Tanvi Kumar Quintet feat. Camille Kerani: The Avenue of Jazz and Indian Music

Expect the unexpected from this fusion group featuring elements of Jazz, Indian music, and Funk!

Tanvi Kumar is a jazz violinist and vocalist from Berkeley with a strong background in South Indian classical singing - these genres have influenced her through every stage of her musical journey, and her playing style draws from a wide variety of musicians like Joshua Redman, Melissa Aldana, and Bird and Rollins to name a few. The rest of her quintet includes hardworking passionate young musicians: Sam Wise is a Berkeley-based jazz guitarist who performs regularly throughout the Bay Area. With a classic jazz guitar tone, his playing draws inspiration from icons like Grant Green, Sonny Rollins, Peter Bernstein and Isaiah Sharkey. Ivo Maringouin is a pianist from the Bay Area who plays jazz and other styles. His sound is most influenced by Mulgrew Miller, Sullivan Fortner and Chick Corea. Sedge Green is a 20 year old bassist and composer based in Brooklyn, but originally from San Francisco. His music draws from a wide range of influences such as Classical Music, Afro Cuban Jazz, Tango, Contemporary Jazz, Funk, Rock, and Bebop. A flamboyant drummer and jazz educator, Purple Cat combines distant styles into uniquely syncopated grooves with excellent technique and finesse. 

Camille Kerani is a saxophonist, bandleader, composer, and recording artist from Oakland and Berkeley CA. Known for her rich warm sound on the saxophone and unique style, she is hailed as one of the young luminaries coming out of the Bay Area. In 2024, she was a San Jose Jazz grantee, where she received funds as part of their commission awards cycle. Camille has worked with artists such as Bay Area rapper Larry June and South African pianist Nduduzo Makhathini, and is currently on tour with San Diego sweet soul group Thee Sacred Souls. She is inspired by spiritual jazz, hardcore music, and everything in between. You can listen to her music on all streaming platforms, and find more on social media @camillekerani.

This concert will take the listener through a story built from rhythm and melody, and will highlight the intersection between Jazz and traditional Indian music. The band will play some compositions by jazz greats such as Joshua Redman and Melissa Aldana, some originals of Tanvi's, and some traditional Indian songs. They'll also play some funk and free improvisation.

"Music speaks louder than words."

Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 at the door general admission; $15 for students with ID. Children under 12 are free. Advance tickets are available here, or if the show is not sold out, you may purchase your tickets at the door before the show.

Doors open 30 minutes before show time. We accept cash or Venmo only at the door.

The Back Room is an all-ages, BYOB (for those 21+) space, dedicated to (mostly) acoustic music of all kinds. You are welcome to bring your own food and beverages. The venue is ADA accessible. If you need more information or have any questions, please call us: #510-381-1997.

To join our mailing list, please click here.

Thank you for your support!

Please refrain from using your phone during performances, and if you use your camera or video, please disable the flash.

Although masks are no longer required, we strongly encourage their use to keep everyone safe in our intimate space.