We went to the Sufi Music festival, Ruhaniyat, yesterday. It was exhilarating to be there. It was organized by by an organization from Mumbai called the Banyan Tree. I learnt a lot of nuances thanks to mom who kept bringing my attention to those. Off topic, there seemed to be an aircraft going over our heads almost every 10 minutes. The venue was the Race Club Grounds guindy. No matter how many times I might fly, nothing like checking out an aircraft during its flight from terra firma. Coming back, there was a performance of the Fakirs (Hyderabad) Manganiyars (Rajasthan), Baul music(Bengal), Tibetan chants which I frankly could not comprehend, Sufi Qawwali by two groups, one Punjabi and the other from Muradabadgroup, and the Drums of Kerala. Of this group the Rajasthani and the Muradabad group got a lot of response from the audience. It was an evening to remember.

I got featured in the Indian Express today on "My Money". I really liked the style in which it was written. Thanks to a friend of mine, who let me know that it came on the papers today. Would have missed it otherwise :)

Went to my contact classes and we are trying to think of a topic for psychological study for my Project work for masters. Any ideas? Do let me know. If it is related to artistes, better. :)

Time to draw the curtains on another day. Tomorrow will be a new play

I went to the Dhrupad Festival today at the Museum theatre, Egmore and caught a performance of the Rudra Veena and following that, vocals by Gundecha Brothers, who sang Gavathi, Basant and one more raaga. I liked Gavathi best. It was good to listen to the Pakhawaj as the accompaniment in a concert, as it was the first time I heard it in this setting, even though the concept is not new to me. Pakhawaj is played as an accompaniment to Odissi dance which I have been learning since my 10th std. Off and on.

The audience were a revelation. I saw that there is a huge faithful following for Hindustani Classical music, even for Dhrupad, which has almost faded into oblivion save a few people who are keeping the art alive. Please read my mother's blog for more information on the Dhrupad style of Hindustani Classical Music. And in addition, the audience had almost a 50% of youngsters. Again pretty surprised. There must be something that must catch the attention of young blood! And some popular carnatic musicians as well. I am not gonna write about what I felt and because I feel that I need to grow before I can comment on this art form. Saw that mom had tried to teach me some nuances of the Dhrupad style, and I am still trying to catch on.

Chennai is becoming more and more open to other music, dance and art forms. I saw that a Susmit Bose was going to perform in the city at Amethyst, who sings folk music, and his lyrics have powerful messages of AIDS awareness, empowerment of women, education or so I remember the pamphlet saying. Also got to meet a lot of people we had lost touch with, at this cocnert. And realized concerts not only offer music but also become mini or macro get togethers. I used to be amused when I heard people saying that the December Music festival is also when you flaunt your best jewellery and clothes, but I caught a gist of it today. The people that come have a particular aura about them.

And I LOVED the acoustics of the Museum Theatre. Though it can hold just about 500 people and odd, I would love to sing there some day. And give a dance performance as well. That would be cool!