Friday, August 18 | Surabhi Ensemble presented by Old Town School of Folk Music

The free summer series Water Colors returns Fridays at 6:30PM from July 14–August 25. Chicago is known for its colorful influence on jazz music, which takes center stage in this waterfront series of singers and musicians who specialize in “America’s classical music” at the Lake Stage in Polk Bros Park.

Polk Bros Park near Navy Peri) 600 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL

Surabhi Ensemble performs Friday August 18th from 6:30-8:30pm

The Surabhi Ensemble was founded in 2010 by Indian veena player Saraswathi Ranganathan, director of the Ensemble of Ragas School of Performing Arts in Schaumburg and “Best Asian Entertainer of the Year,” according to the 2018 Chicago Music Awards. The core of the group has included fellow local musical luminaries such as Spanish flamenco guitarist Carlo Basile, tabla master Dhananjay Kunte, and percussionist Bob Garrett. About 8 years ago, the Surabhi Ensemble expanded to include oud player Ronnie Malley and bassist Greg Neergard, and more recently incorporated modern and Indian dancer Kinnari Vora and flamenco dancer Leticia Aravena. Along with virtuosic musicianship, the Surabhi Ensemble is known for its activist mission: to demonstrate connections between cultures and how togetherness can create positivity. The ensemble has performed globally in Vietnam, Spain, Portugal, Senegal and Mexico with plans to tour India in 2024. 

Mission: 

The mission of the Surabhi Ensemble is to demonstrate the connections between cultures and to teach a positive message of togetherness in creating, performing, and demonstrating new works of music and dance. Members of the group work in many settings such as schools, hospitals, theaters, concert halls, festivals, refugee organizations, neighborhood parks, and cultural centers to bring this positive message of cultural unity and outreach. 

Water Colors Concert Series at Polk Bros Park - Navy Pier Chicago

Surabhi Ensemble