The musical group Funkadesi integrates the elements of funk, blues, reggae, Afro-Caribbean, and Indian music forms into rhythmic and melodic dialogue. Conceived by bassist Rahul Sharma, Funkadesi is fundamentally a dynamic intercultural musical exchange. Drawing upon Hindustani classical, Carnatic classical, popular, and folk traditions, Funkadesi has opened audiences? eyes to the many facets of Indian music and culture. Their group is able to integrate these influences with old-school funk music, reggae, and Afro-Caribbean music through improvisation and call-and ?response exchanges common to many of these indigenous musical forms. For the first time Funkadesi will be performing with poets. Mixing their words with the band are Ras Anebana Tafari, Sage (Dominique Stewart) and Mario.

Dage (Dominique Stewart) describes himself as ?A 3rd visual, primordial poet withh mind-bending styles beyond the perceptual apparatus.? He has performed at various open mics throughout Chicago, and made numerous appearances on the Time Travel Hip-Hop Show (WNUR 89.4fm). Mario has been performing poetry in the Chicago area for the past seven years, appearing at venues such as Another Level@Lit-X, Mad Bar, Steppenwolf, Chicago Cultural Center, Taste of Chicago, Field Museum, MCA and House of Blues. Mario has been active as a voice among many in demanding the release of political prisoner, Mumia Abu-Jamal. He is also the creator of souleyes-an exercise in words and ryththm, part of the Guild Complex Verbs and Vibes series. Philosopher, Poet, Musician Ras Anebana Tafari, has long been a fixture on Chicago?s poetry scene. An original member of the funky wordsmiths, he has always been respected for his philosophical approach to life ant the continued pursuit of peace and harmony. Currently the ?voca-lotus? has been in the studio with his hip-hop, reggae, conscious party melange ?Jewels Infinite? with music produced by ?Panic? from Chicago?s highly touted hip-hop production team, MoleMen productions.