http://www.siliconvalleyguru.com/guruhub/mod_channel/C_Search_Art_Det.asp?fm=ent&Channel_Id=NEWS&Art_Id=1948 PADMABHUSHAN Hindustani Vocal concert Bay area. Dr. Prabha Atre presents 'ROYAL'concert for A.I.D. PLEASE SCROLL DOWN FOR TWO ARTICLES
Milpitas, CA: Padmabhushan Dr. Prabha Atre performed a “royal” vocal musical concert in her inimitable style, on Saturday October 12, at the Jain Bhawan in Milpitas, CA. About 250 avid music fans gathered for an evening of classical and semi classical pieces by Gana prabha Dr. Prabha Atre of the Kirana Gharana. She was accompanied by UCLA Music department’s Abhiman Kaushal (Tabla) and Vivek Datar on the harmonium. Harmonizing with vocals and playing the tanpura was local music teacher Shubhangi Sakhalkar. Good sound was provided by veteran sound engineer Atul Vaidya. The concert was organized by non-profit Association for India’s Development-Bay Area chapter (www.aidindia.org).
“When we had an opportunity for hosting the great Dr. Prabha Atre, for our annual fundraiser, we jumped at it,” said AID coordinator Vithal Shirodkar, also a student of music. The MC for the evening Srividya announced that along with a matching pledge drive, the goal was to raise about $5,000 for AID supported projects in India. The projects include Health care, Women’s education and innovative technology transfer projects like Bicycle pedal power to generate electricity in villages. (www.aidindia.org).
“I am headed to Columbus, OH next after performing in Phoenix ad San Diego.” said Dr. Atre with a smile. Dr. Atre has always performed extensively in tours right from the days when she accompanied Hindustani music doyen Hirabai Badodekar, as a student.
Dr. Atre is committed to music education and outreach, apart from performing. To her Music is all encompassing and she has set up the “Prabha Atre Foundation” to discover, encourage and establish rising artists; and also to archive music and present to the public. Dr. Atre said “It takes more sadhana to be a good listener than a mere singer.”
Belying her 70-year-old frame, Dr Atre sang gracefully with complete control on each of the renditions. She began with Raaga Shyam Kalyan in Ek Taal (12 beats) followed by a faster Tarana. She followed with a light classical rendition Thumri folk song “Jamuna Kinare Gaon”- Radha’s pining love song of for Krishna. After the break, Dr. Atre continued with a classical piece in Raaga Chandra Kauns in Ek taal (12 beats) and a Tarana in Teen taal (16 beats) titled “Saguna Sarupana”. This was followed by another light classical devotional song in Raaga Mishra Bhairavi in Dadra taal (6 beats) titled “Yeh Maailee ho gayi re Chunariya, Kaise Jaoon”. Following this song, many in the audience asked for more - and Dr. Atre graciously accepted and performed the most popular piece of the evening a lilting “Tana Mana-Dhan - Toh pe”- in Raaga Mishra Khamaj - followed by a standing ovation.
Newlyweds Ramya and Mathi Rajan enjoyed this concert as a blessing to their nuptials, and even with limited knowledge of Hindi language, were mesmerized by the vocals, flair and beauty of the classical music performance.
Sudha Vadalamudi, a classical music afficianado, made special time for the concert and said “ It was so great meeting with her in person finally, having been an avid fan for past 30 years. She is truly a Maharani - with her regal bearing, demeanor and graceful rendition. It was a concert to cherish.”
For more information on AID-Association for India’s Development log onto www.aidindia.org.
Official 33rd Fiji National Day celebrated in Hayward
Hayward, CA: About 250 people gathered at Mt. Eden Park in Hayward, many in colorful authentic Fijian costumes to kick off a 3-day celebration of the 33rd Fiji National day on Oct 10, 2003. Under the theme of “Celebrate Our Fiji”, the guest of honor for the day was Ambassador of Fiji Hon. Anare Jale. The local hosts were Honorary Consul General of Fiji-SF Bay Area Dr Narayan Raju, who spoke about celebrating unity amongst the multi cultural and multi racial Fijians. The city of Hayward was represented by Mayor Ms Roberta Cooper who greeted the attendees in Fijian. Also in attendance were several official delegates and appointees of the Government of Fiji.
In a short address, Ambassador Jale gave a positive message to the Fiji-Americans, and reminded them that the two-day event was meant to celebrate the diverse Fijian cultures and traditions and to help in promoting Fiji as a unique tourist destination. He added that last year the remittances by Fiji-Americans were about $116 million, almost 20% of the GDP of Fiji.
Ms. Rigiata Takai of Sacramento with her 3-year old son Joshua Takai in attendance agreed with Mrs. Pronita Sikka of Union City who said “This is the first time I am attending a celebration of Fiji National day in USA, in 30 years and am very happy to be a part of it.”
The opening day included a welcome ceremony, cultural presentations and rugby, netball and volleyball competitions. Proudly dressed in colorful costumes, several teams came from all over USA took part in the opening day celebration march and parade, along with a special netball team flown in from Fiji. Mrs. Mere Delai of Los Angeles explained the traditional Yaqona celebration involving offering of the Kava grog to the various “chiefs: in attendance. Various sports games were played all day, with several Rugby teams coming from all over the country. The opening night presentations had a theme of "Island Night"
Saturday's events at Centennial Park in Hayward included more rugby, netball and volleyball. Highlighting community service, a free health clinic was also held. Children's games and cultural presentation was also held to finish with an "Awards Night" event. Inter Faith Church services to celebrate Thanksgiving was held in Sacramento on Sunday.
For more information log onto www.fijiday.com or www.indofiji.com.