Jazz hands

KATHMANDU, AUG 29 - A fundraising charity show was recently held by JJ Sultans Studio featuring renowned Spanish jazz singer Natalia Calderon at the Tamarind Restro & Bar in Jhamsikhel. An Evening with Natalia Calderon—organised by Orion Consultants as part of their corporate social responsibility initiatives, in association with the Kathmandu Jazz Conservatory and 1974 AD bassist Nirakar Yakthumba—was held on August 26 with the express intention of raising money for underprivileged children in need of cataract surgery in Nepal. Calderon’s exquisite jazz tunes rung out at the packed venue, where she was accompanied by Marcus Dengate on bass, Rajat Rai on guitar, Kismat Shrestha on drums, Ashesh Rai on tabla, and Iago Mejuto on keys. The singer performed a couple of original songs like Flor Azul, Al Sur mixed in with some stellar covers, notably of Gentle Rain, Kaliyug and Kathmandu. Following the set was a special tango performance by Calderon and artist Mayo Shimonishi, who teaches piano at the Kathmandu Jazz Conservatory.
The event managed to raise a total of Rs 80,000 in cash, which was donated to the Tilganga Institute of Opthalmology, which included sales of tickets and contributions from Dwarika Hotel as well as from individual donors like Chabindra Shrestha, Nabin Thapa, Mahesh Shrestha, and Kishore Pradhan. The cheque was handed over to Dr Suman Thapa, eye surgeon at Tilganga, by Calderon and Prasanga Shrestha, director of JJ Sultans. Shrestha appeared happy with the turn out, and said that the success of the event would no doubt inspire such endeavours in the future. “It would be great to find other social causes to support with events like these that bring so many people together,” he said.

Also present at the event was special guest Sangita Shrestha, Acting Honorary Consul of Spain, who commended the studio’s benevolent efforts. “Not only is this event set to change the lives of children, but hopefully it will also help establish cultural exchange between our two nations,” said Shrestha.
ekantipur

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