This year's performances focus on drums and the opening night featured none other than the renowned Zakir Hussain from India. Apparently, Hussain is teaching a class this spring at Stanford!
The first half of the show featured the classical north Indian dance, Kathak by Hussain's wife, Antonia Minnecola. We were amazed at the grace and eloquence of Antonia as she explained the meaning and subtleties of each piece before she performed it. For almost 45 minutes, she regaled the audience with her steps in sync with Zakir's tabla.
During the second half, Zakir performed solo for about 20-25 minutes. We were all spell-bound as he drummed up amazing tunes and percussions with deceiving ease! Later, he was joined by fellow-percussionists Abbos Kosimov and Vince Delgado. Abbos put on a great show, taking on Zakir head-on with his doira.
After the show, I looked on as Sucheta and her mom Aarati, went backstage to meet the maestro up close and personal! That is when I took this picture; the person behind Zakir is another renowned percussionist Sivamani who is performing today on a sold-out show!
All in all, it was a memorable night for all of us... and I am a new fan of Pt. Zakir Hussain.
