By: Dr. Avi Verma

A wave of musical nostalgia and emotional celebration is set to sweep through the Chicago Indian-American community later this month with a major tribute concert honoring legendary Bollywood composers Laxmikant–Pyarelal. Titled Together Forever, the concert will take place on Friday, June 20, 2025, at the Haridham Temple Auditorium in Schaumburg, Illinois.

A star-studded local lineup

The event features some of Chicago’s finest vocalists, including Avni Singh, Alam Sayed, Shaila Khedkar, Melody Mahesh, Joy Christian, Rina Motilal, and Suman Mookherjee. Several others, including Kamalesh Desai and Julia Lewandowski, will also perform, accompanied by seasoned instrumentalists such as Mihai Wad on saxophone and a guest violinist whose name has yet to be revealed.

Adding youthful energy to the program will be a segment titled Rising Stars, featuring promising young performers Shania Tandon, Anyraa Singh, Satakshi Joshi, and Shivana Samir Soni, offering a glimpse into the next generation of talent within the diaspora.

Live music meets cultural festivity

In a departure from traditional theater-style concerts, Together Forever is being planned as a banquet-style evening with live piano background music, candlelit tables, and vegetarian dining, creating a more intimate and upscale experience. Organizers are also including special moments tailored to Father’s Day, such as a Father-Daughter Dance and photo booth, encouraging families to celebrate the bond together.

A notable draw is the promise of over 10 lucky prize drawings, featuring gift cards, cash prizes, and merchandise giveaways. The first 100 guests will also receive a surprise gift at the door, contributing to the evening’s festive spirit. The organizers have hinted at a “surprise celebrity appearance,” though no further details have been revealed.

Global-standard production values

The concert’s technical aspects are being taken seriously, with professional sound engineers flown in from New York and London to ensure world-class production. A large cinema screen, laser lights, and kaleidoscopic visual effects will augment the musical performances, promising a cinematic-level experience rarely seen in local diaspora events.

A growing trend of thematic, community-driven concerts

The Together Forever concert comes amid a broader trend in North America’s Indian-American community, where event planners are combining nostalgia with multi-sensory experiences. By anchoring the evening in both cultural heritage and family values—especially the focus on Father’s Day—this event reflects a growing effort to preserve legacy while engaging younger generations.

Community excitement builds