Gaelynn Lea, Diverse Asian Music Series Shows & More

An amazingly diverse choice of events coming up in our Asian Music Series, supported by TD Bank!

On Sunday it’s the Royal Conservatory of Music’s presentation of two great musicians of our era, teaming up for a sold-out concert. Crosscurrents: Zakir Hussain & Dave Holland brings the celebrated tabla virtuoso and jazz bassist together with an all-star band for an ‘Indian music meets jazz’ extravaganza.

Next weekend, sarod master Partho Sarothy and singer Shruti Sadolikar are featured in a two-part Indian classical concert presented by Raag-Mala Toronto at Glenn Gould Studio. These great players are supported by Neelesh Nadkarni on harmonium and Ramdas Palsule on tabla.

The series takes a sonic detour the following week, starting with Globetrotter’s – Bollywood Beat May 10. It will be a mashup of spicy beats courtesy of ‘Besharam’ legend DJ Amita, with visuals by SEKS, alongside resident DJ medicineman – tickets at the door.

That’s followed by two nights presented in association with Canadian Music Week and Wavelength, with Foonyap and Holy Hum at the Small World Centre May 11 and 12. Innovative soundscapes and powerful electronica are the hallmark of these two remarkable young artists.

Then a unique event at the Centre, Gaelynn Lea with Ali Jafri May 13. With an adapted playing style, holding her violin like a tiny cello and looping classically trained melodies, Gaelynn creates something truly individual. Witness “Someday We’ll Linger in The Sun,” one of her songs that won NPR’s Tiny Desk Contest in 2016.

Last but not least, this Saturday Hot Docs and Small World co-present a screening on the life and music of Indigenous singer/songwriter Gurrumul. With mesmerizing concert footage and intimate home videos, director Paul Damien Williams delivers a poignant portrait of this complex artist.