Metalachi at Levitt Pavilion Macarthur Park

Enjoyed a fun show by Metalachi at Levitt Pavilion in Macarthur Park. They play mariachi metal, and it is really a lot of fun. I managed some sketches of the larger than life musicians. Good times.

Metalachi at Levitt Pavilion Macarthur Park

Adunni and Nefertiti and Martha Redbone at Grand Performances

Dropped by Grand Performances to see Adunni and Neferetiti and Martha Redbone for another show and some painting on saturday. It got a bit cold, so I only stayed through the first two acts, missing Dessy Di Lauro, but it was fantastic. Adunni and Nefertiti came out for a soundcheck about before the show, and immediately they were captivating. Their voices, merged into one along with drumming was mesmerizing. Redbone with their steel guitar, banjo, vocals etc were so full of energy and fun. Here are sketches I made at the show.

Adunni and Nefertiti at Grand Performances watercolor sketch

Martha Redbone at Grand Performances watercolor sketch

Nina Simone Tribute at Grand Performances

I went to a beautiful free concert at Grand Performances in tribute to Nina Simone. It was a great night of classic Nina Simone songs played by a great group of musicians. The entire area was packed with people. My friend and I walked all around to find a good spot throughout the show, and eventually settled on standing with a view of behind the stage. It was actually a good spot, considering the place was so packed. It was an interesting way to enjoy the show. It was from there that I put this little sketch together.

Sketch I created at the show from behind the stage.

Malathi Iyengar's Love Trajectory at Grand Performances

I went and Malathi Iyengar's "Love Trajectory" at Grand Performances. Here are some sketches from the night.

Fishtank Ensemble at the Levitt Pavilion

I went over to join the wonderful folks from Art Division, who were creating a community mural. It was fun drawing with artists from Art Division and with them, encouraging little kids to join the fun. Afterwards, I watched Fishtank Ensemble perform at the Levitt Pavilion in MacArthur Park. Summer has begun!

Fishtank Ensemble painted live at the Levitt Pavilion

Fishtank Ensemble painted live at the Levitt Pavilion

Alan Broadbent - Heart to Heart Album Cover

Two time Grammy winner, Jazz pianist and composer Alan Broadbent's new solo piano album "Heart to Heart" is out now, featuring a watercolor sketch of mine on the cover. I painted it live at the Catalina Jazz Club during a performance by the Charlie Haden Quartet.

Alan Broadbent album cover album - "Heart to Heart"

Purchase a print of the cover art - Purchase the album from Amazon - CD Baby - Google Play - iTunesThe album features these tracks played solo by Alan:1. "Hello my Lovely" by Charlie Haden2. "Heart to Heart" by Alan Broadbent3. "Alone Together" by Arthur Shwartz4. "Now and Then" by Alan Broadbent5. "Journey Home" by Alan Broadbent6. "Blue in Green" by Miles Davis and Bill Evans7. "Love is the Thing" by Alan Broadbent8. "Lonely Woman" by Ornette Coleman9. "Cherokee" by Ray NoblePurchase a print of the cover art - Purchase the album from Amazon - CD Baby - Google Play - iTunes

Elephants with Guns at the Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles 2013

I checked out a short set with the new lineup of the band Elephants with Guns at the Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles' Rhythm Village, put on by Rukus Avenue. It was a short and powerful set. I can't wait to see a longer set by the band. I managed a few quick sketches of Jayson Joseph and Nikhil Cooper.

Art of Music Night 3: Pakistan

Two weeks after the last Art of Music event, we held our third night time event in the series at the Levantine Cultural Center. This time, I focused on Pakistan. The story turned from traveling in countries and connecting to cultures I had never met before, to going home. I shared my short animated film Gul, featuring the music of the Girnari Jogi Group as well as the story behind both. I felt very grateful to have an opportunity to share the story of these fantastic Sindhi musicians across the globe for an audience that respected what they do and supported my efforts to benefit them. Once again, I met with many new faces and enjoyed the warm company of many old friends as well.My good friend Robin Sukhadia, Tablapusher kept the crowd going with his DJing and a live tabla performance in which he share the story of this beautiful instrument.

Rupa and the April Fishes at the Mint

I went and enjoyed a show by Rupa and the April Fishes at the Mint. Here are some sketches. The one at the end is of a band called Bubbelah, which was a lot of fun too. My friend Robin Sukhadia played tabla with Rupa and the April Fishes on a few songs.

Bubbeleh at the Mint

Robin Sukhadia

Safa Shokrai at the Mint

Rupa

Sheetal Gandhi "I Am You" at the Annenberg Community Beach House

I went to see my friend Sheetal Gandhi perform her new piece "I Am You" at the Annenberg Community Beach House along with Meena Murugesan. Here's a watercolor I did during her wonderful performance.

Encounter at East West Players

Here's a sketch I managed in the dark during the "Encounter" show at East West Players in downtown Los Angeles tonight. 

Saul Williams at the Hotel Cafe

I had the pleasure of seeing Saul Williams at the Hotel Cafe last night with my friends Tyme and Jayson. Here are some watercolor sketches I managed while being inspired by some powerful spoken word performances. I loved the way Saul invited other poets at the show up to share their beautiful work and created an intimate feeling by carrying a conversation with the audience. I managed a sketch of the talented Gina Loring who opened for Saul as well.

EWG at Sofar LA

Thanks to Sofar LA I got to see some really talented bands at a generous fellow named Rocco's place which he opened up to some great musical acts in downtown Los Angeles. I managed a sketch during each short set by York, Tyler Lyle, Elephants with Guns and Chasing Kings.

EWG at Tuesday Night Cafe

I got to see my friends Elephants with Guns perform at the Tuesday Night Cafe, and managed this quick sketch.

Coastal Beauty

Stopped along the coastal highway to take in some of the breath taking beauty on the way to San Francisco. I managed this watercolor while being battered by the wind. My fingers were sore from holding on to the paper by the time I decided to leave, but it was worth it to stop off the highway, and hike down through thick shrubs and flowers to spend some time admiring nature.

Sounds and Rhythms of Afghanistan (S.A.R.A.)

I had the pleasure of seeing Sounds and Rhythms of Afghanistan (S.A.R.A.) perform at the Walt Disney Concert Hall courtyard. Here are some watercolors of Homayun Sakhi, Abbos Kosimov, Humayun Khan and Salar Nader performing Afghan and Uzbek music along with Ballet Afsaneh performing Tajik, Uzbek and Afghan dance. Hopefully some of the fun and excitement of the performance shows through in the art.

Omar Kazmi of Elephants with Guns

A watercolor sketch of my friend Omar Kazmi of Elephants with Guns.

Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia Bansuri/Flute Concert at the Skirball Center

I went to an Indian Classical Bansuri/Flute concert by Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia at the Skirball Center and did these quick sketches. Thanks to my friend Ashish for the invite to this event of the World Sacred Music Festival.

Niambi Sims at Soul Kitchen

I went to my friend Mark Anthony Benson's Soul Kitchen and enjoyed a powerful short film about abuse, a beautiful music performance by Niambi Sims and her band as well as some great art by Scott Orner and DJing by DJ Tray Boogie.Here's a sketch of Niambi bringing her music to a the audience at the Industry Jazz Cafe, where Mark does his Soul Kitchen events. Thanks for another great night Mark!

Journey to Sindh

Earlier this month I added a 5 part writeup with galleries on each page, of my journey to Sindh back in the summer of 2008 to record music for my short film Gul(flower). What fascinates me about storytelling, is not just sitting in a room and creating art, but rather the process of connecting to people, enriching the story of your own life and then expressing something about it.Sindhi is a province in Pakistan, rich with culture, heritage and incredible people. The hot desert, delicious food, a strong connection to Sindhi language and heritage and beautiful, colorful traditional clothes and art make it a fascinating place.I hope to explore more of it someday, but you can get a glimpse of my travels and some of the things I saw in Hyderabad and Jamshoro here.