Bolat plays Turkish Folk Music and devotional Sufi songs which are called Ilahi and Nefes, from the Anatolian peninsula. The lyrics of Ilahis or Nefeses are taken largely from the great 13th century mystical poets Rumi and Yunus Emre. This concert will feature many Bektashi songs from the Bektashi tradition of the Sufis. The program also includes Traditional Turkish folk songs as well as songs composed by Latif Bolat. During the night, poems will be read from 13th Century Sufi poets Yunus Emre and Rumi. There will also be slide presentation of Turkish people and scenery, accompanied by the music.
Bolat is a native born Turkish musician who has lived and performed in California for the past 15 years. One of the most well-known Turkish musicians in the U.S., he has toured and performed extensively from Vermont to Vancouver, New York to Hawaii, presenting the original form of Turkish traditional music.
The most important characteristic of this music is the trance quality, with its mesmerizing rhythm and devotional lyrics. The Sound magazine wrote of Bolat's music: "The effect is very powerful, very soothing."
