Yalda_2018_Performers_Artists
Performers/ Artists/ Program/ YALDA-2018
POSTER
Shabi with Sohrab Sepehri Poetry and Art
&
The Magical Musical story tale from Masnavi Rumi
“Rumis-the-Snake-Catchers-Tale/”
@
Shab e Yalda 2018 Cupertino
Beautiful Pictures from Iran, the Land of Love, Culture, History and Song
TICKETS AND RESERVATION
https://www.tikkl.com/payvand/c/yalda-2018
The program:
- 6:00 pm.- Guest Registration
- 6:15 pm. – Musical entertainment with DJ Moein Viva
- 6:45 pm. – Opening and celebration with Sohrab Sepehri’s poetry and Art and Yalda
- 7:15 pm. – Magical storytelling, dance performances and music
- 8:00 pm. – Dinner -will be served
- 8:30 pm. – DJ, Love music and Dance
- 11:00 pm.- Adjourned
PARISA SOULTANI
MASTER OF CEREMONIES -Filmmaker and Television Host
Parisa Soultani is a filmmaker and television host who has produced, directed and edited numerous documentary films and TV series for national and international broadcasters and the Web. She is the host for LinkTV’s Bridge to Iran series as well as technical director and editor for PBS and KCET-Link’s Global Spirit series. She’s also host and co-producer for One Through Love, a global community of Rumi lovers from around the world. In these times of conflict, she focuses on using the power of film, media, and citizen-to-citizen dialogue to help clear social and cultural misunderstandings and promote a deeper sense of unity while embracing our diversity.
HOMA FARAVASHI
POET & HISTORIAN & AUTHOR & TEACHER
Homa is a well-educated woman who has focused her efforts to educate young people about Arabic and Persian language arts. She is an Arabic instructor that can teach Grammar, Reading comprehension, Interpretation of Philosophy, and History. She taught Arabic and Persian to 12th grade students at Bu Ali Senior High School in Tehran. The curriculum included Modern Philosophy course work that covered post Hegel theories spanning 19th through 20th centuries and the History courses covered Iranian historical occurrences spanning over the last 300 years.
Homa received her B.A in Persian Literature. Her thesis was written on the role of women in Divaan-e Nezaami, under Dr. Zabihollah Safa’s supervision. She went on to receive her M.A. in Educational Psychology from Tehran University. Her thesis focused on Persian grammar and the role of mozaaf and mozafon elayh مضاف و مضافٌ علیه. She worked under the supervision of Dr. Qharib at Tehran University. Homa has also served as a lecturer of Persian literature to undergraduate students that were pursuing their Bachelor of Arts degrees. The course work was comprised of teaching the works of various Persian poets/philosophers such as Rumi, Saadi and Khayam.
SABIBA
DANCE & NUTRITIONAL SERVICES
Sabiba is an accomplished choreographer and featured performer in Greek and Middle Eastern dance venues. She was introduced to theatre and dance at a very young age. Her mother was a National Champion skater and she had several artists in her family. That familial influence led to her Majoring in Theatre Arts and Dance at San Francisco State. There she was introduced to various genres of dance including Flamenco and Middle Eastern dance. She enjoys sharing her knowledge and teaching others to dance.
Sabiba returned to college to earn a bachelor’s degree of science from San Jose State University. She became a Registered Dietitian specializing in Diabetes Care. She is the Director of Nutritional Services for six out-patient clinics within the Gardner Family Health Network. Although caring for her patients is challenging and gratifying work, dance is still a major influence in her life.
Having a connection to many people in the Persian community, she has come to love the elegance, emotion, and complexity of Persian music and dance. Sabiba is humbled and delighted to find that her interpretation of dance is welcomed by the Persian community. On December 21, 2018, she will share the joy of Persian dance in the celebration of The Persian Spring Festival of “Yalda.”
NEDA ABOOTORABI
DANCE
Neda graduated from Santa Clara University with a degree in Biology and Public Health Science. After graduating, she first worked at a private pain management clinic and later transitioned to Stanford Hospital’s oncology center as a clinical medical assistant. After gaining exposure to the many different areas of healthcare that exist, Neda decided to pursue a Master of Science Degree in Occupational Therapy. She is a holistic healthcare professional that helps her patients with physical or cognitive impairments. She strives to help them achieve independence and participation in their daily activities and works to helping them live a more meaningful life. Neda was attracted to Occupational Therapy because she sees it has a combination of arts and science.
Although Neda has dedicated a significant portion of her life to working in the medical field, she believes that a successful life is a balanced one; one in which you explore your passions alongside your studies and/or career. As an Iranian-American who was born and raised in California, it has always been important for Neda to keep her Iranian culture alive within herself. For almost two decades, Neda has been actively involved in traditional and modern Iranian dance classes, choreographies, and performances throughout the Bay Area. In the process, she has learned the art of embodying the passion of Iranian music with grace, elegance, and confidence. She strives to teach these skills to others. She is particularly interested in being a voice of inspiration and advocacy for the younger Iranian-American generation, who may feel confused about their own identity. Neda understands the challenges that come from trying to bridge two cultures as one. Her goal is to guide Iranian-Americans by helping them to connect and learn about their Iranian roots.
MOEIN VAHDAT
VOCAL and MUSIC
Moein Vahdat is a musician who has been playing piano over 18 years. He has been playing keyboard for the famous Iranian singers in their concerts.
Moein also hosting and directing public and private events. He is familiar with both western as well as Middle Eastern style music.
He can play other instruments like guitar and keyboard and has been tutoring over 10 years.
Moein is a talented musician and singer who can perform on his own or with a band for all occasions.
He is interested in psychology and law.
GITI SHAYESTEH
Rose Market Catering
Giti Shayesteh grew up in Iran and received her B.S. in Business from Tehran University. Prior to her migration to The United States, worked at her family Import and Export company for many years.
GITI is the catering manager of Rose Market Catering. She is responsible for the overall operation of a catering facility. This involves not only running the catering facility during an event, but she also handles all preparations before and after an event. She works closely with clients to ensure the event is a success. At Rose Market Catering, Giti is responsible for event planning, customer service, decorating, menu planning, scheduling and vendor relations. GITI is responsible for assisting in the planning of events for clients. Some aspects of planning can include helping the client find other service providers such as disc jockeys, limousine companies, photographers, videographers and wedding planners.
GITI works with both chef and the client to choose a proper menu. She has a list of the foods that the kitchen can create for the client along with the pricing. She has the chef attend the menu planning meeting with the client in case the client has any special requests that may not be on the standard menu, or in case the client wants to have input from the chef on food suggestions.
She is responsible to follow up with the client to get feedback after the event as well. GITI not only manages client relations, but also works to maintain employee and vendor relations. She runs a successful catering facility.
MICHAEL STROUD – Magician
PERSIAN STORY TELLER
Joined by Magic Genii and surprises are around every corner!
Michael Stroud, is a 12-time award-winning magician, consultant, inventor, author and lecturer in the art of magic.
His performances range from strolling close-up sleight-of-hand or “street style” magic, to grand stage illusions with a live band and a cast of circus performers. He has appeared on radio and television across the US, Japan, Europe, and India. He has also been featured on a Bill Moyers PBS Special.
He has performed as headline entertainment in 12 countries, as well as several hotels in Las Vegas, and at the famous Magic Castle in Hollywood. As an author, his best-selling “Book of Magic”, published by Klutz Press, has sold over 2 million copies. He has been published multiple times and has contributed to 9 titles that are currently available at your local bookstore.
He blends comedy, audience participation, circus skills and many surprises with special effects in his performances. Each show is carefully customized for maximum impact and he performs many classic magic feats with inventions of his own that you will see no-one else perform. His repertoire includes magic from around the world, including esoteric art forms that many audiences will never get a chance to see live, in person.
For his close-up magic, he causes borrowed objects to float in the air, coins turn invisible and reappear right in your own hand, amazing acts of esp., mind-reading, and dexterous abilities with a pack of cards that take years of diligent practice. Your guests will be spellbound. Bursts of laughter will be heard rippling through the room, in between rounds of applause, for an experience you will not forget, by this master of the craft of magical entertainment.
CHIRINE (SHIRINE) DONSEN- SHERAFAT
PROJECT & MARKETING MANAGER, WRITER, PERSIAN STORY TELLER
A highly competent linguist able to communicate at the highest business levels, in six languages – English, French, German, Italian, Spanish and Persian (Farsi), with 20 years of experience in the International Organizations, Chirine grow up between Iran and Europe. She received her MA in French Literature, MBA.
Born in a family of intellectual and artists, her mother (Mahin Kasmaei) was the first lady of dubbing industry (which has been imported to Iran by her Mother’s Uncle Mr. Kasmaei and Dr. Kooshan), grow up with love of literature and movies.
“My mother’s beautiful voice, accompanied me and a nation during a continuous golden era of movie industry, with her remarkable roles as the voice of Audrey Hepburn, Elisabeth Tayler, Shirley Mc Laine, Romy Schneider and many more, she made us dream “
Inspired by new challenges and continues quest for self- improvement, Chirine is interested in new culture and in search of new horizons.
Involved in various philanthropic causes, such as “Children of Work” in Iran, and animals, she is ready to defend and get involved in humanitarian works.
She is an avid skier (Ski instructor at the age of 16), water skier, horse rider and tennis player, she enjoys sports, music, literature and being a proud mom to Ariyan.
ARIYAN DONSEN,
MAGICAL PLAY- ACTING
Ariyan speaks 4 languages (Farsi, French, German and English) and is born to an Iranian mother and Dutch father.
He loves to write, and illustrated his own stories and wants to become an actor. Very sportive and active, Ariyan is always ready to jump and run for new challenges.
He loves “Shahnameh”, especially stories of “Rostam” and wishes to illustrate new version of his favorite Iranian hero Rostam.
Avid Fortnite and Minecraft player, he dreams of creating his own game. He started his own youtube channel : “Executioner666”, he has been active since a year, with almost 120 videos posted.
He is a good skier, tennis player, Ice skater and loves animals, especially his cats :Mangooleh and Zangooleh.
LAYLA SABOURIAN
Entrepreneur and community-builder
Layla Sabourian is an entrepreneur and community-builder who is advancing opportunities for inclusive entrepreneurship on a global level, having taught entrepreneurship in Chile, San Francisco, Mexico and the Russian Federation. Fluent in four languages, she brings more than 15 years of experience in community development, diversity initiatives, education, marketing and communication services to her Tech startup in education: Chef Koochooloo. Her professional experience includes leadership roles within the Enterprise Software industry as well as consumer products, having worked with Fortune 100 companies such as Yahoo!, eBay and SAP.
Dedicated to her community, Sabourian serves on the board of FairFunders, (Non profit focused on on connecting underrepresented founders to investors) as well as the Iranian Women Federation club (dedicated to cross cultural promotion). She is a graduate of Babson College Goldman Sachs program in the USA and the University of Westminster International Marketing Masters in the United Kingdom.
DELARAI CHLOE TARW’E
The world’s youngest entrepreneur
The inspiration behind Chef Koochooloo, “Delarai” is officially the world’s youngest entrepreneur.
Bubbling with personality, Delarai launched Chef Koochooloo with an affection for both cultural diversity and healthy cooking. Every recipe lesson plan developed for Chef Koochooloo goes through Delarai, she actively cooks, listens to the fun facts and adds her personal touch to each dish. Delarai is attending third grade in Gabriella Mistral Elementary school in Mountain View, and is fluent in four languages. Delarai takes her studies seriously and ensures she takes time to help her community.
FARIBA DADFARMAY NEJAT
ARTIST, ARTISTIC DIRECTOR & ORGANIZER
Fariba Nejat is a leading Iranian-American community organizer, entrepreneur, philanthropist, educator, teacher, engineer and portrait painter. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics from the Shahid Beheshti University (formerly Meli University) in Iran, a B.S. in Computer Science, and a master’s degree in Organizational Leadership from the National University in San Jose, California. Before assuming leadership roles with various not-for-profit organizations and in the community, she worked as a technology leader in Silicon Valley, California. She also volunteered with Santa Clara Valley charities.
She became a certified high school teacher in Iran and taught Physics and Math until 1983. Her passion of creating a teaching technique through science and art helped her to create a system to teach Iranian Americans how to read and write Persian. She became a mentor to many youths in the Silicon Valley.
She was featured as “one of the six women who changed the face of Silicon Valley” by the San Jose Mercury News in 2004. She has also produced several award-winning artistic paintings and sculptures. For example, one of her paintings, “Beaded Veils from the Gulf,” was prominently displayed in the Capitol Building in Sacramento as a representative of district 13 of California. Her artwork has culminated in a manifestation titled “Faces in the Crowd” which displays her love for art and people. Her most notable achievement regarding her artwork is the portrait painting of Barack Obama, 44th President of the United States, which included a message of peace by one of the greatest Iranian poets, Sa’di.
KATHY HOMARA
DANCE & LICENSED SCIENCE OF MIND SPIRITUAL LEADER
Kathy Homara is a New Thought professionally licensed science of mind spiritual leader, speaker, ritualist and officiator. She recently completed her master’s degree in Consciousness Studies, focused on education, science, psychology, philosophy and world religions. Her passion for understanding human potential and her love for life, science, humanity and the way of the Universe, has taken her from the corporate world toward a path of enlightenment and wisdom teaching. She serves, empowers and educates communities to enable them to transform their lives, live their dreams and thrive. Kathy is committed to teaching the principles of life, living fully and loving freely.
Currently Kathy serves at the San Jose Center for Spiritual Living, Payvand and The Iranian Women’s Federated Club providing spiritual support to people with health, relationship and career discontentment. Kathy also offers classes on the foundations of spiritual parenting, principles of life, radical forgiveness, and living powerfully and abundantly. Based on availability, Kathy also offers various ceremonies including weddings and memorial services.
Kathy is environmentally awake. She sees a world that works for everyone and holds the vision for our children and future generations to thrive in peace and harmony on our beautiful blue and green planet. Kathy knows we are borrowing this planet from our children and that nurturing our children’s brilliant minds is the key to our futures. She is a dedicated advocate for gifted children. She believes in an educational system and curriculum that empowers children and nurtures their innovative minds through hands-on experiences coupled with Science of Mind and Spirit wisdom teachings. Kathy is very artistic, creative and grounded in her spiritual practices. Love, companionship, and peace are the foundation of her path to excellence. Kathy believes nurturing the potential of children is one of the most important solutions to our future now. Nurturing our future generation is one of the most important keys to longevity as a thriving human race. Kathy’s natural inclination in the field of human potential along with her organizational skill, and spiritual practices help her to live powerfully and overcome many challenges as the mother of two young boys. Kathy loves and values music, dance,
Presenting Art of MOHAMMED HOURIAN (1955-2014)
ARTIST
Mohammed was a talented Iranian artist who traveled the world displaying his art in various art galleries. He was born in 1955, in the city of Hamedan, Iran which is the capital of ancient Persia. At the age of 12, he became the apprentice of one of the greatest miniature artists of the century in Iran, Haj Hosen-I-Eslamlyan. At the age 19, Mohammed gained public recognition for his first solo art show of his paintings at the Gallery of the University of Tehran. Within a year of that show, he became the youngest Iranian artist to be elected at the Academy of Fine Arts.
In 1976, Mohammed traveled throughout Europe, Japan, and the United States. He was invited by the German government to consult and exchange viewpoints on art. He displayed his works in exhibits across Germany, including The Goethe Institute. The German press praised his work. He has shown his work in the United States and is world renown for his Persian miniature paintings.
Persian miniature painting, also known as book painting is a traditional art form of Ancient Iran. It is considered to be one of the most artistic art forms in Iran. Miniatures are usually painted on paper, mother of pearl, ivory, bones or enamel. This type of painting is characteristic of e fantasy flowers with special movements. These paintings have a variety of colors including blue, green, red, and orange, with the primary color being gold. The most important attribute of these paintings is the perspective from which they are painted. Everything that is far away is painted on one plane. Things normally set in the distance are visible in the forefront. These paintings contain symbolism that give the painting a deeper meaning. For example, a deer is the representation of innocence, a horse represents freedom, and the phoenix is the symbol of love and life. This form of painting allows the artist to not only create stunning imagery that pleases the eye, but also conveys a story that touches the heart.
Sadly, Mohammed passed away in 2014, but his paintings are still being shown by his wife, Marjan. She works to keep his art on display for the sake of sharing the beauty that is the Persian culture.
COMRON HOURIAN
ARTIST and ART COLLECTOR
Comron was born in San Francisco, California, to an artistic family originally from Iran.
From the time of a very young age, he was exposed to all kinds of art, from Traditional Persian miniatures to Modern art. It was at this time when he was inspired to work on his own art and do the many whimsical patterns he was so influenced by.
His father, Mohammad Hourian, is a renowned Persian miniaturist. He is well known within the Iranian community in the USA, for his gallery, the Hourian Art Gallery on Union Street. Mohammed took Comron to museums like, the MOMA, The Legion of Honor, The DeYoung and Asian Art Museum, where he was inspired by the pieces that were there.
At his Father’s gallery, there were many artists who had many shows. Comron was inspired by beauty in the eclectic art that was displayed. This inspired him to be an artist.
Another art gallery owner noticed Comron’s talent. He facilitated two shows for Comron to present his latest work to the public.
One important step in being a good artist is to learn the technique, he is currently studying art at Los Mendanos College. He hopes to continue his study of Art and Art history at the Academy of Art of San Francisco.
MARJAN SHAHRIAREE HOURIAN
GALLERY OWNER- ART COLLECTOR
Marjan has grown up on art and museums, she loves to spend hours in museums and examine each masterpiece with inquisitiveness and admiration. She learned art and museums from her parents at very early age through visiting and spending log hours at Louvre, going to ballet and listening to classical music in Paris/France. Marjan is a graduate of Brook College in fashion merchandising and design. She had a stint at a fine jewelry department selling and learning about precious gems.
ANDY NGUYEN
COMMUNITY PHOTOGRAPHER
Andy Nguyen was born in Vietnam and raised in San Jose. Currently, he is enrolled at San Jose State University as a BFA student majoring in Art and Photography with a minor in Art of Education. Nguyen creates photographs, which reflect and communicate the landscapes, nature and lifestyle of people living in America within different communities. Nguyen is passionate about this subject and he has captured the beauty of cultural dance in our community. He wishes to capture the essence of the subject’s personality and the unique lifestyle that contributes to the individual beauty of the person being photographed. A multicultural society encompasses people from different ethnic backgrounds and cultures living and working together. Nguyen has been exploring the ideas of cultural leveling; beliefs of one culture are spread around to others for our next generation. Visitors can experience the lifestyles of different ethnicities in our community. They can sample traditional dance in each season from different countries such as India, Iran, Mexico and Vietnam. Photography is Nguyen passion and has an eye for viewing the uniqueness of many countries and the diversity they produce.
BARDIA M.ZADEH
Volunteer
Bardia M. Zadeh is 21 year old student attending De Anza college, studying international economics/ political economy. He plans to transfer and start at a credible UC school in Fall of 2019. Bardia has been a part of payvand for the past two years and have helped with many events. Yalda mobarak!
ROUZHEN PANAHI
Volunteer
Rhozhen Panahi is an Iranian-American who lives in San Jose, CA. She is Biology Major at De Anza College with plans on transferring to a UC school. She plans on becoming a doctor after finishing my undergrad.
SARINA ZADEH
Volunteer
Sarina Zadeh was born and raised in Tehran-Iran . She went to Kherad School and Rabbani High school and recently graduated from Foothill high school in Pleasanton , California at age of 16. Her passion in art , robotic and science strives her to aim high and always want more. She was in her school’s robotic team and created a technology for brail language. Sarina and her team also attended the international competition and won the first place. she was also in the women’s basketball team and won a lot of their matches. Coming to US in the first year and graduating at the age of 16 with high grade point average showed excelling beyond self / pose limitations. This showed that she has the ability to manage others more effectively. Sarina has attended De Anza college. she wants to study in medical fields such as pharmacy, health care , psychology , etc. and she also wants to get an MBA in one the above fields . For the past 5 months she became one of the payvand’s intern to evaluate the english skills of the Iranian-American new comers and help them with their english test taking skills. She also tutored math in her high school. Sarina used to play the piano for almost 6 years . She also came from a very well known family who were involved with art, this shows that she respects art and she can help Payvand. She’s looking forward to teach her own first language to people whom Farsi is their second language in Payvand . Sarina hopes to build a community that is close to her culture.
KIMIA EMADI
Volunteer
Kimia is a student at Castro Valley High School. She was born in Texas to Iranian parents and moved to California at seven years old. She enjoys volunteering for local communities and helping to educate others on the matters of ethnic identity, race relations, and history.
Kimia also has had a passion for reading and writing since a young age. She is now the president of her school’s Creative Writing Club and a part of the journalism staff.
She hopes to get other young Iranian-Americans involved in community efforts, and sincerely enjoys working with Payvand.
NEEKA MIRPOUR
YOUTH SECTION COORDINATOR
Neeka Mirpour is a teen commissioner at Payvand. She was born in Mountain View, California. She is attending Saratoga High School. She has a unique yet educated perspective of the needs of both the youth and the general community around her. She has effectively used her skills to volunteer and closely work with non-profit organizations like the YMCA, and other centers such as retirement homes, tutoring centers, and soup kitchens. She is motivated by her immigrant parent’s struggles to initially assimilate into American culture. She wishes to one day mimic their success and drive.
Attending Farsi/Persian school during her childhood, she eventually attained the skills to fluently speak, read, and write Farsi/Persian. As an Iranian-American fully immersed into both cultures, she is impassioned to help other Iranian-Americans keep in touch with their ethnic roots, while simultaneously participating in American culture. She hopes to motivate other youths to bring mainstream awareness to the Persian culture.
Her passion for writing has been recognized by her teachers and schools. She has won awards for her achievements. Her other passions also include reading and art. She wishes to one day pursue a career in political science with a background in international affairs.
JOHN MILO KIMBALL
PORTRAIT PAINTER
John has been doing portraits for thirty-five years. He is mentored by Lee Tacang, a man who taught drawing at both Foothill College and De Anza College for 33 years. John’s goal in painting a portrait is to catch the essence of the person more than simply a likeness. He likes the term amateur which indicates a love for what he is doing. If people ask him if painting portraits is his profession, he responds by declaring the word he would rather use is “passion” more than “profession”.
SHIDEH HEIDARKHANI
Graphic Designer, Painter and Illustrator
Shideh is a Graphic Designer, Painter and Illustrator in Northern California with advanced knowledge of colors and variety of experience in different styles and materials.
She is a multi-disciplinary graphic designer experienced in Print and Brand Identity Design; she is also passionate in Art and Art History especially in Modern and Contemporary Art.
She has received her BA (Bachelor of Art) in Graphic Design and Associate Degree in Contemporary Art Crisis and also over 15 years experience of painting and teaching Art.
LA PATISSERIE BAKERY
PERSIAN SWEETS
Since 2007, La Patisserie Bakery has been owned by two successful women, Fariba Mirpour and Mojgan Damaghani. Their passion and creativity in the art of pastries has led them into running a business that has been a favorite “go to” bakery for many people in the Silicon Valley. Mojgan and Fariba’s mission is to provide the finest desserts and pastries at reasonable prices. They take pride in their products. Their products are baked fresh daily and they use the finest ingredients with no preservatives or artificial flavors.
They also believe in giving back to the community each month by donating baked goods to non-profit organizations.
