Salute to Mother Nature!
When we started rehearsing (six weeks back) for our NJ Tamil
Sangam’s Diwali show, little did we know that Mother Nature had some unpleasant
surprise in store for us! However, October 29, 2011 reinforced the age old
saying, “tougher it gets, sweeter it tastes…the success”. Mother Nature set the
stage for our Diwali show with truly a bang, freak October snow storm; high
winds, flooding, fallen trees, power outage was her accompaniments or as they
would say in Tamil “Iyarkain seetram, Eesanin Thiruvilaiadal”. Diwali is the
festival of sound and light and Mother Nature has decided to celebrate it on us
in her own and unique way. “Hope”, what a word… a word synonymous to
anticipate, optimism, wish, look forward to, etc., “look forward” sure we did. If
this was the stage we need to perform, sure we rolled up our sleeves and had put
up an exciting and scintillating music show.
While it was a sold out show (ticket wise) sadly weather did
not help to make it a full house show. Kudos to our Indian population, especially
Tamilians of New Jersey; slippery road, snow covered terrain, near zero
visibility did not deter their resolve to celebrate Diwali with us. Likewise, I
need to pass on our sincere appreciation and salutation to all support groups
including our Sound Engineers, auditorium Custodian, Bridgewater NJ Law Enforcement
folks & NJ Tamil Sangam organizers and several volunteers who worked
tirelessly to make this event possible.
Though we had a delayed start, the evening warmed up with
Neeya Naana (Vijay TV) Gobinath conducting a very interesting but sensitive
debate on the topic of “Immigrating to USA or return back to India”. After a
long and hard fought debate the stage was handed over to Jersey Rhythms.
A smashing opening song “Vilayadu Mangatha” from the
recently released film Mangatha gave 10,000 volt jolt to the crowd brought them
on their feet and made them gyrate to the awesome rendition by Payal , Srivats
and chorus. After a sensational opening song, JR started belting out classic
number from 60s, 70s, 80s, and 90s catering to patrons of various age groups.
Maargo Maargo from Vetri Vizha, Randakka Randakka from Aniyan, Kadhal Vandhale
from Singam, were some of the fast paced numbers that drew the crowd to rock the
floor. Songs like Kanai Padithen from
Ponna Shankar, Poovakelu Kathakelu from Azhaghar Samiyin Kudirai, Kadhal Anukal
from Enthiran, Enamo Edho from KO were some of the melodies that won the crowds
loudest applause and appreciation.
As always, all good things have to come to an end, “hope” we
brought some fun and relaxation to all those brave souls who defied all odds
and made this otherwise freaky October evening into a most memorable one. Thus,
an eventful (no pun intended) evening concluded with our customary evergreen
hit Yengeyum Yepodum from the film Ninaithalae Inikum effectively rendered by
Chenthil with the support of our ever enthusiastic band members. Once again, we
did it folks!
Shiva Rajam for JR...
