BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Oakland Asian Cultural Center - ECPv6.15.20//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: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:20260228T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260228T130000 DTSTAMP:20260503T204846 CREATED:20251218T155311Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260219T203515Z UID:22743-1772280000-1772283600@oacc.cc SUMMARY:Bilingual Bike Commuting Basics Workshop (Cantonese and English) 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/bike-basics/ LOCATION:Oakland Asian Cultural Center\, 388 9th St. #290\, Oakland\, CA\, 94607\, United States CATEGORIES:Upcoming Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://oacc.cc/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Bike-Commuting-Feb-28-English-1080-x-1080.png ORGANIZER;CN="Oakland Asian Cultural Center":MAILTO:programs@oacc.cc END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260306T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260306T130000 DTSTAMP:20260503T204846 CREATED:20260303T201924Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260303T202235Z UID:22986-1772798400-1772802000@oacc.cc SUMMARY:March 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-feb2026-2/ LOCATION:Oakland Asian Cultural Center\, 388 9th St. #290\, Oakland\, CA\, 94607\, United States CATEGORIES: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:20260315T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260315T150000 DTSTAMP:20260503T204846 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;VALUE=DATE:20260318 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260524 DTSTAMP:20260503T204846 CREATED:20260226T194319Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260226T224303Z UID:22956-1773792000-1779580799@oacc.cc SUMMARY:Our Language\, Our Story: Photos by Joyce Xi 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/joyce-xi/ LOCATION:Oakland Asian Cultural Center\, 388 9th St. #290\, Oakland\, CA\, 94607\, United States CATEGORIES:Upcoming Events,Upcoming Exhibitions ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://oacc.cc/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Joyce-Xi-Exhibition-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:20260503T204846 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:20260403T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260403T130000 DTSTAMP:20260503T204846 CREATED:20260327T192619Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260327T192722Z UID:23133-1775217600-1775221200@oacc.cc SUMMARY:April 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-apr2026/ LOCATION:Oakland Asian Cultural Center\, 388 9th St. #290\, Oakland\, CA\, 94607\, United States CATEGORIES: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:20260411T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260411T150000 DTSTAMP:20260503T204846 CREATED:20260323T211521Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260409T233740Z 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:20260503T204846 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:20260503T204846 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:20260503T204846 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:20260501T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260501T130000 DTSTAMP:20260503T204846 CREATED:20260427T212153Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260427T212240Z UID:23261-1777636800-1777640400@oacc.cc SUMMARY:May 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-may2026/ LOCATION:Oakland Asian Cultural Center\, 388 9th St. #290\, Oakland\, CA\, 94607\, United States CATEGORIES: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:20260503T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260503T153000 DTSTAMP:20260503T204846 CREATED:20260326T234447Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260428T193016Z UID:23126-1777813200-1777822200@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 BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260514T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260514T203000 DTSTAMP:20260503T204846 CREATED:20260423T222057Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260424T161947Z UID:23227-1778781600-1778790600@oacc.cc SUMMARY:Celebrating Asian Voices in Children’s Media: a Talk With Nira Liu\, Eugenia Yoh\, and Elenor Mak 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/asian-kids-media/ 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/2026/04/Celebrating-Asian-Voices-in-Childrens-Media-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:20260517T140000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260517T160000 DTSTAMP:20260503T204846 CREATED:20260409T230626Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260413T185722Z UID:23171-1779026400-1779033600@oacc.cc SUMMARY:Stories from the Edge of Sea: A Book Launch With Andrew Lam 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/andrew-lam/ 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/2026/04/Andrew-Lam-Book-Launch-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:20260522T183000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260522T210000 DTSTAMP:20260503T204846 CREATED:20260422T214047Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260422T215844Z UID:23150-1779474600-1779483600@oacc.cc SUMMARY:Queer Asian World Cinema: QWOCFF Satellite Screening 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/qwocmap/ 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/2026/04/Queer-Asian-Cinema-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:20260530T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260530T210000 DTSTAMP:20260503T204846 CREATED:20260413T185348Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260417T001308Z UID:23198-1780167600-1780174800@oacc.cc SUMMARY:Celebrating Our HeART-Filled Heritage: Celebrating the Zither—Asian American Identity and Cultural Survival 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/asian-zither/ 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/2026/04/Asian-Zither-FB-1080-x-1080-px.png ORGANIZER;CN="Oakland Asian Cultural Center":MAILTO:programs@oacc.cc END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR