NOW Workshop - Bahar Khazei

Name: NOW Workshop - Bahar Khazei
Start: 2026-04-25T14:00:00-07:00
End: 2026-04-25T15:30:00-07:00
Location: Vancouver, BC, Canada, British Columbia V6A 1T1

Schedule

Sat Apr 25 2026 at 02:00 pm to 03:30 pm

UTC-07:00

Location

Vancouver, BC, Canada, British Columbia V6A 1T1 | Vancouver, BC

At 8EAST, 8 East Pender Street, Vancouver,
2:00pm - 3:30pm
Saturdays April 5 to May 23, 2026
With a Special Workshop event April 5
co-presented with Sound of Dragon Society
For up to 25 participants, Free with a NOW Membership
Workshops are drop-in, please bring your instrument (and/or amps) and be ready to play!
Donations gratefully accepted https://www.nowsociety.org/donations-memberships-and-volunteers
Since 1978, the New Orchestra Workshop Society (NOW) has presented music improvisation workshops, offering space for exploration and participation. Our workshops are for improvisers of all levels of ability and ranges of experience, regardless of gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, age, race or religion. We protect privacy in our workshops and adopt the We Have Voice Collective Code of Conduct. Read more about NOW workshop policies here.
Bahar Khazei
Bahar Khazei is a musician, educator and first-generation immigrant living on the unceded territories of the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh people. With a diverse musical foundation spanning classical piano, Iranian traditional music, and synthesis, Bahar has developed a particular sonic identity that bridges cultural and artistic boundaries.
Central to Bahar’s practice is her exploration of free improvisation as a form of inquiry and alternative ways of communication. She uses sound as a tool to reflect on concepts such as language, othering, loss of home, and belonging, particularly through the lens of cultural identity. Her solo ambient/noise project Fide serves as one platform for exploring these improvisational concepts through ambient drone, noise, collected sounds, field recordings, and speech.
Beyond her performance practice, she co-curates a bi-monthly improvised music series with the NOW Society, serves on the board of the Barking Sphinx Performance Society, and regularly contributes to the experimental and contemporary music scene in Vancouver.

~ 8EAST ACCESS STATEMENT ~
The 8EAST social space for new culture is a project of the NOW Society, located on the Territories of the xʷməθkwəy̓əm, Skwxwú7mesh and səlil̓wətaʔɬ Peoples, in Chinatown, in the DTES, in Vancouver.
We are committed to making 8EAST a safe(r), welcoming and more accessible space. We do not tolerate discrimination based on age, gender, neuro a-typicality, disability, place of origin, cultural background, religious beliefs, or sexual orientation. We do not tolerate racism, sexual aggression, assault, or harassment which can include unwanted touch or comments that objectify or sexualize. We adopt and follow the We Have Voice Collective Code of Conduct.
We can accommodate a variety of needs, including assistance dogs, walkers, wheelchairs, scooters, and strollers. To arrange for American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation, please contact [email protected].
We recognize that access is an ongoing and evolving discussion, and acknowledge that this statement may be insufficient. Concernts or suggestions can be addressed, discussed or expressed anonymously by emailing [email protected]. 8EAST ventilation: Open windows and door, 3 HEPA air purifiers and UV lights on return air in the HVAC system. Mask wearing is recommend and masks will be available. Seating, wooden stackable chairs without armrests, is movable.
Seating is generally arranged in groups of two or threes with space between groups for easy mobility. Wheelchair seating is easily accommodated. The 34 inch wide main entrance to 8EAST has a threshold of approximately 0.5 inches high. There is no door automation. During events, the door is open or can be opened by the Front of House person. There are no ramps or stairs to navigate. Internal floors are smooth concrete. Outdoor plaza events are held on concrete pavers, some are uneven. Paths and hallways are kept free of impediments.
8EAST has a wheelchair accessible, non-gendered toilet on site with a door width of 35 inches. Additional public toilets, not wheel chair accessible, are located in the adjacent hallway. The NOW Society emergency evacuation procedures are in place for all individuals. The Front of House person or a staff member onsite is trained in naloxone administration and will be the contact person in case of emergencies.
GETTING THERE AND PARKING:
8EAST is located within 50 meters of buses 004, 007, 019, 022, 209, and N19 on Pender Street. Stops for buses 003, 008, 014, 016, 020, N8, N20, and N35 are located within 250 metres on Hastings Street. Stadium–Chinatown SkyTrain Station is approximately 400 metres away. General metered street parking is available on surrounding streets. A passenger drop-off zone without a curb is located within 50 metres at 531 Carrall Street. To arrange for HandyDART transportation and accompanying assistants, please contact [email protected].
There is a bike rack on the SW corner of Pender and Carrall Street, viewable while inside 8EAST and on the Plaza. Covered bike parking is available at the Main Street – Science World Skytrain Station. From there, one can take the #3 bus, then walk West down Pender to 8EAST (c. 5 mins), walk to 8EAST (c. 15 mins) or ride one skytrain stop to Stadium – Chinatown and walk Northwest to 8EAST (c. 5 mins). The closest Bike Locker to 8EAST is located at VCC Clark. From there, one can take trains to Stadium – Chinatown Skytrain Station and walk NorthWest to 8EAST.