Flushing Town Hall to present Kabir Cafe on June 14

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Flushing Town Hall will present the award-winning ensemble Kabir Cafe, one of India’s leading eclectic folk-fusion groups and the pioneers of “Kabir Rock,” on June 14, 2019.

Kabir was a 15th-century Indian mystic poet and saint, and is considered one of India’s first progressive voices. He used poetry to convey the spiritual themes of humanity, freedom, peace, love, and simplicity in his dohas, or couplets.

Kabir Cafe’s music reflects the universal values of its namesake, integrating his timeless words with the vibrancy of folk music, the discipline of Carnatic music, and the gritty energy of rock. As a result, the music’s messages are accessible to audiences across the world, according to a press release.

When front man Neeraj Arya was introduced to Kabir’s words, he found clarity in his own life. The timeless truths and relevant social commentary of Kabir brought the band’s five musicians together, who each contribute vastly diverse musical and social backgrounds to the group.

Kabir Cafe was named “Best Independent Fusion Band” at the Radio City Freedom Awards in 2017. In 2016, the band released its first album “Panchrang,” and two of its songs have been featured in Bollywood movies: ”Hoshiyar Rehna” was in Badshaho and “Fakiri” was the main theme song of the movie Hindi Medium.

Since its founding nearly five years ago, Kabir Cafe has played over 700 shows and toured in 11 countries, including performances in Thailand, Singapore, Dubai, Nepal, Israel, and the UK.

Kabir Cafe’s performance at Flushing Town Hall will be a unique opportunity to learn about the teachings of the influential Indian poet. Before each song is performed in Hindi, the band will explain its relevance and meaning in English, so regardless of cultural background, everyone can enjoy and understand the music. The audience will be encouraged to get on their feet and dance all evening.

Tickets are $16 for members, $10 for students, and free for teens. Tickets can be purchased at www.flushingtownhall.org or by calling (718) 463-7700 x222.

Once again, Flushing Town Hall is opening its doors to teenagers – for free. Under the “Teen Access Program,” all 13- to 19-year-old teens (whether a member or not) will be welcomed to attend any performance for free. The program is designed to appeal to students and help foster a greater love for arts and culture.

Flushing Council on Culture and the Arts dba Flushing Town Hall is a not for profit organization which receives major support from the National Endowment for the Arts; New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature; New York State Assembly Member Ron Kim; New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, Mayor Bill de Blasio; Queens Borough President Melinda Katz; Council Members Adrienne Adams, Costa Constantinides, Daniel Dromm, Barry Grodenchik, Peter Koo, Karen Koslowitz, Francisco Moya, Paul A. Vallone, and Jimmy Van Bramer; and the Howard Gilman Foundation, the Fan Fox and Leslie R. Samuels Foundation, and the Lily Auchincloss Foundation.

Flushing Town Hall, a Smithsonian affiliate, presents multi-disciplinary global arts that engage and educate the global communities of Queens and New York City, in order to foster mutual appreciation.