Preston Merchant

Rez Abbasi CD Launch at Smalls

Acclaimed jazz guitarist Rez Abbasi debuted his new CD "Things to Come" at Smalls in the West Village last weekend, performing with the musicians from the disk, all of whom are virtuosos.  The house was packed. 

Dan Weiss (drums), Johannes Weidenmueller (bass), Rudresh Mahanthappa (alto sax), Rez Abbasi (guitar)

Vijay Iyer (piano)

Rez Abbasi and Kiran Ahluwalia (vocals)

Dan Weiss

Rudresh Mahanthappa, Johannes Weidenmueller, and Rez Abbasi

Rudresh Mahanthappa and Rez Abbasi

Acoustic Falu at Joe's Pub

Falu took the stage at Joe's Pub on October 1st for an acoustic show of traditional Hindustani songs -- quieter but no less energetic than Falu's usual repertoire.

Glitz and Glamor at the Sakhi Gala

Sakhi for South Asian Women, the community-based organization working to eradicate domestic violence, celebrated its 20th anniversary with a gala at the Prince George Ballroom in Manhattan with two prominent guest speakers -- filmmaker Mira Nair and actor Reshma Shetty.

 Filmmaker Mira Nair, of the much-loved movies "Monsoon Wedding" and "The Namesake"

 Actor Reshma Shetty of USA Network's "Royal Pains"

The evening's MC was Bhavna Toor -- Miss India New York 2001 and a host at Namaste America, the South Asian TV network.

Read E. Nina Rothe's coverage of the event at the AVS TV blog.  See more pictures.