This winter, the Australian not-for-profit record label Music in Exile will bring us sounds from all corners of this city to warm our hearts and keep the winter chill away.

Music in Exile is a not-for-profit record label and a registered charity supporting artists with lived experience of migration and displacement working in the Australian music scene. They have supported the likes of Gordon Koang, Mindy Meng Wang, Ausecuma Beats and many more.

Once a month in the Ace Lobby, Music in Exile will showcase emerging artists from across Sydney who are changing the contemporary voice and sound of Australian music.

On Wednesday, July 17, join us for an evening of Persian folk and pop music with composer and vocalist Ashkan Shafiei. Having transplanted from Tehran to Sydney, Ashkan’s music permeates with a fresh vibrancy resulting from collaborations with local artists. The result is a distinctive sound which strikes a delicate balance between innovation and nostalgia.

Under the banner of Ashkan & Friends, the ensemble presents a repertoire primarily composed of Ashkan's originals, along with reimagined interpretations of classics from Iranian icons like Vigen Derderian.

Joining Ashkan at this special performance are Diego Contreras on percussion and Ama Kamalasuriya on flute, percussion, and bass guitar.

Don’t forget interstitial selections from local favourite Bobby Vibe Positive, kicking off at 6pm, with live music at 6.30 and 7.30pm.