Pakistani guitarist featured at MCLA concert

Print Story | Email Story
Salman Ahmad
On Friday, Dec. 7, Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) will present Patrons of the Arts’ annual Songs of the Spirit concert, at 7:30 p.m. in the Church Street Center. This year’s featured performers will be Salman Ahmad, a Pakistani-American guitarist known for his humanitarian efforts, and Gary Lucas, a Grammy-nominated songwriter and NYC-based guitarist. Also performing will be local resident Jamie Choquette ’98 and the Gabriel Abbott Children’s Choir from Florida mountain. An annual holiday tradition at MCLA, Songs of the Spirit is a celebration of song and music showcasing the commonalities found in different faith traditions from around the world. This year’s program will feature individual and collaborative work by three artists whose work is inspired and informed by both secular and sacred traditions, including Islam, Judaism and Christianity. Dubbed “The Bono of the Muslim World,” Salman Ahmad is the musician who formed Junoon, South Asia’s largest and most senior rock band. He also has been involved in two documentaries with the BBC and is working to spread awareness about HIV in South Asia, and to help bring peace between Pakistan and India as an artist. “Salman Ahmad’s prowess as a singer and blues-based guitarist has earned him thousands of fans among moderate Muslims,” according to the LA Times. He recently worked with Annie Lennox, Sarah McLachlan and Dave Stewart in a song for “Green Peace.” His cover “What’s so Funny about Peace, Love and Understanding” (a duet with PJ Olsson) by Nick Lowe/Elvis Costello is featured in the new TV series, “Aliens in America. Last week, Ahmad had his article, “A False Choice for Pakistan” published in the Washington Post. Following his MCLA appearance, Ahmad will perform at the Nobel Peace Prize Awards. Lucas is known for his solo guitar work in “Legendary Left-field Guitarist” and his long-standing band, Gods and Monsters, was called “an underground rock fan’s dream-team” by The New Yorker. He has been described as “one of the best and most original guitarists in America” by the Rolling Stone, a “legendary leftfield guitarist” by The Guardian, “the thinking man’s guitar hero” by The New Yorker and one of “the most innovative and challenging guitarists playing today” by fRoots. Lucas tours all over the world and has performed in 35 countries. Between each set at this event will be readings, curated by MCLA’s Jewish Student Union and Christian Fellowship and read by local clerics, focusing on the shared spiritual ideals of diverse faiths and cultures. Tickets to Songs of the Spirit are $12 for general admission, $5 for MCLA faculty and staff, and free to Patrons and MCLA students. For more information or to order tickets, call 413-662-5543, or go to www.mcla.edu/patrons .
Share
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Weekend Outlook: Summer Pride

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff

Check out the events happening in the Berkshires this weekend including festivals, pride night, free days, and more.

Editor's Pick

The Great Ladybug Release 
The Apple Barn, Bennington Vt.
Friday and Saturday
Time: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Join The Apple Barn to learn about ladybugs and why they are good for the environment. Enjoy a storywalk with the kids and you will also be able to release some ladybugs as you enjoy the farm.

More information here.

Multiple Days

2026 Berkshire Yoga Festival
Jiminy Peak, Hancock
June 11 to 14

Another year of yoga in the Berkshires is back featuring yoga teachers from around the world sharing their knowledge as well as local vendors, hiking, art, and more.

More information and tickets here.

Friday 

North Adams Pride Night
Main Street
Time: 5 to 9 p.m.

Come downstreet for the annual Pride Night featuring a drag story hour, local food vendors, dance parties, and more.

More information here.

Common Craft Night
165 East Main St., North Adams
Time: 6 to 9 p.m.

Bring your crafts and work on them with others in the community.

More information here.

Lebanon Valley Drift
Lebanon Valley Dragway, 
West Lebanon, N.Y.
Time: 2 to 8 p.m.

All driving levels are able to participate in the drift or just come to watch others. The food stand will be open to sit and enjoy the show.

More information here.

Saturday

Fair Gardens: Family Programming
Berkshire Athenaeum, Pittsfield
Time: 11 a.m.

Design a little home a fairy would love to reside in. Open to ages 8 to 18 with family, bring your own garden type supplies or use from the library.

More information here.

Mass MoCA Free Day

View Full Story

More North Adams Stories

A & E
image description

New Weekend Outlook: Summer Pride

A & E
Community News
image description

Armed North Adams Man Arrested Following Domestic Standoff

Community News
Business
image description

North Adams' Zio Roberto Fare Steeped in Italian Tradition

Business
Community News
image description

North Adams Police Block Houghton Street for Crisis Intervention

Community News
Business
image description

Berkshire Built: The Pennysleever

Business
Community News
image description

Companion Corner Grey Boy at No Paws Left Behind

Community News
Latest Stories
Previous Next

What's Trending?