Indian Ocean Fusion Band to Perform in Houston
Last Updated:August 01, 2008

An Indian Ocean Band Member

HOUSTON: The famed Indian rock fusion band, Indian Ocean will be performing in Houston on Friday, August 29th, 2008. The concert is being brought to Houston by Shangri-La Entertainment, an offshoot of Shangri-La Art Gallery and Child Rights and You (CRY) America Inc.

Indian Ocean is a contemporary fusion music band from India. Some music critics describe the Indian Ocean music as “Indo-rock fusion with jazz-spiced rhythms that integrates shlokas, sufism, environmentalism, mythology and revolution”. The band comprises Susmit Sen (Guitar), Asheem Chakravarty (Tabla, Percussions & Vocals), Amit Kilam (Drums, Percussions & Vocals) and Rahul Ram (Bass Guitar & vocals). Says Simon Sweetman of the Dominion Post, “Susmit Sen’s fluid guitar lines recall Jerry Garcia and John Mclaughlin at their finest.

Shangri-La’s goal is to promote contemporary Indian art, music and culture to the overseas Indian community, as well as to the mainstream American community. Says Atul Vir, Promoter of the gallery. “Our mission is to bring musical performances of a high international caliber to the Houston music audience. Our catchphrase is “Cool Contemporary Indian Music”. This genre of music is also referred to as Lounge Music, New Age and Fusion.

Added Akshay Lalla, Leader of CRY America’s Houston Chapter, “Music has always transcended boundaries to bring people together for many a cause. The Indian Ocean concert is one such opportunity to bring people together for the cause of underprivileged children. In just 5 years of it’s existence, CRY America with the support of over 8,100 donors and 500 volunteers has impacted the lives of over 156,503 children in India and the US across 1,211 villages and slums through support to 30 Projects. CRY is a 501c3 non profit organization driven by its vision of a just world in which every child has an equal opportunity to develop to his or her full potential”.

The performance will include an open Artists’ Reception prior to the performance, snacks and drinks, amid a relaxed evening for the attendees.

The Indian Ocean Concert is being held at the University of Houston’s Cullen Performance Hall. The artists’ reception is at 6:30 pm and the concert will commence at 8 pm.

Tickets are $36, $28 and $20. Students get a 50% discount. For concert information and ticket sales call 713-933-1727 or visit www.ShangriLaConcerts.com.

For more information on CRY America, visit www.america.cry.org or call 713-249-2495.