Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, signifies a victory of light over darkness and deals with themes of justice, peace, and happiness. Vocalist-composer and two-time Juno Award (Canadian Grammy) winner Kiran Ahluwalia, who has been noted for “her soul-stirring voice” and “fascinating, newly revealed music” in the Los Angeles Times, presents a powerful concert that celebrates Diwali. Her program, highlighting music from her latest album, Comfort Food, is filled with songs rejecting injustice, songs filled with hope for a just society, and songs embracing joy.

Kiran is a contemporary voice of the great music traditions of India and Pakistan. With roots in Sufi Qawwali and Punjabi folk, her organic mix intertwines seamlessly with the soulful rhythms of West African blues and the harmonic spirit of jazz driven by partner and virtuoso guitarist Rez Abbasi.  Kiran and Rez are a real-life couple, one born in India, the other in Pakistan. Having grown up in the diaspora they crossed ethnic and religious lines between their two warring motherlands to forge a profound connection in life and music.  Accompanying Kiran on stage will be Rez Abbasi on guitar, Vitor Concalve on accordion and organ, and Dhaivat Jani on drums and tabla.

This performance is coproduced by Roulette, Robert Browning Associates, and Lotus Music & Dance.