February 13, 2004

Asian Massive Dance Party at MASS MoCA March 13

(North Adams, Mass.) Songwriter/percussionist Karsh Kale will perform at an Asian Massive Dance Party at MASS MoCA on Saturday, March 13, at 8 P.M. The Washington Post described Kale’s work as “sonically sumptuous.” According to SF Weekly, his debut album Realize, “deftly weaves together variant eras and cultures – and that’s what revolution is all about.” The San Francisco Bay Guardian proclaimed “I found in Realize the emotional impact of music that can unite listeners – Eastern, Western, or somewhere in between.”

While much of Asian Massive is a blend of western-style techno with Indian instruments and melodies, Karsh Kale has been hailed by critics for truly merging several different types of music into one fluid composition. He’s known for combining electronics with the cinematic strings of the Madras Chamber Orchestra ­ for a certain “Bollywood” feel – and then expertly adding intricate tabla (hand drum) playing and the haunting, mournful vocals of Asian singers.

Kale will be joined on stage by his five-piece band Realize which includes Vishal Vaid singing lead vocals and playing the harmonium; Tasneem Nanji, lead vocals and guitar; Jeremiah Hosea on guitar; Sam Godin on laptop, synthesizer and keyboard; and JP Doherty, guitar.

Born to Indian parents but raised in the United States, Karsh Kale (pronounced Kursh Kay-lay) has been globe trotting from an early age. Equally influenced by his Eastern and Western heritage, Kale quickly developed a reputation through his mastery of both electronic percussion and the exotic drums of northern India. Kale’s recording debut was as part of the 2000 release of Tala Matrix, Tabla Beat Science. His solo debut, Realize, met with rave reviews in 2001. Critics agree his sophomore release, Liberation, is even better. Kale also released Redesign, in 2002, a series of songs from his first two albums remixed by artists such as DJ Spooky and Bill Laswell.

Williamstown’s Spice Root Restaurant provides a special Indian meal starting when the doors open at 7 P.M.. MASS MoCA’s Dance Party series is sponsored by the Valley Advocate.

Tickets for Asian Massive Dance Party are $12 for adults, $9 for students with I.D., or $6 for kids. MASS MoCA members receive a 10% discount. Tickets are available through the MASS MoCA Box Office located off Marshall Street in North Adams from 11 A.M. until 5 P.M. (closed Tuesdays). Tickets can also be charged by phone by calling 413.662.2111 during Box Office hours or purchased on line any time at www.massmoca.org.

MASS MoCA, the largest center for contemporary visual and performing arts in the United States, is located off Marshall St. in North Adams on a 13-acre campus of renovated 19th-century factory buildings.

For Immediate Release
Contact: Katherine Myers
(413) 664-4481 x8113
katherine@massmoca.org