Transfixing, hyper-folk jams with rich and deep Pushtoon roots. With its propulsive, furious sound, Khumariyaan (The Intoxicators) has reawakened the live music scene in Peshawar, the ancient crossroads through the Khyber Pass that links Pakistan and Afghanistan. The lute-like Pashto rubab is the meeting point for this transfixing, hyper-folk quintet that intertwines the djembe-like zerbaghali (clay or wooden goblet drum), sehtar (long-necked lute), and searching vocals underpinned with driving, acoustic guitars. Khumariyaan’s rolling pulse and richly layered sound builds to frenzied intensity. It’s an addictive and accessible pleasure that has ushered in a new era for an eclipsed style of music. Khumariyaan made its USA debut in 2014 and in the intervening decade they’ve shared their music live in Europe, the Middle East, and in East Africa, spreading art like water on the fires of fundamentalism in all its forms. Band members include: Farhan Bogra – rabab and sehtar; Sparlay Rawail – lead guitar and dhol; Aamer Shafiq – rhythm guitar; Shiraz Khan – percussion; Obaid Khan - vocals.

*This program is supported by Center Stage, a U.S. State Department Program.