Rich American culture, music’s unifying power are showcased in Qatar

AMERICAN musical groups Barbaro and Brass-A-Holics recently captivated audiences in Qatar, on a trip organised by the US Embassy in Doha through the American Music Abroad and Arts Envoys programmes. Their visit highlighted the rich tapestry of American culture and the unifying power of music through the bands’ engaging workshops, connections with local artists, and powerful performances.

Barbaro, a trailblazing ensemble known for their fusion of the bluegrass genre and chamber music, enthralled audiences with their unique “new grass” compositions. Originally from the mountainous Appalachian region of the eastern United States, bluegrass blends various music styles, including the blues and jazz, resulting in vibrant and soulful sounds.

During their time in Qatar, Barbaro conducted musical workshops with their voices and instruments – a fiddle, banjo, upright bass, guitar – at Maktaba Children’s Library, SEK International School, and ACS International School Doha.

The workshops emphasised the importance of harmonisation, self-expression, and communication with band-mates. The band members shared personal anecdotes about their connections to music, and shared the history of the American bluegrass genre. They even led an enthusiastic group in a lively circle dance.

“There is a nexus with traditional Gulf music, string instruments, and storytelling,” said Kyle Shelstand, Barbaro. “We were really excited to connect with the people of Qatar through our Bluegrass music and learn about their culture, music, and folk traditions.”

Meanwhile, Brass-AHolics brought the vibrant sounds of New Orleans brass and Washington, D.C.’s go-go funk – both genres created by Black Americans – to Qatar’s stages. Playing alongside students at the Qatar Music Academy, Brass-A-Holics delivered an intimate and collaborative concert, with infectious energy and a distinctive sound.

The band also joined a stimulating roundtable discussion at M7 with Qatari break-dancer and Flamenco guitarist Faisal al-Dosari and Sudanese muralist Assil Diab. They talked about how their artistic passions connect them to their communities, and help them be resilient through emotional challenges – for example, when Brassa-Holics performs in New Orleans’ traditional outdoor, musical funeral processions.

The two bands also performed alongside the U.S. Air Forces Central (AFCENT) Band at the U.S. 247th Independence Day celebration on May 18 at the Qatar National Convention Centre. Barbaro’s performance, characterised by lightning-fast fiddle solos, enchanting banjo melodies, and captivating narratives, transported listeners.