The world-renowned Hijera, featuring Ashraf Hakim and Don Bargiano, will present a show at Dads Dip and Dogs, located at 402 St. Main St. in Athens, Pa., on June 17 from 7 to 9 p.m. The raindate is June 18.
Ashraf Hakim is a cellist virtuoso and soloist who has played in over 30 countries on six continents for Kings, Sheiks, Ambassadors, Presidents and Prime Ministers. He mesmerizes audiences as he effortlessly transforms his cello into a symphony orchestra or jazz ensemble. When he’s not soloing with symphonies, he plays special events, festivals, parties and weddings.
Ashraf believes his music is a bridge of peace and reunification between the East and the West. He stated, “We are all one family.” He spreads love, peace, joy and happiness with music that touches the souls of his audiences.
Don Baragiano is founder, composer and bandleader for the Middle Eastern music project “Hejira”. He combines ancient Middle Eastern scales and rhythms with American rock, jazz and classical music.
Don studied music theory in high school and attended the University of Cincinnati’s College Conservatory of Music. In the 1970’s and 80’s, he was an Audio Engineer at Northern Kentucky University and at the Ministry of Finance in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Don’s long-time love of world music was solidified when he was invited to a private audience / master class with HRM King Faud’s master musician, Hamzah Mohammed Al-Bashir.
In 2012 and 2013, Don was selected to compete in the Aaron Copland Foundation’s “American Composer” series.
Hejira evolved from Seattle’s premier original world music band into a sophisticated, nationwide, educational and entertaining stage show. They blend world music and ethnic dance. They share their collective global experiences with insight and humor as they impart their simple universal message, “We are all One”.
