Spend ‘A Night in Bollywood’ — without leaving Grafton
Enjoy an evening of music and dance featuring Din Check, New England’s premiere Bollywood band at “A Night in Bollywood” Friday, Nov. 15, 6:00-9:30 p.m. at the Great Hall, One Grafton Common in Grafton.
Priya Asthana of the Center for Arts and Wellness in Westborough will lead an hour-long Bollywood dance workshop prior to Din Check’s performance. Ms. Asthana, a dancer and choreographer, is recognized for her dance style and the fresh perspective she brings to Bollywood Dance. She is trained in Indian classical dance, Bharatanatyam, Kathak and jazz dance.
Din Check’s repertoire spans different genres, styles, popular singers, eras as well as multiple languages. The full ensemble includes vocalists, guitarists, drummers, pianists and a violinist who perform popular Bollywood songs from the golden oldies to the latest hits and infusions or “mashups” of classic American rock music and Indian music.
The band is well-known for bringing events to life and getting crowds on their feet with their lively concerts. Founded by Jolly Bhatia, Sam Rao and Sameer Bhambhani in 2011, Din Check plays at festivals, award shows, restaurants and charity events. Din Check or noise check is the phonetic sound of the tabla, an Indian percussion instrument. The name fits well for a band known for their animated, energetic-rhythmic performances.
The 2019 prize-winning artwork and photography of the Small Stones Festival of the Art will be on display during “A Night in Bollywood.” The Festival features a juried exhibit of fine art painting and fine art photography and a music program organized by Apple Tree Arts, Worcester County Camera Club and the Blackstone Valley Art Association.
The Festival runs Nov. 8-16 with the opening event Friday, Nov. 8 and weekend exhibit hours Sat., Nov. 9, 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. and Sun., Nov. 10, 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. at the Great Hall. The Festival music program includes The Kelly Clark Jazz Trio, the Sutton Ukulele Strummers and Flutists. In addition to “A Night of Bollywood,” a chamber music concert is planned for Nov. 16, 7:30 p.m. featuring Claflin Hill Symphony Orchestra’s chamber members and Apple Tree Arts’ actors in a musical and theatrical performance of Igor Stravinsky’s “L’Histoire du Soldat — A Soldier’s Tale.”
The Great Hall with its renovated proscenium stage and intimate 150-seat auditorium has become the venue of choice for concerts, art festivals, professional meetings and performances. The 2019-2020 Grafton Performing Arts Series debuted with a sold-out Peter Yarrow concert in August followed by a sold-out Tom Rush concert in September. 8&1East, a modern and jazz-based dance company will perform their annual Christmas shows in mid-December and a spring headliner concert is planned.
Admission costs $30 and includes a Bollywood dance workshop, concert and light refreshments. Henna tattoos, beer, wine and soft drinks will be available to purchase. Tickets are available at tinyurl.com/y29adqv or visit Apple Tree Arts’ office at One Grafton Common.
