Joel Veena: Ragas of Transformation
Bringing his unique style of Indian slide guitar to Mumbai, Joel Veena will present a concert of ‘Ragas of Transformation’ on 28 March, accompanied on tabla by Rakshanand Panchal, at Bandra Base. The concert will be from 9pm to 10:30pm, all ages are welcome and tickets are ₹ 400. The two musicians will perform Hindustani classical ragas and original compositions with the aim and intention of strengthening, providing peace and focus to the listeners. One primary concept behind the Indian music form of the ‘raga’ is to stir in the audience emotions and deep feeling that gives rise to a sense of transcendence. In times of uncertainty and chaos, this is music meant to renew us to face our challenges.
Since 2007, Joel ‘Veena’ Eisenkramer has been traveling between his native Vermont, USA and India to study and perform Hindustani classical music on the 20-stringed Indian slide guitar. These days he is receiving advanced talim from renowned sarod maestro of Kolkata, Pt. Alok Lahiri and has enjoyed the appreciation of many of India’s top musicians. As a result, he has had the privilege of performing at venues like the 2019 Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, Azad Bhawan ICCR Delhi, and the Ekal Ka Rann Festival in Gujarat. Joel has released 6 albums to date, along with a handful of singles and his music has been featured on Radio New Zealand, BBC Introducing and NPR. He is an avid promoter of Indian classical music abroad and a strong believer in the future of this music.
Rakshanand Panchal is a highly respected tabla player based in Mumbai, he is often seen on stage at festivals such as Saptak in Ahmedabad and Hridayesh Festival in Mumbai. His current guru is Pt Mohan Balvalli and he has received the prestigious title of ‘Taalmani’ by Sur Singar Samsad, Mumbai. He is an artist of All India Radio, receiving the ‘B-high grade’. Rakshanand Panchal accompanied Joel Veena in Joel’s first ever performance in Mumbai, the CD release concert of his 2017 album ‘Unexpected Blessings.’
The 28th March concert at Bandra Base will be a special opportunity to hear the two artists in an intimate setting, in the low lights and quiet ambiance of Bandra Base. Audiences will be treated to the soothing, meditative sound of the Indian slide guitar as the raga is carefully woven together. Then, joined by the brilliant percussion of the tabla and ushered to a sparkling, ecstatic finish. In the second half of the concert, Joel will present some of his own original compositions; plucky, upbeat and joyful.
Indian classical music was originally performed in small court settings, baithaks. Thanks to Whistling Woods and Bandra Base, this music has been brought to the heart of downtown Bandra. Beyond bright lights, titles and hype, join us for an evening of simple connection: People and Music.