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Sunday Nov 22 10am to 3pm Ektaa Holiday Bazaar Free Henna painting, Starbucks Coffee and 'Chai'. Fabulous bargains and shop for unique gift items including home décor, clothing, handicrafts, CD's and DVD's all with an Indian flavor. Items are donated and all proceeds go to Ektaa Center's programs and activities that provide children with opportunities to learn and experience the arts and culture of India Venue: EKTAA Center, 2691 Richter Ave. Ste 105, Irvine CA 92606 For details, email info@ektaacenter.org or call (949) 300-8912 Call for Bazaar Donations 2009

Saturday, Nov 14, 4 pm Film Screening of 'Raga Unveiled' and 'Face2Face' with the Filmmaker and Director Gita Desai Presented by Ektaa Center Raga Unveiled is an inspiring and sweeping look at the “architectural brilliance” of the North Indian musical system. For the first time on film, eloquent commentaries by musicians, Vedic scholars, and musicologists are interwoven with spectacular cinematography, intoxicating spectrums of sound, and rare archival footage resulting in a grand synthesis honoring the musical tradition in its entirety. Musicians featured include Ravi Shankar, Ali Akbar Khan, Alla Rakha, Shivkumar Sharma, Bismillah Khan and many more. A two-hour cut of the film will be shown, and a four hour and twenty minute director's cut will be for sale as a two-DVD set at the screening. Venue: EKTAA Center, 2691 Richter Ave. Ste 105, Irvine CA 92606 FOR INFORMATION AND RSVP EMAIL: heather@ektaacenter.org

Saturday, Nov 7, 2 pm Film Screening of 'Yoga Unveiled' Presented by the Chapman University and the Ektaa Center of Irvine 'Face2Face' with the Writer Sujay Desai 'Yoga Unveiled' harnesses the colorful commentary of the most prominent Yoga scholars, teachers and medical experts such as BKS Iyengar, Dean Ornish and Dr. Mehmet Oz. 'Yoga Unveiled' is a one-of-a-kind documentary film that covers the most comprehensive overview of the Yoga tradition in its true essence. An artistic and inspirational triumph, it should be viewed by all!' - Deepak Chopra MD Venue: Irvine Lecture Hall, Chapman University, One University Drive, Orange, CA 92866 FOR INFORMATION : viswa100@mail.chapman.edu

Sunday, Oct 11, 3 pm to 5 pm AN EXHIBTION OF THE ART WORK SUBMITTED FOR THE 3rd RAVI VARMA COMPETITION 2009 Fantastic display of the emerging Ravi Varma's of tomorrow!! RECEPTION AND EXHIBITION: In addition, talented adult artists in the community also exhibited some of their artwork. For more info please contact Dr Ravi Raghavan (909) 904-5385 or Anjani Gupta (949 735 2672) Venue: EKTAA Center, 2691 Richter Ave. Ste 105, Irvine CA 92606

Saturday Oct 10 2009 at 7 pm IN MEMORIAM....concert in memory of Ustad Ali Akbar Khan Classical Hindustani Music on the Sarod David Trasoff (disciple of Ustad Ali Akbar Khan and Pt.Rajeev Taranath) on Sarod accompanied by Ty Burhoe (disciple of Ustad Zakir Hussain) on Tabla Venue: Ektaa Center, 2691 Richter Ave. Ste 105, Irvine CA 92606 Click here for the flyer

Sat Oct 10 from 2pm to 5pm and Sun Oct 11 10am to 3pm Diwali Exhibition and Sale - Exclusive Womens designer clothing - by Jolina Fashions Venue: Ektaa Center, 2691 Richter Ave. Ste 105 Irvine CA 92606 FOR INFORMATION call Jo at (714) 552-5591 or Salina at (203) 543-5061 Jolina Fashions: An upscale boutique featuring a contemporary collection of elegant Indian designer suits for every fashion conscious lady. We have our own unique designs from Delhi and Mumbai designed by us. We, Jyothsna Cavale and Salina Talwar, are the founding partners of Jolina Fashions. Our selection dresses you up for every occasion and event. Georgette's, Cottons, Silks, Chiffon's & Brocades in vibrant colorful shades beautifully blended with exquisite embroidery to present the latest in Indian fashion. We carry enticing, chic, vivacious & classic sarees, salwar Kameez, kurtis, tunics, and lehengas for all occasions. Our styles are the latest, ahead of the mainstream curve. They are not yet available elsewhere in the US and our prices are unbeatable. Some of you may already have heard of us as news of our exciting portfolio is spreading fast. But stop listening to the rumor mill and come and see for yourself and you may soon be floating in the suit of your dreams. We are new, up and coming and so supply is limited!

Saturday, October 3 2009 IRVINE GLOBAL VILLAGE FESTIVAL 2009 More than 10,000 guests travel the world at the City of Irvine's Global Village Festival. Boasting artistic cultural performances on five stages, this annual festival's live entertainment was a mosaic of music and dance representing more than 50 cultures from Europe, Asia, Africa, and North and South America. Cultural displays, world religion information, and creative demonstrations. Location: Bill Barber Park, at the Irvine Civic Center, 4 Civic Center Plaza, Irvine, CA 92606

Saturday, September 12, 7pm Film Screening - Raga Unveiled Presented by the Chapman University's International Student Organization and the Ektaa Center of Irvine A special Q&A with the Director Geetha Desai after the movie. Venue: Waltmar Theatre, Chapman University, One University Drive, Orange, CA 92866 FOR INFORMATION EMAIL heather@ektaacenter.org Raga Unveiled is an inspiring and sweeping look at the "architectural brilliance" of the North Indian musical system. For the first time on film, eloquent commentaries by musicians, Vedic scholars, and musicologists join hands with spectacular cinematography, intoxicating spectrums of sound, and rare archival footage resulting in a grand synthesis honoring the music in its entirety. Musicians featured include Ravi Shankar, Ali Akbar Khan, Alla Rakha, Zakir Hussein, Shivkumar Sharma, Bismillah Khan and many more. A two-hour cut of the film will be shown, and a four hour and twenty minute director's cut will be for sale as a two-DVD set at the screening. Click here for the flyer

Every Friday, Aug 14 to Sep 25, 7 pm to 9 pm NEW MEDITATION COURSE - by Life Bliss Foundation - 6-WEEK SERIES COURSE ! Venue: Ektaa Center, 2691 Richter Ave, Suite 105, Irvine, CA CONTACT INFO: Pankkaj Kummar: 714 936 1439 Ashok Desai: 949 302 9729. Ashok Amin: 714 305 9611 'Indepth teaching of Nithyananda's unique meditation technique designed to eliminate stress and induce bliss, joy and unconditional love.' Click here for the flyer www.LifeBlissFoundation.org

Saturday, August 29, 10am to 2pm Exclusive Womens designer clothing Exhibition and Sale - by Jolina Fashions Venue: Ektaa Center, 2691 Richter Ave. Ste 105 Irvine CA 92606 FOR INFORMATION call Jo at (714) 552-5591 or Salina at (203) 543-5061 Click here for the flyer Jolina Fashions: An upscale boutique featuring a contemporary collection of elegant Indian designer suits for every fashion conscious lady. We have our own unique designs from Delhi and Mumbai designed by us. We, Jyothsna Cavale and Salina Talwar, are the founding partners of Jolina Fashions. Our selection dresses you up for every occasion and event. Georgette's, Cottons, Silks, Chiffon's & Brocades in vibrant colorful shades beautifully blended with exquisite embroidery to present the latest in Indian fashion. We carry enticing, chic, vivacious & classic sarees, salwar Kameez, kurtis, tunics, and lehengas for all occasions. Our styles are the latest, ahead of the mainstream curve. They are not yet available elsewhere in the US and our prices are unbeatable.

Saturday, July 25, 10 am YOGA AS THERAPY - talk by DR. M.V. SRIDHAR A 3 hour seminar on 'YOGA AS THERAPY' for better health rejuvenation, mind, body and inner peace and happiness. BENEFITS: Physical Health Remedies for Tension Headache, Migraine, Thyroid, Asthma, High Blood Pressure, Gastric, Acidity, Constipation, Joint Pain and Back Pain Stress Management through Yoga Therapy WHERE: EKTAA CENTER, 2691 RICHTER AVE. STE 105. IRVINE CA 92606 COST: $35 PER PERSON (before July 15th and $45 thereafter)) includes refreshments provided by Shaklee ABOUT DR. M.V. SRIDHAR Ph. D. in Yoga, Doctorate in Naturopathy, New Delhi University: D.Y.T., Yoga Therapy, Vivekananda Yoga Anusondhana Samsthana, Bangalore: Doctorate by Honor, International University of Complimentary Medicine, Sri lanka · International Yoga Therapy Coach/Consultant · Director of the Department of Yoga, Om Shanti Dhama, Bangalore · Former International Organizer VYASA Yoga University, Bangalore Dr. M.V. Sridhar has conducted his seminars throughout the U.S. as well as in 40 international countries. SPONSORED by INFINITE TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS Phone 714-573-2047 Email anita@soIutionisinfinite.com www.solutionisinfinite.com View Flyer

2009 Ravi Varma Memorial Arts Competition & Exhibition Ektaa Center in partnership with Organization for Hindu Malayalees (OHM) conducted the 2009 Ravi Varma Memorial Arts Competition & Exhibition. Last date for entries - June 26, 2009. Flyer

Saturday June 6, 4pm Timeless Traditions - Sarod Maestro from India Performance by Master musicians from Varanasi, India Where: Ektaa Center, 2691 Richter Ave. Ste 105, Irvine CA 92606 Pandit Vikash Maharaj is very modest about his being a 14th generation musician continuing a 500 year musical tradition. Performing the exotic instrument, Sarod, Pandit Maharaj has acquired international acclaim as a maestro. His Orange County performance was at the Irvine-based Ektaa Center, on Saturday June 6 2009 at 4pm. He was accompanied by his son, Prabhash Maharaj on the Tabla. The concert by the two master musicians from Varanasi, India featured North Indian classical music and featured an opportunity to interact with the maestro in the 'talk back' session that followed. Pandit Vikash Maharaj is well known for his unique approach to the Sarod. Having his early education focused on Tala (rhythm) and having devoted himself to two Gharana (music styles), he has a wide understanding of music that sets him apart from other performers. The fluency he expresses on his instrument speaks of deep emotions and moods with clarity and precision rarely heard on the Sarod. His interest and knowledge of the healing benefits of music make listening to his Sarod a truly powerful experience. "Since the time we were born we have been listening to and playing music" he says. "In our family, no one does business or any other kind of job." Vikash's ambition is to popularize North Indian Classical music worldwide. He also creates fusion music, having performed with such jazz greats as Herbie Hancock, John McLaughlin, John Handy and Paul Horn. "We continue our tradition to make music, perform music and bring music around the whole world" he says. "Making peace around the world, because music is what reaches the heart." Prabhash started playing Tabla at the age of two. His first performance was at the age of seven. Considered a child prodigy, Prabhash began receiving recognition for his exceptional skill at a very young age. He is a highly awarded musician and has won many prestigious honors. By the age of twelve he had won his first gold medal from the Center for Cultural Resources and Training and was awarded a scholarship by the Indian Government. He went on to win the gold medal for six years in a row. Along with the Sitar, the Sarod is one of the prominent and popular stringed instruments used in Indian music. The Sarod is known to be about 150-200 years old and derived from the Afghan Rabab. 'As soon as Vikash Maharaj started to play the Sarod...time vanished due to the intensity of the strange sound which fascinated the listeners' wrote the Start Post of Germany. He has had the honor of performing at the WOMAD festival in Europe and other prestigious venues in France, Germany, Italy, Holland, Belgium, USA and other countries as an empanelled artiste of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations. Pandit Vikash Mharaj and Prabhash Maharaj were proudly presented by The Ektaa Center, the first and only center in Southern California for the arts and culture of India. Based in Irvine, the Center serves the southland community with classes, events and activities that promote an awareness and understanding of the arts and culture of India. For more details or information about the Ektaa Center call Harish Murthy at (949) 300-8912 or visit www.ektaacenter.org. www.vikashmaharaj.com

Saturday May 30, 5 pm VEENA TARANGINI - Dr. Krishnaveni Nishtala (Veena) accompanied by Arjun Narayanan (Mridangam) An 'A' Grade artiste of All India Radio, Dr. Krishnaveni is a student of Prof. N. Ramanathan, Dept. of Music, Madras University. For more details on the artiste please go to www.veenatarangini.com Where: Ektaa Center, 2691 Richter Ave. Ste 105, Irvine CA 92606 For more information, call Garimella 562-865-6202, Warren Venkatesh 714-612-1242, Prakash 949-300-3414 View the invitation

Sunday April 26, 3.30pm INDIAN FILM FESTIVAL OF LOS ANGELES... EKTAA CENTER PRESENTED Umakanth Thumrogoti's ' SEVEN DAYS IN SLOW MOTION' IFFLA 2009 ran April 21-26 at ArcLight Hollywood. This year, they had films for everyone: indie films, Bollywood musicals, revealing documentaries, visually stunning animation, environmental films, comedies. Due to the success of SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE, excitement and interest in India and its films are at an all time high. World Premiere of 7 DAYS IN SLOW MOTION proudly presented by IFFLA and the Ektaa Center. After 14 years of working in feature animation at Disney, on projects like POCAHONTAS, CHICKEN LITTLE and FANTASIA 2000, Umakanth Thumrugoti, turned his focus toward the production of his feature directorial debut. The film, set in Hyderabad focuses on young Ravi, a boy ordinary in every way except for his extraordinary obsession with movies. When he finds a filmmaker's lost camera, he sets out, along with his two friends, to make a film in a mere seven days. However, the demands of school and family interfere setting the film's production behind schedule. Ravi soon realizes that the stories that most need to be told are not the fruit of his imagination, but the daily dramas that unfold all around him. With 7 DAYS IN SLOW MOTION Thumrugoti captures the child's eye view of an often incomprehensible world dominated by adults. That world is confronted with a soothing balm of the truth, passion and undaunted imagination characteristic of children and artists who have not lost sight of the wonder and magic of youth. Additional information about the film can be found here.

Sunday April 5, 4pm CARNATIC MUSIC ON THE SAXOPHONE - 'Prasant Radhakrishnan in concert' A 23 year old virtuoso, Shri Prasant Radhakrishnan proved that age is not a strong determinant of musical ability. His incredible saxophone playing blended both his background in Carnatic (South Indian) Classical Music and Jazz so well that it seemed like the two genres were one and the same. Prasant Radhakrishnan is a versatile saxophonist identified with both the South Indian Classical (Carnatic) and Jazz disciplines. He received initial training from veena vidwan, Mrs. Vijaya Prabhakar. Prasant started learning Carnatic music on saxophone under the able guidance of his guru, "Padmashri" Kadri Gopalnath, in 1996. He underwent rigorous training during summers in India, and soon began accompanying his guru in concerts and performing solo. As part of an ongoing goal, Prasant strives to put to rest misconceptions and preconceived notions about Carnatic music and jazz as well as the use of saxophone in Carnatic music. Prasant is creating a new path for the future of Carnatic music and Jazz. His CD release 'East Facing' has received rave reviews. Venue: Ektaa Center 2691 Richter Ave. Ste 105, Irvine 92606. This was a part of our ongoing 'Emerging Artistes showcase' partially funded by a grant from the Target Corp.

We thank the following for their support: Arts OC, the countywide arts agency Orange County Community Foundation Timeless Traditions series Portofino Inn and Suites, Anaheim