Concert in the Dark w Oliver Rajamani and Lauren Checchio

Award winning violinist Will Taylor curates a new series of indoor acoustic music concerts, with this one featuring Oliver Rajamani and Lauren Checchio

Its a different kind of concert, that begins and ends in darkness, with music and a poem or two surrounding and soothing you.

Audience members will be given the choice of bringing their own camp chairs, laying on yoga matts on the floor to gaze at the shadows on the ceiling, or lavish on their own pillows.

There will be comfortable chairs provided for thoses that need to sit.

Schedule:

7:00 pm Meet and Greet community connection, setup your space, grab some cacao or tea

7:30 pm - 830pm Lights out and concert begins

830-930 pm Closing, Q&A with Artists, share time for attendees and movement

WHAT TO BRING

• Yoga Matt, Pillows, Camp Chairs (your choice)
• Water, or a mug for cacao/tea (free with donation)
• Love and a friend, or come solo and make new friends connections
• There will be comfortable chairs provided, for those that need them

Side effects may include: relaxation, balancing your nervous system, releasing what no longer serves, feeling whole and connected to nature, being nurtured and cared for by community.

Oliver Rajamani is a Texas artist, and Austin city is where his life and music came to mature-with the Romani (Gypsy) Indian diaspora’s historic storyline serving as the pathway to reconnecting deeper into his ancestral heritage.

Oliver Rajamani’s life story is a beautifully unique and natural blend of the best of Indian and Western cultures with a touch of British history on his mother’s side. Rajamani grew up entertaining since the early age of 5. His family encouraged his natural talent for music and Rajamani grew up playing tabla, drum set and guitar at large family gatherings and public religious events including his family daily prayers. Rajamani’s grandmother “Pakiam” was a choir director and piano player and his uncle “Charles” was a guitar, accordion and piano player who had great influence on his early musical life. From early childhood he grew up at home surrounded by musical sounds from the Lp record collection of his father’s and uncle’s that included Jim Reeves, Johnny Cash, Frank Sinatra, Nate King Cole, Elvis Presley, James Last, Ventures, Louis Armstrong, ….Indian folk, devotional and movie music of India (Composer-Illaiyaraja), and music from around the world. As a teenager he toured in Southern India as a teenage rock drummer sensation with Canadian musician’s John and Sandra Holmes in their band “Giant John and the Texas Bullfrogs”.

While going through college in New York, Rajamani performed in rock bands, choirs and orchestras (notably The New Found Sound – directed by Shirley Gutmann) while performing around New York city in various musical acts including work as a roadie for jazz drummer Thurman Barker. He trained under Snighdha Mishra for Hindustani and Bamathi Sudharshan for carnatic classical vocal music of India. Rajamani studied tabla at an early age. His tabla teachers include Guru Ji “Rajendran” and Pandit Aloke Dutta.

From 1993 till 1995, Rajamani worked in the United Nations Romani Congress in New York, under Hungarian Rom “Shandor Balogh” in guidance of Romani Scholar and Romani UN Ambassador Dr. Ian Hancock. He lived in Greece and Israel working with Romani and Dom communities while taking time to learn Middle Eastern music with the nomadic Bedouins in the Negev desert of Israel. He has since then continued to be a strong voice musically and socially in the Romani plight. He has also served in bringing recognition to the largest Romani archive center in Austin, Texas.

Lauren Checchio is a highly acclaimed percussionist renowned for her dynamic performances and versatile musicianship. With a passion for rhythm that ignited at a young age, Lauren has established herself as a prominent figure in the world of percussion.

Born and raised in a household that valued creativity and expression, Lauren's journey with percussion began early, shaping her into the exceptional artist she is today. Her innate talent and dedication to her craft led her to pursue formal training in percussion, where she honed her skills under the guidance of esteemed mentors, including the legendary tabla virtuoso Zakir Hussain.

Studying under the tutelage of Zakir Hussain, one of the foremost percussionists of our time, was a transformative experience for Lauren. Immersed in the rich traditions of Indian classical music, she absorbed the intricate rhythms and melodic nuances that would greatly influence her own musical style.

Lauren's musical career has been marked by a series of remarkable achievements. Her solo album, "Rhythms of the Sphere," stands as a testament to her virtuosity and creative vision, showcasing her mastery of percussion instruments and her ability to weave captivating musical narratives. With this album, Lauren explores the depths of rhythm, drawing inspiration from diverse musical traditions to create a truly unique listening experience.

In addition to her solo work, Lauren was also a member of Divahn, an all-women ensemble celebrated for its innovative fusion of Middle Eastern and Sephardic music. As a percussionist for Divahn, Lauren brought her exceptional talents to the forefront, contributing to the ensemble's rich and dynamic sound.

Throughout her career, Lauren has collaborated with a diverse range of artists and ensembles, including the legendary percussionist Glen Velez and other esteemed musicians. Her performances are characterized by their electrifying energy, captivating audiences with her mesmerizing rhythms and unparalleled stage presence.

In addition to her accomplishments as a performer, Lauren is also a passionate educator, sharing her expertise with aspiring percussionists through workshops, masterclasses, and private lessons. Committed to nurturing the next generation of musicians, she inspires and empowers others to explore the boundless possibilities of percussion.

With her unwavering dedication to her craft and a deep-seated love for music, Lauren Checchio continues to leave an indelible mark on the world of percussion, captivating audiences and fellow musicians alike with her unparalleled talent and artistry.

? P arking?

There is plenty of free parking on the streets around Life in the City.

See MAP

? A re children welcome?

Kids are welcome! Anyone under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Please keep in mind that this is an event where the focus is on the music, and might include meditation. So we value peace and an environment of non-disruption for all that are paying to have this experience. This isn't a club atmosphere where there is talking over the music. That being so, we do have a separate area where you can take the kids if they or you need a break.

? What's the seating like?

Seating is on a first come first served basis. There will be an area against the wall for attendees wanting back support or the use of camp chairs. The floor will be available for folks that bring yoga matts and pillows.

How dark is it actually? We turn off all lights at the beginning of the concert for the first few songs, light a single candle, and then have darkness for the last 2 songs.

Is this a sober event? YES! No Drugs/Alcohol, Smoking, No Phones, No Camera/Video, and No Scents please

Can I come to just the concert portion? yes, please be seated at least 10 mins prior to the concert.

Can I volunteer to get in free?

Yes, we have 4 positions for volunteers that begin 2 hours before the event and include helping set up the space, checking people in and cleaning up after the event is done

? D o you have a calendar of events?

Yes, see more concerts :

Get on our updates lists here:

Text: +1 (512) 379-5934

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Event will be limited to 60 guests.

Great date night and great way to meet and make new friend connections.

Get in FREE by Volunteering contact Will at 512-589-8749

Tony Morris playing our very first Concerts in the Dark at Yoga Vida Austin Texas.

Event Venue

Austin Unplugged, 205 E Monroe, Austin, United States