Rupa & April Fishes kindle magic in the South Bay on May 9

Bring out your flip flops, dab on some sunscreen, and get ready to welcome summertime with groovy gypsy folk music. San Francisco-based band Rupa and the April Fishes will present an unforgettable evening that transcends geographical boundaries and aims to unite through the common language of music. The concert is a benefit to support Maitri, a non-profit organization providing for South Asian families experiencing domestic violence.

- Proceeds from the concert will aid operations of Maitri's toll-free helpline and transitional home.
- Maitri has been in operation for 19 years and functions as a bridge connecting needy families to mainstream resources and provides them counsel to make informed decisions
- Maitri’s empowerment based services help South Asian women experiencing domestic abuse charter themselves towards self reliance and self confidence

Today, the Bay Area is home to first, second and even third generation South Asian families. Bestowing honor to this multi-generation community, Maitri is inviting families to attend this evening of delightful music to support peace, safety and a vibrant family life.

Rupa Marya, the lead singer, is of Indian origin, but her music transcends all linguistic barriers. Her multicultural music is a medley of French, Hindi, English and Spanish.

- Her magnetic vocals draw the listener in with its soulful and moving quality.
- A doctor of internal medicine by day, Rupa's musical compositions express the transient, yet precious value of life.
- Her songs reflect the eternal immigrant dilemmas of - home seeking and homecoming - and the universal quest to understand pain, sorrow, love, and loss.

Without exception, Maitri's events have been a distinctive combination of glamour and character, attracting reputed artistes such as Ustad Zakir Hussain and the Rhythm Experience, Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia, Padmabhushan Alarmel Valli, Pria Kataria Puri’s Fashion Show, and Lillete Dubey’s Primetime Theater.

The contemporary melody of desi girl Rupa with the April Fishes will resonate at the Santa Clara Convention Centre on Saturday, May 9, 6 pm onwards. Tickets: $100, $50, $25. For more information, visit http://maitri.org or call 1.888.8MAITRI.