CASSIUS KHAN is a master performer and exponent of Ghazal/Thumri Gayaki, an important genre of Indian classical singing. He is the sole disciples of the late Malika e Tarranum Mushtari Begum ( Dec 25th 1934-March 14th 2004) and Tabla Ustad Rukhsar Ali. A charismatic personality both on and off stage, Khan is the only professional performing artist in the world who can execute highly skilled Tabla compositions and sing traditional Classical Ghazals (Urdu poetry) and Thumris (light classical compositions in Hindi) simultaneously. His talent has stunned audiences since most Ghazalists play Harmonium. Combining Indian Classical singing with Tabla, for a single artist, is a first in Indian classical music and many music maestros have proclaimed that singing and playing Tabla in unison is a near impossible feat to master. Khan is therefore an undisputed master in his field. Among many of his accomplishments, Khan was awarded the “Salute for Excellence” Award from the City of Edmonton in 2005, has been featured at AlbertaScene in Ottawa (2005), co-composed the “Asia Music” segment in the 2001 World Track & Field Championships in Edmonton, Alberta. Khan also made history as the very first Indian Ghazal/Tabla maestro to be invited to perform at the 2008 SXSW Festival in Austin, Texas and Canadian Music Week (2009). His concerts have been consistently received with packed halls and rave reviews. Khan has performed extensively internationally, and collaborated with Grammy Award winning artist Mohan Veena player Pt Vishwa Mohan Bhatt, Satvick Veena player Salil Bhatt, Slide Guitarists Doug Cox, Ellen McIlwaine, Pianist Stu Goldberg and Guitarist Dave Martone. Khan's first solo album, "Cassius Khan, Young Tabla Wizard" was released by MK Int'l/HMV India in 1987. His newest album, "Mushtari" is a live concert of Ghazals and a Tabla solo recital released in January 2010. Cassius Khan is featured on Ellen McIlwaine’s recent release “Mystic Bridge” (2006), on Stu Goldberg’s “Dark Clouds” (2006) album, two of Dave Martone’s albums, “A Demon’s Dream” (2004) and “The Alchemists” (2004), and recently on ROAM’s new album, “Baby Steps” 2008. Khan's newest album, "Mushtari" released in January 2010 is a live concert recording and has sold thousands of copies since its release. It is available worldwide and on itunes as well. Khan also has students around the world who learn Indian Classical singing and Tabla from him, and teaches when he is off the touring season. He is married to acclaimed Kathak Dancer/ Harmonium player Amika Kushwaha, and they reside in New Westminster, Canada. www.cassiuskhan.com