Ravi Shankar and company were absolutely amazing.
The show started off with Anoushka on Sitar, along with two percussionists, a violinist, flute, 2 singers, and some other musicians, and they just played and played and played… the audience was swaying to the eastern rhythmns and everyone just seemed happy.
intermission.
It’s rare that you see any ethnically diverse events in this town (ESPECIALLY at the Walton Arts center). And that’s a damned shame. I hadn’t seen this many Indian people in one public event ever in Fayetteville. We need more ethnically diverse events.
Soapbox Rant: I did want to smack the white women wearing bindis, and whiteys wearing indian garb (long shirts, dresses, etc). You’re trying to fit in, but I felt like it was an insult to the culture, the people, and the performers. Especially from some of the more prominant people in town. End of soapbox rant.
The curtains were raised. Ravi is sitting in the center, with Anoushka to his left. Tabla player to his front right, with 2 of his students on some harp/guitar instrument on either side behind him.
He introduced the upcoming pieces, and he and Anoushka started playing for 20-25 minutes on their sitars. It was wonderful. Eventually, the others joined in, and I think the entire audience was entranced.
Someone actually started dancing in the aisle, but the white hair bouncers/ushers put a stop to that.
Another rant: One reason the WAC sucks is there’s no place to dance. They’ve put on several shows there that I’ve wanted to see, but I haven’t gone to because the auditorium is geared for the geriatric crowd who just sits and watched the performance. What’s the point of having a rock or musical act perform at a venue where you HAVE TO SIT DOWN?
The show was amazing. I’ve been a fan of Ravi Shankar for nearly 20 years now… Since my impressionable teenage years when I really started noticing the world of music. I remember borrowing old records of his from a neighbor, and fell in love with the sitar, tabla, and other Indian folk instruments. To this day, Indian music is my favorite “world music” style, and it’s been a dream to see Ravi Shankar perform. Thanks to Jill for getting us tickets.
