Sitar Star

Fra Noi

By Lou Carlozo

 

Sitar master Clar Monaco is the subject of Lou Carlozo's most recent website profile of Italian Americans in entertainment and the arts.

 

"That an Italian-American musician might master violin, accordion, piano or  guitar should never come as a surprise.  But the sitar? In the wrong hands, that's the cultural equivalent of pouring curry  sauce over a plate of meatballs," Lou  writes. "But Clar Monaco tackled the instrument with a diligence and intensity  that has made him one of the area's best  sitar players."

 

Monaco grew up on Italian-American favorites like Dean Martin and Dick Contino, broadening his musical palette to include The Beatles and Beach Boys it  the 1960s. He took up the sitar 20 years ago, and has a repertoire today that  ranges from classical Indian music, to  original compositions with a Middle Eastern flair, and even some Beatles cover tunes.

 

For the rest of the story, visit  www.franoi.com and click on PEOPLE at  the bottom of the home page.  

Lou Carlozo, “Sitar Star”, Fra Noi, Community Highlights, (Sept. 2012) pg. 73.