Biya, biya!
In Farsi, BIYA BIYA means “come, come”! As a queer, femme Iranian-American-led company, our team aims to make space that is community-focused, responsive, and vibrant.
Rooted in the lived experience of diaspora kids, we recognize and embrace that everyone has a range of relationships to their heritage. We encourage and facilitate cross-cultural exchange and collaboration without shame in low-stakes community spaces. We want people to feel supported as they (re)connect with themselves and their creativity. BIYA BIYA—all are welcome!
As a Production House, we produce experiences across Chicago that offer spaces to come gather, come learn, come eat, come dance, and more!
Past programs: Zine-Making, Maqam Workshop, Persian Calligraphy, Kathak x Dabke Dance, Block Printing, tatreez, Eldest Daughter 4 Eldest Daughter, and more.
As a Creative Agency, we meet intergenerational artists and their artistic homes where they’re at by providing hands-on support. We produce materials that serve them and their audiences (i.e. boutique artist management and development).
Select Services: portfolio building & websites, electronic press kits, artist statements & bios, creative brainstorming sessions, and beyond!
Press
Reader’s Best of Chicago 2025
Best Art Group or Collective, runner-up
Cultural Preservation as Resistance
In These Times, op-ed
Iranian Culture Will Not Be Erased
In These Times, op-ed
Our Team & Resident Artists
Yasmin “Yasi” Zacaria Mikhaiel
Founder & Creative Executive Producer
Maureen Dunne
Production Assistant & Project Manager
Karl El Sokhn
Resident Artist & Project Manager
Allison
Parssi
Resident DJ & Project Manager
Jasjyot Singh Hans
Resident Artist, Design & Illustration
Queen Yasmeen
Resident Bellydancer
Jordan Esparza-Kelley
Resident Photographer
Adeeba
Arastu
Resident Artist
Ian Resnick
Resident Videographer
Yasmeen
Khayr
Resident ArtistMANAGEMENT
Resident Bands
TAYF طَيْف
TAYF طَيْف , captured in English, can mean spectrum, diversity or vision. The ensemble widens the aperture on traditional maqam to center queer, non-binary and women performers, too often on the periphery of the tradition. They range from a 3 - 9 piece band.
Listen here & reach out for bookings here.
Billy Joel Jr.
Billy Joel Jr. is an indie rock band from Chicago fronted by songwriter Ari Levin. The band features musicians Charlie Dykstal, Nate Dorian, and Karl El Sokhn, who together channel restless energy into tightly wound songs and unmissable live shows.
Listen here & reach out for bookings here.