Organizers of Afghanistan's first rock music festival since 1975 say they are going ahead with a month of concerts and music workshops starting in Kabul today, despite a brazen Taliban attack in the capital this week that caused some venues to close their doors to the musicians.
Festival organizer Travis Beard told RFE/RL the shows are being promoted using an "underground stealth fest" strategy -- with dates and locations announced at the last minute to young Afghan rock fans using text messages, e-mails, and social networking websites.
More than 12 rock groups from Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iran, and Central Asia are scheduled to perform in Kabul during the next month.
Rock venues in New York are replicating the "stealth fest" strategy for mirror events that also are part of the music festival.
Festival organizer Travis Beard told RFE/RL the shows are being promoted using an "underground stealth fest" strategy -- with dates and locations announced at the last minute to young Afghan rock fans using text messages, e-mails, and social networking websites.
More than 12 rock groups from Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iran, and Central Asia are scheduled to perform in Kabul during the next month.
Rock venues in New York are replicating the "stealth fest" strategy for mirror events that also are part of the music festival.