Navatman Drive East Is Back!
Rare instruments of India: Saraswati Veena and Mrdangam Concert
Artist: Vidyashree Shashidhar & Tejaswi Shashidhar
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Dates & Time
Why we are excited
An incredibly difficult instrument to find concerts of, The Saraswati Veena is known as the “Queen of Instruments” and has literature written about it as far back as 1000 BCE. Instruments such as the veena and mrdangam use ancient techniques and extraordinarily fine craftsmanship from jackfruit wood and goat, cow and buffalo skin to provide a range of resonant sounds only truly experienced in live music concerts. Lakshminarayana himself creates a smoothness of sound found only with experienced artists. While speed and clarity ring throughout, what really spoke to us was the transitions between notes - not forced but beautifully lilting in its approach on the instrument. Did you know? Indian artists are, historically, often built in families. An entire family would carry on musical or artistic traditions and hand them down to the next generation. This concert is no different as father and son play together! Meet the Artists
Shashidhar Lakshminarayana Shashidhar Lakshminarayana was brought up in a rich musical environment. His father Dr.H.V. Lakshminarayana was a scientist at National Aero Space Labs and a great music lover at all times. Shashi was introduced to Veena playing at the tender age of eight by his mother Smt. Rathna Narayan is also a Veena player. Shashi’s initial tutelage started under Vidwan R.K. Suryanarayan & his brother R. K. Prakash for over a decade. He is currently pursuing his advanced lessons from Smt. Revathi Murthy is a well-renowned Carnatic Veena artist and AIR A top artist. Shashidhar is not only a renowned musician in India, but his name and popularity spread all around the world including the USA & Canada. Apart from his blistering speed, Shashi’s performance is distinguished by his style of playing closer to the vocal music and the importance of the Raaga Bhava. He holds a Masters Degree in Computer Science from Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan. Shashi is a B High artist of AIR & his creativity is in mano dharma Sangeetha which includes Raaga Aalapane, Taana, and Swara Prastara. His versatility extends to fusion music and was a part of “Michigan Beats” a fusion group in Detroit. Currently residing in Greensboro-North Carolina he has performed in various prestigious music organizations in The USA. |
Yagyaseni - The Ultimate Oblation
Artists: Sangita Chatterjee
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Why we are excited
A unique perspective: Draupadi's life is marked by profound emotional turmoil – from her swayamvara and marriage to five husbands, to the injustices and humiliations she endures during the Kurukshetra war. Yet, despite these challenges, she grows and embodies selflessness in her pursuit of righteousness. Chatterjee's performance brings depth and nuance to Draupadi’s relationship with Krishna. Celebration of the human spirit: This performance is not just a retelling of an epic story; it is a celebration of eternal brilliance, divinity, and the indomitable spirit of a woman who embodies the principles of dharma and selflessness in the face of adversity. Meet the Artist
Sangita Chatterjee was initiated into dance at a very tender age under the able guidance and tutelage of one of its leading torch bearer, Guru Smt Vaswati Misra. Since then she has been honing her skill in the inimitable style of ‘Luckhnow Gha-rana’- elegance is whose keynote and sensitivity the soul. She has imbibed within herself the essence of Kathak, its lyrical and sensuous movements,treasure of its scintillating rhythmic patterns and subtle abhinaya. She is an empanelled artist of ICCR, IWCF& SPICK MACAY.Sangita has emerged as a soloist of par excellence and has made her niche as a thinking dancer whose approach towards dance is beyond mere performative. She has given number of solo performances throughout India and abroad ,which were critically acclaimed by the spectators, to name a few Umak Festival Delhi ,Allaudin Khan Academy’s Ekal utsav (Bhopal), Aarambh Festival by Raza Foundation,Delhi,Jayadev Festival ,Bhuvaneshwar, Krishnakshetra by Usha RK ,Delhi,Annual Music and Dance Festival organized by Classic(Calcuta,Delhi,Agartala), Sopan festival by Sahitya Kala Parishad (Delhi),Manthan Festival(Delhi) ,Bhartotsav in Karnataka,Haldiya Festival(West Bengal),Nalanda Nrityotsav (Bombay),Baithak at Pracheen Kala Kendra (Chandigarh),Darpan Festival of Dance and Music (Delhi),Bahrompur Dance festival,Indorama Festival (Bangkok),India International Travel Fare (Taiwan),International Dance Festival (Taiwan), so on and so forth. |
An Exploration of Shiva
Artists: KH Kanna
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Dates & Time
Why we are excited
Mythical Narratives: The imagery of Kalabhairava wandering the earth with Brahma's skull as his begging bowl symbolizes the transcendence of worldly attachments and the relentless pursuit of spiritual truth. Deep Symbolism: Kalabhairava as the destroyer of samsara and sin, the controller of fate and time, and the protector of Benaras, adds layers of depth to his character as a divine force beyond mortal comprehension. Meet the Artists
KH Kanna is a bharatanatyam prodigy and has been featured in a myriad of international film and music videos. He has worked or been featured in movies such as “Jee Aaya Nu” and “Dhola” and choreographed for many other artists such as Karian Sang and Navz47. His work has been seen at the Vancouver 2010 Olympics, Sanctuary Season 2, Karl Wolfe, the productions “Ganga” and “Kaal – Time” by the Janak Khendry Dance Company (Kuwait, Oman, India.); The 2017 Toronto International Dance Festival, The 2017 Kalanidhi Festival; “Howzat!” by Sampradaya Dance Creations, and “Nadi” by Spanda Dance Company; and Seeta Patel’s “Rite of Spring” (UK). His prolific resume has him teaching classes throughout the world including Canada, USA, France, The Netherlands, and Hong Kong. |
Rhythmic Remedies: Healing through Indian Classical Ragas
Artist : Rujul Pathak
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Why we are excited
In recent years, music therapy through Indian classical music has garnered significant attention for its ability to address various health issues. Rujul Pathak will guide you through this fascinating interplay of art and science, showcasing specific ragas known for their healing properties. The audience can use the time during the performance to attune to their own feelings and evaluate after the performance how they felt listening to the different raga flavors.She will perform ragas known to alleviate certain health conditions as well as share detailed explanations of their therapeutic effects. Learn how sound and melody influence our well being: This concert is more than just a musical performance; it’s an exploration of how sound and melody can influence our well-being. Pathak’s masterful renditions will allow the audience to attune to their own emotions and experiences, providing a reflective space to evaluate the impact of these ragas on their state of mind and body. Artistic Insight: Gain a deeper appreciation for the intricacies of Indian classical music and its profound connection to human emotions and health. Personal Healing: Use this unique opportunity to listen to ragas that may heal your own body in ways you didn’t know were possible or needed. Meet the Artist
Rujul Pathak is a Hindustani classical vocalist based in the San Francisco Bay Area. She is a disciple of Ustad Shaukat Hussain Khan of the Agra gharana. She is the recipient of several national awards like the Surmani award and the Pandit Omkarnath Thakur award. She creates YouTube videos of her classical bandishes, which have gained immense popularity and over 500,000 global views. Her fusion music channel, Tambura Tales, is where she composes music and collaborates with artists like bass guitarists, saxophonists, pianists, and drummers to create world music videos. Rujul regularly performs at concerts around the world. “Rujul’s voice is indeed her fortune, and she invested her melody in the raag she sang with characteristic verve, force, and fervour all blended beautifully!” – The Indian Express "One of the most promising and outstanding vocalist from the younger generation" – The Times of India “Rujul Pathak's voice was imbued with organic electricity this morning. A meditative charge.” – William Nichols (Music critic/San Francisco) |
SUHRUTH ( a well wisher)
Artist : Praveen Kumar
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Dates & Time
Why we are excited
A presentation centered around a man - exploring his relationships as a friend & companion. A pioneering exploration: Delve into the intricate tapestry of male emotions with Praveen Kumar’s captivating Bharatanatyam performance at the Drive East Festival. This unique presentation examines the profound relationships and inner worlds of men, highlighting themes of love, support, guidance, and companionship. A profound reflection of the male emotional spectrum. In many classical Indian dance items, it is the woman’s emotions that are explored in depth (even by male artists!) In an off the beaten path exploration. Experience rare and seldom-explored themes in dance, such as a man's inner turmoil and societal roles, portrayed with sensitivity and depth. Rich emotional landscape: From the pain of rejection to the joy of companionship, and from ego struggles to moments of vulnerability, Kumar’s performance offers a rich, emotional landscape that resonates deeply. Meet the Artist
Hailing from a family of artists, Praveen Kumar showed a natural inclination towards Arts and Dance at a very young age. His tutelage under the eminent gurus Smt. Narmada and Prof.C.V.Chandrasekhar helped him realize the aesthetic depths, traditional of Bharathanatyam and dedicate himself wholeheartedly and purposefully to this ancient dance form.
Praveen is an accomplished nattuvanar and choreographer and has skillfully ideated several critically acclaimed productions to his credit including Rtu Vismruthi, Vani, Shiva Sutra Jaala, Sakha, Loka Bandhavyam, Anagha Vilasa , Pandharpur & many more.. Through his dance productions, he has explored aspects like climate change, fabrics, various complexities and nuances within interpersonal relationships, under-discussed dimensions of mythology, besides paying a tribute to cultural icons and poets like Mysore Vasudevachar, Sundaram Pillai, sage Panini. From his flawless footwork to his layered understanding of nritta, abhinaya and his skillful choreography, Praveen Kumar has consistently received critical acclaim over the years and has redefined himself as a performer, staying abreast with the times. He believes that learning is always two-sided and has strived to be relevant, without losing the essence of the form. He has traveled extensively around the globe and in India, taking part in prestigious dance and music festivals and is also the founder of the Chithkala School of Dance at Bangalore. Praveen Kumar – an empanelled artist of the Indian Council of Cultural Relations (ICCR) and an ‘A’ grade artist on television – believes that dance is the ultimate medium of creative expression and has immense therapeutic value. |
The Maestro of Santoor
Artist : Tarun Bhattacharya
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Why we are excited
Meet the Artist
SANGEET NATAK AWARDEE ( Govt. of India) Pt. Tarun Bhattacharya (Born in 1957) is Maihar Gharana’s only santoor maestro and is widely regarded "as the MASTER OF 100 STRINGS." "SANGEET MAHASAMMAN" Award Winner from the Govt. of West Bengal, Bhattacharya incorporated meend, an expressive sliding style of ornamentation. Indian classical music shall forever remember this master because of two inventions inventing “MENKAS”(fine tuners) and creating RAAG GANGA inspired by the Swach Ganga Abhiyan of our Honorable PRIME MINISTER NARENDRA MODI JI. Tarun Ji has also been inducted as a Member in the Indian Institute of Heritage (Ministry of Culture, Govt.of India). He’s also a Jury member for Sangeet Natak Akademi Awards and Indian Council for Cultural Relations (I.C.C.R.) Pdt Tarun Bhattacharya has performed in world's top notch venues viz Royal Albert Hall, Theater De La Ville, Apollo Theater, Jubilee Auditorium and his list of admirers include Prince Charles, George Harrison, Amitabh Bachchan, Paolo Solaris and many more. He is also involved with humanitarian activities and has been the BRAND AMBASSADOR OF ROTARY INTERNATIONAL for their awareness against POLIO & THALLASEMIA. Pt. Bhattacharya also runs a philanthropic organization called Santoor ashram which provides free musical lessons and instruments to the underprivileged yet promising musicians and provides them a platform to express their talent. |