World-Jazz Ensemble Natraj and Amit Kavthekar, Internationally-Renowned Tabla Player, to Perform Benefit Concert for Worcester Homeless Shelter
Worcester, MA (PRWEB) October 23, 2014 -- The Interfaith Hospitality Network of Greater Worcester today announced their third annual benefit concert for the homeless will take place Saturday, October, 25th at 7:30 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Westborough, MA.
This year’s concert features internationally renowned tabla wizard, Amit Kavthekar and Natraj, a world-jazz ensemble whose complex tempos and traditions have been described as “a hypnotic, symbiotic tapestry” by the Boston Globe.
The Interfaith Hospitality Network (IHN) is an organization that unites the religious community in an effort to serve and nurture homeless families. Twenty eight congregations provide meals, hospitality, evening and overnight support. Families receive case management, assistance with housing and employment search, accessing support services and advocacy. The IHN is one of the only family shelters in this area that puts no restrictions on family configuration or income.
Said Joanne Alley, Director, IHN, “Bringing Amit and Natraj to perform this year's concert embodies the essence of the Interfaith Hospitality Network, which is also a "fusion" of cultures and traditions who perform the ‘art of compassion’ together.”
Doors open at 7:00 at the First United Methodist Church in Westborough, MA, with the concert beginning at 7:30.
To learn more and to purchase tickets online ($20), visit: http://ihnworcester.org/concerts. Tickets can also be purchased at the door for $25. All proceeds will go toward programs for helping families currently sheltered at the IHN to transition into permanent housing.
About the Interfaith Hospitality Network of Greater Worcester
The Interfaith Hospitality Network (IHN) is a non-profit organization that works in partnership with religious congregations to provide shelter, support and assistance to families with children who are homeless, regardless of income and family structure. IHN seeks to promote self-sufficiency through the provision of meals and beds, intensive case management, housing advocacy, caring support and encouragement of responsible decisions. IHN further seeks to build public awareness of homelessness and the affordable housing crisis that exists in our communities. Since our inception, the IHN of Greater Worcester and our volunteer network has sheltered 342 families and 1003 individuals; 75% of the families sheltered have secured housing; of those that secured housing since 2008, 93% remain housed today. For more information, please visit http://www.ihnworcester.org.
About Natraj
Natraj seamlessly melds the classical music of India, traditional music from West Africa, and contemporary jazz to create its own unique and infectious style. Hard-driving African grooves and graceful Indian ragas meet in the band's expansive jazz conception. Hailed as Boston's Best Jazz Band by the Improper Bostonian and nominated Best World Music Act in the Boston Music Awards, Natraj captivates and excites audiences with its exotic textures, accessible melodies, and rhythmic energy. Natraj has toured the US, Canada, India, and West Africa since 1987. Learn more about Natraj at http://www.natrajmusic.com
About Amit Kavthekar
Amit has been playing the table since he was six, and was groomed in the art of tabla-playing by Maestro Ustad Allarakha. Since 1991, he was fortunate to be taught tabla intricacies by Ustad Zakir Hussain, a master maestro in tabla, whose loyal fan base extends far beyond India and includes music lovers worldwide. Recently awarded the "Taal Mani" by Sur Singar Sansad, Amit is presently learning intricacies of Delhi Gharana from Guru Pandit Sudhir Mainkar. Amit teaches Tabla at the American School of Bombay (ASB) and the New England School of Music. Learn more about Amit at http://www.amitkavthekar.com.
Shellie James, Interfaith Hospitality Network of Greater Worcester, http://ihnworcester.org/, +1 5087131837, [email protected]
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