Stages from London and Los Angeles to Spain and Italy have been graced by world-renowned technical sitarist, Ustad Nishat Khan. His audiences have included the president of India, and now Khan is using his talent for a tsunami relief benefit concert at Kent State. It has been a challenge for Khan to schedule a trip to the Midwest, but he is willing to share his skill in the “Music from India” at 8 p.m. in the Ludwig Recital Hall.

Khan will be accompanied on the tabla by Abhiman Kaushal to make a string/percussion duet.

“To get a man of his ability to perform at Kent State is absolutely unbelievable,” said T.N. Bhargava, member of the India Music Circle.

Bhargava has contact with Khan through the India Music Circle and Kent State’s Center for the Study of World Musics. Bhargava has been trying to find a way to get Khan to perform at Kent State for a number of years. Khan makes his home in Los Angeles and is a professor of sitar at the University of California, Los Angeles. He tours the world with his talent but has offered to waive his standard performance fee for this cause.

“There should be quite a variety of people attending the concert — a fair number from the Northeast Ohio India community and many other students and musicians,” said Gene Wenninger, member of the India Music Circle.

Khan’s talent is traced back to a rich heritage. His family has been playing technical sitar 400 years and now he carries on the tradition.

Tickets can be purchased at the Kent Chamber of Commerce, the Kent State School of Music or at the door. Student tickets are $15, general admission is $25, friend tickets are $45 and patron tickets are $75. Patrons and friends will have preferred seating and will be invited to a reception with the artists following the performance.