Preconcert: Ravi Shankar Ensemble

Windows Preconcert Event

South Asian Arts Showcase

The Music Center

Thu, March 19, 2026 | 6pm

Free

Location

Lockheed Martin Orchestra Lobby

Free with Show Ticket

Access to this event is free with your ticket to The Ravi Shankar Ensemble.

Featured Artists

It’s about celebrating South Asian Culture together

DC South Asian Arts Council Inc. 

Join us before and after the show in the Lockheed Martin Orchestra Lobby for an intimate evening celebrating the rich musical traditions and contemporary artistry of South Asia, presented in conjunction with the evening's main performance featuring the Ravi Shankar Ensemble. This preconcert showcase creates the perfect atmosphere for our main event, immersing audiences in the sounds, rhythms, and artistic expressions that have shaped South Asian music for generations.  

The intimate setting allows for a deeper connection with these local artists and their craft, preparing audiences for the evening's celebration of Ravi Shankar's enduring legacy. We encourage you not only to explore and purchase the exhibited art and music but also to meet and interact with the artists and activists who will be on site to share and sell their artwork.  

Curated in partnership with District of Raga

About District of Raga:

Founded in 2017 by Nistha Raj—named “Best Eye for Great Music” by Washington City Paper’s Best of D.C. 2024—District of Raga is a dynamic organization dedicated to preserving and presenting the performing arts and culture of South Asia. Through innovative concerts and public programs across Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia, we foster cultural exchange, inclusivity, and community engagement. We are proud to collaborate with leading institutions including Wolf Trap, the Kennedy Center, Strathmore, and the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art to present impactful events that unite communities, support artists, and contribute to cultural preservation.

Learn more at www.districtofraga.com.

This event is part of Strathmore’s Windows series of performances and accompanying programs. Learn more

Featured Artists

: DJ duo Shuno Re brings a unique sonic journey through South Asia and its diaspora, spinning rare and underheard sounds exclusively on vinyl. Shuno Re’s carefully curated sets showcase the depth and diversity of South Asian music, from forgotten gems to contemporary interpretations that bridge traditional and modern soundscapes. 
: IndiBlossom🌸is the inspired creation of Anuradha Mehra, a first-generation Indian-American blending the rich traditions of India with bold, modern design. What started as a personal journey of identity has blossomed into a beautiful fusion of fashion and homeware, crafted in collaboration with artisans across India. 

Each piece is more than just decor or clothing—it’s a story, a celebration, and a bridge between cultures. IndiBlossom brings together traditional techniques and playful creativity to help your space and style bloom with meaning. 
: Aishwariya Chandrasekar is a visual and traditional artist whose drawings and embroidery pieces explore concepts that drive her curiosity, such as human behavior, cultural formations, and social change. With the support of Maryland State Arts Council Folklife Apprenticeship grants in 2010 and 2022, she has been trained in the traditional Indian art form of Kolam by Shanthi Chandrasekar. Aishwariya holds a BS in Psychology with a minor in Neuroscience, a BS in Business Management, and an MS in Social Anthropology—her interdisciplinary background informs and contributes to her artistic practice. 
: The DC South Asian Arts Council Inc. (DCSAACI) is a non-profit organization that provides opportunities to South Asian artists to showcase talent via films, dance, books, and art.