This special concert will mark Zakir Hussain's first Milwaukee appearance since 2015.
The promotional concert poster for the event was designed by world renown, Wisconsin born, Chicago based, artist Cody Hudson.
A very limited edition print version, signed by the artists, will be available at the concert.
All proceeds from the print will benefit the two not-for-profit organizations, the Ustad Alla Rakha Institute of Music and the South Asia Institute.
South Asia Institute & People of Rhythm Productions Present
Zakir Hussain with Niladri Kumar
Zakir Hussain, the acknowledged master of the Indian tabla, and Niladri Kumar, the incredibly gifted young sitarist, are at the very top of their form, and together represent the very essence of music: rhythm and melody. Their every performance is an opportunity for transcendent flights of musical imagination grounded in one of the world’s great musical traditions, Northern Indian (Hindustani) classical music. Zakir for a night of Indian classical music that will push the boundaries of traditions.
The Multiple Grammy Award winner, Zakir Hussain is widely considered the most celebrated tabla player around the world. He is also a torchbearer and has been a pillar of Indian Classical music for over 50 years. The eldest son and student of the famed tabla player Alla Rakha, who was Ravi Shankar’s drummer for decades and like his father before him, Zakir has been elevating the role and profile of the tabla drum and bringing its intricate rhythmic patterns to the most prestigious concert halls and festival main stages across the globe.
Zakir, who is known as an architect of “World Music”, has been collaborating with artists beyond South Asian classical music for decades starting early on with his rock band Shanti in 1971 and later in 1970’s with the Indo-Jazz supergroup, ‘Shakti with John McLaughlin, the British born guitarist. A collaboration and deep friendship that still goes till this very day with their Remember Shakti ensemble. Another project and relationship that also goes to this day include the Grammy Award winning, percussion supergroup, ‘Planet Drum’ and ‘Global Drum’ Project started in 1990 and led by Grateful Dead drummer Mickey Hart.
Zakir was also the key member of Tabla Beat Science live ensemble starting in 1999 with bandmates Bill Laswell, Sultan Khan, DJ Disk, and Karsh Kale. Zakir also has a trio with banjo player Bela Fleck and bassist Edgar Meyer. Hussain has composed music for many films and dance projects, in addition to scoring the opening of the Atlanta Olympics in 1996. In 2019 the Berkee College of Music honored Zakir with an Honorary Doctorate Degree.
Blessed with a lineage of five generations of sitar players, Niladri Kumar is a world renowned and global icon to reckon with. Under the guidance and numerous years of training from his father and guru Pandit Kartick Kumar, Niladri, after gaining an in-depth, profound, and sound understanding of Indian Classical Music, went on to revolutionize the style of sitar playing and further invent his own Instrument, the red electric sitar, which he coined as the Zitar.
He is hailed as one of the serious exponents of Indian music and has an uncanny, prodigious style in making this music appealing to the youth and the masses at large. Critics state that he has an unmatchable, effortless mastery over the instrument, and it is indeed a unique treat to witness his swift, agile, and magical fingers produce soul stirring, brilliant compositions.
He has inspired many to learn the sitar, and through his illustrious career has emerged as a one of a kind cause for national pride. He has been bestowed and recognized with several prestigious awards, valued titles, has released over ten albums. In addition, Niladri has contributed immensely to the Indian film industry. His live performances are known to transpose audiences to another world.
A message from Zakir Hussain.