Indian Carnatic Music Festival to be Held Saturday

Scores of kids and adults from the tristate area are expected to gather for an annual celebration of Indian music on April 16.This is the third year of Carnatic Music Mela, an all-day event that promotes a traditional style of music common in southern India. The event, conceived by K.N. Shashikiran--a renowned performer--offers students of music and others an interactive forum to learn and share their appreciation of various facets of carnatic music. A fancy dress competition opens up the floor to kids who want to walk in the shoes of their favorite composer or performer. The festival is peppered with other interactive events targeted at children including jeopardy, quiz and poster presentations."This year will be a special event celebrating the centenary year of Bharat Ratna M.S.Subbulakshmi" says Ashvin Bhogendra, a carnatic music teacher and one of the organizers of the event. The late M. S. Subbulakshmi was undoubtedly carnatic music's most famous icon. A vocalist par excellence, her lifespan included thousands of concerts, movie performances, several high honors and awards and exemplary community service.In celebration of her music, Navatman Music Collective, a renowned choir group from New York City, will present a tribute.This event also includes thematic vocal and dance performances by various local and visiting artists.The event, in previous years, has seen hundreds of participants from the tristate area and Pennsylvania.It will be held at Sri Guruvayurappan Temple, 31 Wooleytown Road, Morganville, NJ 07751. For tickets, and more information, please go to Carnatic Music Mela.