Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
A Chance To Chat
Arts center hosts cultural conversations
An internationally acclaimed vocalist, Farah Siraj is an old friend of the Faulkner Performing Arts Center at the University of Arkansas, having performed there in 2017. She’s also known internationally not only for her fusion of musical styles but for her humanitarian efforts.
“Music can be an impactful medium for healing, connection and for soothing the soul — and also a catalyst for change,” Siraj says by email from her home in Philadelphia. “I personally believe I have responsibility to use my music to speak out against injustice. I’ve written many songs about the reality of war and violence and the consequences they have on people’s lives. I have particularly focused on refugee rights, women’s rights, animal rights and the effect violence/war has on our own psyche.
“In the past weeks, the horrific realities of police brutality and systemic racism and oppression — which have always been present — have been brought to the forefront, as well as the inspiring resilience of people from all over the world taking a stand against this injustice and oppression,” she adds, “and I feel this will continue to influence and inspire artists’ works, myself included.”
Siraj, who was born and grew up in Amman, the capital city of Jordan, will be the July guest in a series of Facebook Live interviews conducted by Nicole Cotton-Leachman, managing director of the Faulkner Center. There will also be a “sneak peek” at some of Siraj’s music.
“In mid-March, all events for the rest of the season were canceled due to covid-19,” Cotton-Leachman sets the stage. “As we moved to working remotely, we realized it was important to stay connected with our community and keep employing artists as so many have lost their income. One platform we had readily available was Facebook Live, and it was the most widely used by multiple age ranges. I think it was a natural shift to move virtual as physical stages were temporarily shut down.
“I think one thing we wanted to provide was not just a performance, but a conversation with our artists,” she goes on. “Let everyone hear what is important to them, how they are coping with the current circumstances and to let people know that the arts are still alive and well. It’s different seeing and hearing an artist in their home setting than up on a stage. I think it brings us together more as human beings to have conversations, and this was a great way to still achieve that, even if not in person.”
Before covid-19 changed everything, Siraj had been living in New York City, preparing to record a new album, then go on tour. Instead, she found herself moving back to Philadelphia and trying to “adjust to the ‘new normal,’ though there’s nothing normal about it!”
“Once I felt more settled, I refocused my attention back to my music and creativity and tried to envision a future where I am back on stage and connecting with my audience,” she says. “The atmosphere in Philadelphia right now is heavy; there’s a lot of pain, anger, sadness and frustration (rightfully so) and parallel to that it’s inspiring to see the resilience of so many people, in Philadelphia and around the country, trying to bring about the change that is long overdue.
“I’ve been recording in my home studio,” she goes on, “collaborating with other artists and doing livestream concerts in order to stay connected with my fans. It’s been an amazing experience to see my fans from Jordan, India, Spain, the United States, Canada and South America and beyond attend at the same time!”
Cotton-Leachman says many questions remain unanswered about a fall season at the Faulkner Center.
“The public can rest assured we will have a safe environment for both artists, staff and patrons once we return,” she says. “In the meantime, we plan to continue more virtual events and activities for the students, community and artists. Who knows, this could open up a whole new world for the concertgoers.”