Synopsis: Growing up Muslim in a post-9/11 west is not easy. Walking into an airport is an exercise in discrimination. Things aren't much better at your local mosque. Saudi-imported imams insist on renouncing everything you love about being North American, especially Sex, Drugs and Rock n' Roll.

Where do you find a voice for your frustrations and sense of belonging? Try the D.I.Y. world of punk.

Take Basim Usmani (pictured above). His Taqwacore band, The Kominas challenges both western and Muslim status quo with provocative lyrics and fiery music. Songs like 'Suicide Bomb the Gap' or 'Sharia Law in the U.S.' poke fun and play with Muslim stereotypes, spitting back the image of Muslims at a world that often defines them at a glance.

But Taqwacore bands also target their own communities. Songs mocking sexist imams, backwards traditions and homophobia are as much a part of their repertoire as songs protesting the war in Iraq or making fun of George W. Bush.

TAQWACORE! follows Basim and The Kominas on their first North American tour. Along the way, they'll pick up other Muslim misfits and together they'll all descend upon Chicago in time to crash the party at the ISNA convention - the largest Muslim event in North America run by top mullahs and imams among the conservative ilk.

Sparks are sure to fly when Basim and his crew show up promoting the ultimate Taqwacore show. In between finding kindred spirits and battling the prejudices of the old guard, TAQWACORE! will chart this explosive new scene attracting Muslims youth all over the globe. Please join us on this intense and insightful thrill ride.

also: -link to Guardian U.K. article about Taquacore: http://www.guardian.co.uk/theguide/features/story/0,,2066035,00.html?gusrc=rss&feed=21

-link to the newsweek article:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18986984/site/newsweek/