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Flushing Town Hall’s Mini-Global Mashup Series Continues this March with “India Meets Egypt” Concert
—“Falu weaves the thread of Indian classical music into Western sound to create a seamless harmony” - Rolling Stone Magazine India—
Falu, Sami Abu Shumays
(Flushing, N.Y.)—One of Flushing Town Hall’s most popular series, Common Ground: Mini-Global Mashups, returns on Sunday, March 13 at 1PM EST with a live presentation of India Meets Egypt. Devoted global music fans can enjoy two solo musicians of different practices and cultural identities performing together in a unique pairing.
The March concert will blend the music of Indian singer-songwriter Falu with the Arabic tunes of violinist, vocalist, and rababa player Sami Abu Shumays. They will be accompanied by Gaurav Shah on harmonium.
Acclaimed trumpeter and composer Frank London of The Klezmatics, who has himself performed in Flushing Town Hall’s original, large-scale Global Mashups series, is the curator for the 2022 season of mini mashups.
Falu is a two-time GRAMMY nominated artist for her children’s albums Falu’s Bazaar and A Colorful World. She is internationally recognized for her rare ability to seamlessly blend a modern, inventive style with a formidable vocal talent shaped by Indian classical tradition. Born in Mumbai and now a New York resident, her career in the United States has included a series of brilliant and high profile collaborations with Yo-Yo Ma, Wyclef Jean, Philip Glass, Ricky Martin, Blues Traveler and A. R. Rahman, among others.
Gaurav Shah has a passion for Indian classical music and has toured extensively with his wife Falu including performances at Carnegie Hall and on National Geographic TV, and was a featured songwriter in the Smithsonian. When not performing on stage, the Harvard graduate serves as CEO and President of Rocket Pharma, a biotechnology company focused on developing first-in-class gene therapy options for rare, devastating diseases. Gaurav and Falu are the proud parents of an eight year old son, who had his debut at Carnegie Hall at the age of five.
Sami Abu Shumays is an Arabic violinist, vocalist, and rababa player, co-founder and musical director of the Arab music and dance ensemble Zikrayat (the name means “memories” in Arabic). Inspired by the “Golden Age” of Egyptian Cinema (the 1940’s-60’s), the group presents exciting dance numbers alongside classical Tarab repertory. Shumays is also a teacher and scholar of Arabic music and maqam, the system of melodic modes used in traditional Arabic music, which is mainly melodic. His field of expertise is in the Egyptian and Syrian music traditions, and he co-authored the book Inside Arabic Music: Arabic Maqam Performance and Theory in the 20th Century, which is a landmark piece of literature for students of Arabic music and essential for anyone who wants to learn more about Arabic music. Born in Pittsburgh, PA, Sami is a second-generation Palestinian-American immigrant, who studied Western classical music, piano, violin and composition as a boy, and as an undergraduate at Harvard University. Shumays also happens to serve as Deputy Director of Flushing Town Hall.
“In ancient times, India and Egypt were connected along the Maritime Silk Road, learning from and influencing each other’s cultures. Today, India and Egypt are strongly represented in Queens,” says Flushing Town Hall Executive & Artistic Director Ellen Kodadek. “We’re excited to mash up and explore these two rich and vibrant cultures through music, and also showcase the incredible talents of our very own Deputy Director Sami Abu Shumays.”
“I am overjoyed to be sharing a stage with the talented Falu,” says Flushing Town Hall’s Deputy Director Sami Abu Shumays who will be playing the second set of the Global Mashup on the same stage that afternoon. “She and I have been friends for years, and she occasionally invites me to perform with her even though I play a totally different kind of music. Falu is an incredibly generous collaborator, and every time I get the chance to work with her we both learn something new.”
The Mini-Global Mashup performance will be followed by a Q+A conversation between the artists and audience.
In-person tickets are $15/$12 Members. Those unable to attend in person can view the livestream for free at https://www.youtube.com/flushingtownhall/live. Donations are encouraged.
For the Mini-Global Mashup series’ full schedule and to purchase tickets, visit: https://www.flushingtownhall.org/mini-global-mashups or call (718) 463-7700 x222.
FOR CALENDAR LISTINGS:
SUNDAY, MARCH 13, 1 PM EST
Common Ground: Mini-Global Mashup - India Meets Egypt
GLOBAL MUSIC | IN-PERSON | VIRTUAL
https://www.flushingtownhall.org/mini-global-mashup-7
Common Ground: Mini-Global Mashups are curated by acclaimed trumpeter and composer Frank London of The Klezmatics, bringing together two amazing, global music artists for an afternoon of music, conversation and exploration. Post-show Q&A. This month’s mashup will feature Indian vocalist Falu and Arabic violinist, vocalist, and rababa player, Sami Abu Shumays. They will be accompanied by Gaurav Shah on harmonium.
$15/$12 Members; Virtual: Free
This program is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.
COVID Policy:
In adherence with New York City’s Covid policy for performance venues, Flushing Town Hall will require all visitors, performers, and staff to show proof of vaccination against COVID-19 with matching identification. Additionally, masks will be required at all times. For more details on Flushing Town Hall’s Covid-safety measures and vaccine requirements, please visit:
https://www.flushingtownhall.org/covid-safety.
Support Global Arts With A Gift Today!
All gifts of $50 or more give you exclusive Flushing Town Hall Circle of Friends membership benefits including a Smithsonian membership, ticket discounts, and more! Donations in any amount are appreciated to support the artists and the nonprofit cultural organization as they continue to provide programming and entertainment across New York and the world.
https://www.flushingtownhall.org/circle-of-friends
Flushing Town Hall is a not for profit organization and receives major support in its 2021-2022 Fiscal Year from the National Endowment for the Arts; New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature; New York State Assembly Member Ron Kim; The City of New York, Mayor Bill de Blasio (2021) and Mayor Eric Adams (2022); New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, Commissioner Gonzalo Casals; Queens Borough President Donovan Richards; The New York City Council, Speaker Corey Johnson; Council Members Costa Constantinides, Daniel Dromm, Barry Grodenchik, Peter Koo, Karen Koslowitz, Paul A. Vallone, Jimmy Van Bramer; Howard Gilman Foundation, Booth Ferris Foundation, Guru Krupa Foundation, Fan Fox and Leslie R. Samuels Foundation.
To view current donor lists, please visit www.flushingtownhall.org/donor-listings
About Flushing Town Hall
Flushing Town Hall (FTH), a Smithsonian affiliate, presents multi-disciplinary global arts that engage and educate the global communities of Queens and New York City, in order to foster mutual appreciation. As advocates of arts equity since 1979, we support local, immigrant, national, and international artists, developing partnerships and collaborations that enhance our efforts. As a member of New York City’s Cultural Institutions Group (CIG), we serve to restore, manage and program the historic 1862 landmark on behalf of the City of New York. FTH celebrates the history of Queens as the home of Jazz, by presenting the finest in Jazz performance. We are committed to arts education and hands-on learning, for the arts-curious, arts enthusiasts, and professional artists. We serve one of the most diverse communities in the world and strive to uphold the legacy of inclusiveness that has defined our community since the Flushing Remonstrance of 1657.
Land Acknowledgement:
Flushing Town Hall acknowledges that we are on the traditional land of the Matinecock People, one of the original tribes of New York, and the first people of Flushing, Queens. The Matinecock continue to live and work on this land to this day. Flushing Town Hall honors their elders who have stewarded this land throughout generations.
For more information:
www.flushingtownhall.org
(718) 463-7700 x222
137-35 Northern Blvd. Flushing, NY 11354