Many might tend to think that Shakti Yoga is solely a yoga retreat… a zen-like oasis… on the city’s West Side, dedicated to the Eastern philosophies of health and wellness. While that is essentially true, Shakti is also a music venue for traveling musicians who come to Buffalo as part of a journey to continue the learning process by exploring new cities, meeting new people, and sharing new and old philosophies through mind, body and music.
Once a month, Shakti Yoga is transformed into Shakti Lounge, and owner Michelle Gigante invites the community to sit in and listen to concerts that you just won’t find anywhere else in Buffalo. Part spiritual, part mediation, and part pure enjoyment, the musicians are able to create a special atmosphere by becoming one with the incredible historic space and the open-minded people that are attracted to the sessions. In fact, while the once-a-month Saturday concert series is being billed as a ‘lounge’ experience, truth be told that this is much more along the lines of visiting an actual ‘concert hall’ due to the expansive and awesome nature of the building. Next up on the line-up…
Saturday March 15, 2014 an Oud duo from Brooklyn. Brandon Terzic on oud, Kane Mathis on kora and oud with special guest Ravi Padmanabha on tabla and percussion. From Shakti:
Brandon Terzic plays the Arabic Oud, the Turkish Saz, Guitar and the Malian jalli Ngoni. He has performed and studied with Master musicians from Morocco, Senegal, India and the US and Europe and has toured internationally. He has released two Albums, the groundbreaking Xalam Project and a Duo improvisation album with Master Percussionist Ravi Padmanabha called Western Skies Eastern Dreams.
Kane Mathis is probably the only musician in the World that has managed to master both the Kora and the Turkish Oud. He also plays guitar and sings in the Mandinkin language of West Africa. He has spent years shuttling back and forth between the US and the Gambia, as well as making trips to Turkey to dedicate himself fully to his Art. He has recorded many albums and is esteemed as a solo artist as well as being a sought after sideman in multiple idioms
Ravi Padmanabha is multi-instrumentalist who specializes in percussion. He plays drums in Family FUNKtion and the Sitar Jams and also leads his own trio “My Nada Brahma”. Ravi has studied tabla with many great masters such as Pandit Sharda Sahai and Pandit Samar Saha. Ravi has performed in duo with Steve Baczkowski for many years. The duo has performed with William Parker, Robert Dick, Paul Flarthey and Jin Hi Kim.
Shakti translates from Sanskrit (ancient Indian) to energy force toward consciousness. What better way to experience that, than through live music?
Doors open at 7:30pm. Concert begins at 8pm. Arrive early for chair seating is limited. Parking in rear of building in Shakti’s lot or across the street at M&T. A suggested donation of $10 will be collected at the door for this fine musicianship.
Check Facebook for future Saturday performers and scheduling.
Shakti Yoga – Kirtan, Dance, Meditation, Thai Massage, Live Music
133 Grant St.
Buffalo New York 14213
716- 884-YOGA