Sitar Player for Weddings & Events in New York

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 New York.

The tri-state area holds the largest Indian diaspora in the country, and a great many of its weddings are held across the river in Edison, Iselin and Jersey City rather than in Manhattan itself — those dates are quoted the same way.

Travelling to New York

New York is a flight of roughly four 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. Tri-state bookings are quoted door to door, including the New Jersey venues where much of the region's wedding season actually happens.

≈1,550 miles from Dallas–Fort Worth · direct flights to JFK, LGA and EWR · ~4 hours

What a New York 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

Manhattan, Queens, Long Island, Westchester and northern New Jersey — Edison, Jersey City and Iselin, 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.