Rasa Lila, The Ali Khan Band

Rasa Lila came into being during the depths of the pandemic, offering call-and-response Kirtan. In 2023, the band performed here at The Back Room in a successful benefit for KPFA Radio.

The group performs Kirtan, originals, including Qawwali, which is the music of the Indus Valley of Pakistan, along with original sounds. Each piece is for audience participation, and includes a principle, such as “letting go” or “invoking love.”
Rasa Lila reflects the diverse musical backgrounds of its members, whose collective training include Indian, jazz, West African, classical, and Arabic music. Their music ranges from meditative to ecstatic. Call and response makes the audience part of the experience of the evening. This is the magic of Kirtan.
John Kadyk - bass clarinet
Joanna Manqueros - vocals, harmonium
Peter Warren - percussion
Eileen Hazel - vocals

The Ali Khan Band includes Sukhawat Ali Khan, who grew up in Lahore, Pakistan. His family are traditional musicians who have been singing and playing harmonium in the Qawwali style for generations. Sukhawat will be performing high energy contemporary Sufi music with Peter Warren, Ruti Celli (cello) and Meiron Egger (keyboards).

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.

To join our mailing list, please click here.

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