April 7 2012

Many thanks to all of you who made Emily Palen's cd release party such a success.  Two weeks ago Cal Performances presented Zakir Hussain & Masters of Percussion.  Zakir is one of the world's greatest musicians.  A classical tabla virtuoso of the highest caliber, his fame extends beyond India as one of the founders of the world music movement.  From co-founding Shakti with John McLaughlin and L. Shankar, to recordings with Mickey Hart and Bill Laswell, he is always broadening our musical landscapes while re-invigorating his native traditions.  The performance featured Antonia Minnecola, an American dancer who is recognized as a leading exponent of the North Indian dance style Kathak.  Just as jazz and flamenco now have first rate artists from around the world, Zakir has spread the beauty of North Indian classical music far and wide.