withÉlan

3/20/2011: Shahram Shabpareh & Andy concert for Nowrouz (Persian New Year). I have blisters on my hands from clapping so much.  Vaveyla, vaveylaaaaa! 

firelily:

Iran’s treasure trove of 70s funk

This is totally recommended if you like funk music or 70s culture at all. Dia Prometido’s has to be the coolest version of “Hava Nagila” I’ve ever heard.

Pictured is Iranian singer Googoosh looking very Tura Satana.

Even better (to me) than Googoosh is Kourosh Yaghmaei, who is also mentioned in the article. 

This song of his is so “villagey” but I adore it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-fNW8OrEsn0

Kourosh Yaghmaei - Havar Havar

Oh and the version that was popular in India: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=psYgmvgTJuw

Hasan Jahangir - Hawa Hawa

Amir found me a couple first-grade textbooks from Iran.  Every night, I practice reading aloud so he can correct my pronunciation.  I like the illustrations! 

I also like the moral reinforcement.  The last sentence reads “Mina looks more beautiful with her scarf.”