SPORTS: L.A. Clippers to celebrate India's Republic Day

Sammy Chand, a music producer in Los Angeles and former member of Karmacy, tells us that the L.A. Clippers basketball team will be putting on a desi halftime show on Jan. 26, India's Republic Day, when the Clippers will be going up against the Portland Trailblazers. More at the NBA's website, which is emblazoned with the banner above.

From Sammy:

"The halftime show is a highly entertaining showcase featuring Rukus Avenue artist Sandeep, dance from choreographers Janet Roston, Bosco and Yogen Bhagat and his Bollywood Step Dance, and singing by Nauzad and Kushi.  The entire night will be a celebration of India, and we want to give everyone a taste of India, and we thought fusion music like Sandeep's and Bollywood culture would be very effective."

[FYI, last month, singer and bharatanatyam dancer Shaheen Sheik sang the national anthem at the Staples Center, where the Clippers play.]

As you can see from the press release below (which has Clipper contact info), portions of the proceeds from ticket sales are meant to benefit victims of the Mumbai attacks. But Sammy's had trouble lining up a beneficiary and is soliciting suggestions.

"We haven't found an organization that will receive the funds from us. We were in contact with the Indian Red-Cross, but didn't quite make that happen. Do you know an organization that could be the beneficiary for the money we raise? 

I asked him how a South Asian entertainment company like his, Rukus Avenue, pitches an idea like this to a major sports franchise. His response:

"The LA Clippers have been amazing and their willingness to blend our culture into the Staples Center that night shows true progress.  Bringing our culture to the Los Angeles mainstream is a celebration of our contributions to our greater community.  Our pitch was to help generate awareness for the Clippers but more importantly the NBA to the South Asian community. The NBA is looking to spread its brand to India and our organization thought this could be an excellent way to partner with this powerful entity and begin a ripple effect of publicity.

Please post your suggestions for groups that should receive any funds below. As a friend recently pointed out to us, it doesn't make much sense to highlight the event if we bury info about the recipient of any donations.

Here's the press release:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Los Angeles Clippers & The Portland Trailblazers to Celebrate India Republic Day 

On January 26th, 2009, the Los Angeles Clippers face the Portland Trailblazers in what will be a historic night for the NBA & the South Asian community. An unprecedented evening of celebration and entertainment in the US for India Republic Day will be presented at the prestigious Staples Center in Downtown Los Angeles. 

To mark the occasion of India's 62nd year of independence, Rukus Avenue has teamed up with FOSAAC & the Los Angeles Clippers to present a Republic Day tribute game – complete with an Armed Services Honor Guard, outdoor cultural expo and an exhilarating India-fusion half-time showcase.

In anticipation of the release of his debut album From the Outside, Rukus Avenue recording artist Sandeep will perform selections from the record - including his BBC Radio hit single, Just Breathe. Sandeep will be accompanied by dancers led by the critically acclaimed choreographers Janet Roston & Bosco. The lineup will also include a special performance by world-renowned Bollywood Choreographer, Yogen Bhagat and his Bollywood Step Dance Troupe, along with the sensational brother/sister singing duo of Nauzad & Khushi. 

Sammy Chand, Rukus Avenue CEO:

"This is undoubtedly a very noteworthy milestone for the Indian community.  The significance of the NBA and the Clippers to commemorate India Republic Day should resonate throughout this country.  This is a clarion call that our voice in the American chorus is indeed growing louder."  

A portion of the gate receipts will benefit the victims of the recent terrorist attacks in Mumbai. Discounted ticket specials from $16-$65 available from the Clippers Official Website www.nba.com/clippers/india

Los Angeles Clippers: rraichlen@clippers.com

Rukus Avenue: info@rukusavenue.com

[See SAJAforum's full coverage of the Mumbai attacks]