BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Oakland Asian Cultural Center - ECPv6.15.18//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-WR-CALNAME:Oakland Asian Cultural Center 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: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:20251004T150000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251004T163000 DTSTAMP:20260409T104136 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:20251105T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251105T203000 DTSTAMP:20260409T104136 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:20251108T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251108T203000 DTSTAMP:20260409T104136 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:20251205T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251205T130000 DTSTAMP:20260409T104136 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:20251205T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251205T210000 DTSTAMP:20260409T104136 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:20260110T160000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260110T180000 DTSTAMP:20260409T104136 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:20260111T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260111T143000 DTSTAMP:20260409T104136 CREATED:20251030T163029Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251216T052106Z UID:22603-1768136400-1768141800@oacc.cc SUMMARY:From Ally to Activated: Breaking Barriers to Community Action 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/activated/ 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/Redesigned-Get-Activated-FB-1080-x-1080-px-1.png ORGANIZER;CN="Oakland Asian Cultural Center":MAILTO:programs@oacc.cc END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260125T140000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260125T160000 DTSTAMP:20260409T104136 CREATED:20251229T212949Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251229T213238Z UID:22767-1769349600-1769356800@oacc.cc SUMMARY:Reparations: A Film by Jon Osaki 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/reparations-film/ 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/Reparations-FB-1080-x-1080-px.png ORGANIZER;CN="Oakland Asian Cultural Center":MAILTO:programs@oacc.cc END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260207T110000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260207T160000 DTSTAMP:20260409T104136 CREATED:20251225T030557Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260204T212416Z UID:22758-1770462000-1770480000@oacc.cc SUMMARY:Lunar New Year x Black History Month 2026: 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/lny-bhm-2026/ 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/Celebrating-Asian-African-American-Solidarity.png ORGANIZER;CN="Oakland Asian Cultural Center":MAILTO:programs@oacc.cc END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260222T140000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260222T160000 DTSTAMP:20260409T104136 CREATED:20260120T072722Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260121T042457Z UID:22815-1771768800-1771776000@oacc.cc SUMMARY:Honoring Day of Remembrance: Children’s Art from an American Concentration Camp 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/day-of-remembrance-2026/ 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/2026/01/Topaz-Toddlers-FB-1080-x-1080-px-v2.png ORGANIZER;CN="Oakland Asian Cultural Center":MAILTO:programs@oacc.cc END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260315T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260315T150000 DTSTAMP:20260409T104136 CREATED:20260219T084830Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260219T084959Z UID:22932-1773579600-1773586800@oacc.cc SUMMARY:Tales of the Tofu Goddess: A Tribute to the Artful Life of Flo Oy Wong 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/tofu-goddess/ 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/2026/02/Tofu-Goddess-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:20260320T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260320T210000 DTSTAMP:20260409T104136 CREATED:20260227T233159Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260310T194052Z UID:22970-1774033200-1774040400@oacc.cc SUMMARY:Celebrating Our HeART-filled Heritage: Nowruz with the Persian Classical Trio 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/persian-classical/ 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/2026/02/Nowruz-2026-Preview-1080-x-1080-px-1.png ORGANIZER;CN="Oakland Asian Cultural Center":MAILTO:programs@oacc.cc END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260411T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260411T150000 DTSTAMP:20260409T104136 CREATED:20260323T211521Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260323T211642Z UID:23100-1775908800-1775919600@oacc.cc SUMMARY:Southeast Asian New Year Celebration 2026 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/sea-ny-2026/ 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/2026/03/SEAsian-NY-2026-1080-x-1080.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Oakland Asian Cultural Center":MAILTO:programs@oacc.cc END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260418T160000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260418T180000 DTSTAMP:20260409T104136 CREATED:20260323T185428Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260323T190026Z UID:23090-1776528000-1776535200@oacc.cc SUMMARY:Echoes of Eureka: A Youth Opera Bridging History and Hope 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/echoes-eureka/ 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/2026/03/Echoes-of-Eureka-FB-1080-x-1080.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Oakland Asian Cultural Center":MAILTO:programs@oacc.cc END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260425T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260425T140000 DTSTAMP:20260409T104136 CREATED:20260326T233054Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260327T210412Z UID:23119-1777118400-1777125600@oacc.cc SUMMARY:The OACC 2026 Interactive Artist 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/oacc-showcase-26/ 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/2026/03/Interactive-Artist-Showcase-FB-1080-x-1080-px.png ORGANIZER;CN="Oakland Asian Cultural Center":MAILTO:programs@oacc.cc END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260426T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260426T170000 DTSTAMP:20260409T104136 CREATED:20260331T221747Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T223148Z UID:23139-1777208400-1777222800@oacc.cc SUMMARY:Tea & Tiles: A Sunday Social With 13 Orphans 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/tea-tiles/ 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/2026/03/Tea-Tiles-FB-1080-x-1080-1.png ORGANIZER;CN="Oakland Asian Cultural Center":MAILTO:programs@oacc.cc END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260503T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260503T150000 DTSTAMP:20260409T104136 CREATED:20260326T234447Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260327T215414Z UID:23126-1777813200-1777820400@oacc.cc SUMMARY:Strong Like Bamboo 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/strong-bamboo-26/ 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/2026/03/Strong-Like-Bamboo-FB-1080-x-1080-px.png ORGANIZER;CN="Oakland Asian Cultural Center":MAILTO:programs@oacc.cc END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR