On Saturday, March 13, world-jazz ensemble Natraj collaborates with Indian classical dancer Jayshree Bala Rajamani at Amazing Things Arts Center, 160 Hollis St.  (Rt. 126), Framingham, MA 01702. The show begins at 8:00PM. Tickets are $18 (general admission), $17 (students, seniors), $15 (members), $9 (children under 12). For tickets and information, call 508-405-ARTS or visit www.amazingthings.org.

What happens when Indian classical dance meets jazz and world music? Dazzling footwork, vibrant melodies, graceful expression, and invigorating rhythms! In this performance, world-jazz group Natraj collaborates with stellar Indian classical dancer Jayshree Bala Rajamani, for a spectacular visual-aural East-meets-West fusion that is not to be missed.

“Natraj... contemplative raga improvisation, high-energy African- and Indian-based grooves, complex odd meters and polyrhythms, and edgy contemporary jazz... blended together beautifully while showcasing the brilliance of each artist,” raves Lokvani.com. Natraj has delighted listeners in concert halls and festivals throughout the US, Canada, India, and Africa since 1987. Recent appearances include the Berklee Percussion Festival, where Natraj performed with Indian percussion wizard Trichy Sankaran. “True fusion of jazz and world musics... Compelling blend of Indian, African, and Jazz musics... Excellent tunes… It all works quite beautifully,” attests Cadence.

Jayshree Bala Rajamani was initiated into the glorious ancient art of classical Indian dance by her mother. She creates perfect fusion between body movement and music in her choreographies and has been lauded for her grace and lightning footwork. Her awards include the title, “Natyamani,” Jewel of Dance, conferred by the Indian Cultural Society, New Delhi, and the Sahitya Kala Parishad award for excellence in dance. “Breathtaking footwork.” – Indian Express, New Delhi. “Impressive… with a flair for Abhinaya [expression]… sensitively visualized.” – The Hindu.

At Amazing Things, Natraj features saxophonist Phil Scarff, violinist Rohan Gregory, bassist Mike Rivard, tabla and multipercussion master Jerry Leake, and drummer Bertram Lehmann.

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