Contemporary Sufi Music

Concert by Falsa
Friday, December 6, 2024 / 8:00 pm
Admission: $40

Join us for an evening of Sufi music with Falsa, a vibrant ensemble of diverse improvisational musicians based in New York City.

Falsa

Based in New York City, ‘Falsa’ is a vibrant ensemble of diverse improvisational musicians. Anchored in the mystic traditions of 14th-century Sufi music—akin to the elevating poetry of Rumi—the group serves up an eclectic blend of minimalist meditation, raga jazz fusion, high-energy world improvisation, and immersive ritual-communitas performances featuring dancers and captivating visuals. But at its heart, Falsa is dedicated to normalizing the transcendent experience through music.

The band’s name, ‘Falsa,’ draws from a deeply personal and mystical narrative. Named after a tropical berry native to India and Pakistan, ‘Falsa’ represents the Sufi concept of longing for union—a theme that lead vocalist Umer has intimately experienced. After a decade-long separation from Pakistan due to intricate immigration bureaucracies, Umer’s eventual return was marked by a poignant realization. Tasting the ‘falsa’ fruit again broke through the emotional barriers he had built and brought him face-to-face with the truth: “Home is something you cannot take with you, you have to return to it.”

By weaving this narrative into their music, Falsa illuminates the magical aspects of experience that aren’t acquisitions but gifts. In the world of Falsa, Sufi music isn’t a means to an end, but a journey towards meaning and transcendence.

The ensemble for this performance:

Umer Piracha – Vocals
Tom Deis – Bass VI/Harmonium
Kenny Warren – Jazz Trumpet
Greg Foran – Drums
Siddharth Ashokkumar – Carnatic Violin

Stay connected with Falsa’s journey by following @falsamusic on Instagram.