Archive
Western Classical Music & Tea with Stu Goldberg
Hosted by Cassius Khan
The always engaging and magnanimous musician and host Cassius Khan and a variety of highly accomplished musicians and tea specialists take the audience on a musical journey around the world, bringing you connection to generations past through songs and experiences that have endured for thousands of years.
On April 5, join Cassius and Stu Goldberg for an illuminating afternoon of music and refreshments. Global Tea Series performances are by Pay-What-You-Can admission. Audience is encouraged to pay what they are able – there is no minimum or maximum amount – in order to keep the arts accessible for all. Payment will be collected at the door on the afternoon of the performance, and cash, credit and debit are accepted methods of payment.
Canada’s most recognizable Indian Classical musician, the globally renowned Cassius Khan is a performer of combining the Classical styles of Ghazal/Thumri singing and the Tabla, the North Indian pair of drums and presents both, simultaneously. He is the senior disciples of the late Malika e Tarannum Mushtari Begum (Dec 25th 1934-March 14th 2004) and Tabla maestro Ustad Rukhsar Ali, who belongs to the Delhi Gharana of Tabla playing. Combining Indian Classical singing with Tabla, for a single artist, is a first in Indian classical music. Many noted Indian Classical Music gurus have proclaimed that singing and playing Tabla in unison is a difficult feat to master as Tabla playing requires skill and strength, as well as an absolute concentration on the kaleidoscopic rhythm patterns of the repertoire, and singing requires absolute skill in the execution of notes and vibrations of the voice and excellent breathing control. Khan’s trademark is performing the extremely rare and difficult “Tarannum Ang Gayaki style” in which the lyrics share a different metre from the rhythm but they join at the Sum point in a certain phrase.
Stu Goldberg enjoys a prolific career composing for projects as varied as CBS TV’s hit series, 15 time Emmy winning “The Amazing Race”, hundreds of hours of episodic television, dozens of TV Movies as well as scores to over 60 films and documentaries. As performer, composer, pianist and multi-instrumentalist Stu Goldberg toured and recorded with John McLaughlin in the legendary Mahavishnu Orchestra, also with Wayne Shorter, Freddie Hubbard, Al DiMeola, Larry Coryell, Alphonse Mouzon, Billy Cobham, Jack Bruce and many other luminaries. As a solo concert artist, Goldberg has performed extensively worldwide and released ten LPs, four CDs, one SACD and two HD digital soundtrack albums on his own label, Dedication Records. As a record producer, Stu Goldberg produces, arranges and engineers projects of his own and for other artists on his own label, Dedication Records, as well as on many other labels.
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North American Jazz Music & Tea with Jodi Proznick
Hosted by Cassius Khan
The always engaging and magnanimous musician and host Cassius Khan and a variety of highly accomplished musicians and tea specialists take the audience on a musical journey around the world, bringing you connection to generations past through songs and experiences that have endured for thousands of years.
On January 11, 2026, join Cassius and Jodi Proznick for an illuminating afternoon of music and refreshments. Global Tea Series performances are by Pay-What-You-Can admission. Audience is encouraged to pay what they are able – there is no minimum or maximum amount – in order to keep the arts accessible for all. Payment will be collected at the door on the afternoon of the performance, and cash, credit and debit are accepted methods of payment.
Canada’s most recognizable Indian Classical musician, the globally renowned Cassius Khan is a performer of combining the Classical styles of Ghazal/Thumri singing and the Tabla, the North Indian pair of drums and presents both, simultaneously. He is the senior disciples of the late Malika e Tarannum Mushtari Begum (Dec 25th 1934-March 14th 2004) and Tabla maestro Ustad Rukhsar Ali, who belongs to the Delhi Gharana of Tabla playing. Combining Indian Classical singing with Tabla, for a single artist, is a first in Indian classical music. Many noted Indian Classical Music gurus have proclaimed that singing and playing Tabla in unison is a difficult feat to master as Tabla playing requires skill and strength, as well as an absolute concentration on the kaleidoscopic rhythm patterns of the repertoire, and singing requires absolute skill in the execution of notes and vibrations of the voice and excellent breathing control. Khan’s trademark is performing the extremely rare and difficult “Tarannum Ang Gayaki style” in which the lyrics share a different metre from the rhythm but they join at the Sum point in a certain phrase.
Jodi Proznick is a Canadian jazz bassist, composer, educator and producer. In 2019, she was named Jazz Artist of the Year at the Western Canadian Music Awards and has been nominated for three Juno Awards. She was also a recipient of the British Columbia Lieutenant Governor’s Arts and Music Awards in 2022. She has earned a reputation as one of Canada’s finest jazz artists. She has won numerous National Jazz Awards, including Bassist of the Year in ’08 and ’09. Her group, the Jodi Proznick Quartet, was awarded the Acoustic Group of the Year and Album of the Year in ‘08 and the Galaxie Rising Star at the Vancouver International Jazz Festival in ‘04. In addition to leading her own group, Jodi has performed with many of Canada’s top jazz musicians, including PJ Perry, Don Thompson, Kirk MacDonald, Guido Basso, Oliver Gannon, Dee Daniels, Phil Dwyer, and Laila Biali.
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South Indian Classical Music & Tea with Keerthy Raghavan
Hosted by Cassius Khan
The always engaging and magnanimous musician and host Cassius Khan and a variety of highly accomplished musicians and tea specialists take the audience on a musical journey around the world, bringing you connection to generations past through songs and experiences that have endured for thousands of years.
On November 23, join Cassius and Keerthy Raghavan for an illuminating afternoon of music and refreshments. Global Tea Series performances are by Pay-What-You-Can admission. Audience is encouraged to pay what they are able – there is no minimum or maximum amount – in order to keep the arts accessible for all. Payment will be collected at the door on the afternoon of the performance, and cash, credit and debit are accepted methods of payment.
Canada’s most recognizable Indian Classical musician, the globally renowned Cassius Khan is a performer of combining the Classical styles of Ghazal/Thumri singing and the Tabla, the North Indian pair of drums and presents both, simultaneously. He is the senior disciples of the late Malika e Tarannum Mushtari Begum (Dec 25th 1934-March 14th 2004) and Tabla maestro Ustad Rukhsar Ali, who belongs to the Delhi Gharana of Tabla playing. Combining Indian Classical singing with Tabla, for a single artist, is a first in Indian classical music. Many noted Indian Classical Music gurus have proclaimed that singing and playing Tabla in unison is a difficult feat to master as Tabla playing requires skill and strength, as well as an absolute concentration on the kaleidoscopic rhythm patterns of the repertoire, and singing requires absolute skill in the execution of notes and vibrations of the voice and excellent breathing control. Khan’s trademark is performing the extremely rare and difficult “Tarannum Ang Gayaki style” in which the lyrics share a different metre from the rhythm but they join at the Sum point in a certain phrase.
Keerthy Raghavan is a percussionist and composer of percussion ensembles hailing from the quaint town of Gorur in India’s southern expanse. Born into a family steeped in the rich heritage of music and literature, his artistic journey was inevitably shaped by this profound cultural heritage. Keerthy Raghavan’s musical quest commenced under the tutelage of Shri Rajakesari, a distinguished All India Radio artist and disciple of the legendary Guru Karaikudi R. Mani. Nestled within the prestigious Shruti Laya Kendra Bangalore Chapter, Raghavan’s foundational training was steeped in the rich tradition of the Mridangam. Renowned for his intricate rhythmic patterns and powerful yet nuanced strokes, Guru Karaikudi Mani’s unique style, known as “Mani Bani,” is a cornerstone of Karnatik percussion. Raghavan was fortunate to receive direct guidance from the maestro himself, mastering the intricacies of this fine art form.
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Guitar Music and Tea with Dave Martone
PRESENTED BY EIGHTH & EIGHT CREATIVE SPACES
The always engaging and magnanimous musician and host Cassius Khan and a variety of highly accomplished musicians and tea specialists take the audience on a musical journey around the world, bringing you connection to generations past through songs and experiences that have endured for thousands of years.
On March 23, join Cassius and Dave Martone for an illuminating afternoon of music and refreshments. Global Tea Series performances are by Pay-What-You-Can admission. Audience is encouraged to pay what they are able – there is no minimum or maximum amount – in order to keep the arts accessible for all. Payment will be collected at the door on the afternoon of the performance, and cash, credit and debit are accepted methods of payment.
Canada’s most recognizable Indian Classical musician, the globally renowned Cassius Khan is a performer of combining the Classical styles of Ghazal/Thumri singing and the Tabla, the North Indian pair of drums and presents both, simultaneously. He is the senior disciples of the late Malika e Tarannum Mushtari Begum (Dec 25th 1934-March 14th 2004) and Tabla maestro Ustad Rukhsar Ali, who belongs to the Delhi Gharana of Tabla playing. Combining Indian Classical singing with Tabla, for a single artist, is a first in Indian classical music. Many noted Indian Classical Music gurus have proclaimed that singing and playing Tabla in unison is a difficult feat to master as Tabla playing requires skill and strength, as well as an absolute concentration on the kaleidoscopic rhythm patterns of the repertoire, and singing requires absolute skill in the execution of notes and vibrations of the voice and excellent breathing control. Khan’s trademark is performing the extremely rare and difficult “Tarannum Ang Gayaki style” in which the lyrics share a different metre from the rhythm but they join at the Sum point in a certain phrase.
Dave Martone is a performer, touring musician, recording engineer, music producer and educator. His discography is large with seven studio albums out and three live concert DVD’s as well as countless compilation albums to his credit. He toured and produced music with Juno Award Winning band Bif Naked and has been on the cover of many Canadian music magazines as well as having major features in Guitar Player, Guitar World and Guitar One Magazine where Dave was voted one of the top four underground shredders in North America. His latest rock record “Clean” has been signed to New York record company Magna Carta and finds some of the most talented guitarists of our time on it as special guests, including Joe Satriani and Jennifer Batten who has performed with Michael Jackson for over a decade. Dave’s work goes far also as a session guitarist for major record companies such as Island Def Jam as well as owning his own production facility in Vancouver Canada “Brainworks”.
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Music and Dance with Angelique Muhorakeye and Edward Sembatya
PRESENTED BY EIGHTH & EIGHT CREATIVE SPACES
The always engaging and magnanimous musician and host Cassius Khan and a variety of highly accomplished musicians and tea specialists take the audience on a musical journey around the world, bringing you connection to generations past through songs and experiences that have endured for thousands of years.
On January 26, join Cassius, and Angelique Muhorakeye and Edward Sembatya for an illuminating afternoon of music, dance, and refreshments. Global Tea Series performances are by Pay-What-You-Can admission. Audience is encouraged to pay what they are able – there is no minimum or maximum amount – in order to keep the arts accessible for all. Payment will be collected at the door on the afternoon of the performance, and cash, credit and debit are accepted methods of payment.
Canada’s most recognizable Indian Classical musician, the globally renowned Cassius Khan is a performer of combining the Classical styles of Ghazal/Thumri singing and the Tabla, the North Indian pair of drums and presents both, simultaneously. He is the senior disciples of the late Malika e Tarannum Mushtari Begum (Dec 25th 1934-March 14th 2004) and Tabla maestro Ustad Rukhsar Ali, who belongs to the Delhi Gharana of Tabla playing. Combining Indian Classical singing with Tabla, for a single artist, is a first in Indian classical music. Many noted Indian Classical Music gurus have proclaimed that singing and playing Tabla in unison is a difficult feat to master as Tabla playing requires skill and strength, as well as an absolute concentration on the kaleidoscopic rhythm patterns of the repertoire, and singing requires absolute skill in the execution of notes and vibrations of the voice and excellent breathing control. Khan’s trademark is performing the extremely rare and difficult “Tarannum Ang Gayaki style” in which the lyrics share a different metre from the rhythm but they join at the Sum point in a certain phrase.
Angelique Muhorakeye is one of the founding members of Indangamirwa traditional dance group based in Lower mainland and is the current chairlady of the group. Born with a natural inclination towards movement and expression, Angelique began her dance journey at a young age. She explored various dance styles as a member in different dance groups, including Rwandan traditional, hip hop and afro fusion; honing her skills and cultivating a deep appreciation for the art form. Driven by a desire to share her passion for dance with others, Angelique embarked on a career in teaching dance to different community groups, children’s summer camps with African Friendship Society and university students at Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU).
Edward Sembatya is a versatile Ugandan dance practitioner, choreographer, educator, and drummer (Ugandan drums). He is currently pursuing his practice-based Ph.D. at Simon Fraser University, School for Contemporary Arts (dance major). His artistic works and research draw inspiration from contemporary everyday life and the rich knowledge and skills embedded in indigenous East African dances (Ugandan in particular), music, and narratives. He specialized in indigenous Ugandan dances, jazz dance, and African aesthetics-based contemporary dance (his styles). He has had the pleasure to perform, choreograph, and teach dance and drums in many countries, including but not limited to Norway, the UK, France, and Hungary.
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Tabla with Hari Pal
PRESENTED BY EIGHTH & EIGHT CREATIVE SPACES
The always engaging and magnanimous musician and host Cassius Khan and a variety of highly accomplished musicians and tea specialists take the audience on a musical journey around the world, bringing you connection to generations past through songs and experiences that have endured for thousands of years.
On December 8, join Cassius and Hari Pal for an illuminating afternoon of music and refreshments. Global Tea Series performances are by Pay-What-You-Can admission. Audience is encouraged to pay what they are able – there is no minimum or maximum amount – in order to keep the arts accessible for all. Payment will be collected at the door on the afternoon of the performance, and cash, credit and debit are accepted methods of payment.
Canada’s most recognizable Indian Classical musician, the globally renowned Cassius Khan is a performer of combining the Classical styles of Ghazal/Thumri singing and the Tabla, the North Indian pair of drums and presents both, simultaneously. He is the senior disciples of the late Malika e Tarannum Mushtari Begum (Dec 25th 1934-March 14th 2004) and Tabla maestro Ustad Rukhsar Ali, who belongs to the Delhi Gharana of Tabla playing. Combining Indian Classical singing with Tabla, for a single artist, is a first in Indian classical music. Many noted Indian Classical Music gurus have proclaimed that singing and playing Tabla in unison is a difficult feat to master as Tabla playing requires skill and strength, as well as an absolute concentration on the kaleidoscopic rhythm patterns of the repertoire, and singing requires absolute skill in the execution of notes and vibrations of the voice and excellent breathing control. Khan’s trademark is performing the extremely rare and difficult “Tarannum Ang Gayaki style” in which the lyrics share a different metre from the rhythm but they join at the Sum point in a certain phrase.
Hari Pal plays tabla in traditional North Indian as well as his own contemporary style. He has developed an unconventional style of tabla solo, where he uses seven tablas to amalgamate Eastern classical rhythms with melody and popular rhythms. His six tablas are usually tuned to a pentatonic scale and when played with a bass tabla (bayan), he creates an expression of rhythm in melody. His exposure to the music of different continents has had a deep influence on his creative rhythmic impulses. Parallel to his proficiency in North Indian style of tabla, he also plays dumbek and djembe. He has conducted several percussion concerts in Canada and USA to emphasize inter-cultural fusion of rhythms with African, Latin American, Middle Eastern and North American drummers.
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