A Decade of Melodies: Shadaj Celebrates 10 Years with the Shadaj Festival of Music 2025

Shadaj, a non-profit organization in the Greater Boston area, has been a beacon of Indian classical music for the past ten years, enriching the community. To commemorate this remarkable milestone, Shadaj is gearing up for a vibrant celebration—the Shadaj Festival of Music 2025.

More than just an event, the Shadaj Festival of Music is a testament to the organization's unwavering commitment to its core mission: fostering community outreach and cultural integration through the power of music. On Saturday, April 5th, 2025, the stage of Scottish Rite Masonic Museum in Lexington, MA, will resonate with enchanting melodies, captivating performances, and opportunities for audiences from all walks of life to immerse themselves in the timeless beauty of Indian classical music.

Shadaj's journey has been one of enriching lives and fostering a sense of belonging. Shadaj doesn't just put on concerts; they craft experiences. From hand-picking world-class artists to curating the perfect performance space, Shadaj ensures every concert is a memorable event. Such attention to the needs of artists and audiences sets Shadaj concerts apart. Over the past ten years, they have provided a platform for renowned artists, nurtured budding musicians, and captivated audiences with intimate Baithak concerts (chamber music-style gatherings) and insightful lecture-demonstrations. The lecture demonstrations are organized in collaboration with prominent community organizations in India as well as in the US. This serves Shadaj’s vision of introducing and integrating Indian Classical Music into the American mainstream culture.

The Shadaj Festival of Music promises to be a full day of musical excellence by seasoned professionals of Raag-Sangeet. In keeping with Shadaj's mission, young artists will also be featured to support the future of Indian music. Shadaj has a long history of championing young artists, introducing US audiences to future stars before they were household names. The festival will open with a performance by Anirudh Aithal, a rising star of the Kirana Gharana. Shadaj has a reputation for presenting the best of the best, showcasing artists who represent the full spectrum of Indian classical music. The festival, of course, is no exception. Shadaj is extremely pleased to feature a lineup of extraordinary musicians from India. Prepare to be mesmerized as vocalist Pandit Sanjeev Abhyankar and sitar maestro Ustad Shahid Parvez grace the stage in the afternoon. The evening culminates with a grand finale featuring the celebrated vocalist Kaushiki Chakraborty. Equally talented accompanists will accompany all the artists, such as the prodigiously talented Yashwant Vaishnav. The audience will witness the future of Indian classical music as Shakir Khan, the son of Ustad Shahid Parvez, and Rishith Desikan, the son of Kaushiki Chakraborty, also join the ensemble.

Leading up to the Festival day, Shadaj will host a special open-mic season opener by talented local musicians and a series of lecture-demonstrations.  Separately, throughout the year, the Shadaj Baithak series will offer a diverse lineup featuring renowned masters as well as emerging stars in the field of Indian music. The Baithak concert series will continue from May 2025 till October 2025.

The Shadaj Festival of Music 2025, a significant milestone in the journey of Shadaj aims to celebrate the glorious past and the bright future of Indian classical music in the United States. It will exemplify Shadaj’s commitment to cultural integration, education and community outreach. As the festival date approaches, excitement is building within the community, with anticipation for a day that will resonate in the hearts and minds of attendees long after the final notes are played. Behind the scenes, a team of volunteers has been working tirelessly to create a truly unforgettable festival experience. The festival runs from 11 AM to 10 PM. Food vendors will offer a variety of delicious Indian cuisine during meal breaks for the ease and convenience of the audience.

 Join Shadaj in celebrating ten years of musical excellence and cultural exchange on April 5, 2025, at the Scottish Rite Masonic Museum in Lexington, MA. Let us come together to honor the past, embrace the present, and look forward to a harmonious future.

Don't miss out on this unforgettable event. Secure your tickets early. For more information about the Shadaj Festival of Music 2025, including ticket details and a complete schedule of events, please visit the Shadaj website at www.shadaj.org.

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