Festival of India At 75

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Suman Gollamudi
suman.gn@iaac.us

THE INDO-AMERICAN ARTS COUNCIL PRESENTS "FESTIVAL OF INDIA@75"

- A collection of curated artistic events in New York starting August 2022, featuring
photography, dance, music and India’s classical culture

NEW YORK, NY – August 5, 2022 – The Indo-American Arts Council IAAC, the organization dedicated to celebrating and showcasing the arts in North America, is proud to present a collection of New York-based events to honor the 75th Anniversary of India’s Independence Day on August 15, 2022. Headline events and exhibitions are part of the highly anticipated Festival of India@75, a multi-national celebration aimed to observe the impact of India’s impact on the arts of the world ranging from music to dance and film to literature, pop culture and more.

“On August 15, 2022, India will be celebrating 75 years of independence. It will truly be a historic day in our nation’s onward march. To celebrate this landmark year in the city of New York, the Consulate General of India in association with the Indo-American Arts Council is celebrating Festival of India@75, featuring the finest exponents of Indian performing arts. It is only fitting that the best of Indian thought and culture is brought to New York - the cultural capital of America," said Randhir Jaiswal, Consul General of India in New York.

“We are proud and honored to mark the occasion of 75 years of Indian Independence with this remarkable series of events celebrating Indian art and culture,” said Dr. Nirmal K. Mattoo, Chairman, IAAC. “Curated with care, this line-up boosts an ambitious goal: to truly immerse audiences into a vibrant and diverse culture with limitless potential to inspire all citizens of the world.”

This fabulous line-up of events includes:

Steve McCurry India Photo Exhibition
Friday, August 5 at 6:00 p.m. ET
Sundaram Tagore Gallery, NY
An exhibition by American photographer and author, Steve McCurry. Renowned for the 1985 National Geographic cover “Afghan Girl,” McCurry has received awards and published numerous books showcasing work from his travels to India and far-reaching areas of our world. This event includes a reception with the artist as well as an auction of a signed print and a book signing.

Festival of India Dance (two nights)
Saturday, August 6 and Sunday, August 7 at 7:00 p.m. ET
The Ailey Citigroup Theater, NY
This series includes two nights of live dance and percussion performances by Bhavana Reddy (from the Raja and Radha Reddy Family), Mythili Prakash and more on-stage in New York. As well as a virtual event set to stream via Facebook and YouTube on Monday, August 8.

India@75 Celebration presented by Jazz at Lincoln Center and Indo-American Arts Council
Thursday, August 11 and Friday 12, 2022 at 7:30 p.m. ET
Dizzy's Club (Broadway at 60th St., 5th Fl.)
Two-night, jazz music event headlined by Sachal Vasandani and Friends featuring Grammy-nominated singer Priya Darshini performing music from a spellbinding collection of arts from East and West. Vasandani honors Nat King Cole's centennial in 2019, while borrowing from his Indian heritage along with Darshini, a captivating singer whose work takes cues from her Indian Classical music roots. Joined by a stellar cast that includes bassist Harish Raghavan (Charles Lloyd), Grammy-nominated pianist Orrin Evans, saxophonist Dayna Stephens and drummer Kush Abadey. In addition, Vanisha Gould, another outstanding jazz singer that embraces the global language of Jazz, will join the Friday night event. Venue offers stunning views of Columbus Circle. Seating is limited and tickets are sold directly at (212) 258-9595 and https://2022.jazz.org/dizzys-club .

Kaushiki Chakraborty's Sakhi in Concert
August 13, 2022at 7:00 p.m. ET
Carnegie Hall, NY
Coming from BHARAT MAA and following the spiritual path of the River Ganges, as well as numerous religious scriptures and luminaires, Kaushiki Chakraborty's SAKHI promises to translate the various aspects of Indian womanhood into musical forms through voice, percussion, instruments and dance. This exceptional event headlines a larger three-night schedule including:

Saath Saath: Purbayan Chatterjee and Rakesh Chaurasia
Sunday, August 14 at 7:00 p.m. ET
Carnegie Hall, NY
A journey of improvisational music made in the moment with teamwork is at its core, “Saath Saath” is an example of years of on-stage chemistry between Sitar Maestro Purbayan Chatterjee and Flute Maestro Rakesh Chaurasia creating a breathtaking display of spontaneity. Percussion Master Taufiq Qureshi and Rising Tabla star Ojas Adhiya round out this performance, adding creativity within the parameters of an ancient tradition.

Sarod Grand Master Amjad Ali Khan with Sarod Virtuosos Amaan Ali Bangash and Ayaan Ali Bangash With Refugee Orchestra Project. Lidiya Yankovskaya, Conductor
August 15, 2022 at 7:00 p.m. ET
Carnegie Hall, NY
Featuring Sarod Grand Master Amjad Ali Khan and Sarod virtuosos Amaan Ali Bangash, Ayaan Ali Bangash and Tabla players Amit Kavthekar and Ojas Adhiyaj, Samaagam, meaning confluence or flowing together, presents the essence of both Indian and Western traditions seamlessly flowing into each other without artistic compromise. In Samaagam, 12 different ragas are presented, creating a unique opportunity to experience joyous music and shared traditions in honor of India’s Independence Day.
"Leading up to India Day, we have curated a line-up of events that touch on many of the arts celebrated both in New York and India,” said Suman Gollamudi, Executive Director IAAC. “On this historic moment for India, it is thrilling to see India’s diverse communities coming together to celebrate and inspire future generations to explore Indian culture through art."
In addition to IAAC’s artistic events, India Day 2022 will be marked throughout the City of New York on Monday, August 15.

All Festival of India@75 events are hosted by the IAAC with support from the Consulate General of India New York and the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav initiative. Tickets are available HERE, tickets for Jazz performances at Dizzy’s Club are available at (212) 258-9595 and https://2022.jazz.org/dizzys-club .

For IAAC
Suman Gollamudi
Executive Director
Indo-American Arts Council
suman.gn@iaac.us