Several artists - poets, musicians and movie actors were invited to the TANA 1981 celebrations held in Chicago. Most of these artists visited New York during the summer months of 1981. One Sunday afternoon in July 1981, the TLCA arranged a small meeting of the members in the basement of the Hindu Temple in Flushing. Back then, there was no auditorium at the temple. The invitees were Dr. C. Narayana Reddy, movie maker Sri V. Madhusudhana Rao, Sri Saluri Rajeswara Rao and a Haridasu.

After the speech and poetry reading by Dr. C. Narayana Reddy, every one requested to Sri Saluri to sing. Sri Saluri was reluctant mentioning that he did not perform in several decades. Under enormous pressure he agreed and said that he may not be able to sing complete songs, but would do tid-bits and also show how movie songs are composed. Hastily, a tabala accompaniment and an old harmonium were arranged. The great master fiddled with the harmonium and fixed it to sound like a piano.

I have been meaning to post the Saluri concert for a long time. Finally with the help of my friend, I was able to do it. I think it is a gem. The man was totally spontaneous. He was the genius every one said he was. Totally spontaneous. No warming up, every thing from memory. All those bits and pieces were excellent. I wish that I should have heard him, when he was in his prime.

There was a Hari Dasu performing that day. He wanted some one to play harmonium. Surprisingly, Saluri volunteered. The Hari Dasu felt that he was in real heaven. During a break he come and requested to make photographs while they were performing. He mentioned that without those photographs no one would trust that Saluri accompanied him on the harmonium. Very generous man.

Now, enjoy the twenty four year old concert of Saluri Rajeswara Rao. I saved the recording all these years like a golden treasure