Biography

Matt Hannafin studied Tombak with Kavous Shirzadian and frame drums with noted percussionists Jamey Haddad and Glen Velez.

He’s performed with Mr. Shirzadian, Mr. Velez, Omar Faruk Tekbilek, Layne Redmond, Raquy Danziger, and various improvisation ensembles, and since 1995 has been principal accompanist for Iranian singer/instrumentalist Amir Ali Vahabzadegan, with whom he’s performed at the Miami Iranian Cultural Festival (1998 and 1999), the United Nations, the Iranian Mission to the U.N., Columbia and New York Universities, and for the World Music Institute and numerous Persian cultural and arts groups. He lives and teaches in Portland, Oregon.