Chili Beatz Takes Center Stage

By: Contributing Writer WP

November 10, 2008

By: Avani Parmar

AGOURA HILLS, CALIFORNIA –- One would gather the combination of Hollywood and Bollywood at a concert would result in a whole lot of flavor and dancing.

Those who filled the Canyon Club here in Agoura Hills had the unique pleasure of savoring Indian food after dancing the night away to the flavorful sounds of Chili Beatz.

Not to be confused with the chilly weather outside, about 350 music-lovers trekked to The Canyon Club on Sunday to celebrate India’s festive season a little late, to the beats and sounds one of India’s newest eclectic bands.

Instead of carving a niche audience, the music of Chili Beatz had an all-ages-welcome agenda –- perhaps for the same reason the band members themselves span generations. With the youngest member still in high school and the oldest very much alive and kicking, this band proved age is nothing more than a number. Instead, what held Chili Beatz together was one thing and one thing only -– the love for music.

Relying upon an ensemble of traditional East Indian instruments, such as the ever-popular tabla along with the heart-thumping sound of an electric bass guitar to create a medley of songs intertwining eastern and western beats, Chili Beatz enchanted its audience with a combination that made for an amazing yet effortless string of notes.

Popular western songs were infused with an eastern twist to make a whole new rendition and filled the dance floor with those familiar to the hip-swaying melodies, as well as those experiencing the hypnotic beats for the first time.

The evening — appropriately designated “Diwali Night” — was in commemoration of the Indian holiday Diwali — a festival of lights to celebrate life and all things good in the world.

With an energetic, lively crowd raving for all things good in the Canyon Club, Chili Beatz extended its performance into the chilly night, serving up a hefty spoonful of culture alongside the buffet-style dinner consisting of a variety of aromatic Indian fare.

As the performance came to a close, the dance floor cleared only to fill the linen-clothed tables with voracious eaters who had worked up an appetite. The chatter of conversation and the clinking of wine glasses filled the air at the spacious Canyon Club, while new friendships were formed and the night came to a close.

For more information about the band, please visit www.chilibeatz.com.