A lifelong musician, Sheila Dardashti recently embarked on a new chapter in her career by releasing her debut album, "Build Me a Home." This project marks the first time she has written and performed original songs. Rooted in her Jewish heritage, this collection of ten tracks pays tribute to her family members, including her daughters and grandchildren. The inspiration for these compositions arose during the solitude of the pandemic, which prompted Dardashti to channel her emotions into songwriting. With encouragement from her family, particularly her daughter Galeet, who produced the album, Dardashti crafted an intimate musical journey that celebrates love, unity, and familial bonds.

Growing up in Queens, Sheila was immersed in folk music from an early age. Her education in classical guitar laid the foundation for a career marked by collaboration with her husband, Farid Dardashti, an Iranian-born musician. Together, they formed an international folk duo and later expanded their act to include their three daughters as The Dardashti Family. Despite years of performing together, Sheila never ventured into writing her own material until the pandemic struck. Isolated in Florida, she found solace in composing heartfelt lyrics that resonated deeply with her experiences and aspirations.

Each track on "Build Me a Home" tells a unique story about someone in her family. For instance, the title song honors Nathan, her son-in-law known for his homebuilding skills, while other tunes celebrate her grandchildren through vivid imagery like "Earth, Trees and Sky." Sheila credits her extended family for motivating her throughout this process, especially after receiving enthusiastic feedback during a chilly December bonfire gathering. There, she debuted two songs that ignited further interest in expanding the project into a full-length album over four years.

Collaboration played a crucial role in bringing these songs to life. Violinist Megan Gould transformed Sheila's simple melodies into richly textured arrangements, elevating them beyond traditional folk music. Although initially hesitant to take center stage vocally, Sheila embraced the challenge under persistent encouragement from her loved ones. To her, the themes of love, empathy, justice, and courage reflect core Jewish values imbued within every note of the album.

This Sunday, Sheila and her family will gather at Beth El Synagogue Center in New Rochelle for a special concert celebrating the release of "Build Me a Home." It promises to be an emotional evening filled with harmonious voices blending beautifully against personal narratives. As Sheila reflects on this milestone achievement late in life, it underscores the power of creativity sparked even amidst challenging circumstances—and how sharing such creations can strengthen connections among generations.