Marsico, multi- instrumentalist Dan Meyers (woodwinds), drummer and composer Giuseppe Paradiso (percussion), and tradition-spanning plucked string player Tev Stevig (guitar, oud).The group is devoted to exploring the rich and vibrant musical traditions of the Mediterranean, celebrating centuries of artistic exchange across its lands and waters.
Drawing inspiration from Southern Italian chants, Sephardic love songs, Romani laments, and Turkish and Greek folk melodies, Zafarán creates a sound that is both deeply rooted and strikingly contemporary. Driving rhythms, soulful improvisation, and the commanding vocals of award-winning singer Carmen Marsico come together to weave stories that transcend borders and time. Through a captivating blend of traditional and modern repertoire, the ensemble bridges cultures and generations—sharing the spirit of the Mediterranean and a vision of a future based on celebrating the common threads between diverse peoples.
Founded in 2020, the ensemble released its debut album, Zafarán, in April 2025, marking a milestone in their evolving musical journey.
The word "zafarán" comes from Arabic via old Persian, meaning "yellow" or "saffron". The most precious of all spices, saffron has been cultivated in the Mediterranean basin since ancient times. In Lucania, Carmen's native region, the local dialect uses "zafarán" to refer to the long, sweet red peppers from Senise (Italy), famous throughout Italy and beyond.
https://www.zafaranmusic.com
You may also like the following events from 24 Hour Concerts:
- This Friday, 13th February, 07:00 pm, The Ego &. The Oracle in Somerville
- This Friday, 13th February, 07:00 pm, Jazz Cuti, Mimi Fonseca, and Jesse Chon in Somerville
- This Sunday, 15th February, 04:00 pm, Pamela Means, "LEZ REZ" Upstairs at McCarthy's in Cambridge
Also check out other
Music events in Somerville,
Arts events in Somerville,
Fine Arts events in Somerville.
