Mahesh Kale, India’s National Award-winning vocalist is not just an exemplary performer, but he’s also an educator and reformer. Kale, after winning India’s National Film Award as the Best Playback Singer, for his classical piece in the film Katyar Kaljat Ghusli (2016), has firmly established himself as a face of Indian classical music of the new generation and has performed extensively across India, US, Europe, UAE, Australia, and Southeast Asia. Mahesh Kale has received a proclamation from the US House of Representatives for successfully bridging the gap between classical and non-classical audiences, creating a shared platform for them to enjoy together. Mahesh has several other awards to his credit like India Community Center’s Inspire Award. The Maharashtra State Governments Award, Pride of India, Rotary’s award for The icon for the Youth. Several mainstream awards like Radio Mirchi, Zee, Sanskriti award to name a few. He has also served as jury for various awards including the Maharashtrian of the Year. He’s also a popular judge on a popular music TV show. He has played a key role in bringing Hindustani Classical Music into the mainstream with a touch of modern appeal. Honed in the Gurukul system of learning from Padmashree Pandit Jitendra Abhisheki, he has an illustrious pedigree, and his thrilling performances bear this out.

Mahesh maintains an open outlook towards music to reach out to the new generation while retaining the traditions. He has performed with world percussionists including Zakir Hussain, Trilok Gurtu, and Sivamani, Shankar Mahadevan, Aruna Sairam, and instrumentalists like George Brooks, Kai Eckhardt and Frank Martin, in fusion and collaborative works, ably demonstrating his versatility as a composer and singer. In an effort to spread awareness and education about Indian classical music in the western world, Mahesh has given lecture-demonstrations and talks at various academic institutions including Stanford University, Harvard University, TEDx, and the Commonwealth Club.

Kale, who holds a degree in Engineering Management, is also the founder of the Indian Classical Music and Arts (ICMA) Foundation, a non-profit focused on preserving, nurturing, and celebrating Indian Classical Music. Kale is also a teacher and an inspiration for a motivated student body of over a thousand students across 15 countries through his music school, MKSM, which is headquartered in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Pandurang Pawar is a renowned and a senior Tabla player in India currently. He is a skilled tabla player known for his rhythmic precision and versatility, his dynamic tabla accompaniment adds depth and vibrancy to the soulful atmosphere of any concert.

Shubham Ugale is known for his dexterity with regional traditional percussion instruments like Dholki, Khol, Dimadi, is especially regarded for his exquisite sense of playing the Pakhawaj, a double-headed drum, relatively rare in concert circuits today. He has been rhythm-trained with Pt. Yogesh Samsi.

Apurv Dravid stands out as a unique and versatile multi-percussionist, showcasing exceptional skill in traditional percussion instruments such as Dholak, Dholaki, Duff, and Djembe, and has accompanied highly renowned artists including Sangeet Martand Padma Vibhushan Pt. Jasraj, Padma Vibhushan Pt. Birju Maharaj, Vidvan Vikku Vinayak, Pt. Sanjeev Abhyankar, Raghunandan Panshikar, and Mahesh Kale.

Abhinay Ravande , a promising harmonium player and a dedicated disciple of the renowned Pramod Marathe, has shared the stage with many of India’s legendary artists. His masterful playing and deep musical sensitivity will certainly add a distinctive charm and soul to the Abhangwari concert.

On the melody side of this instrument ensemble is Prathamesh Lad on Flute, a dynamic artist deeply rooted in the rich tradition of Hindustani Classical Music, has celebrated a vibrant journey in the music industry. His expertise extends from mastering Hindustani Classical to seamlessly embracing.

Ankur Chande, a dedicated student of Mahesh Kale for over a decade, has been gracefully providing vocal accompaniment for the past nine years. A trained and accomplished disciple, Ankur’s vocal artistry brings a distinctive and harmonious touch, perfectly complementing the essence of this concert.

Mandar Wadkar, is a talented sound engineer of high repute in the music fraternity. He has been the first choice of many maestros like Bharat Ratna Pandit Bhimsen Joshi. Ustad Zakir Hussain, Pandit Shivkumar Sharma, Dr. Bala Murali Krishnan, Suresh Wadkar, Ustad Ghulam Ali. Mandar has been fortunate to record the legends like Lata Mangeshkar, Asha Bhosle, Yesudas, Sonu Nigam, Alka Yagnik and more. He plays a crucial role in the Abhangwari team and Mahesh along with the onstage musicians count on his musical and technical sensibilities to put the traditional music across to listeners.

Tejashree Sourabh, a gifted San Antonio artist known for her stunning work in paintings, murals, sculptures, and sand art.

At the AbhangWari event, on May 4th, she’ll bring her signature acrylic devotional art to life in a special live painting session set to the rhythm of the music. After the event, this unique piece will be auctioned off, with all proceeds going directly to support the artists. Don’t miss this inspiring live art experience!

Know more about Tejashree's work: Facebook & Instagram: @tejashree.sourabh.art