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TriWest Healthcare Alliance secured a $65 billion, nine-year contract in 2022 — but what does it mean for veterans' care?

Join us for an immersive performance by Mohammad Khodadadi, an acclaimed Persian composer and performer on the ney, an ancient end-blown cane flute that plays a central role in Persian mysticism. The sound of the ney is said to express the human soul’s longing for union with God, drawing listeners into an introspective, contemplative state. Born in Iran, and trained by masters of Persian music, Mohammad weaves the haunting sounds of the ney with the dynamic energy of Iranian bagpipes, blending traditional Persian melodies with his own innovative compositions. Mohammad will invite the audience to experience the expressive range of Persian music, enhanced by his deep knowledge of both Western and Persian classical traditions. This close-up encounter promises an evening of captivating sounds and spontaneous musical exchanges, offering rare insight into Iran’s musical heritage through the artistry of one of its most dedicated performers. In a Q&A after the performance, we’ll have the chance to engage directly with the artist and explore his creative process and inspirations. Expect an evening that draws you closer to the beauty and depth of this captivating musical tradition. About the artist: Mohammad Khodadadi, born in Bushehr, Iran, started his musical journey on the ney at age 15, He trained rigorously under master musicians, later studying the Persian radif (traditional repertoire) and vocal techniques alongside piano and composition in Iran and Austria. He is currently pursuing Western composition studies at the University of Anton Bruckner in Linz, Austria, and has expanded his expertise to include conducting. Mohammad performs as a soloist and composer across Europe and Iran and organizes seminars to promote Persian classical music in the West. He teaches Persian music fundamentals in Austrian institutions, along with individual classes in ney, Persian singing, and music theory. His work bridges cultures, blending the depth of Persian musical heritage with Western classical influences, bringing traditional Persian sounds to global audiences with fresh and innovative expressions. Visit: The Art of the Ney: Contemporary Sounds of Iran with Mohammad Khodadadi Mohammad Khodadadi on Instagram and Facebook

A new NPR/Ipsos poll shows growing support for some restrictions on immigration. Still, many elements of President Trump's sweeping crackdown are unpopular with Democrats and independents.

The statement from Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton "corrects falsehoods" from critics who say death row inmate Robert Roberson was unjustifiably convicted in the death of his toddler child.

NPR's Eric Deggans speaks to Summer Harlow of the Knight Center for Journalism in the Americas and V Spehar of UnderTheDeskNews about the role of influencers in journalism.

This December you will have the rare opportunity to witness a living Nativity Scene, one that sings with the voices of angels and shepherds! Musica Vitale invites you to a staged performance of Laud to the Nativity by Italian composer Ottorino Respighi on 12/13 (St. Paul's Cathedral) and 12/18 (Christ Church Coronado). Although Lauda per la Natività del Signore is generally presented as a concert piece, Respighi's wife Elsa left detailed instructions for a staged production. Our director, the noted singer-actress Angelina Réaux, might not follow these to the letter, but she is excited to bring this lesser-known work to life in the form of a popular Italian tradition, the presepe vivente or living nativity scene. Our distinguished soloists--Alberto Estanol, Shepherd (Opera Tijuana), Janelle de Stefano, Mary (Professor of Music, Santa Monica College) and Lisa Parente, Angel (San Diego Opera Singing Artist)--along with the chorus of Musica Vitale and a woodwind ensemble will breathe new life into the Christmas story, as told by the imaginative and innovative Ottorino Respighi. The concert will also include Marian songs by Rachmaninov, Liszt, Grieg, Schnittke, Poulenc, etc. Visit: https://www.musicavitale.com/performances Musica Vitale on Instagram and Facebook

For musicians like Rhiannon Giddens and Rissi Palmer, trying to break down doors in the folk and country music scenes has been a long road. A festival in Durham this weekend aims to remedy that.

Jahari Stampley is a rising star in all capital letters. Become immersed in the cool, head-bopping rhythms of this young pianist who has already won some of today’s most prestigious awards including a first-place win at the 2023 Herbie Hancock Institute International Competition. Recognized by music greats like Jill Scott, Yebba Smith, and Stanley Clarke, a performance by this jazz luminary is a must-see. Visit: https://theconrad.org/events/jahari-stampley-trio/ Jahari Stampley on Instagram and Facebook

Experience the enchanting world of Javanese gamelan music and dance with Joko Sutrisno and Tri Martodikromo. Joko, an acclaimed performer, composer, and educator, and Tri, a celebrated dancer of this refined tradition, have thrilled audiences in both Indonesia and the United States. In this special performance, Joko will be joined by the Indonesian Consulate Community gamelan and members of the Canyon Crest Academy gamelan. Together, they will bring to life the intricate rhythms and rich harmonies of traditional Javanese music and the captivating dances that reflect the cultural depth of Indonesia’s artistic heritage. Following the performance, join Joko, Tri, and the ensemble for a Q&A session, where you’ll have the chance to delve deeper into the history, instruments, and stories behind the music and dance. Expect an evening that offers an unforgettable glimpse into one of Indonesia’s most cherished art forms. About the artists: Joko Sutrisno is an accomplished Javanese gamelan performer, composer, and educator who has engaged with students and audiences both in Indonesia and abroad. Sutrisno graduated from the Indonesian Institute of Arts, Surakarta, Java, in 1987. He directed the gamelan ensemble at Victoria University in Wellington, New Zealand for 8 years before moving to Minnesota in 1995, where he was artistic director of Sumunar Gamelan and Dance Ensemble. He was recently appointed as a professor of gamelan at UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music and the UC Riverside School of Music. As a Center for World Music teaching artist, he directs the Javanese gamelan ensemble at Canyon Crest Academy high school. He is also currently the consulting director for the student gamelan ensembles at Saint Thomas University, The University of South Dakota, (Vermillion); Concordia College, (Moorhead); and Hamilton College (New York). In 2024, Sutrisno was appointed as an apprentice for the Alliance for California Traditional Arts (ACTA). Tri Martodikromo, born in Central Java, Indonesia, has been deeply immersed in dance from a young age. After moving to the Twin Cities in 1995, she became the dance director for the Sumunar Indonesian Music and Dance Ensemble. Known for her inspiring choreography and teaching, Tri has shared Indonesian dance across the Midwest through workshops, residencies, and community classes. Now residing in Los Angeles, Tri continues her mission of connecting communities through the art of Indonesian dance. Visit: Sounds of the Royal Courts: Gamelan Music & Dance of Java Center for World Music on Instagram and Facebook

Cinema Under The Stars presents “The Grand Budapest Hotel” Saturday, August 24 at 8 p.m. Sunday, August 25 at 8 p.m. Ages: 18+ “THE GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL” (2014. 99 minutes. R) - Wes Anderson’s cockeyed contraption is a madcap caper focused on a concierge (Ralf Fiennes) and his young protege (Tony Revolori) who are swept up in the battle for a family fortune. With Bill Murray, Ed Norton, Adrian Brody, Jude Law and Willem Defoe.