ENCINITAS, California (FOX 5/KUSI) — Get ready for something special on July 27. Vineetha Menon is set to take the stage at the Seaside Center for Spiritual Living to unveil her debut album RASA in a live concert that promises to be both intimate and spiritual.
This unique performance will blend ancient Indian devotional melodies with modern Western influences, offering an experience steeped in love, storytelling, and deep connection.
With the support of a talented group of musicians, some from the local scene, Menon aims to bring the story of Rasa Lila to life. It’s a beautiful tale about Lord Krishna and the village girls known as gopis from Vrindavan, a sacred city in Uttar Pradesh, India.
According to Menon, “RASA evokes an intense love for me.” She continues, “My first album narrates a love story drawn from an ancient text, embodying the divine dance that interweaves spirit with nature.”
Spotlighting the sacred songs of India’s mystic saints: San Diego’s Vineetha Menon introduces her album RASA
The heart of Menon’s music is rich with devotional kirtans and rare spiritual hymns passed down through India’s mystical heritage. She emphasizes that each song expresses a love that goes beyond the physical, tapping into what Indian philosophy calls bhakti—a pure, joyful devotion to the divine.
“I named the album RASA not only for this divine love story but also because it symbolizes nectar, essence, and flavor—elements that bring forth feelings that are hard to describe,” she shared.
This collection dives into every facet of love, encompassing longing, strife, separation, elation, and reunion.
“This album interweaves all these sentiments, reflecting simple prayers, Krishna’s joyful essence, and the colorful tapestry of joy and sorrow leading to a transcendent joy of unity,” Menon elaborated. “Each song, enriched by extraordinary musicians, captures these profound emotions.”
While every song resonates deeply with her, one track, “Daya Karo,” carries a particularly close connection. This song, taught to her by her late father, is imbued with emotional weight and fond memories for Menon.
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“Including this song in my album is my way of honoring the incredible man he was,” Menon stated. “I can’t wait to perform it live, celebrating his legacy and these meaningful moments shared with the audience.”
Excitement looms around this concert, marking Menon’s first live performance. Though she feels a touch of nerves about everything going as planned, she welcomes the love and support she expects from the crowd.
Choosing the venue wasn’t arbitrary either; the Seaside Center for Spiritual Living holds significant meaning for her.
“Encinitas means a lot to me and is intricately tied to this project,” Menon shares. “Visiting the Self Realization Fellowship Gardens inspired my move from the U.K. to the U.S.
Additionally, this spot has welcomed respected artists such as Krishna Das, an American known for his devotional music performances, as well as Snatam Kaur, a performer of contemporary Indian devotional tunes.
Recording her album also took place right here in Encinitas at Big Fish Recording Studio, where multi-platinum records from rock legends like Blink 182 and Jimmy Eat World were crafted.
Among the talented performers who will share the stage with Menon are:
- Miles Shrewsbery playing tabla (a traditional Indian drum)
- Pandit Radha Prasad on bansuri (bamboo flute)
- Pankaj Mishra on sarangi (a three-stringed instrument)
- Pete Jacobson, a Grammy-winning cellist
- Radhika Vekaria, a Grammy-nominated singer and pianist
- Owen Kortz, an award-winning singer-songwriter on acoustic guitar
- Trevor Arthur, local Kirtan artist with harmonium and vocals
- Trevor Mulvey playing upright bass
- Radhika Ekbote, vocalist and classical Indian vocal coach
Bringing more life to the evening, Menon has scheduled a special dancing performance from the Kathak Darshan School of Dance, led by Debjani Chakraborty. This artistry promises to add a rich visual dynamic to the concert.
Performing RASA live is a massive moment in Menon’s journey—a journey she embarked on just two years ago without traditional musical training. It’s a true leap of faith fueled by pure inspiration.
As the concert night nears, Menon has a clear goal in mind: “I hope everyone walks away feeling uplifted and serene, having experienced the incredible wonder that occurs when the East and West come together in harmony. Music is our universal language, and these timeless songs ring with spiritual energy that you can feel. I’m eager to share this journey with you all live!”
Tickets for the “Sacred Music Concert” can be sеcured online for the event happening on Sunday, July 27 at 7 p.m.
On this special night in Encinitas, an eternal dance of love and divine connection will resonate through songs, rhythms, and spirits. With RASA, as Vineetha Menon dreamed it, will truly come to life.
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