Dance Drama, Singing Sensation for Nov. 4 Cancer Fundraiser

STAFFORD: Virtuosi of Performing Arts promises to bring an extraordinary and unique event to the audience on Friday, November 4 at 8pm at the Old Stafford Center. “The first part of the show will be a unique dance drama, ‘Fisherman and his Soul’ based on a French story by Oscar Wilde”, explained VPA’s Executive Director Keka Kar. “The performers are all American students of Taylor High School in Katy (where Kar teaches) and the music transcends European, Latin, Arabic and Indian art forms,” she added.

Kar is no stranger to the performing arts and comes from a long line of artists in her family. Ever since she has been in the Bayou City, she has dabbled in locally produced shows, often as a featured singer, sometimes a classical dancer, and of the past three years as a producer and director also. Her husband Satyajit is also known for his musical voice and the two have performed together on many occasions. Last year in July, VPA brought to town the Luna Poddar Dancers, kathak proponents who performed beautifully with passion.

The later part of the event is called “Ye Shaam Mastani” and will showcase Kinjal, a singing sensation and the winner of Sa-Re-Ga Ma- Pa 2010. “He is definitely at par with Sonu Nigam and Arijit Singh but is lesser known at this time,” explained Kar, “but he is well on his way to Bollywood.”

This event is particularly important and personal to Kar as she is trying to raise money for childhood cancer research. Kar was astonished to learn that less than 4% of all funding for cancer research goes towards childhood cancer.
“One of the students, Lilli Curry, from my school died of cancer in August,” said Kar sadly, “and I am doing the show and raising the money in loving memory of her. It was the last wish of Lilli to spread awareness and raise funds for childhood cancer research – can we not do this much for her?”

For sponsorships and tickets, call Keka Kar at 713-299-6303 or Jeet Kar at 713-299-6300