Barbar Band is a creative collaboration co-founded in late 2023 by Khatchadour Khatchadourian, vocalist and duduk player, and pianist Karine Vann. Combining modern musical styles with traditional instrumentation and idioms, the duo presents contemporary arrangements of Armenia’s folk, troubadour, classical and sacred musics, seeking to showcase the incredible diversity in these timeless songs of love, loss, faith, and the land. This show will feature Bay Area local musician Aaron Kierbel on drums and percussion.

Khatchadour is a Lebanese-Armenian vocalist and musician. He sings in Armenian, Arabic, and Farsi, and plays the Armenian double reed woodwind, Duduk. Khatchadour performs internationally and locally across the Bay Area. He has released five albums, and is completing his sixth album, Shounch: Breath.

Karine Vann is a pianist and educator based in the North Bay. Well-versed in a number of genres, from classical to jazz, indie rock, and folk, she has performed across the Caucasus, the Northeast US, and locally in the Bay Area. She is the founder of Janapar Piano Studio, based in the Napa Valley, where she is in high demand as a teacher of piano technique and improvisation to all ages.

Aaron Kierbel is one of the most innovative and in-demand drummers in the San Francisco Bay Area. Known for his dynamic and versatile approach, Aaron has played and recorded with many top Bay Area artists such as Rupa and the April Fishes, The Jazz Mafia, Meklit Hadero, Diana Gameros, La Misa Negra, The San Francisco Mime Troupe, and many more. Aaron is also a passionate and respected drum instructor, known for his accessible and engaging approach to teaching all ages and skill levels.

Tickets are $25 in advance, $30 at the door general admission; $20 for students with ID/low-income individuals. Children under 12 are free. Advance tickets are available here, or if the show is not sold out, you may purchase your tickets at the door before the show.

Doors open 30 minutes before show time. We accept cash or Venmo only at the door.

The Back Room is an all-ages, BYOB (for those 21+) space, dedicated to (mostly) acoustic music of all kinds. You are welcome to bring your own food and beverages. The venue is ADA accessible. If you need more information or have any questions, please call us: #510-381-1997.

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Please refrain from using your phone during performances, and if you use your camera or video, please disable the flash.

Although masks are no longer required, we strongly encourage their use to keep everyone safe in our intimate space.

Thank you for your support!

Contact the host of Barbar Band: Modern Soundscapes in Armenian Music