Bio

Ahmad Yousefbeigi is an inspired and sought-after Kurdish Iranian percussionist. Born in Sanandaj, Iran, his passion for rhythm was fostered by the musical nature of Kurdish community life and his brother's guidance. At the age of twelve he began formal study of Tonbak and Daf .

Since moving to Seattle in 1998, Ahmad has captivated audiences in the Pacific Northwest with the energetic, nomadic folk songs of his native Kurdistan and the delicate, lyrical rhythms of Persian classical music and poetry.

In 2003 Ahmad formed Kamand , a traditional Persian classical and Kurdish folk ensemble. In Kamand, he was the lead singer and percussionist. For 3 years—2006, 2008 and 2009—he produced, organized and performed with Kamand and other guest artists to create a 2 hour music and dance concert called Norooz —a celebration commemorating the Iranian New Year and the first day of Spring—at Town Hall Seattle.

Ahmad's versatility, love of cultural exchange and collaboration has led him to perform with many musicians and bands outside of traditional Iranian and Kurdish music. His most recent acoustic, ambient, improvisational collaboration, YESOD , began in September 2010 with composer Bill Wolford. He is a current member of Middle-Eastern band, Shoruk. Ahmad is a former founding member of pan-Middle Eastern music ensemble, Mashriq. He has performed multiple times as a guest percussionist playing Daf with the Seattle Peace Choir —in an interpretation of Seattle Peace Choir Mozart's Requiem. Ahmad is a former member of Sin Fronteras , a South American folk band in which he played Argentine Bombo, Arabic Darabuka and Charchas. He has also collaborated with many artists and dancers.

Performance highlights include appearances on Seattle Public Radio Stations KUOW and KBCS; on Big Night Out on the Seattle Channel; at Benaroya Hall; Seattle City Hall; Kirkland Performance Center; Bellevue Community College; South Seattle Community College; UW Meany Hall, and Classical Tuesdays in Old Town Tacoma. Ahmad has also performed with Kamand for Rick Steve's Iran: Yesterday and Today presentation.

He has performed and taught regularly at the Northwest Folklife Festival at the Seattle Center as well as Folklife in the School's K-12 music program. He has taught Kurdish folk songs and Daf at Mendocino Middle Eastern Music and Dance Camp. Ahmad teaches Daf, Tonbak, and Kurdish line dancing.

Ahmad has studied the Persian classical singing repertoire called Pish-Radif with Dr. Houssein Omoumi , master ney player. At Simon Shaheen's Arabic Music Retreat he was invited to join Simon Shaheen 's ensemble in a performance.