Global Sounds on the Hill Featuring Award-winning Persian Musician Mehrnam Rastegari
“Mehrnam Rastegari is a New York-based master of the traditional
Persian spike fiddle, the kamancheh” – New Sounds, WNYC New York Public Radio
Curated and hosted by iconic DC impresario and musician Jim Thomson
Mehrnam Rastegari is a prominent Persian musician, award-winning film score composer, singer, violinist, and master Kamancheh player, who brings Persian music in new directions by combining it with rock and modern fusion styles. She explores new ways to introduce Persian microtonal music to a wider audience, experimenting with new sounds that connect tradition with contemporary music. Her performances have taken her to international stages, including the Bill Gates Goalkeepers 2024 event, where she played alongside the Grammy award-winning artist Jon Batiste, and some of the most prestigious music festivals worldwide, including GlobalFest, Secret Planet APAP showcase, Ragas Live Festival, Montana Folk Festival, the WOMEX (World Music Expo), Crossing Border Festival, Le Guess Who?, Pitchfork Music Festival, Into The Great Wide Open, Mutations Festival, Feeërieën, Fajr International Music Festival. Rastegari is an extraordinary Kamancheh performer, acclaimed by some of the finest Kamancheh artists and instructors globally, who have certified her as a Master Kamancheh player.
Jim Thomson is a Washington, DC–based independent DIY music producer specializing in booking, live music production, artist management, DJ events, and record releases. He produces the ongoing concert series Secret Planet DC, partnering with venues, foundations, and musicians across the city to create unique, intimate, and meaningful performances. Jim also runs the boutique label Electric Cowbell Records and curates vinyl DJ residencies at numerous DC institutions including The Green Zone, Eaton Hotel, and the DC Record Fair. A lifelong musician and promoter, he is a founding member of GWAR and has performed with or presented artists ranging from Bad Brains and Dick Dale to Marc Ribot, Charles Gayle, and Medeski, Martin & Wood.
