JAzz Nirvana began with a scintillating solo by Amit Heri as he enchanted with his guitar. A musician worth every string he has strummed, Amit has enthralled at major international music festivals and played alongside some of the best of his contemporaries. In steps Ranjit Barot, the son of Padmashree Sitara Devi, a drumming sensation who has played at several international music festivals. He positioned himself perfectly to enable constant eye contact and communication with the band members. “Wow” was the simple yet emphatic reaction of one lady in the crowd which reflected the ambience and emotion of everyone present. Ranjit sure drummed his way into the heart of Goa. Ravi Chari joined in finally, providing a divine musical climax to this step by step performance, also adding a glorious Indian touch to it, with his sitar. The crowd loved this pure fusion of sounds and styles which captivated them completely. Just when things were at their peak, Hari Kumar stepped in with his violin for a guest performance that thrilled and had the crowd wanting more. His flexibility and amazing energy translates impeccably under the stage lights as he catures the audience and has them right where he wants them. It is no wonder that Amit is one of the best violinists in the country. Enter the sensuous and soulful ball of fire, Dutch diva Saskia Laroo and her band. Their third visit to Goa, had them perform at the successful Konkani rocks festival just 3 days prior, sending the crowd into a frenzy as the applauded them and joined in the singing of their beloved Konkani songs. Jazz Nirvana had Saskia in her element, as she wove her trumpeted magic, supported by her gifted band. Her saxophonist, Alexander Beets in one of the few tenor saxophone greats from the Netherlands. He is a well rounded musician and performs along with his brothers as well as his own quartet. His quartet is frequently asked some of the Netherlands best vocalists.