By Citizen Journalist, Sandra Zarqani

On May 8th, the Zanzibar restaurant in Brentwood Bay will host another Heart and Soul Cafe music night with internationally renowned guest musician, Munirih Sparrow.

The purpose of the event is to bring people together in a spirit of harmony to enjoy soul-stirring music and engage in conversation of a distinct and elevated nature.

“I think this is a great exercise in community building,” said Toni Brassard, co-owner of Zanzibar, “and it will be entertaining as well!”

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Munirih Sparrow was born and raised in Saskatoon. She has toured internationally from Australia and Africa to Israel, released two records and received national radio airplay.

“Although I experienced some success with my music career over the past 15 years,” says Sparrow, “I ignored the long-standing, burning desire to sing sacred music. Why? Because my burning desire was frozen by a deep fear: I was terrified to speak publicly about my Baha’i Faith, prayer and the big one, God. I finally reached the decision to either quit or have faith in the music that I’d been longing to make. I chose faith.” Her first full-length album of sacred music, “Morning to Midnight” was released in late 2011.

Sparrow’s music weaves Baha’i prayers with original melodies resulting in an intimate performance exploring the interplay of spirituality and art. Sparrow’s sound has been described as Norah Jones blended with a female Krishna Das or as a female, country, and Baha’i version of Matisyahu. You’ll be moved by her voice, story, and acoustic guitar.

“With this new record I hope to deepen relationship to the word of God and to breathe life into some sorrow laden hearts. All songs on this album are Bahá’í Sacred Writings. These words help to ignite the spirit and bring people together. I hope they find special meaning in your heart and life,” says Sparrow.

Sparrow ends her coast-to-coast “Morning to Midnight” Canadian tour at the Zanzibar Cafe in Central Saanich. Having performed in 14 cities she is preparing to depart on a European tour in July.

The Heart and Soul Café is the brain-child of Saanich Peninsula residents, Margo Styan and Debbie Ainsworth. This free first-come first-served event is a gift from the Baha’i community to music lovers everywhere.

When: Tuesday May 8th @ Zanzibar Restaurant, 1164 Stelly’s Cross Road. Doors open at 6pm.

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