Joel Veena

North Indian classical music uses the unique musical form of the 'raga' or 'raag' to stir the emotions of the audience and performers, moving them towards a state of focused joy and harmony. Joel and Mir, both seasoned performers in the art form, will present a concert of North Indian music with explanation and demonstration to guide listeners in an understanding and appreciation of the form and substance of the music. This will include a closer look at their respective instruments: the 20-stringed Indian slide guitar, a relatively new instrument in classical music evolved from a modified Hawaiian steel guitar, and the tabla, perhaps the most popular and versatile percussion instrument associated with Indian music the world over. After the introductions, the audience will be treated to a full length duet performance by the artists; music largely improvised on the spot within the framework of the raga that is at once focusing, calming and inspiring.