February Gigs in NYC
Hello dear community,
Although 2025 has been off to a very rough start, I feel somehow delusional in my optimism of what we might be able to do together collectively to transform this world, now that we can see our systems mask off, with painful clarity.
My first shows of the year were actually supposed to take place in the first week of January in Los Angeles, just days before the devastating fires, but had to be canceled because I had the flu. I still haven't been able to wrap my head around the devastation of my former town, where I have so much community and family. Those shows with Jeff Parker, Patrick Shiroishi and Max Jaffe will be rescheduled for March. In the meantime, there is so much rebuilding to be done in the music community and beyond. I've included a list of links below to donate to various fundraisers to help support those efforts.
In January, I've mostly been focused on getting started with the Working Artist Fellowship at the incredible Pioneer Works in Brooklyn. My project is focused on improvisation as a tool for collective liberation, and strengthening local and global networks of solidarity as we see how interconnected our struggles are. Right now I'm in a research/composing phase, but there will be shows, a podcast, workshops and a new Elder Ones album in the works. There is much to say about the simultaneous ongoing crises we are dealing with in the States and beyond, but for now, I'll just say I'm grateful to focus my work on how we can use our skills and creativity as artists to build something new from the ashes.
February, I get back to playing with some really nice local offerings. After a year being on the road, I'm very happy to be back in New York among my community. The first show feels meaningful as it is the Tarka benefit for Palestine. Seeing images of people returning to the North after 15 months has been unbelievably emotional, though we know there is a long and complicated road ahead.
All show details below (and more TBD).
Take care of yourselves and each other.
Solidarity!
Amirtha
February Shows:
February 1, 6pm-12am - Tarka Benefit for Palestine @ Secret Location in Brooklyn (DM or email me for the address) Duo with gabby fluke-mogul, Roshni Samlal, Dynoman, Geng PTP and Zara Dekho *there will be vegetarian biryani!
February 15, 7:30 - Please Ys @ Secret Location in Brooklyn (DM or email for address), an evening I am pleased to have curated! Duo with Maria Grand (sax), Adam Turay (guitar) & Kwami Winfield (trumpet/electronics) and Justine Lee Hooper (flute/electronics)
February 19, 8pm - Free Dimensions: VOICES produced by PocketWatch @ Nublu (62 Loisaida Ave, Manhattan)
Feb 23, 7pm - With Nathan Chamberlain (guitar) & Friends @ Brothers Wash and Dry (54-20 Nurge Ave, Queens)
Fundraiser links for LA Wildfires:
Black Music Action Coalition Fund
Los Angeles Fire Relief to Support Music Professionals
GoFundMe list for Displaced Black Families in Altadena
Fundraiser Update!
For those of you who supported our Elder Ones/Nu Jazz concert fundraiser for Gazan Musicians:
The Al Kamandjâti Association extends its best wishes to you for this new year.
We are finally taking the time to inform you of the arrival, a few days ago, of the Gazan musicians and their families in Angers, Bordeaux, and Montpellier, in the framework of the PAUSE Program and in partnership with Rocher de Palmer and Uni'sons.
The final moments before their arrival kept us very busy as we worked to complete the preparations for their homes, ensuring they could settle in under dignified and comfortable conditions.
Their arrival was an intensely emotional moment for everyone, whether at the train station in Angers, Bordeaux, or Montpellier. They were then accompanied to their homes, where they can finally begin a more serene life.
Studio at Pioneer Works