Wednesday, July 2, 2025

Painter Ali Bozorgmehr Honored by LA’s Art of Elysium Gala

By Fred Parvaneh The Iranian-American artist Ali Bozorgmehr, whose art is an amalgamation of Persian calligraphy and painting, has been honored by the Art of Elysium, a California-based organization that pairs volunteer artists with communities...
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Guitarist Babak Amini and Soloist Darya Dadvar Release “IRAN” Ahead of Schedule

By Fred Parvaneh Due to the current events in Iran, Iranian Canadian musician, composer, guitarist, Babak Amini, and Iranian soprano soloist and composer living in Paris, France, Darya Dadvar have decided to honor those affected...
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Motorcycling Through 45 Countries: Interview with Maral Yazarloo

By Fred Parvaneh A motorcycle ride across 45 countries and seven continents, with no back-up vehicles or support teams: that's the bold 18-month adventure that Iranian-born Maral Yazarloo began in Mumbai, India, on 15th March...

Co-Founder of Chart-Topping Band “Shahin & Sepehr” Releases Novel

By Fred Parvaneh Sepehr Haddad — a recording artist who co-founded the band Shahin & Sepehr — has just released his debut novel, “A Hundred Sweet Promises,” based on a true family story told to...

INTERVIEW: Singer Niaz Nawab Fuses Persian Poetry With Western Sound

By Fred Parvaneh   Niaz Nawab is an Iranian-born singer, songwriter, multi-instrumental musician, and music teacher currently residing in Paris. As a scion of one of Iran’s most prominent musical families, Niaz was spotted early on as...

Portraying Iranian-American Diversity: Novelist Abdi Nazemian

By Fred Parvaneh Abdi Nazemian is an Iranian-American novelist whose nuanced stories offer a realistic portrayal of the community he was born into – without stereotyping. He recently released his second novel, "The Authentics," a...

Iranian-American Maral Milani Plays Aspiring Yemeni Scientist In Play

By Fred Parvaneh After four weeks of sold-out performances at the Odyssey Theatre in Los Angeles, “Paradise” -- a play written by Laura Maria Censabella and co-produced by Oscar-winning actress Viola Davis -- recently ended...

Singer Rastin, Raised in Sweden, Revs Up for LA Concert

By Fred Parvaneh In the 1970s, a new musical movement was created by blending modern and traditional Persian beats with Western rhythm and blues and classic pop. The movement, known as 'Taraneh Nouvin' (or 'new...

Sepi Shyne, West Hollywood Mayoral Candidate, to Run Again in 2020

By Fred Parvaneh Last month, the residents of West Hollywood voted in the local California elections. On the ballot was the name of a small business owner, feminist, activist and attorney of Iranian descent: Sepi...
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‘Beyond Shahs of Sunset’: Interview with Founder and Cardiologist Afshine Emrani

By Fred Parvaneh Dr. Afshine Emrani is a prominent cardiologist and internist who serves the residents of the greater Los Angeles area. Separately from his medical practice, Dr. Emrani is a prolific blogger known for...