HINDUSTANI SLIDE GUITAR - Mohan Veena meets Chataurangui.

We invite you to join us for an extraordinary and acoustic house concert at the Temple of Melodious Sounds in Ocean Shores. (Exact address will be shared after booking.)

We are thrilled to present this all-acoustic showcase of exotic Indian slides converging on stage for the first time, resonating with a multitude of strings from two distinct bodies of Hindustani Slide Guitar - the Mohan Veena and the Chataurangui, accompanied by classical Tabla rhythms.

Doors will open at 6:30 pm, featuring two solo compositions from each artist. After an intermission with tea and refreshments, the evening will culminate in a collaborative performance between the two slide guitar maestros.

ABOUT THE INSTRUMENTS: The Mohan Veena, birthed by Grammy winner Pandit Vishwa Mohan Bhatt, blends the Hawaiian guitar with Indian classical music, featuring sympathetic strings. The Chataurangui, created by Pandit Debashish Battacharya, is a distinguished variant with its unique styling. Pandit Bhatt and Pandit Battacharya stand as leading exponents of the Indian Slide Guitar, mentoring Poly and Shivam, respectively as they continue the ever growing legacy.

ABOUT THE MUSICIANS...

POLY VARGHESE: Delighted to host Poly Varghese in Australia! Poly's musical journey began in Kerala, where he trained in Classical arts, particularly the Mridangam. While furthering his studies in West Bengal, he discovered his passion for Indian Classical music on the electric guitar. His encounter with Pandit Bhatt ignited his love for the Mohan Veena. Dedicated to mastering this evocative instrument under Pandit Vishwa Mohan Bhatt's guidance, Poly has performed worldwide at festivals and composed for film and theater.

SHIVAM RATH: Shivam Rath, a second-generation Aussie Indian musician, follows his father's footsteps in Yoga and Indian classical music. Embracing his family's musical legacy, he is emerging as Australia's leading Slide Guitarist. Combining meditation with classical music, Shivam shares his expertise globally through teaching and workshops. He has studied under renowned instrumentalists like Riley Lee and Debashish Bhattacharya, and Tabla under Chota Lal Mishra. Passionate about bridging ancient arts with modern music, Shivam is acclaimed for his contributions to this rich tradition.

RODNEY WRIGHT: Rodney Wright embarked on his Tabla journey in India in 1992. Under the guidance of the late Pandit Kedarnath Bhowmick, he was initiated into the Banaras Gharana tradition in 1995. Rodney continues to honor his lineage and enjoys collaborating with artists of diverse backgrounds.

WHAT TO EXPECT: Experience a deep melodious journey through early-evening Indian Raga music from serene Alap meditations to rhythmic crescendos, immerse yourself in the captivating sounds of Hindustani Slide Guitar like never experienced before with two maestros playing together.