Rasa Lila and Riffat Sultana Band: Benefit for KPFA

Rasa Lila came into being during the depths of the pandemic, offering call-and-response Kirtan. In 2023, the band performed at The Back Room in a successful benefit for KPFA, and it was so much fun they decided to do it again.

Rasa Lila reflects the diverse musical backgrounds of its members, whose collective training include Indian, jazz, West African, and classical music. Rasa Lila ranges from meditative to ecstatic. Call-and-response makes the audience part of the experience of the evening. This is the magic of Kirtan.

This concert features guest percussionist Gurdeep Hira Singh; he plays Tabla for Sikh, Sufi and Hindu events all over California. Gurdeep brings joy to his sound.

Joanna Manqueros - vocals, harmonium

John Kadyk - bass clarinet

Peter Warren - percussion

Eileen Hazel - vocals

The Riffat Sultana Band features Riffat Sultana, Richard Michos, Jeff Bellsey, and Peter Warren.

Riffat Sultana channels the musical wisdom of 500 years and eleven generations of master vocalists from India and Pakistan. The daughter of legendary classical singer, the late Maestro Ustad Salamat Ali Khan, Riffat is the first woman from her family's musical lineage to publicly perform in the west. Richard brings magical guitar riffs which make the music pop.

Tickets are $25 general admission. Children under 12 are free. Advance tickets are available here, or if the show is not sold out, you may purchase your tickets at the door before the show.

Doors open one half hour before show time. We accept cash or Venmo only at the door.

The Back Room is an all-ages, BYOB (for those 21+) space, dedicated to (mostly) acoustic music of all kinds. You are welcome to bring your own food and beverages. The venue is ADA accessible. If you need more information or have any questions, please call us: #510-381-1997.

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Thank you for your support!

Please note: Although masks are no longer required, we strongly encourage their use to keep everyone safe in our intimate space.

Host or Publisher Sam Rudin