GAAYATRI at Sierra Madre Playhouse (Photo – Kayleigh Scott)
Sierra Madre Playhouse hosted GAAYATRI on Saturday, August, 31, giving Labor Day weekend a beautiful beginning.
By Kayleigh Scott
GAAYATRI grew up with mainstream music as a part of her sonic environment.
GAAYATRI took the stage, surrounded by accompanists to exhibit the vast array of musical styles they would perform throughout the afternoon. Musicians Amol Ghode on the Pakhawaj, Neelamjot Dhillon on the Tabla, Makheer Singh on the Dilruba, Anand Vemuri on the Bansuri, Pitambar Dayal on the Harmonium, and Binh Tat and Anita Sinclair on the Tanpura all joined her for a lively recital.
Ordained in pink, teal, yellow, and golden accents, GAAYATRI started the program with Dhrupad music that is said to be the oldest in existence. Consisting of chanting, humming, and long tonal music, this music is not just for entertainment but carries stories and celebration. The first is said to hold the power to bring rain. Skillful shifts in ambusher carried the audience through the first song which lasted over 30 minutes, as GAAYATRI took short and sustaining breaths for a powerful and serine sound.
She continued with music in the Dhammar and Khyaal style. She then finished with a more classical style called Bhakti which moves into more intricate patterns and shapes of music. These songs are all connected to the divine feminine. More and more instruments were introduced to the stage, with all seven performers joining for the final song. Concertgoers joined in, singing along with the lyrics. After many patrons stood and gave GAAYATRI a warm applause she thanked her fellow musicians “Special thanks to everyone who accompanied me today and to the Sierra Madre playhouse”. Hot chai served in the lobby left them with a delicious parting gift.
To learn about Sierra Madre Playhouse go to sierramadreplayhouse.org/calendar where they have new musicians to enjoy every week.
GAAYATRI and accompanied musicians (Photo – Kayleigh Scott)
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