SHAKTI SPIRIT: LIVE AT THE VILLAGE
Shakti Spirit doesn’t just blend cultures — it ignites them. This acclaimed Indian jazz ensemble brings their spellbinding fusion of Indian classical vocals, South Indian percussion, and searing guitar–saxophone interplay to the Blue Mountains for the very first time.
Celebrating female creativity through the pure joy of improvisation, their music draws on original works by Nadhamuni, Gayatri Bharat, and Sandy Evans, as well as the timeless poetry of mystic saints. Expect something deeply felt, wildly alive, and utterly unlike anything else.
SHAKTI SPIRIT feat. SANDY EVANS, NADHAMUNI GAYATRI BHARAT, JESS GREEN & PIRASHANNA THEVARAJAH: LIVE AT THE VILLAGE [2026 CONCERT SERIES] // Saturday, 2 May 2026 // Doors 7:30 pm; Show 8:00 pm // Individual Tickets: $40/35 or Season Pass: $120
Location: Springwood Presbyterian Church Hall. 160 Macquarie Rd, Springwood NSW.
“The band’s intricate interplay of instruments captured the depths of human emotion, evoking images of women overcoming pain and emerging as strong, fierce individuals.”
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/ SHAKTI SPIRIT /
Renowned Indian Jazz ensemble Shakti Spirit celebrate female creativity through the shared joy of improvised music-making. This ensemble transcends music, offering a transcendental experience of cultural exchange.
Their performances encompass deep emotional expression, virtuosic Indian singing, stunning percussion playing, and dialogue among electric guitar, saxophone, and Indian improvisers. The music features compositions by Nadhamuni Gayatri Bharat and Sandy Evans, and includes works set to poetry by revered female Indian mystic saints such as Andal and Venibai.
Along with Gayatri’s mystical voice and Evans’ powerful tone is an ensemble of extraordinary talent: world-class guitarist Jess Green, and Pirashanna Thevarajah playing South Indian percussion instruments.
The band captivated audiences with their inaugural performances in 2024 at Ashfield Town Hall and the Sydney International Women’s Jazz Festival. Don’t miss this rare chance to see the band live!
“The sheer beauty and emotional weight of their performance left me breathless.”
/ THE LINE-UP /
Sandy Evans: Saxophones, composer
Nadhamuni Gayatri Bharat: Voice, composer
Jess Green: Guitar
Pirashanna Thevarajah: Mridangam and other percussion
Nadhamuni Gayatri Bharat has received advanced training from India’s greatest musical stalwarts.
Sandy Evans is an eminent Australian saxophonist and award-winning improviser and composer with a PhD focused on Carnatic Jazz Intercultural music. Audiences will be familiar with her major collaborative work ‘Bridge of Dreams’, which played to a sold-out audience at City Recital Hall in 2019.
Jess Green is an accomplished guitarist, vocalist and improviser, who has composed commissioned works for the Australian Women In Music Awards, Canberra International Music Festival, and the Australian Art Orchestra.
Praised as a “percussion wizard”, Pirashanna Thevarajah is recognised by the world music and Indian classical community for his great command over his instruments of choice, as well as the art of Indian spoken rhythm, Konnakol. He is well-known internationally for his work with the great Anoushka Shankar.
"…a celebration of the human experience, filtered through the lens of a rich, cultural tapestry."
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/ LIVE AT THE VILLAGE /
Live at the Village has been presenting music concerts in the iconic Blue Mountains since 2009. We are dedicated to presenting the best Australian contemporary composers and musicians in an eclectic range of music styles, including world, jazz, soul, folk, and all improvised music genres. Performances occur at Springwood in the lower Blue Mountains, just over an hour west of the centre of Sydney. Live at the Village members are professional musicians of national standing and music lovers.
/ THE SCHEDULE /
Date: Saturday, 2 May 2026.
Venue: Springwood Presbyterian Church Hall. 160 Macquarie Rd, Springwood NSW.
Doors Open: 7:30 pm
First Set: 8:00-8:45 pm
Second Set: 9:15-10:00 pm
Tickets: General Admission $40 or Concessions $35; Or included as part of a Season Pass: $120