By Mabel Pais

Multi-talented singer-performer, Raghav Mathur, internationally & popularly known as Raghav will create magic at the Walt Disney World® Resort this month. He will take center stage as he illuminates the much-anticipated Diwali Dance Fest on Saturday, October 28, 2023 at Orlando, Florida.

Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is set to illuminate the Walt Disney World®Resort as the sensational performer, Raghav, closes out the highly anticipated Diwali Dance Fest.

Raghav, the internationally acclaimed singer-songwriter, is renowned for captivating audiences worldwide with his mesmerizing performances and hit singles. Drawing from his rich cultural heritage and infusing modern elements, Raghav will be closing out the 2.5-hour Dance Showcase set to be held at Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park. Diwali Dance Fest will be the 1st Ever Youth Event Celebration of Diwali at Walt Disney World® Resort! The festival promises to be a magical event filled with vibrant colors, stunning costumes, and incredible performances by dancers from around North America. The event will feature an official parade at Disney Springs®, a dance showcase at Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park, and a VIP party to follow.

“We wanted to make sure that the 1st Ever Diwali Dance Festival was going to be a memorable one for all those that will be attending,” said Jeanie Beri, Director of Jashn Productions. When I saw my daughter dancing to Raghav’s new hit “Desperado” I was reminded of myself when he had come out with “Teri Baaton” & “Angel Eyes” some years ago and I said to myself, he’s the perfect fit for our event. We can’t wait to experience the energy he will bring to the Walt Disney World stage.”

Raghav’s performance will feature a blend of his popular chart-topping hits along with traditional and contemporary dance routines, making it a spectacle that promises to enthrall both Indian and international audiences. With his dynamic stage presence and soulful voice, Raghav is sure to leave a lasting impression, creating cherished memories for attendees of all ages.

“I’m looking forward to this gig more than any in recent memory, the magic of Diwali combined with Disney magic,” said Raghav. “It’s going to be very special. I’m privileged to have been invited and thank Jashn Productions for both organizing this one-of-a-kind event and thinking of me.”

TICKETS

For more information and Tickets, visit shopdiwalidancefest.com

Jashn Productions

Jashn Productions (jashnproductions.com) was created by dancers for dancers, bringing mainstream exposure and opportunities for South Asian performing artists. Jashn is led by Jeanie Beri, an award-winning South Asian American dancer with over 35 years of dance training and teaching from her New Jersey-based studio Rhythmic Arts to her various credits including Walt Disney World, NBA, and the Broadway stage! 

Raghav

Raghav is an internationally acclaimed singer, songwriter, and dancer known for his fusion of various musical genres and his ability to captivate audiences with his energetic performances. Born in India and raised in Canada, Raghav’s music reflects a diverse cultural background and has garnered him a massive global fanbase.

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INNOVATIVE MUSICAL THEATER CELEBRATES ANCIENT INDIAN EPIC

By Mabel Pais

‘Ramaavan – A Musical,’ after a successful NYC debut last year, returns to New York City and Jersey City in October 2023.

The pathbreaking musical based on the ancient Indian epic ‘Ramayana’ will be performed October 20-22 in Jersey City & October 25-29 in New York City.

‘Ramaavan – A Musical’ is an innovative dance and musical theater experience adapted from the celebrated ancient Indian epic ‘The Ramayana,’ that has been loved and revered for centuries.

The evolving musical, written in English verse, has enthralled audiences of a variety of backgrounds and tastes. They have called Roy’s interpretation of the ancient epic bold, innovative and universal in appeal. The treatment crosses boundaries of race, bias and preconceived societal notions as well as of traditional genres of dance and music in retelling one of India’s greatest epics.

Founder and Artistic Director of Surati, Rimli Roy says, “I always wanted to bring a uniquely international sensibility to the epic of Ramayana. Finding talent that represented a diverse oeuvre of artistic talent that met my expectations was one of the biggest challenges. All actors are trained dancers and singers who perform live in this show.” “We are very happy and excited to be co-presenting Rimli Roy’s ‘Ramaavan – A Musical.’ Surati’s interpretation of the great Indian epic ‘The Ramayana’ embodies a universality never before seen in other interpretations of the ancient classic. In its diverse cast, inclusion of a wide range of performing art forms, and the message of peace and love inherent within, Surati’s Ramaavan perfectly aligns with the goals and aspirations of IAAC,” said IAAC board member Rajeev Kaul.

Performers of different races and ethnicities from different backgrounds are cast and accorded the liberties to explore each character through the lens of their own learnings and beliefs. The families shown are multi-racial, the costumes and props are introduced from various sources, and the artisans creating them come from equally wide-ranging societies. The music and dance blend different styles seamlessly to offer an unforgettable experience to the audience. The multi-hued spectacle ranges from ragas of Indian classical music to Hip-Hop, Opera and Jazz; from Bharatanatyam, Odissi and Kathak classical Indian dance to Ballet and Flamenco.

It is worth noting that the actors come from a wide range of cultural backgrounds and ethnicities, and have traveled from all over the US and India as well. While some of them are familiar with the story of Ramayana and how it is linked to the story of Diwali, many of them heard about it for the first time.

SCHEDULE

Oct 20-22: Jersey City

Margaret Williams Theatre, NJCU, Jersey City, NJ

Oct 25-29: New York City

Cullum Theatre, American Theatre for Actors, NYC, NY

TICKETS

For more information and Tickets, visit suratifpa.org/ramaavan

Surati for the Performing Arts

Learn more about Surati for the Performing Arts at suratifpa.org

The Indo-American Arts Council

Learn more at iaac.us

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