Sting and Lennox' Sacred Love Concert
Featuring LP Artist Rhani Krija
Madison Square Garden, New York City

Sting Stage
Rhani Krija & his LP percussion set-up
by Marcia Stevenson

Rarely does a double bill, of such equal talent, come along. Sting and Lennox have much in common - both are of British decent, both artists were in top bands of their generation, both went solo and soared to the top of the charts, both dominated the radio in the 1980s, both are committed to social causes and both were nominated for an Academy Award in 2004. (Annie winning with the song Into the West from Lord of the Rings.)

After his phenomenal career with the rock band the Police, Sting, in 1984, established a solo career that blended elements of rock, jazz, classical and world music. His fans embraced his unique new sound and he quickly became one of the world's most admired and popular performers.

Annie Lennox is a founding member of the hugely successful group the Eurhythmics. After the group disbanded in 1992, Annie's solo album, Diva went to number one in England and also won her a Grammy award in the U.S.

The Sacred Love Concert at Madison Square Garden in New York City began with a solo performance by Sting's guitarist, Dominic Miller. Dominic's beautiful classical guitar playing was a perfect way to open the show. Sting surprised the audience and sang the last number, Shape of My Heart with him.

Lennox powerful voice and exquisite dancing along with her classic, natural good looks wowed the audience. Her band was tight and forceful. She sang many of her hits and played several songs on piano. Her contagious melodies had the audience up and dancing. Later she joined Sting on stage, where their camaraderie was immediately evident in their moving duet, We'll Be Together.

Sting's eloquent manner, haunting voice and dynamic bass playing showcased his wide and varied compositions. Intertwining Police's greatest hits along with his present music, Sting often brought the packed house to their feet.

Adding to the rhythmic sound of Sting's music was LP artist Rhani Krija. At the heart of Rhani's percussion set-up were the LP Giovanni Congas which were accented by many LP hand percussion toys, all neatly arranged on his LP percussion table. A very active member of the group, Rhani played skillfully and tastefully throughout the entire concert. Sting featured Rhani during his acoustic numbers and brought him to the front of the stage.

Carlock and Krija
Band mate, drummer Keith Carlock says that Rhani
never stops keeping the beat.
At the backstage reception, his band mate, drummer Keith Carlock mentioned that Rhani never stops keeping the beat. A self-taught musician, Rhani began making rhythm as a young child in Morocco. He says that his mother recalls that he banged on her cooking pots as a baby. His family could not afford to buy real drums so he used anything he could. As a teenager Rhani often used cars as drums, knowing the "sweet spots" on all makes and models he always could count on an audience when he played.

An exceptional student, Rhani satisfied his parent's request and went to college in Germany to study engineering. He has a degree specializing in "wind" engineering but says that he his committed to music. He mentioned that Sting's Sacred Love tour (now in it's second year) is an intense learning experience. During the band's tour dates, in India, Rhani plans on securing a private teacher in order to study tabla drumming.

A special note of thanks to Rhani and Sting's management for providing us with fantastic seats and a warm and enjoyable backstage reception.