Nootana’s 2nd Annual “UTSAV: CELEBRATING INNOVATION”

WASHINGTON - April 21, 2014 - PRLog -- Nootana, one of D.C.’s newest performing arts ensembles, is proud to announce its second annual spring showcase: “Utsav: Celebrating Innovation.” Slated to be one of the most diverse and unique showcases of Indian classical dance and music this season, “Utsav: Celebrating Innovation” will explore Nootana’s unique perspective on storytelling through the diverse ensemble of talented musicians and dancers.  Based on the popularity of last year’s sold-out show, you will want to purchase tickets now.

Nootana fosters new perspectives by using innovative harmonies, rhythms and stories. The performing arts group is a self-supported organization with volunteer musicians and dancers who devote their spare time to the group. Nootana's dedicated performers include members from the District, Maryland, Virginia, and even New York who travel to the District for rehearsals and performances.

“The musicians and dancers of the ensemble collaborate to write and choreograph original pieces using South Asian, Western, Middle Eastern, and African styles, to perform traditional and reinterpreted arrangements of classical Indian music,” said Rishi Das, director and founder of the organization. “The geographic, ethnic and religious diversity of group members is reflected in the music and dances we create.”

Classical Indian music and dance are constantly evolving art forms that historically depict stories of gods, warriors, lovers, and saints. Nootana incorporates the historic and traditional interpretations of these stories and reinterprets them so they can be understood by everyone across different cultures.

Guest appearances by Rangashree Varadarajan, Nistha Raj and Sriram Gopal on Saturday will feature a confluence of North Indian and South Indian violin and Western rhythms. Sunday will feature rhythm wizardry by tabla-Maestro Debu Nayak.

This must-see showcase is at 8 pm on Saturday, April 26 and 4:30 pm on Sunday, April 27 in Downtown DC at the First Congregational United Church of Christ, 945 G Street NW.

Tickets are $15 in advance on www.nootana.org/tickets and $20 at the door.

To learn more about Nootana and to become involved as an artist or volunteer, visit www.nootana.org.