Last week’s kickoff to our Asian Music Series sponsored by TD Bank thumped the Small World Centre and was a great party. Now time is running out to access our Small World Explorer Ticket Packages! Gain access to the otherwise sold-out Zakir Hussain and Dave Holland concert on April 29 through our New Arrivals or Classical Departures 3 concert package and save.

Saturday’s concert has been anticipated for some time. The 4 part celebration of diversity through music and dance has been 2 years in the making, conceived as a musical response to hate crimes. Kiran Ahluwalia was on CP24 and SIRIUS XM yesterday discussing her project. Early birds can tune into Metro Morning with Matt Galloway to hear her tomorrow at 6:50AM. Better yet, see her live alongside Souad Massi, Bhai Kabal Singh Trio and Tanoura Sufi dancer Yasser Darwish at Harbourfront Centre. This is “Khafa” from her new album “7 Billion.”

As a gesture to welcome you, our subscriber, we have a pair of tickets for this special night. First reply to jess@smallworldmusic.com listing the next Asian Music Series concert after LOVEfest wins!

Meanwhile the Centre forges ahead with April programming with So Long Seven‘s release of “Kala Kalo” on vinyl and CD tomorrow night. Experience their top-notch playing that traverses several genres including Indian music, chamber jazz and folk roots.

Next Wednesday it’s Vancouver-based master guitarist Itamar Erez. A singular voice on the nylon-stringed guitar, he blends Middle Eastern music with the freedom of jazz and the passion of flamenco to create a sound all his own. He’s joined by Jessica Hana Deutsch on violin and singer Flavia Nascimento.

Returning to Asian Music Series programming next Saturday, Autorickshaw Trio graces the stage. Always an aural delight, the band recently returned from a 5-week tour of India to news of their JUNO nomination. Their latest album, ‘Meter,’ has been wining acclaim with the sultry vocals of Suba Sankaran, the driving basslines of Dylan Bell and intricate tabla grooves by Ed Hanley.