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Hometown: Flushing, NY
Management: Shiv Venkatram
Website: www.charanams.com
Sounds Like: Mahavishnu Orchestra, Shakti, Led Zeppelin Official
Genre: World
"Charanams" - The Ragas & Rhythms!
Charanams” is a world music, cross genre band that blends different styles of music, the South Indian Classical (Carnatic), Jazz, improvised music, Indian classical rhythms and contemporary rhythms. The band presents original compositions of Nivedita ShivRaj that are based on Indian ragas in addition to classical carnatic compositions blended with jazz, blues, reggae, and contemporary rhythms.
Charanams music and style is unique, appealing to multi ethnic audience of all age groups. It transcends language, cultural and racial differences, speaking the universal language of music.
Charanams won the Battle of the Boroughs contest of WNYC in 2011 besting all the bands from the 5 boroughs of New York City. Charanams performed the opening concert for Wanda Jackson at the Summerstage at Central Park in 2011.
Charanams is lead by Nivedita ShivRaj, an accomplished Veena artist who is a composer, performer and teacher. Charanams Band includes Samyuktha ShivRaj (Vocal); Marcus Cummins (Saxophone); Jason Goldstein (Gutitar) and percussionists.
“Queens is reigning supreme after an eclectic ensemble snagged top honors at a citywide music competition.
Flushing-based band Charanams won the "Battle of the Boroughs" contest organized by WNYC radio last week, besting rivals from the four other boroughs.
The victory will thrust the exotic group into the spotlight far beyond the borough's borders this summer.
"At the end of the day, it's about the group, it's about fun and people had fun listening to Charanams and walked away feeling pretty invigorated and inspired," said contest host and radio personality Terrance McKnight. McKnight said he knew from the band's first audition that they were special. "I think they'll open some hearts and minds at SummerStage," he said.”
IRVING DEJOHN - Daily News, New York
“Charanams, Queens-based Carnatic jazz band, won the Ultimate Battle of the Boroughs contest on June 17 to become the best music band of New York City.
Charanams was the one and only Indian band featured in this fierce New York music contest that started off with 524 submissions from bands of all genre. About 8 to 10 bands from each borough, selected by a panel of judges, performed live at The Jerome L. Greene Performing Space in New York in five borough-wide contests in various dates. Charanams, which was among 9 bands selected from Queens, won the borough-round of the contest in March this year and represented Queens in the final round of contest on June 17.”
India Post
“For music lovers who enjoy Carnatic music, and for those who never heard of it, the refreshingly exotic sounds of Charanams’ ragas (musical modes) and rhythms is a unique experience that shouldn’t be missed. Performing an unusual blend of South Indian classical and jazz style, this spirited cross-genre group competed in March at the annual WQXR and WNYC Battle of the Boroughs for the coveted title, Best Band in Queens — and won.”
Tammy Scileppi - Times Ledger
