Song of the Jasmine

Raaga, Inc., a Southwest Florida-based Indian arts and culture organization, is pleased to present Song of the Jasmine 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, September 12 at Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, 13350 FSW Parkway in Fort Myers. In collaboration with jazz saxophonist and composer Rudresh Mahanthappa, Dance Directors Aparna Ramaswamy and Ranee Ramaswamy of the renowned Ragamala company explore and transcend the boundaries between the sensual and spiritual in human experience.

Drawing on the work of Tamil Bhakti poet Andal, this colorfully staged production follows the jasmine’s path between the world of man and the world of the gods. A musical ensemble of saxophone, guitar, South Indian flute, mridangam drum and violin provides a pulsing, soaring sonic landscape filled with mystery. 

The New York Times said, “Song of the Jasmine is a soulful, imaginative and rhythmically contagious collaboration with the superb jazz composer and alto saxophonist Rudresh Mahanthappa.” The paper offered high praise for Ragamala, too, raving that it “shows how Indian forms can be some of the most transcendent experiences that dance has to offer. This is an excellent company.” Dance Magazine raved, “Aparna Ramaswamy is a marvel of buoyant agility and sculptural clarity.”

Tickets start at $45 and are available at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall Box Office. Visit http://bbmannpah.com/performance.php?id=741 or call (239) 481-4849 or (800) 440-7469 for tickets and more information. 

About Raaga, Inc.

Raaga, Inc. is a Florida non-profit arts and education organization dedicated to the preservation and promotion of music, dance and performing art forms from the Indian Subcontinent through the medium of concerts, lecture demonstrations, regularly scheduled teaching sessions and e‐learning. Learn more at raagafl.org.