There is a very special show coming to Wolfville in September! ASHK is the latest project from multi-instrumentalists Ariana, Sahara and Kamila Nasr together with percussionist Ken Shorley. The three sisters of Afghan-Canadian heritage grew up in Nova Scotia and have devoted many years to studying and performing music in different parts of the world including India, Afghanistan, China, Europe and Brazil. The word ASHK, means “love” in Turkish and “tear” in Dari. As the band performs in multiple languages and styles, playing a variety of instruments, ASHK creates a show that reflects their travels, multicultural lifestyles and musical passions.

The upcoming show in Wolfville, presented by the Acadia Performing Arts Series, will feature new compositions by the Nasr sisters. Last fall the group received a grant from the City of Montreal, where Ariana and Kamila are based, to set some of their late father’s poems to music. The three sisters got together for three weeks to compose and arrange these new pieces and they were then joined by Ken Shorley for two performances in the city. The sisters lost their father in 2023, and this project is very dear to their hearts.

ASHK’s music is based in three part vocal harmonies, and features many instruments as well! Ariana takes beautiful solos on the saxophone and accompanies on accordion, Sahara plays a haunting string instrument from South Asia called the sarangi, Kamila brings a special magic on the Celtic harp and the harmonium as well as the silver flute, and Ken keeps the groove on percussion instruments from around the world. This is a show you will not want to miss!

The Acadia Performing Arts Series is presenting ASHK at the Festival Theatre on Saturday, September 13th at 7:30 pm.