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Nov 1, 2005: As you are aware, Michkon had made some significant investments this year, the major one being a Public Address (PA) and Music/DJ system at a cost of $ 2,735. Hence, the committee had decided to publish a souvenir to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the association and thereby raise some funds. Also, the committee had earlier decided to cover all the expenses for the upcoming GALA on 12th of November except the Hall rental charges of $10 per person.
The Michkon committee was able to meet the fund raising targets. We owe this to a very generous gesture of Dr. Divakar Pai, his wife Usha and daughter Seema who have volunteered to pay for the entire cost of the PA and Music/DJ system.
Thanks to Dr. Divakar Pai and his family's contribution, the committee has decided to waive the entry fee and replace the same with raffle tickets costing $10 each. You can buy as many tickets as you would like to. The surplus funds collected if any will be passed on to the 2006 Committee headed by Abha and Venkat Mallya, to enable them to keep up the momentum without raising the membership fees.
Please join me in expressing our association's deepest gratitude to the Pai family.

- by Michkon President
Asha and Ravindra Nayak

28-March-2005: Mika has a brand new PA system now. And now watch out, no more Panchadik during the program!!!

Here is the configuration:
2 Mackie SA1521 15" 2 way Powered Speakers.
1 Mackie CFX12 12 Channel Mixer W/FX
2 Proline LST28K speaker stands
2 Pro20M 20Ft Mic Cable
1 Digital Ref DR1600 HHLD Wireless System (Cordless Mic)
2 Digital Ref DR Pack MIC/Stand/Cable

And this is what Anil Shanbhag had to say "I feel this is a great system for years to come. I plugged everything in and Wow! It almost blew my roof away...".

15-May-2003: Dance Group met on 09-May-2003 (Friday) between 7:00 p.m - 8:30 p.m at the Neriya Residence. The group took off on the right step and had a nice good session. Six members signed and turned up for the session, and quite a few more have shown interest and intend to join for the next sessions. Members who are interested in signing up may do so by contacting Pallavi Neriya or Snehalata Kamath . Address, Phone No., and Directions of the venue shall be provided through emails to the members who sign up. We request all the members to make use of this opportunity.

08-Apr-2003: The Bhajan Mandali put up magnificient performance at the Ugadi celebration. It received rich accolades from the members present at the function. Many members expressed their desire to participate for these sessions and wanted to be informed about the same. The Mandali will continue to meet at least once every month to continue with the good work. The Mandali wishes to invite members who can play instruments like guitar, saxophone, percussions etc. and also members who are good with sound mixers. Please enroll with Radha Netrawali, Pallavi Neriya, Snehalata Kamath.

We also plan to set up a Dance Group for the Ladies. Please enroll with Pallavi Neriya.

28-Mar-2003: The Bhajan session are progressing well and getting ready for their performance for Ugadi celebrations on 05-April-2003. Bhajan Mandali welcomes Anila Shanbhag, a very talented vocalist. The mandali now comprises of:

Vocals (Ladies): Radha Netrawali, Lalita Pai, Prema Shenoy, Vani Baliga, Sugandhi Pai (Amita Pai's mother), Srimala Pai, Snehalata Kamath,

Vocals (Men): Anila Shanbhag, Raj Pai, Niranjan Shenoy, Naren Kamath

Harmonium: Lalita Pai

Tabla: Nilesh Kodikal

Taal: Rajeev Nagarkatti, Venu Baliga, Harish Pai

24-Feb-2003: The Bhajan Mandali scaled new heights last Sunday, when 4 new members joined in, including Harmonium and Tabla players. The tempo was so high that the practice session went way past its scheduled 2 hours. It was indeed a enjoyable experience. And surprsing too, as who would believe the response would be so encouraging given a big snow we had the night before and the accumulation on the day of the practice. It is a pleasure to note that members have come forth in good numbers and made the Bhajan Mandali a good success and delightful experience. We look forward to more members joining us.

19-Jan-2003: The Bhajan Mandali is getting good response. The second practice session had few more members responding. We now have Prabha Bhat, Niranjan Shenoy pitching in with their vocal talents. The search for Tabla player is still on. The 'House Full' board is still not up yet, so members are welcome to join and make this a success.

12-Jan-2003: The Bhajan Mandali had a promising start. Members responded very positively. Thanks to Priyanka and Gokul Shanbag for lending Tabla, Harmonium and Taals. Thanks to Sumangala and Anila Shanbhag to lending Taals. Thanks to Raj Pai, Radha Netrawali, Venu Baliga, Amita Pai, Priyanka Shanbhag for lending their vocal talents. Amita Pai's mother who shall be visiting Michigan will play the Harmonium. We are still looking for Tabla player, and of course more vocal talents.

The first practice session of about 2 hours took place at Venu and Vani Baliga's residence. Ten Bhajans were selected and were practiced. We are looking forth to many more such productive and delightful sessions.

10-Jan-2003: The Michkon Music Club is looking forward to members to come forth and join the Bhajan Mandali to prepare and present an hour long bhajan recital. There will be one practice session per week from second week of January till the Ugadi function (that will be held around first week of April 2003).

We request the members who can sing, play an instrument, and/or donate/ lend musical instrument(s) to contact us to make this initiative a great success. Tabla, Harmonium, and Taals are the instruments that will be of primary interest.