America's North Shore Journal

Afghan Night Live allowed US and Allied personnel to experience Afghan culture.

With the background melodies of a sitar, rabab and bongo drums filling the air, a siren-like voice beckoned the crowd to dance to the unique Afghan sounds. And like ancient mariners in Homer’s Odyssey, they responded.

More than 350 service members, International Security Assistance Force members, and Afghans took part in the cultural festivities of Afghan Night Live at Bagram Air Field, June 13. The event was standing room only.

The event included live Afghan music, dancers, and food and was meant to show service members some of the culture they are helping to rebuild.

“This cultural event is…to build a bridge between the Afghan community and other nations,” said the events director, Dr. Abdul Bahrami, cultural advisor.

Music and dance may be that bridge. Many times throughout the event, service members took part in the festivities by dancing with the performers during songs.

Bahrami said rhythm is everywhere and in everyone, and seeing service members join his countrymen in dance filled him with pride.

Army Pfc. Tiffany Brown, a Jefferson, Ga., native and a cook for the 32nd Transportation Battalion out of Ft. Carson, Colo., was moved by the energy of the event and joined in the dancing.

“It was awesome to dance and interact with the performers,” said Brown. Others agreed with her sentiment.

“It was cool to see everyone dance together,” said Army Spc. Paul Miranda, a human resource specialist with the 6th Brigade, 36th Military Intelligence Battalion out of Camp Mabry in Austin, Texas. “It was great to see their culture and to get the chance to experience it first-hand.”

Many thought the appreciation gained for Afghan culture at the event will foster better understanding and interaction between the two cultures.

“This event has opened eyes, and will help Soldiers understand and appreciate how Afghans act,” said Miranda, an Austin, Texas, native. “The culture is very welcoming and nice.”

Some felt the appreciation gained for Afghan culture at the event will provide an avenue for better understanding and interaction.

“I think it is important for the military to understand the culture here, because then it’ll help us relate better to the Afghans,” said Brown. “These are happy people and they know how to have a good time.”

Bahrami said the goal of Afghan Night Live was to make a difference in the perceptions of the attendees and to connect with one another through music.

Judging from the enthusiasm and positive comments heard from many in attendance, organizers can rest easy for a job well done.

CJTF-82
Written by Army Pfc. Derek L. Kuhn, 40th Public Affairs Detachment