What's On

Simrit in Concert

2017/09/05 (Tuesday)

Syllables of Change: Simrit Brings Musical Innovation and Personal Devotion to One of the World’s Oldest Poetic Lineages

World Music/Contemporary | World Music/Traditional

Some performers can bring true commitment to age-old meditations, urging everyone from pop stars to theater audiences to fall in love with the words of South Asian sages. Some artists have a presence that engages and soothes, an ear that can hear the resonances that bridge continents and souls.

Vocalist and songwriter Simrit, born in Athens, Greece, adopted and raised in the American South, is one of these artists. Drawing on the harmonic beauty of the Greek Orthodox chants she grew up with, adding the pulse and melodic sensibilities of West African traditions she studied intensely, Simrit and her ensemble tease out distinct facets of devotional poetry and the intimate ardors of the spirit on Songs of Resilience (release: September 30, 2016).

Working with an elegant, expressive musical palette--rich cello, exquisite kora, rolling percussion--and with veteran rock and Americana producer Paul Mahern (Willie Nelson, Iggy Pop, Lily & Madeleine, John Mellencamp), Simrit reveals new sides to ancient gems, encouraging listeners to find grounding endurance, hope, and transformation. “Our songs are about the soul, about all its experiences of love, pain, and joy,” says Simrit. “These are all things that people on this planet deal with each and every day.”

Simrit and ensemble will perform at Unity of Vancouver, September 16, 2017 at 7:30pm 

For more info and to listen to samples of her music check out rockpaperscissors.com.