Portland is Awesome

I love Portland because it attracts top notch world class musicians like Zakir Hussain. Zakir is revered as the best tabla player in the world and India’s music ambassador. He is also the son of Alla Rakha, a respected tabla player who played with Ravi Shankar in the 1960’s.

The performance was at the magnificent Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall. We sat about 10 rows back from the stage; the short distance provided very intimate glimpses of drummers’ hands flying away to Indian and world fusion grooves.

Afterwards, my family and I got to share some sweet moments talking with Zakir. That’s the beauty of this hometown venue; security is not absurd and leaves room for human interaction.

Hands down, it was one of the best concerts I have ever seen and I look forward to his next tour through Portland. Zakir has played here every year, and like the turning of the seasons, his return is guaranteed.

I encourage all to catch his performance next spring and look forward to being transformed by his Indian rhythms once more.