeared internationally and published Tar Book in 2019. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT THE CALLIGRAPHER \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Arash Shirinbab an award-winning Arabic and Persian calligrapher based in Oakland. His work has been featured in over 80 exhibitions around the world. His work is part of private collections and prominent museums worldwide\, including the Contemporary Museum of Calligraphy in Moscow and the Abgineh Museum in Tehran. Arash’s art draws from the rich traditions of Near Eastern lettering and calligraphy\, reimagining them in contemporary forms such as calligraffiti\, painting\, ceramics\, digital art\, and installations. For over 12 years\, he has dedicated his practice to public education\, leading workshops and lectures that bridge the gap between ancient tradition and modern Bay Area life. URL:https://oacc.cc/event/bombaytothebay/ LOCATION:Oakland Asian Cultural Center\, 388 9th St. #290\, Oakland\, CA\, 94607\, United States CATEGORIES:Featured,Past Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://oacc.cc/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/thumbnail-1.png ORGANIZER;CN="Oakland Asian Cultural Center":MAILTO:programs@oacc.cc END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR