SHIMSHAI Natural MystiquEnsemble Date: Sat, June 14, 2008 Time: 7:30 pm Price:  $20 ($25 at the door) Location: Moksha Riverwest Printable Flyer

Whether singing the ancient Sanskrit mantras of India, the traditional folklore songs of South America, or performing his original works of divine inspiration, Shimshai’s music invokes a sentiment of ancestral devotion and a dedication to higher consciousness. A self-proclaimed seeker of truth, described by many as possessing the voice of an angel, Shimshai is gifted with the innate ability to deliver his message flawlessly in several languages; most profoundly the universal language of Love and Oneness.

To experience the essence of this young mystic is to be taken down a musical journey that ultimately leads us back to the very core of our own inner existence. Shimshai, translated as ¨My Sun¨ in Hebrew is indeed “una estrella brillante” whose heartfelt expression, natural grace, and impeccable intention shall continue to inspire and manifest positive vibrations for generations to come.

Natural MystiquEnsemble

SHIMSHAI - Surrounded by music from birth and formally trained on piano in his native state of Washington, today Shimshai performs effortlessly on guitar, sitar, flute, and a variety of woodwinds. He plays many of the instruments on his self-composed and self-produced albums, ‘I sense your Presence’ (2001), ‘Toward the One’ (2003/2006), and ‘Live on Maui’ (2003/2006) all which have been highly revered by the worldwide spiritual community. His collaboration with fellow artist Tina Malia, ‘Jaya Bhagavan’ (2004), has also been met with tremendous success, being signed to the independent record label Spirit Voyage in 2005, and his most recent release, ‘Deliverance’ (2006), showcases his abilities as a solo performer. He continues to offer his talents to various studio projects, including current collaborations with traditional healers and several undertakings with indigenous communities throughout south and Latin America.

Whether playing at large festivals, yoga studios, or spiritual retreats, Shimshai’s live performances throughout the Hawaiian Islands, Europe, Australia, Mexico and The Americas have helped to create a devoted and ever-growing global fan base. His unique blend of reggae, jazz, kirtan, and folk, infused with a worldbeat influence, provides a diverse palette of musical expression and attracts a wide range of listeners. Performing solo or with his group, The Natural MystiquEnsemble, which features percussion, guitar accompaniment, and harmony vocals, Shimshai’s energy always provides a sacred, intimate, heart-opening space for all who are present. Along the way, Shimshai has had the honor of opening for and sharing the stage with such luminaries as Michael Franti, David Grisman, Mickey Hart, Jai Uttal, Ram Dass, Deepak Chopra, Bhagavan Das, Dezarie & members of midnite, jah levi, Hamsa Lila, Sasha Butterfly, and many other gifted musicians and visionaries. www.shimshai.com

JULIAN FRITZ (drums)- Hailing from Eugene, Oregon via West Germany, Julian is primarily self-taught and has been playing professionally since age 16. He has recorded and performed many diverse styles of music, and has directed several other live bands and recording projects. (www.satyayuga.net)

TIMI (bass)- A native of Guyana, South America, Timi is a multi-instrumentalist who has been playing since day one. With a West Indian oriented musical background, he came to the USA at age 18 and expanded thru all styles of music including jazz, funk, salsa, and many ethnic flavors. Timi has played with Buddy Miles, Narada Michael Walden, The Itals, Ustad Khan, and members of P-Funk.

MATT BERKELEY (keyboards)
www.mattberkeley.com

TINA MALIA (vocals)- Former Higher Octave recording artist blessed with a crystal voice and compared to the likes of Loreena Mckennitt and Joan Baez, Tina Malia has led a successful career performing and recording her own music and that of others. Trained classically on piano by her mother, a Korean opera signer, Tina displays a very mature and refined musical touch. (www.tinamalia.com)

SASHA BUTTERFLY (vocals/flute)- West Coast soul sister Sasha Butterfly has been immersed in music since childhood, and performs on a wide variety of instruments in her own, and several other musical projects. Her rich soulful voice brings an almost gospel feel to any music, and uplifts all who have the opportunity to receive.
(www.sashabutterfly.com)