India's centuries old classical music has been passed from guru to disciple through apprenticeships which begin in childhood. An essential part of the music, and the teaching, is spiritual. It is not uncommon for the teaching relationship to span generations in families. Difficult to imagine from the experience of our independent upbringing, schooling and institutionalized rebellion.
Thus imagine the relationship between musician father, teacher, guru Ravi Shankar and musician daughter Anoushka Shankar. A friend went to high school with her and relates the challenges she faced traversing that complex relationship in the context of a California upbringing. Now 26, Anoushka Shankar is a musical force of nature. She performs classical music regularly, sometimes sharing the stage with her father. Tonight though, she performs with Karsh Kale. Kale is a renowned Asian fusion DJ, producer and collaborator in Tabla Beat Science.
They perform Saturday on Whidbey at the Island Festival, in its first year, and also in San Francisco at the Stern Grove event Sunday. Details http://www.islandfestival.com/
