Safoura Safavi, María Roncal, Johan Moberg and Miguelito. June 23, 2006 10:43pm

It's 9:43am on Saturday as I type these words. The bus for Dulles leaves at 10:44 and I'm still at home, yikes! But I gotta do some blogging before I leave for the weekend.

My Dad's celebrating his birthday with a two-night party. The first night was in Los Angeles, but I couldn't make it. The second night (tonight) will be in San Francisco where I'll be arriving around 5:00pm California time. Anyway, I'm pretty excited cuz it's the first time I'll be in on the West Coast since 1996 not to mention the fact that my Dad is turning 70!

So last night after my gig at Cabanas (dancers were Shahram Tehranian and Sarah Hart), I headed over to Karma Lounge at 19th and I St to hear my friend Safoura's band perform. It was Persian pop music so I couldn't understand the lyrics but the band was really tight and their performance was very energetic. Safoura has a very engaging stage presence that makes the audience feel at ease, as if it was a private party.

She came to Citron almost exactly a year ago to check out my show. Apparently she knew of me through my website. Turns out she studied flamenco guitar and singing in Sevilla through the Cristina Hereen Flamenco Foundation. The least I could do is return the favor and check out her band Abjeez and I'm glad I did. You know me. I like performers that connect with an audience.

Pictured above is me with Safoura, local dancer María Roncal and flamenco guitarist Johan Moberg. We took several pics but Johan kept closing his eyes. Great guitarist but sorry Johan I don't think modelling is in your future. :-)

Abjeez. June 23, 2006 10:56pm

OK, I better go so I don't miss my bus. I'll be back in DC on Monday morning. Ciao!