Power-packed performance to ‘Remember Shakti'

CHENNAI: Chennai saw a strong show of ‘Shakti’ for differently abled kids on Saturday evening, courtesy the annual Shakti Foundation fundraiser. The Music Academy had a packed house of music lovers and well-wishers. ‘Remember Shakti’ was perhaps one of those rare occasions where most arrived ahead of time despite the fixed seating. Of course, with big names in music such as tabla maestro Zakir Hussain, singer-composer Shankar Mahadevan, khanjira player V Selvaganesh, ‘Mandolin’ U Shrinivas and British guitarist John McLaughlin, the massive turnout came as no surprise.

The first half of the show offered the audience a spell of adrenaline-heavy percussion balanced by a seamless blend of racing guitar chords and mandolin picking prowess. But this was just a warm up. UK-based John aka ‘Mahavishnu’ McLaughlin said, “We are thrilled to be here again in India.” He added, “Especially, in Chennai.” He then went on to commend the marvelous work done by the Shakti Foundation, an NGO that was founded by Velan Raghuvir in support of physically challenged and underprivileged children as well as for the rural poor.

The proceeds of today’s show will go toward the purchase of a bus for physically challenged children, as well as hospital equipment.

Shankar Mahadevan joined the second half of the concert, and it was evident that ‘breathlessly’ breathtaking is exactly what the audience got. Later Zakir Hussain invited a surprised Vikku Vinayaram on stage. Playing a composition titled, ‘Bridge of sighs’ the 70-year-old ghatam maestro took the spotlight, if only for a little while. And the audience responded with rapturous applause.

There was no need for lyrics or language at this show. The music did all the talking while Chennai sat back and listened.