The Himalayan Music Academy, founded by composer and singer Puspa Gajmer (right), will host a free concert and cultural event May 20 at North High School. (Photo: Chris Miller)
Puspa Gajmer has wanted to release a solo album for a long time, but years spent in a refugee camp waylaid his plans. Now, the music teacher, composer and founder of Himalayan Music Academy is hosting a free cultural event and album launch party all wrapped up in one.
To celebrate the many hidden artistic talents within our Nepali and Bhutanese community in Akron, the Himalayan Music Academy will host a free concert Saturday, May 20, highlighting Nepali art, music, theatre and dance, featuring local and national artists.
The concert will take place from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the North High School Auditorium and features Nepali dance, Himalayan songs (with signature bamboo flute, tabla and classical guitar ensembles), along with fusion music, combining Eastern and Western genres.
“The purpose of this program is to strengthen the relationship between local artists, people and Bhutanese people,” says Gajmer. “It also aims to promote and preserve Nepali music, art and dance. It exposes and guides youngsters to the value of Nepali music, so they may carry it to the next generation in our society.”
Students from the Academy also will take the stage at the event, along with being recognized for their progress.
Gajmer established the Himalayan Music Academy to help bring to light the creative expression of Nepali and Bhutanese people that was stifled from decades spent in refugee camps. He also teaches Nepali language classes from the Academy’s North Hill headquarters.
“There are many Bhutanese who have been pursuing their passion for professionalism in music classes through study of voice, guitar, piano, bamboo flute, harmonium, music theory, Nepali dance and much more,” he adds.
The event also will coincide with Gajmer’s solo album release. “In spite of my keen interest in launching a solo album while living in the refugee camp for such a long time, I was not able to do so,” he adds. “But today I am finally going to turn that dream into a success. On May 20, I am launching my first solo album called “Aawaz,” meaning voice. This album will include six songs, composed and sang by myself.”
North High School is located at 985 Gorge Blvd. in Akron’s North Hill neighborhood. The program will conclude with a note of thanks at 5 p.m.
The event is sponsored by Intra-National Home Care, LLC. Free transportation is available at any of North Hill’s Nepali grocery stores along North Main Street and Cuyahoga Falls Avenue.
Check out the flyer for artists, contact and other info, or visit the Himalayan Music Academy’s Facebook page.
