Ustad Shahwali - Rise Again!

I am honoured to announce that Ustad Shahwali will appear Sunday at Summerfolk 2007. His story epitomizes the strength of the human spirit.
In the early 1980s, Afghanistan-born Shahwali was a refugee in Pakistan due to the Soviet invasion of his homeland. Studying Hindustani classical music under Ustad Nawad Ali Khan, he earned the greatly respected status of Ustad - Master. In 1996, music was outlawed by the Taliban regime - soldiers stormed the school Shahwali had established; destroying all the instruments, beating up students and killing one.
Almost unbelievably, Shahwali was held captive in a makeshift cell. "I thought my life was over, never mind my career," he says. But two of Shahwali's guards were starstruck by the famous musician and let him go.
In 2000, Shahwali arrived in Toronto and was joined later by his family. Considered the "custodian of Afghani musical heritage", Ustad Shahwali and his 3 sons, spin a magical musical journey. Their performance speaks of joy, not the pain - Rise Again!
Known as "The King" to Afghans, Ustad Shahwali celebrates life with his music in a way few of us can.
"I love Canada. It's so peaceful and you have the chance to do whatever you want".

Music @ Mudtown - Friday, April 27th

Catch some great young talent!
Chris Yang, Richard Laviolette, Michael Snider and Kevin Griffin appear at Mudtown Pottery Shop & Studio this Friday night, April 27th.
Show starts at 7:00.
Tickets ~ $5 in advance, available at Jensen Music ~ $7 at the door.
Mudtown is located at 1835 3rd Avenue East in Owen Sound.