Salman Ahmad to perform for William and Mary’s College Initiative

March 16, 2011

Sufi rocker, Salman Ahmad who has been described as the “Bono of Asia” will soon be performing live in concert at 8 p.m. on Friday, March 18th at the Kimball Theatre, located at Merchant’s Square in Colonial Williamsburg, United States. The concert and campus visit by Junoon is part of the William & Mary’s recently launched Asian Studies Initiative and its Silk Road Event Series. The initiative is a long-term project to support Asian Studies at the College of William & Mary (Chartered on February 8, 1693, by King William III and Queen Mary II as the second college in the American colonies). The concert is free and open to the public. Tickets are required for admission.

Junoon’s blend of Western rock and Sufi music has been a sensation throughout Europe and the Subcontinent, selling more than 30 million albums worldwide since 1990. Tamara Sonn, Kenan professor of humanities and religious studies and co-coordinator of the event, said the concert is an opportunity for individuals unaware of world music to expand their perspectives.

“Listeners will learn that world music is not just entertainment – it’s social engagement with the problems facing humanity across the globe,” she said.

“Junoon is a fascinating combo of really good metal, similar to Led Zeppelin and Van Halen, combined with the rich heritage of Sufi music from all over Asia, including Turkey, Persia/Iran, Central Asia, South Asian and Southeast Asian.”

Salman Ahmad is widely known for his humanitarian efforts as a UN Goodwill Ambassador and advocate for HIV/AID awareness. He has collaborated with Bono of U2, Peter Gabriel, founder of the rock band Genesis, and two-time Grammy award winning artist Melissa Etheridge, to raise money and awareness for global wellness projects.

The event is free but tickets are required. Contact the Kimball box office for tickets.

[ via WM ]