This photo and video's are from Vasant Rai's second to last concert at Pace University in New York, late 1984 ( the last one was at the Felt Forum in Madison Square Garden ) At this point Vasantji was in 4th stage of cancer with no painkillers.

Vasant Rai passed away a few short months after this amazing performance. The family owns a complete video of this show where Vasantji plays sarod, guitar, and flute.

Before viewing the video samples, please read these quotes from the three people who were on stage with Vasantji during this wonderful performance:

" His music came to you gently, took you in its loving embrace, and filled you with joy. So did he. He was a great musician as well as a great human being, a rarity. To his students he gave it all, withholding nothing. His relationships were replete with sincerity. He took his impending death with an exemplary calm. He gave greatness its definition. Fortunate indeed are those who knew him."
- Surya Prakash Sinha

"Vasant Rai brought forth music from his beloved Sarod in the same manner as he lived life...with an absolute and supremely passionate love and sweetness. The perfection of the notes, of the sounds, struck by his masterful hand reflected that sweetness which every individual whether in an audience or through a few direct words, felt so clearly from the gentle and loving family man.

When we were together on stage, or in times without our instruments, Vasantji was the embodiment of the true artist, leaving me touched to my heart. His only work was to create, to envision, and to bring vivid and magnificent color to every aspect of the Raga, and to every aspect of his life...and to my own."
- K. Paramjyoti

"Vasantji had an extreme amount of patience in him and that is why he had achieved a unique standard of musicianship." - Kokila Rai

1} Alap in Kaushi Kalyan

2} Jor in Kaushi Kalyan

3} Jhalla in Kaushi Kalyan

4} Gat in Slow Teental - Raga Kirwanu

5} Gat in Fast Teental - Raga Kirwani

6} Jhalla - Raga Kirwani