CHICAGO: On a 90-day tour in USA, Sonu Nigam, one of the most versatile singers and entertainers from India, treated Chicago music lovers to an evening of extraordinary music with his band of musicians.
The event on Friday May 17 at Sears Center Arena in Chicago attended by close to 8000 people not only from Chicago but also from neighboring States of Indiana, Michigan and Wisconsin, was a grand success. Appropriately named “Klose to my Soul”, Sonu lived up to the theme of the show and expectations of the audience belting out over 50 songs close to his soul. And it would be no exaggeration to say that all sections of the audience had their souls tapped to the tune of music of Sonu and his artistry.
Echoing the same sentiment Bhavesh Patel of Sahil, an organizer, said that Sonu has been “Klose to the hearts of Chicagoans and Chicagoans are Klose to his heart and Soul. Though it was not his first performance, the way audience reacted, Sonu has not only carved a place in their heart but also in our heart.” Nick Patel from La Tan and a partner to Bhavesh, paid handsome compliments to Chicagoans for showing their love for Sonu but also to Sonu for sustaining his popularity with music lovers. Buoyed by the huge response, he held out possibility of performing for the second time in July, Inshallah.
The concert started with Nick Patel from La Tan who paid handsome compliments to Chicagoans for showing their love for Sonu but also to Sonu for sustaining his popularity with music lovers. Echoing the same sentiment Bhavesh Patel of Sahil, an organizer, said that Sonu has been “klose to the hearts of Chicagoans and Chicagoans are Klose to his heart and soul.”
Sahil and La Tan are promoting Indian cultural and heritage and generously encourage young generation by giving a platform to singers and dancers. Shruti Menon performed as Master of Ceremony for the entire program.
Jonita Gandhi was the opening performer of Sonu’s “Close to my Soul” concerts, and she sang two songs. Perhaps Sonu is the only singer who can sing not only in his own style but also in the style of Mukesh, Kishore Kumar, Mohammad Rafi, Manna Dey, R.D. Burman with ease and flair. The thunderous applause received after each song was a standing testament to his ever increasing popularity. He also entertained requests from his fans during the show. He was accompanied by Jonita Gandhi and Shruti Menon.
“Meher Dance Troupe” performed a dance. Local singer from Chicago ACE Boogie group, Sabah and Shariq Sidz also sang songs
Indian Consul General in Chicago, Dr Ausaf Sayeed, a few elected officials, dignitaries, American politicians, Indian and Pakistani Community leaders seniors and their families were part of the audience
Besides performing some of his popular hits, he also paid tribute to Late Jagjit Singh and Mehdi Hasan who have made a significant contribution to Indian music industry. He belted out evergreen hits of Mohammed Rafi, Mukesh, Kishore Kumar and Manna Dey bringing back the nostalgia of yesteryears.
Bhavesh Patel thanking the crowd, said, “Thank you Chicago, Thank You the entire Midwest for making tonight’s concert sold out.” He then thanked his sponsors Kannu of Al-Mansoor for “all your hard work; and last but not the least, all the ticket outlets and you the fans for you continues support.”
Babubhai Patel from Sahil and Mayur Patel from La Tan told the audience the happy news that another great concert is coming – Melody Queen “Shreya Ghoshal.” Save the date – August 15 at Sears Centre Arena, they said.
Asian Media USA
