News

March 12, 2020

Hi All,

With all of my recent Pittsburgh concerts being canceled because of Covid 19…. I hope you can accept these two videos as a healthy alternative. Thank you for all the love and support. Hopefully, I will see you soon enough.  Enjoy the music!

Raga Tilak Kamod – Sitar    Bright melody with an up beat rhythm

Raga Tilak Kamod – Surbahar  Same melody, but slower and relaxing

Best,

Michael

March 1, 2020

Hello My Pittsburgh Friends,

I will be giving 3 concerts in the City of Lovely Bridges starting this Sunday!  I will be teamed up with my good’ol friend on tabla, Michael Dodin.  I will also be armed with my surbahar & sitar.  You can expect some slow moving Shruti’s…sparkly Jhala…AND…some speedy rhythmic play!  Spread the word and let’s see what Ragas we can Find!

Much Love

 

 

 

 

December 1, 2019

Hi All, remember when I was talking about Pendulums, Tuning-Forks, Physics…oh and the Sitar?  Here is the clip of my “RTP180 Talk” at the Frontier in North Carolina.

https://www.pbs.org/video/rtp-180-physics-michael-griska-ydryej/

My Birthday Gift to Yinz’all 😉

 

November 12, 2019

Hey All,

Ready your pendulums, & tuning-forks!

This Nov. 21st, I am going to be a guest speaker for the RTP180’s Third Thursday Talks at the Frontier in North Carolina.   The theme for the night: Physics!!!  I will be sharing the stage with 4 other speakers from the Triangle Area.  My topic: Physics in Music, a Sitar’s Perspective.  Can’t attend in person? The event will be live streamed here beginning at 6pm on Thursday, November 21. A week or so after, we will have it hosted on our website here.

 

November 21, 2019 Thursday

Dr. Mark Oldham | Oldham Lab at Duke University Medical Center

Aaron Quidley | Red Storm Entertainment

Daniel Stancil | IBM Q Hub at NC State

Michael Griska | Musician, Teacher and Performer

Sara Gamble | Army Research Office

About RTP180

Innovation. Education. Industry. These are powerful angles—and what the Research Triangle Park is known for. At RTP180, speakers from our three founding universities, Park companies, and the community at-large are called upon to take the stage to speak passionately about what matters to them. Doors open at 5:00pm for networking, beer & popcorn. Show kicks off at 6:00pm.

The hashtag for this event is #RTP180. Get social with us by tagging @theRTP and @FrontierRTP.

Can’t attend in person? The event will be live streamed here beginning at 6pm on Thursday, November 21. A week or so after, we will have it hosted on our website here.

April 18, 2019

Cancellation

Due to unfortunate circumstances, I will not be able to perform on the April 19th gig at the Edgewood Arts Building in DC.  Luckily, Carmelle Levia will be able to take my place with her beautiful voice and pleasing guitar playing.  Carmelle and Dante with his crystal bowls are sure to bring an evening of music and healing.  For more info about the performance: https://www.facebook.com/events/1020143388176269/

 

May 3, 2018

Also on the Menu

If you like the spice from the South…  I will be performing at the Hyderabad House… in Morrisville, NC every Thursday evening.

 

April 22, 2018

Update

Hi All, I am back in the Raleigh/Durham/Chapel Hill Area (The Triangle) to further my music studies with my Guruji, K. Sridhar.  While I am here, I will continue my Raga/Tala playing at my Home away from Home, Sitar Indian Cuisine.  You can catch me there every Saturday between 6:30pm – 8:30pm.   Make sure to call the restaurant to find out when I will be in.  As I will be busy assisting my teacher with his events and attending my programs as well: weddings, house concerts, and yoga whatnots!

 

March 20, 2018

Gig Cancellation

The March 24th performance with Pitt Sangeet has been cancelled.

 

October 4, 2017

Yoga and Sound

  • October 6, 2017 Friday
  • Yoga & Sound, Hindustani Concert, Satsang
  • Sangha Center for Yoga and Wellness
  • 455 Third Street Beaver, PA 15009
  • http://www.sanghacenteryoga.com
  • 6pm – 9pm
  • Yoga and Sound: One hour yoga class (level 1/2) with accompaniment.
    Hindustani Music Concert: Relax and enjoy the music of traditional Raga.
    Satsang: Question and Answer session with refreshments.
  • All Three Classes: $45
  • To per-register
  • Andrea Kirkham – instructor
  • Michael Griska – sitar/surbahar

 

June 1, 2017

Gig Rescheduling

Sorry to disappoint, but the July 2nd gig at Sangha Center for Yoga and Wellness has been pushed back to October 6, 2017.  See you when the air cools and the leaves turn.

 

September 19, 2016

Meet the Press

This photo is from the Aug. 28th program at the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh.  Photo by Larry Roberts published by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette on Tuesday August 30, 2016.

michael-library-pgh-by-larry-roberts-pg-tuesday-august-30-2016

Also the Librarian in charge of the World Kaleidoscope had these nice words to share:

“Thank you so very much for bringing your skill and passion for the art of Hindustani music and thought to the stage of World Kaleidoscope once again.  You drew a large crowd that stuck around for the entire performance, which is no easy feat!  Collaborating with such talented community members like you is what makes the Library shine, so thanks again.”

Mary Phillips
Reference Services Department                                                                                                         Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh

 

August 28, 2016

Dash of Tabla

I would like to announce that Vikram Mukherjee will be joining me on tabla at the Carnegie Library today.

 

August 25, 2016

The sitar and surbahar have returned to Pittsburgh!

Join me this Sunday August 28, 2016 at the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh (in Oakland).  The library opens its doors at 12pm and the program starts at 2pm.  This is a part of the Carnegie Library’s World Kaleidoscope Performances.  They are every Sunday at 2pm and free to all.

Then I will team up with the wonderful people at Balanced Mind Pittsburgh and the Zen Den on September 11, 2016 at their new space in Mt. Washington: The Life Café.  This is a wonderful opportunity to combine the healing aspects of Indian music with meditation, reiki, restorative postures, and energy work of Carla Poluha and Gypsy Red and their team at the Zen Den.

In this 90 minute experience we invite you to dress comfortably, bring a yoga mat and blanket and journey on a guided meditation set to the soothing sounds of the sitar and surbahar. You will enjoy comfortable restorative postures while your experience will be supplemented by receiving energy work from three talented practitioners.  You will need to pre-reg in advance for this event and space is limited.

May 7, 2016

Mother’s Day

Still not sure what to do for Mother’s Day.  Take her out to brunch, then join us at Heart of Yoga School in Carrboro, NC.  I will be performing Ragas that have a more female form know as Raginis.

May 5, 2016

Thank You

…Everyone for coming out last weekend in the Pittsburgh Area.  It is always a pleasure to perform at Libraries and Yoga Studios.  It is nice to know that the Cooper-Siegel Community Library and the Sangha Center for Yoga & Wellness offers so much to their communities through knowledge and wellness.  I can clearly see the results from meeting such wonderful people.  It is always a pleasure to share this music, but I am glad to see your interest through the questions you asked and the smiles on you faces.

I want to give a special Thank You to Andrea Kirkham and the Sangha Center for Yoga and Wellness.  Her wonderful hospitality and delightful demeanor made it all the more enjoyable to share this music.  If you do not know about the Sangha Center and live in the Pittsburgh Area, it is well worth the visit.  It is a clean and friendly space nestled into the charming town of Beaver, PA.

See ya next time!

April 22, 2016

Hey Pittsburgh!

As some of you may agree, it has been awhile since I performed in Pittsburgh.  That is why I am offering 2 opportunities to experience the Brilliance of Hindustani Music.  If you are into the Evening Ragas and Yoga, then you must join us Saturday April 30th at the Sangha Center for Yoga and Wellness in Beaver, PA.  We will start the evening at 6pm with a Yoga & Sound class, then at 7pm a Hindustani Concert, then conclude the night with a Question & Answer / Discussion also known as a Satsang.

Then join us the following day on Sunday May 1st for an Afternoon Concert at the Cooper-Siegel Library in Fox Chapel at 2pm.  Here I will perform ragas with micro tones that are focused for the afternoon.

I will be armed with both the sitar and the surbahar for both programs.  Sadly, I will not have a tabla or pakhawaj player.  But fret not, I will perform a lengthy Alap, Jor, Jhala in a Dhurpad fashion on the surbahar to compensate.

Looking forward to seeing you there!

January 18, 2016

Restaurant Music

If you’re looking for Dinner and Music…look no further. You can find me at the Triangle’s most popular Indian restaurant “Sitar Indian Cuisine” every Friday and Saturday from 6:30pm – 8:30pm throughout January and February.

Donation are always appreciated. And remember…paper notes make less noise when dropped into the tip jar!!!

Cheers

September 22, 2015

New Videos and a Website Adjustment

Since I am very skilled with web design and coding…it has only taking me nearly a year to post the WQED TV interview with Chris Moore.  There are some other features too.  I hope you enjoy them as much as it took me to finagle it all!

Happy Clicking

September 16, 2015

Photo Update

Hi All,

I added some new pictures to the website.  Be sure to check them out under the Media Tab.

Cheers

September 15, 2015

Sitar Indian Cuisine

If you’re looking for Dinner and Music…look no further. You can find me at the Triangle’s most popular Indian restaurant “Sitar Indian Cuisine” every Friday and Saturday from 6:30pm – 8:30pm throughout September and October.

Donation are always appreciated. And remember…paper notes make less noise when dropped into the tip jar!!!

See you there

July 16, 2015

Gigs Gigs Gigs

Be sure to check out the performance page…  There are lots of opportunities to hear me perform in many different settings: concerts, restaurants, and yoga venues.

Cheers

June 12, 2015

Classical Indian Music Week

Tomorrow June 13th at 9am starts the Classical Indian Music Week at Heart of Yoga School in Carrboro, NC.  Click here for details: http://heartofyogaschool.com/kirtan/classical-indian-music-week.

May 23, 2015

In addition to This Just In

I will be performing at Sitar Indian Cuisine every Friday and Saturday from now until June 13th.  I will be starting at 6:30pm instead of 6pm and may go past 9pm.  Hope to see you there some time.

Cheers

May 22, 2015

This Just In

If you are in the Chapel Hill, Durham, Raleigh Area, come join me tonight at Sitar India Cuisine in Durham, NC. Enjoy great Indian food while I tickle your ear drum with some dinner music on the sitar.  They have everything from dosa to chaat and a fantastic buffet where the naan is made fresh from the tandoori ovens.

I will perform all your favorite Ragas from 6pm to 9pm.  Hope to see you there!

November 25, 2014 

In Other News

News sources have discovered that South Asia has a surplus of Ragas growing Rampant. I have decided to make the journey and help them out with this concern before it engulfs the whole continent. I have armed myself with a sitar and I am going in.

I have managed to pluck one of these Ragas already and I have it displayed on the “Media Page.” It is an afternoon raag called Shuddh Sarang played on the surbahar with three movements: alap, jor, jhala.

I hope you enjoy

November 23, 2014

Expression of Gratitude

Thank You everyone for coming out to Heart of Yoga School on Friday. I am always taken back by how much your presence inspires and affects the music. Since Hindustani music is improvised, I never know how it will turn out, nor what raga I will play. And many thanks to Allison and the rest of the HoYS community for having me at the School. For those of you that were not able to make it and wanting details, may I suggest that you treat one of the audience members to lunch and enjoy vicariously through them! Not sure how to find them you say… go to Heart of Yoga School and ask around. And while you’re there, treat yourself to some yoga http://heartofyogaschool.com. Otherwise, you will have to wait until the Spring for my return. I hope to return with both surbahar and sitar and add a tabla player if you don’t mind.

I also want to Thank my Loving Friends and Family in North Carolina. And for those of you that were missed, I look forward to seeing you in the spring. I really could not do this music without your love and support. Your endless incense supplies, delicious cooking, warm homes, canopy of trees, interest in music, delightful conversations, and wonderful wilderness walks are always cherished and treasured.

Thank You

November 6, 2014

Schedule Up-Date

Thank You for all who came out to the Cooper Siegel Library last Sunday. I had a lovely time sharing the music with you. I also enjoyed all the diverse questions. Your love and support is always appreciated.

My next performance will be in the Carolina with a Northern like disposition.

  • November 21, 2014 Friday
  • Evening Yoga with Surbahar Accompaniment
  • Heart of Yoga School
  • 209 Lloyd Street Suit 210 Carrboro, NC 27510
  • http://heartofyogaschool.com
  • Doors open at 5:30pm
  • Class is from 5:45pm – 6:45pm
  • $15 – $30 Suggested Donation
  • Allison Dennis will instruct the yoga class while Michael Griska will give surbahar accompaniment. The class will incorporate meditation, asana, pranayama, and relaxation with the soothing sounds of the surbahar.
  • November 21, 2014 Friday
  • Hindustani Music and Kirtan Concert
  • Heart of Yoga School
  • 209 Lloyd Street Suit 210 Carrboro, NC 27510
  • http://heartofyogaschool.com
  • Doors open at 6:45pm
  • Music Begins at 7pm
  • $10 – $30 Suggested Donation
  • Enjoy Kirtan with Allison Dennis and Dani Leah Strauss
  • Dhrupad style performance by Michael Griska on surbahar

And for those of you in the Triangle on Friday November 7, 2014 looking for Indian Classical Music, you’re in luck.

October 17, 2014

Link Here, Lynx There!

Hair is the Lynx from the WQED’s October 9th TV interview by Chris Moore. The program is called Pittsburgh 360 and hosted by Tonia Caruso. The clip is about 30 minutes and my portion of the lot is towards the end.  Enjoy!

http://wqed.org/tv/watch/?id=1070&series=4&page=0

October 1, 2014

Television Interview

For those of you who were wondering and waiting about my WQED interview…Wonder on over to a Television Machine and tune into WQED. Then just wait till Thursday October 9, 2014 at 7:30pm. The program Pittsburgh 360 will show case an interview by The Legendary Chris Moore and snippets from my July 27th concert at the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh in Oakland. For those of you who consider the computer or your phone a TV, go to http://wqed.org. Once the link has been constructed I will pass that information along.

September 19, 2014

Schedule Up-Date

If you don’t know by now, my gig at Heart of Yoga School http://heartofyogaschool.com in North Carolina has been pushed back till November 21st. However, my lack of presence shouldn’t stop you from stopping by. Heart of Yoga School has a lot of events going on: Yoga, Keertan, Harmonium Lessons, Sanskrit Studies, and a bunch more. For more info check out: http://heartofyogaschool.com/special-classes-2.

If you’re in Pittsburgh on October 12th, I will be doing a Yoga and Sound event at Yoga Digs http://yogadigs.com in the South Side. I will be playing both surbahar and sitar. Space is limited and a per-register is recommended. Click here and fallow the links: http://yogadigs.com/programs/special-events.

Last and most current, I will be performing at the Phipps Conservatory this Sunday September 21st from 12:30pm to 1:30pm http://phipps.conservatory.org/exhibits-and-events/featured-event.aspx?eventid=1093. This is a great opportunity to listen to Hindustani Music in its most natural setting, Nature! I will be playing the music as you lose your self in the Indian Tropical Forest. However, if you want to sit and enjoy the music, I recommend bringing a cushion. There will be room in front of the stage for traditional sitting. I will be armed with a few afternoon ragas, lets find out which ones will permeate through the forest.

July 26, 2014

The Trib’s “Hot Picks”

This Sunday’s gig at the Pittsburgh Library earned me enough points to be a Pittsburgh Tribune-Review’s Hot Picks.  Enjoy the article by Bob Karlovits here, or fallow the link to the Tribs website:  http://triblive.com/aande/adminpage/6481881-74/music-july-rock#axzz38bBa9pkX

Quiet! Music playing

Michael Griska, a West Mifflin native who has become a proponent of North Indian classical music, will perform in a concert July 27 at the main branch of the Carnegie Library, Oakland.

Griska, who began his career in music as a trombonist at the West Mifflin Area High School, was given a sitar in 2005 and began studies on it in 2006.

Since then, he moved to North Carolina to study under a master there and has traveled through this country and overseas to study with others. He currently lives in West Mifflin, performing concerts, giving lectures and teaching.

At the concert, he will play on the sitar and surbahar, sometimes called a bass sitar.

Music in the first-floor quiet reading room begins 2 p.m. It is free. Details: 412-622-3151 or www.carnegielibrary.org.

— Bob Karlovits

Read more: http://triblive.com/aande/adminpage/6481881-74/music-july-rock#ixzz38bD3nvPU

Follow us: @triblive on Twitter | triblive on Facebook

July 20, 2014

Television Interview/Recording

The people of WQED will be doing a TV interview with me next weekend. I will be interviewed by Pittsburgh’s icon Chris Moore on the program Pittsburgh 360. Mr. Moore will conduct a private interview with me next weekend and record the July 27th program at the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh in Oakland. This is a free event from 2pm – 3pm on a Sunday and I will be performing both surbahar and sitar.

http://clpgh.org/events/details.cfm?event_id=91876

If you’re in the Pittsburgh area, I could really use the support. After I perform I will have a question and answer section known as a Satsang. This would be your opportunity to ask me question about the music and my discipline.

The interview and parts of the Library concert will be broadcasted sometime in the autumn of 2014. You can check my website http://michaelgriska.com for the release date. You can also sign up on the mailing list and I will notify you. Email michaelgriska@gmail.com with “Sitar Mailing List” in the subject line.  Or you can just go to www.wqed.org.