Brooklyn Maqam presents: TAN HAW
Barbès376 9th St, New York 11215
Tan Haw presents “Grandma’s Tapes,” a program of traditional Iranian classic ballads, or tasnifs, drawn from the Radif of Iranian classical music. Setâr and dotâr accompany vocals, call-and-response, and singalongs.
Tan Haw is the stage name of Mani Nilchiani, an Iranian musician based between Brooklyn and Mexico. Trained in setâr, vocals, and the Radif tradition, he expands Persian classical roots through work in Persian, Azerbaijani, English, and Spanish. Bandcamp Daily’s Big Ups called him “a radical improviser who explores the intersection of Iranian classical music with various forms of contemporary music.”
Barbès offers a compact, warmly worn space where the music feels immediate and close, with a long wooden bar and a back room under a scarlet ceiling that hosts nightly performances. The venue champions a broad spectrum of global sounds, from Balkan brass and klezmer to Afrobeat and experimental jazz, often featuring residencies like the Slavic Soul Party. The audience gathers around small tables or at the bar, sharing drinks crafted with a nod to French spirits, while the music invites attentive listening rather than loud conversation. Shows usually have a suggested donation instead of a cover charge, creating a welcoming environment where the focus is on the artists. The venue’s commitment to accessibility and its role in Brooklyn’s cultural fabric make it a distinctive spot for an evening of richly diverse live music.