Puspa Gajmer is on a mission to preserve and teach Nepali music and performing arts here in Akron. A noted local songwriter, guitarist and vocalist, Gajmer was a schoolteacher in Dhulabari Jhapa, Nepal, who taught music among other subjects. He later taught at a refugee camp in Nepal after he and his family were forced from their home. Through the Himalayan MUSIC Academy on North Hill, he is so passionate about building community that he’s currently offering free Nepali language classes to refugees and American-born alike. Along with music, the Academy offers instruction in dance, yoga and meditation. Gajmer also will be part of the Nepali Applause outdoor festival, expected to take place in spring, and is run by our friend Katie Beck, from Gum-Dip Theatre.
Gajmer has studied music all over the world, earning advanced degrees and delivering live performances (he’s got an album planned for later this year). His Himalayan Music Academy teaches community members on various instruments: from guitar, flute and drums, to more specialized folk instruments like the sarangi and tungna. The organization’s headquarters is located at 739 N. Main St., in the upstairs of a locally owned clothing shop. For info, email [email protected], visit them on Facebook or call (309) 203-9417.
