Since forming in 1978, guitarist Matthew Montfort’s ongoing world-music fusion project Ancient Future has blended Western and Eastern styles for a wholly original sound steeped in old traditions. This month, Montfort (pictured) brings his latest collaboration to Sonoma County for two free educational shows on Aug. 22 and a dinner concert at Gaia’s Garden on Aug. 30.
Joining Montfort is percussion master Vishal Nagar. Nagar is a virtuoso of the tabla, an instrument similar to the bongo drum, and is a sensation in his native India. With Nagar by his side, Montfort’s acoustic guitar has never sounded richer than it does on last year’s Yearning for the Wind EP. As Nagar taps out a nine-beat rhythm, the raga scales of ascending notes makes for moody, enchanting music.
Nagar and Montfort introduce audiences to the Indian raga on Aug. 22 at the Santa Rosa Central Library (211 E St., Santa Rosa) at 11:30am, and at the Petaluma Regional Library (100 Fairgrounds Drive, Petaluma) at 2:30pm. Ancient Future also perform a dinner concert on Aug. 30 at Gaia’s Garden, 1899 Mendocino Ave., Santa Rosa. 6pm. $30. 707.544.2491.
