The acclaimed world-jazz ensemble Natraj brings "intoxicating Indian influences and entrancing African rhythms" [Bruce Gellerman, WBUR-FM] to the Saheli fund-raiser, Rhythm and Spice. This program takes place at Robert Dubbs Auditorium, Brookline High School, 115 Greenough St., Brookline, MA, on Saturday, July 24. This show also features the Indo-jazz-rock group Karyshma. The Chief Guest will be Dr. Kiran Bedi, first woman police commissioner in India, pioneer of policing and prison reform, and author. The event begins at 3:00PM. Tickets are $35, $50, and $100 (general admission), and $25 (students). For tickets and information, call 781-749-9281 or 978-988-2333, or visit www.saheliboston.org.

This event is a fund-raiser for the non-profit organization Saheli, Friendship for South Asian Women. Proceeds will support Saheli¹s Domestic Violence Fund and will support programs for women¹s Economic independence including classes in English as a second language and computer literacy training.

From Boston to Toronto, and from India to Ghana, Natraj has Delighted listeners in clubs, concert halls, and festivals since 1987. Selected as Boston¹s Best Jazz Band by the Improper Bostonian, Natraj captivates and excites audiences with exotic textures, accessible melodies, and rhythmic energy. "Natraj seamlessly fuses classical Indian music, the traditional music of West Africa, and contemporary jazz to create its own style," declares Asian Age, Bangalore, India. Natraj recently toured India, performing in the Prayojana International Music Festival in Bangalore and Chennai. Natraj¹s shows featured collaborations With Indian classical stalwarts, saxophone great Kadri Gopalnath, Maestro Chitraveena N. Ravikiran, and violinist Sriram Parasuram. "Watch out for this energetic and wildly intelligent ensemble... formidable virtuosos." Mid-Day, Mumbai, India. Natraj features soprano saxophonist Phil Scarff; ECM recording artist and violist Mat Maneri; bassist Thomson Kneeland; tabla and multipercussionist Jerry Leake; and drummer Bertram Lehmann.

Karyshma¹s music takes chances. The band brings together the Intensity of rock, the improvisation of jazz, and the intricacies of India¹s musical traditions. The band has played over 400 concerts across North America, including cities like Boston, NY, LA, DC, San Francisco, Chicago, Miami, Houston, Toronto, and Montreal. Complete press kits, photographs (black and white as well as color), and CDs available.

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