TONGUES

About

TONGUES brings Indian traditional music outside of cultural enclaves, providing access to a broader audience and musical community. In the series, Indian music provides a unique context for listening to experimental and improvised music, some of which draws influence from the traditions not only sonically and aesthetically, but also in approach and philosophy. A diverse group of performers and traditional Indian musicians are presented side-by-side to inform listening and create enriched understanding, crossing-over both practices. TONGUES started in 2013 at the Silent Barn DIY space in Bushwick, presenting performances by Matana Roberts, Che Chen, Leyna M. Papach, Peter Evans, Dada Tapan Kanti Baidhya, Arun Ramamurthy, Akshay Anantapadmanabhan, and Rajna and Anjna Swaminathan.

At 3pm before the performances, ISSUE Project Room hosts an open workshop for young musicians ages 13-19 led by violinist Anjna Swaminathan and mrudangamist/composer Rajna Swaminathan, introducing basic concepts of Carnatic music to Western Classical and Jazz trained students. The workshop will be a Carnatic Music primer, with a brief introduction to Raga (melodies and scales), Tala (rhythm and time cycles), and Gamaka (ornaments). Participants will need some training in their instrument or voice, knowledge of musical concepts and terminology (in their area of study), and will need to bring their instrument to play. The workshop is open registration and is presented in partnership with youth ensemble Face the Music.