Yesterday evening I went to see Arnob’s concert at Symphony Space in upper west side in Manhattan. The saddest part is that I had an opportunity to be a part in organizing the concert, but I was too lazy to contribute time after work every week. So, I ended up being in the viewers sit 
But anyway, the weather was not that great yesterday in NY. It was raining all day. But I still decided to go. Two of my friends also showed up. Plus I met with a few other old friends there. I bought the tickets at the last minute from online right before I left home for the concert. After I got off from the subway on 96th street, it was raining very heavily. My sister asked me to bring an umbrella when I left home, but I did not. The place was right next to the subway though.
The concert was a little boring; I felt like I was falling asleep. But finally, he sang one of my favorite songs: “She je bose ache aka aka …”
Other than that, it was OK kind of concert.
He’s getting old… and old people *are* boring. :p
As soon as I heard that Asif bhai of Drishtipat was organizing a concert for charity I jumped on board (not only because he’s my relative but it’s for a good cause) and said how can I help by posting flyers all over NY, helping to book venue, help to get store in JH to sell/hold tickets, etc. I was the 1st one to sponsor the NY concert and requested others to do same. because in mind there’s no question that Arnob is a musical genius/composer with a unique and rich sound.
Many artists take advantage of changing the whole feel of an original song with dull music backing who lacks in creativity and originality but when a singer such as Arnob is capable of taking an original song and adding new life for the younger generation I say he’s God gifted. I regret not having all the resources to listen to the latest Bengali music which is my personal interest. I think Arnob represents the younger generation and he makes me feel patriotic & proud (to have Bengali singers such as himself). Artists like Arnob adding a different twist to an original song without butchering and distorting it makes listeners like myself appreciate natural talent. It does not make me dislike the original song at all but appreciate it more from a different light. With that said original Bengali songs are never forgotten, they are recycled and a constant reminder of the original tune. Arnob also sang songs from his upcoming album not released yet which no one has heard of, I was intrigued. I personally thought the concert was great and each member had something to contribute with their own personal talent. Nazia’s rendition of Piya was amazing and the Bass guitarist was mind blowing. Enjoyed how the band interacted with the audience i.e. when Andrew and Arnob had a competition over who can hold their breath the longest. Start to finish… Excellent I’d go again.
Sohily Apu: nice write up on the concert! Thanks for visiting my blog; hope to see you again!
Hey Rumana!
I was speaking w/ a Bengali gal here in NoVA; her fam & friends went to see Arnob in DC a few mos. back, too.
EMMA