In a 75-minute Zoom session, noted saxophonist George Brooks and sitarist Arjun Verma engage in discussion and performance to explore a fundamental characteristic of both jazz and Indian classical music: improvisation.
George Brooks is a prolific saxophonist and composer, acclaimed for successfully bridging the worlds of jazz and Indian classical music. He is the founder of several influential fusion groups including Summit with Zakir Hussain, Steve Smith, Kai Eckhardt and Fareed Haque; Bombay Jazz with Larry Coryell and Ronu Majumdar; the Raga Bop Trio with Steve Smith and Carnatic guitarist Prasanna and Elements with Indian violinist Kala Ramnath and Dutch harpist Gwyneth Wentink.
Arjun Verma has been performing for over 25 years, at venues including the United Nations (Geneva), the Fillmore (San Francisco), Fox Theater (Oakland), Pattee Arena (Monterey), the New School (New York), Birmingham Museum of Art and Prague Castle, and has also been featured on NBC Bay Area. A 2020 Mosaic Fellow, Arjun has emerged with a unique voice on the sitar—both within the tradition of North Indian classical music and through his innovative cross-genre collaborations.
Making the Mosaic is a new series of online events that explore our diversity by engaging with community members to share what being an American means to them. An initiative of Silicon Valley nonprofit Sangam Arts, it provides a virtual forum where audiences and special guests share stories and performances about their journeys to “belonging” in America. More information at sangamarts.org.
georgebrooks.com arjun-verma.com
Brighter Days – Kala Ramnath and George Brooks
Seven Spices (Covid Collaboration)
Arjun Verma, Jack Perla, Javad Butah: Sitar, Piano, and Tabla Improvising Together
Arjun Verma and Florian Schiertz: Raga Miyan ki Malhar on Sitar (Live in Prague)
A link to the Zoom event will be emailed to you after registration.
Discussion, Global, Jazz Fusion
Education is central to SJZ's mission, and we offer a variety of ways for youth and adults to learn about, perform and be inspired by music. Please support our education efforts in the community with a donation today.
Online only
Subscribe to our updates and you’ll be the first to know about coming performances, special events and happenings in San Jose's arts and culture community.