Ramadan Nights Featuring Parwaz e Rooh
Presented by The AbuSulayman Center for Global Islamic Studies and the College of Visual and Performing Arts
Thursday, February 26, 2026 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM EST
Center for the Arts, Lobby
The holy month of Ramadan for the world's Muslims is a time of fasting, praying, and spiritual reflection. It is also a time of giving thanks, generosity toward others, and late into the night gatherings with family and friends featuring musical celebrations, poetry and storytelling, and other joyful expressions. Please join us as we launch our first ACGIS Ramadan Nights, a new series of convenings inspired by the long-standing tradition of evening gatherings, reflection, and cultural exchange during the holy month. Designed as a recurring fixture and building on the Center’s tradition of hosting a fast-breaking meal (Iftar) each Ramadan, Ramadan Nights will bring together members of our campus community and the wider public to explore the richness and diversity of Islamic cultures around the world—through music, art, scholarship, and other forms of cultural and intellectual production. We look forward to Ramadan Nights and its iftar becoming a welcoming platform for connection, creativity, and meaningful engagement across communities in the years to come.
This year ACGIS will host internationally renowned band Parwaz. The program will be Parwaz e Rooh (which means flight of the soul) with band members:
Humayun Khan- Vocals/harmonium
Haroon Alam- Tabla
Bashir Khan- Bulbul tarang
Brian Falkowski- Clarinet & flute
Cheikh N’Doye - Bass
Harry Appelman- Keyboard
Chris Payne- Drums
Joe Brotherton- Trumpet
Parwaz, created by Afghan American vocalist and composer Humayun Khan, blends Eastern and Western musical traditions into a sound that is both timeless and contemporary. The ensemble brings together instruments such as harmonium, tabla, and bulbul tarang (Indian banjo) with electric bass, drum set, and clarinet or flute—creating a meeting point between worlds that celebrates cultural harmony through music.
Improvisation lies at the heart of Parwaz’s artistry. Rooted in the classical traditions of North India, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, their approach is inspired by the spirit of Sufi poetry from masters like Rumi and Amir Khusrow, who championed unity through art and spirituality.
One hallmark of this music is Sargam, a form of vocal improvisation using note syllables similar to Western solfège. Another is Tarana, developed in the 13th century by Amir Khusrow, in which singers use rhythmic, abstract syllables—much like jazz scat singing. Parwaz’s performance of Raag Hans Dhuni features this vibrant style.
By contrast, Raag Puria Dhanasri explores a more introspective space—an ode to the transition from day to night—performed in the genre of Khyal, meaning “imagination,” where melodic expression and poetic text intertwine.
Through these traditions and innovations, Parwaz invites listeners into a shared journey—one that transcends language, blending cultures and sounds to celebrate our shared humanity.
Event Details
Date: Thursday, February 26, 2026
Location: Center of Arts Lobby
Iftar Registration: Required
Important Information
Registration: Iftar attendance is by registration only and will close once capacity is reached. If you are unable to register for the dinner, you are still warmly invited to attend the Concert separately at 7:30 PM.
