What
a show today!! At this rate, the Gems are not going to stay Hidden for long!!
We
had yet another great presentation and experience in Parsippany today at the birthday
party for Samir Shah. There was an audience of about 60, all tuned to each and
every one of the 16 songs presented by four members of our group – Upen,
Mahendra, Rajesh & Janak. And the audience was engaged, teased, quizzed and
simply entertained by an extempore emcee performance by Sandeep. The audience,
all mature age Gujus who enjoyed the ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s songs, often song
along, danced along in at least 3 songs, and cheered us with generous applause.
We
had a debut presentation from Upen with 2 songs. Congratulations Upen!! I
ventured into new territory with 3 different songs thereby increasing by
repertoire (taaliyaa!!!). Rajesh and Mahendra held the sway in this 1:15 minute
show with 5 and 6 songs respectively. After our show, there was a brief slide
presentation on Samir and family, followed by an enthusiastic rendition from
Mahendra of “Bar Bar Din Ye Aaye, Bar Bar Din Ye Gaye, Tum Jiyo Hazaro Sal” and
the entire group chorused in.
As
usual, Mahendra graciously provided the entire sound system, Rajesh assisted
Mahendra in ably operating and DJing the show, and Rajesh provided the ride to
the troop.
The show was unique in many ways:
Like
our big fund raisers, this private party was in the afternoon. It is rare to find
a Saturday party in the afternoon. In classical music circles, such a show
would be especially attractive for the afternoon and mid-day raags, such as
Saarang, Gaud Saarang, Bhimpalasi, Multani, etc.
The
hostess, Manjri Shah, decided to serve her guest a heavy appetizer, and
postponed the lunch till after the show in honor of the Gems, which was a
touching gesture. We had politely declined to dine before the show, which
prompted her gesture.
This
was, by far, the most extempore show we have attempted or done!! With this
show, we have set a precedent! This show was put together in just 5 days. And
we did not even rehearse, audition or meet for preparations. The final list of
songs was never finalized, and was changed even during the show!! Kudos to Rajesh
and Mahendra for having enough songs ready and prepared to be able to plug and
play whatever, whenever, wherever!! And all this without missing a stride!! And
keeping up with these changes was our emcee, Sandeep! Great job, folks!!!
Hidden
Gems shiny satin banner, gifted by Upen (thank you), was inaugurated, unfurled,
displayed and proclaimed our group identity to one and all. It showed us well.
The show has been well documented for posterity and for the viewing pleasures
of all Gems by our designated video-grapher, photographer and multi-talented,
Rajeshree.