The Indo-American Arts Council (IAAC) celebrates, virtually, 75 years of India’s Independence with Dr. Radhika Chopra on August 14, 2021, and with Amaan Ali Bangash & Ayaan Ali Bangash on Sunday, August 15th at 8:30 pm.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 14TH @ 8:30 PM

1. RADHIKA CHOPRA is a much sought after composer and singer not only across India and Pakistan, but also in the United Kingdom, the Near East and East Africa where loyal audiences have been enthralled by her melodious & soul stirring renditions. Her impeccable diction of both the Hindi and Urdu languages have won her accolades of the discerning listener right across the globe. Dr. Chopra has been empaneled by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) to perform in foreign countries to promote classical Indian music and commissioned by the Indian Ministry of Culture to commemorate legendary figures such as Ghalib, Kundan Lal Saigal, et al. To learn more, visit radhikachopra.com

SUNDAY, AUGUST 15TH @ 8:30 PM

AMAAN ALI BANGASH & AYAAN ALI BANGASH

AMAAN ALI BANGASH: A “worthy heir to his father’s crown” – Songlines Magazine (songlines.co.uk)

AMAAN ALI BANGASH, the older son and disciple of the Sarod Maestro Amjad Ali Khan and grandson of Haafiz Ali Khan, along with his younger brother Ayaan, belongs to the seventh generation in an unbroken chain of the Senia Bangash School. He was initiated by his father into the fine art of Sarod playing and gave his first public performance at age eight.

Amaan’s musical style is marked by its precision in tunefulness, bold and resonant strokes, along with tradition and continuity of Indian Classical Music. An inspiration for younger generation musicians, he is considered one of the finest Sarod players in the world and has obtained a very special place for himself among music enthusiasts across continents. He has performed at numerous mainstream venues in India and around the world from 1986 to the present day. He continues to perform internationally, both individually and in collaboration with other artists.

In 2005, Amaan composed music for the film, “American Delight,” directed by Academy Award winner Rodger Christian. In 2002, he received the Provogue Society’s Young Achievers Award for Performing.

In addition to playing the Sarod, Amaan co-authored a book with his younger brother Ayaan, titled “Abba – God’s greatest gift to us” on his father’s life in November 2002 as part of their ‘Family Pride’ series. In early 2010, he co-authored his second book with Ayaan called ‘50 Maestros 50 Recordings’ for Harper Collins and also released an album called “The Music Room” and “Sarod Symphony” with his father and guru. To learn more, visit amaanalibangash.com

AYAAN ALI BANGASH, the younger son and disciple of the Sarod Maestro Amjad Ali Khan, Ayaan stepped into the world of music and the Sarod, at a very early age, with confidence, clarity, consistency and technical mastery all of which he learnt at his father’s knees. He gave his solo debut performance at eight. He has performed in India as well as at venues in countries around the world. He has collaborated with his talented brother Amaan and his illustrious father, Ustad Amjad Ali Khan.

Ayaan collaborated with the noted Cellist Mathew Barley in 2002, in 2005 with Guitarist Dereck Truks of the Allman Brother’s band and Evelyn Glennie. In 2006 Ayaan collaborated with Evelyn Glennie at Queen Elisabeth Hall. Bestowed with the MTV’s Lycra Award for the Most Stylish person in Music in 2006, Ayaan was honored by the Mayor of the City of Tulsa, Oklahoma with the Keys to the City along with an Honorary Citizenship and the Bharat Shiromani Award for Instrumental music in 2007. To learn more, visit ayaanalibangash.com

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LC “BAANDS” TOGETHERDANCE FESTIVAL

By Mabel Pais

LINCOLN CENTER presents the “BAAND Together” Dance Festival, an unprecedented week of outdoor dance performances as part of Restart Stages. At Lincoln Center’s Restart Stages, from August 17-21, five of the city’s most iconic dance companies share the stage — for the first time ever! Ballet Hispánico, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, American Ballet Theatre, New York City Ballet, and Dance Theatre of Harlem come together on one stage—with dancers and works from across the companies featured each night at 7:30 pm at Damrosch Park. New works and repertory favorites offer audiences the unique and exciting experience of an evening of programming curated collaboratively by the artistic directors of each company.

Company Members Lead Outdoor Family Workshops

Before Ballet Hispánico, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, American Ballet Theatre, New York City Ballet, and Dance Theatre of Harlem take the stage at night, they’ll be teaching kids and families how to dance for themselves at 4:00 pm from August 17–21. Join the general admission standby line the day of the event. From Salsa, barre work, West African dance style Kuku, and signature “Swan Lake” choreography, you’ll be moving to your own beat in no time.

Program 1 – August 17, 2021

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater

Lazarus (excerpt); Choreographed by Rennie Harris

This excerpt is inspired by the life and times of Alvin Ailey. It addresses racial inequities in America when Mr. Ailey founded his company in 1958 as well as today. Watch the video from Part 1: youtu.be/Mluat0zysb4

New York City Ballet

“Ces Noms Que Nous Portons;” Choreographed by Kyle Abraham

A tribute to LGBTQ Pride Month in 2020. The artists revealed their intent to “celebrate our queerness and our color in a way that hopefully stresses its importance, its fragility, and its strength. We create dances for those who have yet to see themselves on a stage.” To see the world premiere dance on film performance of “Ces Noms Que Nous Portons,” watch the video: youtu.be/DG0o1bjmRIA

Dance Theatre of Harlem

Harlem on my Mind (excerpt); Choreographed by Darrell Grand Moultrie

“This work was created to celebrate the memory of my beloved music teacher Ms. Gwendolyn McLoud. She loved Jazz music and made sure her students in Harlem were exposed to its history and brilliance. I would love to keep sharing this great music with the next generation.” – Darrell Grand Moultrie

American Ballet Theatre

Let Me Sing Forevermore; Choreographed by Jessica Lang

Jessica Lang’s spirited and romantic “Let Me Sing Forevermore” is set to a medley of American popular songs as sung by Tony Bennett (“Steppin’ Out With My Baby,” “Fly Me To The Moon” and “I Got Rhythm”).

Ballet Hispánico

18+1; Choreographed by Gustavo Ramírez Sansano

18+1 celebrates Gustavo’s 19 years as a choreographer and the vulnerability, care, and hope that comes with each artistic endeavor. In a display of subtle humor and electric choreography, the movement merges with the playful rhythms found in Pérez Prado’s mambo music. Sansano draws from his history and memory to take a joyous look at the past, present, and future.

TICKETS

For Tickets, visit TodayTix.com.

To learn moreand about events August 18-21, visit lincolncenter.org/lincoln-center-at-home/series/baand-together-dance-festival

(Mabel Pais writes on The Arts and Entertainment, Social Issues, Spirituality, and Health & Wellness)