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Portland
Tamil Sangam
May 3rd,2008
Read
about 2006 ASHA Music Show
by Seattle Guru
Kane Hall was more full than Asha 2005 people in
colorful desi dresses on March 4, 2006 as the South Indian crowd gathered
to enjoy Geetanjali. Seattle chapter of ASHA had organized the concert
to raise funds for educational projects for children in India.
Kane hall was brimming with people and the response to
the event was enormous, over 450 Indians and Americans . The mood was
festive as in every other Desi fest, people socialized while munching on a
delicious meal.
Geetanjali is a classic example of creativity and
nurturing budding artists here in the Northwest. All effort were taken by
the band to get each little detail of every song right. The band also did a
wonderful job of procuring all the instruments used in the original song(s)
— to the extent of teaming up with a saxophone and trumpet players for
certain songs. The sound engineering was excellent- right down to the
echoes in some of the songs. There were projection screens on either side
of the stage to highlight the performers and, to add a unique touch.
There was also a mimicry show that had audiences
laughing. Two groups of youngsters danced on stage for a few songs — to a
live rendition! Towards the later half of the concert, the area just below
the stage was transformed into an informal mosh pit as energetic young
people from the crowd joined in the festivities.
The MCs did a wonderful job of filling the gaps between
the songs with their entertaining quips as well as innovative games like
“Spotlight”, where a member of the audience was given a word and asked to
come up with a song that contained the word. There was also a whistling
contest for the best “Porruki” whistle. The MCs also made it a point to
introduce each and every member of the band between songs.
The songs were very well chosen and contained a blend
of the old and the new. From Paatu paada va to Devadaiye Kanden the list of
songs included a mix of fast and slow numbers. Geetanjali had the audience
crying “once more” for many of the songs. The sheer number of songs that
these talented people had prepared to present on stage was amazing.
There was even a title signature tune that was composed
overnight by one of the band member. The songs also included a Sri Lankan
Tamil number as the conclusion of the concert. The crowd wanted more! So,
finally, Geetanjali concluded with the most popular public demand song for
the evening — Manmada Raasa — by the two male members of the band.
The professionalism exhibited by Geetanjali and the MCs
was phenomenal as was the volunteer effort that goes to make ASHA. What
could beat doing some good while having a blast?
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