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The Resonance of the Lands

A Celebration of Immigrants and Refugees in the City of Music

Hosted by Vanderbilt University Professor Raheleh Filsoofi, and Musician Reza Filsoofi, in collaboration with NICE, this unique gathering provides a special opportunity to immerse yourself in a celebratory exploration of the fascinating worlds of clay and music.

The event features:

  • Engaging ceramic workshop
  • Immersive music performance
  • Nowruz celebration

Discover the intricacies of the clay process with insights from local resources and witness the creation of ceramic drums, following the rich tradition of Middle Eastern clay darbukas.

Enjoy the music performances from the following musicians:

  • Shafiq Mardan
  • Zaid Hameed
  • Isidora Miranda
  • Carlos Duran
  • Charli Gilbert

Middle Eastern food and delights will be provided.

This inclusive event is free and open to the public.

Date: March 22nd

Time: 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Location: The E. Bronson Ingram Studio Arts Center, Department of Art at Vanderbilt University

1204 25th Ave. South, Nashville, TN 37240

For more information, please contact:

Raheleh.filsoofi@vanderbilt.edu

max@empowernashville.org

Supported by the Tennessee Art Commission and Vanderbilt University

Other participating organizations:

  • Department of Art at Vanderbilt
  • The Wond’ry Fiber Arts Build Lab
  • Blair School of Music
  • Global Humanities Post-Docs at Vanderbilt
  • The Global Education Center

About the Project: The Resonance of the Lands is a collaborative initiative that unites artists, immigrants, refugees, and underrepresented groups in Nashville to craft ceramic instruments inspired by Middle Eastern and North African clay drums, showcased in various events.

Raheleh and Reza Filsoofi have been mapping and extracting local clay from different Nashville and Tennessee locations, shaping them into instruments. Immigrant community members actively participated in hands-on workshops at Vanderbilt’s ceramic studio, contributing to the decoration of these instruments.

The March 22nd event marks the debut of the first 25 ceramic instruments created from Nashville and Vanderbilt soil, enriching the soundscape of the city of music. In the coming years, Reza and Raheleh Filsoofi will continue crafting instruments from other locations in Tennessee. Collaborating with NICE and local communities, they plan to organize ongoing workshops and performances, contributing to the cultural tapestry of the city of music. Through this transformative exploration of art, geography, and community building, join us in shaping a harmonious and connected future.