Sitar Player for Weddings & Events in Chicago

Vatsal Dave is a sitarist of the Imdadkhani gharana and a direct disciple of Padma Bhushan Pt. Budhaditya Mukherjee, with over twenty-five years of performance behind him and four released recordings — including Lone Star Sitar, made with Grammy award-winning musician Art Greenhaw. He is based in Dallas–Fort Worth and travels for engagements in Chicago.

The Devon Avenue corridor and the western suburbs make Chicago one of the strongest Indian classical audiences in the Midwest, and the suburban banquet venues in Naperville and Schaumburg host a large share of the region's South Asian weddings.

Travelling to Chicago

Chicago is a direct flight of about two and a half hours from Dallas–Fort Worth. A sitar is far too large for the cabin, so it flies as checked oversized baggage — that handling fee sits in the quote alongside airfare and at least one night's accommodation — usually two on a flown date, which gives the instrument a day to settle and be re-tuned after the hold.

≈925 miles from Dallas–Fort Worth · direct flights from DFW and Love Field · ~2.5 hours

What a Chicago booking covers

• Baraat and welcome — solo sitar, or sitar with tabla, as guests arrive.
• Ceremony — ragas chosen for the time of day, played under the rituals without cutting across them.
• Cocktail hour and reception — lighter repertoire, film melodies and Sufi pieces alongside classical.
• Sangeet and mehndi — an ensemble set with tabla, tuned to the room rather than the PA.
• Corporate and private concerts — a seated recital format, with spoken introductions to each raga if you want them.

Serving

Chicago, Naperville, Schaumburg, Oak Brook, Skokie and the North Shore, and the surrounding area.

Also available in Houston, Chicago, New York & New Jersey and Los Angeles — or anywhere else on request. Based in Dallas–Fort Worth.