Our Bureau
Houston, TX
The Indo-American Association (IAA) celebrated the successful completion of its 2024 season with two captivating performances by the internationally acclaimed Coke Studio artist, Sonam Kalra, over the weekend of September 7 and 8. The unique shows mesmerized Houston audiences with their exceptional blend of music, poetry and storytelling.
Ibadat, a musical performance blending Sufi, Gospel, and Sikh prayers, was held on Saturday, September 7, at Zilkha Hall in the Hobby Center. Introducing the artist, Sheetal Bedi, the CEO and Executive Director of IAA, said, “Sonam is not just a performer. She is a messenger of love, peace and unity … Her music speaks the universal language of oneness, something our world needs now more than ever before.” Sonam’s soulful voice and original music scores created an unforgettable evening of transcendent music, which deeply moved the audience. Sonam’s charisma shone bright as she interacted with the audience, translating and beautifully explaining the poetry she sang, making the music accessible to all.
On Sunday, September 8, Sonam presented Sarhad at MATCHBOX 4, an evocative performance blending music and theater, dedicated to stories of separation and hope from the Partition of India in 1947. This emotionally charged performance recounted the harrowing tales of survivors of the Partition, and there was not a dry eye in the hall as the audience relived their heart-wrenching memories. Sonam’s poignant storytelling, combined with her musical brilliance, captured the raw emotions of separation and loss, yet concluded with messages of hope and resilience. The performance received a standing ovation, leaving a lasting impact on all those in attendance.
A unique feature of IAA’s mission is its commitment to introducing Houstonians to groundbreaking performances from both established icons as well as promising new artists alike, giving local audiences the opportunity to experience fresh talent that they may not encounter otherwise. By offering a platform to these exceptional performers, IAA fosters cultural exchange and innovation, allowing these rising stars to showcase their skills to a discerning audience. Sonam Kalra is one such performer whose music offered an immersive and heartfelt experience that resonated with all in attendance. As Nick Dhanani, a valued IAA member and supporter, said, “I haven’t experienced anything like this before … what singing, storytelling and visual content. It was really breathtaking overall.”
As IAA brings its 2024 season to a close, we would like to thank our members and audiences for their unwavering support of the arts. It is because of this continued dedication that we are able to bring the best artists to showcase the performing arts of the Indian subcontinent to enrich Houston’s vibrant cultural landscape. We are excited to announce that the 2025 Season will be revealed soon, and we look forward to another year of cultural excellence.
Indo-American Association (IAA), a Houston Cultural Treasure, is a 31-year non-profit 501(c)(3) organization for the promotion of cultural arts of India.
