Author Archives: Sohrab Saadat Ladjevardi

LEFT FORUM 2015: “REVOLUTIONARY ARTS PERFORMANCE” SEGMENT, Opening Remarks

Text by John Pietaro (http://theculturalworker.blogspot.com/2015/05/revolutionary-cultural-work-on-crises.html)

About the LEFT FORUM

john reed clubThe art of rebellion is a tradition as old as dissent itself. Radical writers, musicians, painters, actors, dancers and other creative activists have long used their artwork as a weapon in the fight for social justice. If the very nature of expressive freedom lends itself toward a revolutionary voice, then it is arguable that the arts gave birth to radicalism, or in the least offered a vision toward its path. And the cultural workers fight for his or her own freedom of expression—and against the confines of censorship—further exemplifies the voice of creativity in this good fight.

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Music Listings – 6/1/ through 6/7/2015

1. Afro Roots feat. SPIRIT ENSEMBLE

Date: Tuesday, June 2, 2015
Time: 7:30pm
Venue: 647 Columbus Ave near W 92nd st (Goddard Riverside)
Ticket: donation
Genre: Afro-Latin music

With a long and dynamic history, the Spirit Ensemble has established itself as the primary source for music that traverses the African Diaspora. The enchanting sounds of the mbira, kora, bala, steel pan and bamboo flute comprise the essence of Spirit’s sound and provide the foundation for rhythmic travels. Each member of the ensemble is a master percussionist who has dedicated his life to the study and sharing of this music, and the magnitude to their devotion is evident to all who experience their performances.

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Recommended Concert: Aashish Khan, Anupam Shobhakar, Anindo Chatterjee & Manik Munde

Aashish Khan, Anupam Shobhakar, Anindo Chatterjee & Manik MundeDate: Friday, June 12, 2015
Time: 8pm – 10pm
Venue: St. Peter’s Episcopal Church – Chelsea (346 West 20 Street, New York, NY 10011)
General admission: $30 – $20 (Students/Seniors) – $100 (VIP)
2 SPECIAL OFFERS!
1- General Admission/EARLY BIRD: $25 until May 31
2- EXPERIENCE THE EVENING LIKE A VIP!
We could not put together this fabulous event without you…Support the artists and we’ll treat you like a VIP. All contributions of $100 are tax-deductible and include 1 VIP ticket to the Concert. Online Tickets: buy here
Genre: Indian Classical music

HarmoNYomHarmoNYom, in association with 1cropped-cropped-brmBrooklyn Raga Massive, present A Divine Dance of North Indian Ragas and Talas!

This special evening will present the listeners with a rare confluence of among the realms of both Indian raga and rhythm. The living legend Ustad Aashish Khan and his stellar disciple Sri Anupam Shobhakar present their mastery of the sarode, drawn from the both the ancient dhrupad style as well as the more contemporary khayal style.

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Concert Review: Free Jazz Musicians Meet A Rwandan Inanga Master

Date: May 17, 2015
Venue: Whynot Jazz Room (NY)
Review by Dawoud Kringle
(Photos by Sohrab Saadat Ladjevardi – videos courtesy of the bands)

Vinny Golia & Ken FilianoOn Sunday, May 17th, 2015, the Whynot Jazz Room hosted a marvelous evening of music which was curated by Andrea Wolper and part of the Why Not Experiment? Series.

The evening started with the duo of Vinny Golia (woodwinds), and Ken Filiano (bass).

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Interview: Arun Ramamurthy “…When I offered him a baseball ticket in exchange for an interview.”

Interview by Richard Bennett

Arun Ramamurthy

Photo courtesy of Arun Ramamurthy

The excellent violinist Arun Ramamurthy combines Carnatic music with jazz in his eponymously titled  Arun Ramamurthy Trio. He lives in Brooklyn with wife, violinist Trina Basu and their baby son. When I offered him a baseball ticket in exchange for an interview, he quickly agreed. We sat in section 202 in the bleachers at Yankee Stadium on a sunny day. Arun was wearing a Don Mattingly Throwback Jersey. I bought Arun a hot dog and a beer and between innings we talked.

Richard Bennett (RB): In your ideal band, would you rather hire Questlove or Zakir Hussein?

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