Ryan Charkow
A&E Reporter

On April 29, Humber grads Jonathan and Andrew Kay’s band, Monsoon, will be playing the Toronto Indo-Jazz Festival at the Lula Lounge.

The brothers are also the festival’s founders, staging the first one in 2007, following a visit to India.

“We had learned so much about music while we were there,” Andrew Kay said.

“We took it upon ourselves to create a festival where we could feature artists who were all part of the Indo-jazz scene.”

The inaugural incarnation of the festival included bands from all over North America and India, but has decreased in size due to lack of funding.

Andrew Kay said the band is hoping to bring the festival back to its former glory.

Monsoon plays a fusion of jazz with traditional Indian music, creating a sound reminiscent of Miles Davis, John Coltrane, and even The Beatles.

The festival will also feature performances from Saawun and Tasa.

Jonathan Kay said the band was inspired by western artists who have made explorations into Indian music.

“As I searched for my own musical voice, I really found the people that I looked up to looked to different parts of the world for their inspiration,” he said.

“I realized that in learning classical Indian music, I would only be strengthening my own voice as an original musician.”

Monsoon was formed in 2006 and also features Justin Gray, Adam Teixeira, and Todd Pentney.

Humber jazz teacher Ravi Naimpally worked with the band while the players were still at Humber and now features as a sitar player.

“They showed a very high understanding of Indian classical music,” he said.

“I was happy to be asked to play with them.”

In the future, Jonathan Kay said he sees the band spending equal time in Canada and India.

“Ideally, I would love to be spending equal time in both countries, playing and teaching the music we love,” he said.

Monsoon is planning another trip to India this summer and will play a show in Toronto before they leave.

The date has yet to be determined but is expected to be sometime in July.