May 24, 2006

Middle Eastern Song Bird Opens MASS MoCA's Summer Alternative Cabaret Series

(North Adams, Mass.) Haale weaves Persian melodies and Sufi-inspired lyrics through a soundscape of tribal beats, sci-fi sonic guitars, and a twanging setar. Drawing on her Persian and urban American roots, Haale will bring audiences into an electric space where these two worlds meet at MASS MoCA on Saturday, June 24, at 8 P.M. According to The New York Times, Haale "underscores the evolution and transformation of centuries-old art forms as they adapt to the new realities of a multiethnic city."

The first of MASS MoCA's summer Alternative Cabaret series, Haale will perform under the stars in the Courtyard Café weather permitting. The event moves indoors to Club B-10 in case of rain. Doors open at 7 PM for dinner and snacks from Lickety Split and full bar.

"New York City-born to Iranian parents, Haale was a combination of Jim Morrison, Nico, Edith Piaf and Selma Hayek," Metroland said of a recent performance, describing her as "sensuously coaxing emotion out of the largely Middle Eastern-sounding songs, singing in at least three languages, conducting the band, and whomping alternatively on an Iranian setar and a wicked-cool black-and-white Silvertown guitar."

Known for her playful, sultry, and nuanced voice, vocalist Haale and her band create a hypnotic experience on stage, weaving Persian melodies through a lush soundscape that pays homage to Sufi musical traditions and psychedelic rock. She'll bring along her band consisting of Megan Weeder and Marika Hughes on violin and cello, Aram Bajakian playing guitar in East Village no-wave percussive style, Keith Van Nostrand playing drums, and bassist Mike Oliverio. Haale has played such venues as Lincoln Center, Mercury Lounge, Brooklyn Academy of Music, Joe's Pub, Pianos, Temple Bar, LA County Museum of Art, Joshua Tree Music Festival, and Earthdance.

Tickets for Haale are $14 in advance or $18 the day of the concert. MASS MoCA members receive a 10% discount. Tickets are available through the MASS MoCA Box Office located off Marshall Street in North Adams, open from 11 A.M. to 5 P.M. Wednesday through Monday (July 1 through August 31, from 10 A.M. until 6 P.M. daily). Tickets can also be charged by phone by calling 413.662.2111 during Box Office hours or purchased on line at www.massmoca.org.

MASS MoCA, the largest center for contemporary visual and performing arts in the United States, is located off Marshall Street in North Adams on a 13-acre campus of renovated 19th-century factory buildings.

For Immediate Release
Contact: Katherine Myers
(413) 664-4481 x8113
katherine@massmoca.org