Zakir Hussain began performing in the West in 1970, at age 19, bridging traditional Indian music to Western pop, with Ravi Shankar, as did his famous tabla playing father, Ustad Allarakha. He is considered the founder of the world music movement. He has collaborated with the Beatles, George Harrison, electronic composer Bill Laswell, Joe Henderson, Tito Puente, Jack Bruce, Pharoah Sanders, John McLaughlin and Mickey Hart as well as with the leading classical Indian musicians of several generations. Tonight he graces Portland with an ensemble of 10 including Fazal Qureshi, tabla and kanjira; Taufiq Qureshi, percussion; Niladri Kumar, sitar; Abbos Kosimov, doyra; Ram Kishan, nagada; Dilshad Khan, sarangi; Vijay Chauhan, folk drums; and the Meitei Pung Cholom Performing Troupe from Manipur. His performances are that of a true virtuoso, his stage presence shows his true joy in playing. This is the big concert of the year for a revived Kalakendra. www.kalakendra.org At the Schnitzer Concert Hall. 8PM $23-53
Also this evening Valentines shows films curated by Jeremy Rossen of the Cinema Project. This program, The Garden in the Machine, combines films by Rossen, Heather Lane and Jackie Davis with a live soundtrack by Bird Costumes, J.P. Jenkins, and DJ Eric Issacson. At Valentines, 232 SW Ankeny, 9:30PM sharp, free!
