ARJON’S HOSTS INTERNATIONAL POP PARTY WITH ANDY, SHANI

Arjon's International Club was the sight of a rare and special concert recently -- Persian pop and hip-hop music.
(Courtesy Arjon Tabatabai Jr.)

International pop star Andy gestures on stage during his packed concert recently at Arjons.

A packed and boisterous crowd sang and danced to the music of international star Andy and hip-hop/ballad singer Shani at the club Friday night. It was a far different crowd than the usually Latino-heavy dance fans that typically crowd the club. Instead there were Persians, Iranians and other Middle Eastern music fans that began lining up early Friday evening at the elegant nightclub.
And regardless of the difference in language and culture, the pre-show tension was palpalable. Excitement and anticipation hung heavy in the air throughout the crowded club in the minutes before 9 p.m.

Andy began his show prompty -- at about 9 p.m. and with the exception of a 45 -minute break -- played through a four-hour set that showcased his talent for endearing ballads like "You're the reason" and "Veda," and dance-friendly pop/disco tunes like "Baila" and the anthemic "Yalla."
"Hello everyone!. We're so happy to be here in San Antonio for the first time," said Andy during a brief break. Wearing a dark embroided shirt and black pants, the smiling Andy appeared calm and confident during his set. Although the fans had been sitting in chairs toward the middle of the club Andy waved at them, and implored them to "Come on up, get close up here." And they did, crowding around the stage.
During her set, the beautiful Shani appeared relaxed and affable in her shiny white dress. She was ably assisted in her hip-hop/dance show by DJ V Style, whose booming baritone added an element of hard rap to the proceedings. Andy and Shani played individual sets as well as together. The club's intimate setting gave the fans an extra thrill by allowing them to get close enough to the performers to touch them.
The singers were backed by a solid five-piece band that shined on tunes like "Niloufar" and "Reyan." Young and old, men, women, teens and children, were all jamming and juking by the crowded stage. Over and over they raised their hands over their heads as they danced and sang along with Andy and Shani in one of 2007's most unforgettable nights.