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Prasanna is the quintessential Indian Renaissance man. A pioneer in performing Carnatic music on the guitar, an engineering graduate from Indian Institute of Technology, a composer for award winning films, an internationally acclaimed guitarist in contemporary Jazz, Rock and Blues, a Magna-Cum-Laude graduate of Berklee College of Music, and an entrepreneurial visionary who established a world class music college that blends the Indian Gurukula system of learning with contemporary western college education pedagogy. Prasanna was voted among the ‘top 50 creative Indians’ by Open Magazine in 2010 alongside Sachin Tendulkar, Amir Khan, Viswanathan Anand, Arundati Roy and others. Prasanna (Smile Pinki) also belongs to a select group of Indian composers along with Pandit Ravi Shankar (Gandhi) and A.R. Rahman (Slumdog Millionaire) who have composed music for Oscar Winning films. His growing popularity is also reflected in his social media presence, where he engages with his fans and shares his musical journey.
Drummer, composer, producer, RODNEY HOLMES is considered by many musicians as well as music fans to be one of the very best drummers in the world. Rodney has gone on to work with some of the most talented and respected musicians in both Rock and Jazz worlds. He has worked with Santana, Steve Lukather, Michael Brecker, Randy Brecker, Wayne Shorter, Joe Zawinul, Maceo Parker, Rob Thomas, Al Jarreau, Paul Gilbert, Jim Weider, Bill Evans, Daryl Jones, Alphonso Johnson, Mike Mainieri and Steps Ahead and many others. His work with Santana garnered Holmes a higher level of respect within the industry along with multiple Grammy Awards. Rodney played on the hit song “Smooth” from Santana’s “Supernatural” album. He’s also earned Grammys for his work on the Brecker Brothers “Out Of The Loop” album. Rodney’s amazing solos have evoked standing ovations worldwide.
Manu Koch is a New York-based pianist, keyboardist, and composer. After releasing his debut album Triple Life in 2011, he transitioned to performing live with a multi-national group of musicians under the project Filtron M. Born in Baar, Switzerland, Manu began studying piano at age 5. He attended Berklee College of Music and moved to New York in 2000, where he continues to live. With over 30 years of experience in music, his work with Filtron M blends a variety of genres and cultural influences. Manu has collaborated with artists like Angélique Kidjo, Claudia Acuña, Benny Rietveld, Lionel Loueke, and Cindy Blackman-Santana, and has performed with icons such as Dave Liebman, Trilok Gurtu, Roy Hargrove, and Ingrid Jensen.
Bill Urmson is a jazz bassist best known for his work with George Russell's International Living Time Orchestra. After studying at the New England Conservatory of Music, he contributed to several key albums, including the Grammy-nominated Africa (1983) and London Concert (1989). From 1991 to 2000, he lived in Los Angeles, working with artists like Chris Smither and Brian Ales. He co-founded the group Dark Horses and released the album Out The Door in 2007 with Billy Ward and Barry Coates.
Get ready for an electrifying fusion of musical worlds as guitar sensation Prasanna and renowned drummer Rodney Holmes unite! Blending Indian Carnatic music with Western jazz, the acclaimed musicians will take you on a thrilling journey of music, rhythm and innovation. An evening where East meets West in harmony!
Event Date & Time: April 05, 2025, 6:30 PM
Venue Name: Sanctuary, Unity of Houston
Address: 2929 Unity Dr, Houston, TX 77057, United States