SOAC Presented Its Debut Musical Evening for True Music Lovers in Naperville
SOAC Presented Its Debut Musical Evening for True Music Lovers in Naperville
Support our Artists and Culture (SOAC), promoted by eminent professionals, presented its debut musical evening with Bollywood's singing sensation, Poonam Bhatia, at White Eagle Owners' Clubhouse in Naperville IL.
"For the contemporary Music Concerts of mammoth proportions, the primary focus is on economic considerations, rather than authentic music for its true lovers", opined Dr. Sameer Shafi, a practicing physician and the founder of SOAC.
Keeping this in view, Sameer said that the members of SOAC will use their own resources to host music programs, with eminent Indian and Pakistani artists, with a one-point program of enjoying music, without any commercial considerations whatsoever.
Moin Haque, another promoter and co-founder of SOAC, while welcoming the guests, said that SOAC's events, devoid of the hassles, glitz, and glamour of Music Concerts, will provide ample time and opportunity to music lovers not only to relish music but also to interact with the artists.
Poonam Bhatia, kick started the scintillating evening with the most haunting melody, "Sab jag soye, hum jaage, taaron se karein baatei who chaandni raatein, chaandni raatein". After a huge round of applause, she moved on to the saccharine-sweet romantic composition,"Tum aaye to aaya mujhe yaad, galimein aaj chand nikla". This was followed by a wave of soulful numbers, including "Ude jab jab zulfain teree, kavaariyo kaa dil machle".
She also sang a hit ghazal, composed by late Jagjith Singh, "Honton se chu lo tum mera geet amar ker do", and paid rich tributes to him.
Whether it was energetic quawwalies, nostalgic Bollywood hits, or the latest foot tapping numbers, Poonam delivered more than what her fans at the event expected of her.
"Music is not a one-way line. The live interaction between singer and audience makes the end-product enjoyable", said Poonam and added that, unlike the highly crowded Music Concerts, today's event, which was full of interface with the audience, was filled with loads of worth-remembering fun.
Every one present was bowled over by her gifted versatility as a natural performer. She received a standing ovation of the audience as a tribute to her electrifying performance.
"Poonam was quite a charmer with the audience. Armed with witty humor and command over nuances of Urdu poetry, she was like a one-woman army on stage", said Purnima Nath, a well-known Chicago-based singer, who was the Guest of Honor at the Event.
Dr. Sharat, a practicing physician and SOAC-member, played all-time hit numbers on accordion, "Mere Sapnonki rani kabaayegitu", Pukaarta chalaa hun main galii galii bahaar ki", "Tum paass aye, yun Muskurayee, tum ne najaane kya sapne dikhaye", and "Aaja sanam madhur chandni mein hum". For his professional colleagues from the medical fraternity, this new avatar of Sharat was a pleasant surprise. For the audience, this was a well-deserved bonus.
Poonam was supported by Nadeem Amin on drums, Ali Hafees on key board, and Dr. Sharat on accordion.
Shafqut J. Khan, Advisory Board Member, Deccan Cultural Academy, said that Poonam sang for almost all leading Bollywood music directors, including the legendary AR Rahman, and also did innumerable stage shows, across the globe.
Moin Haque thanked Poonam and her team for their worth-remembering performance. He extended special thanks to Masooma Shafi and Saima Haque for arranging food and clubhouse decorations. He offered gratitude to all members of SOAC for attending the event.