By Bishal Rai, August 18, 2025. On the last Saturday night etched forever in the hearts of Chicago’s Nepali community, Sabin Rai and The Pharaoh brought their signature sound and soul-stirring energy to the legendary Park West at 322 W Armitage Ave.— the very stage graced by musical icons like Prince and Adele. For the first time ever, the Nepali rock legend and his band set foot in the Windy City, delivering a three-hour set that was nothing short of electric.The vision to bring Sabin Rai & The Pharaoh to Chicago had been a long time coming. With a career spanning decades, Sabin Rai is a name synonymous with Nepali rock — his timeless voice, emotional depth, and crowd-connecting performances have earned him the status of a legend. The voice that’s been compared to Bryan Adams- husky, emotional and unforgettable. Yet despite his global following in Nepali diaspora , Chicago had remained off his map — until now.
Thanks to the tireless efforts of Tarang Entertainment and Hamro Event Solutions (HES), the long-awaited event became a reality. This wasn’t just a concert — it was a celebration of Nepali music, identity, and community spirit. Tarang Entertainment has been at the heart of the Nepali entertainment scene in Chicago. In 2015 , founders Kiran Byanjankar, Mohan Paudel, Vivek Varma, and Suraj Ghimire set out with a simple mission — to bring fun and quality entertainment to the community. From intimate meet-and-greets with Nepali cricket star Paras Khadka to the roaring success of the Nepthya concert, Tarang has set the high bar.
Now Mohan Paudel, Vivek Varma and Suraj Ghimire reside in different states away from Chicago , pursuing their own businesses, no longer tied to Tarang. In 2018, Manish Chaudhary and Rishav Subedi stepped in to carry the torch, helping elevate Tarang’s impact even further. Hamro Event Solutions (HES), a newer but equally dynamic force, was born out of the success of Nepal Fest 2023. The team — Ankur Sharma, Kshitiz Kakshapati Shrestha, Bigyan Shrestha, Prajesh Parajuli, Shri Niwas Kabra, and Manish Chaudhary — has been turning heads with its flawless execution of events, including managing the most successful American Nepal Medical Foundation (ANMF) Conference to date. Together, Tarang and HES have reshaped the musical landscape for Nepali events in Chicago, curating memorable nights like the 1974 AD concert, Kali Prasad & Indira Joshi Musical Night, and now — Sabin Rai & The Pharaoh.
The Live Experience: Pure Magic Opening the night was Himalayan Band, Chicago’s own Nepali music group, who set the tone with a warm, soulful performance that had the crowd buzzing. Then came the moment everyone had been waiting for. Sabin Rai and The Pharaoh exploded onto the stage with a powerful energy that didn’t let up for the next two hours plus. From soulful ballads like Timi Nai Ho,,, to high-octane epic like Guras Ko fed muni,,, every note was a shared experience between the artists and the audience. The band’s chemistry, tight instrumentation, and Sabin’s voice — still as piercing and passionate as ever — turned Park West into a scene of swaying arms, echoing choruses, and pure joy. There were also a few surprises sprinkled in — special crowd interactions, a couple of unexpected songs, and a setlist curated just for Chicago. The audience didn’t just listen — they lived every moment.
“Nepali diaspora is vibrant, supportive, and deeply connected to cultural events. From the very start, the planning process has been shaped by the feedback and enthusiasm of our community. To engage a wider audience, we’ve partnered with local student organizations, offered group and student discounts, and reached out to non-Nepali music lovers who appreciate world music and cultural experiences. We’ve also been active on social media, local radio, and community platforms to ensure that everyone knows this event is more than just a concert — it’s a celebration.” said Manish Choudhary .
While ticket sales got off to a slower start than expected, the unwavering dedication of the organizing team turned the tide. Through tireless social media efforts , local radio and grassroots outreach, they succeeded in bringing together an energetic crowd of over 250 passionate attendees. Their commitment made the event not just possible, but memorable.
Special recognition goes to Kshitiz Shrestha, Kiran Byanjankar, Manish Chaudhary, Ankur Sharma, Shriniwas Kabra, Bigyan Shrestha, Rishav Subedi and Prajesh Parajuli for their hands-on involvement, countless hours of hard work, and unshakable determination to deliver a concert that truly resonated. Bringing an artist of Sabin Rai’s stature to Chicago for the very first time was no small achievement. From navigating complex logistics and scheduling to managing expectations and building excitement, the team faced every challenge head-on.
It marked a defining moment for the Nepali music scene in the city, following closely on the heels of Napthya’s successful show at the VIC Theatre on just 7th June 2025 .In Nepthya‘s concert , we witnessed history – more than 1,200 people under one roof, singing and celebrating together. It was truly one of the biggest Nepali music nights the city has ever seen.
Two back-to-back major Nepali music events in Chicago within a couple of months were very challenging task. Nepali diaspora’s support was what turned these dreams into reality. When we come together for events like these, we don’t just enjoy music — we celebrate our heritage, uplift our artists, and pass our culture proudly to the next generation.
When I first arrived in Chicago back in 2010, my cousin took me to watch a Bollywood movie at what was then Big Cinemas in Niles. Sitting there, I remember wondering if we would also ever see our own Nepali movies, artists, and songs being celebrated on such grand stages. Now, I feel incredibly proud to see this happening. This progress wouldn’t have been possible without the courage and commitment of organizations like Tarang Entertainment and Hamro Events Solutions. Their willingness to take risks and believe in Nepali art and culture has opened doors for all of us. To see our own language, music, and talent shine in major venues is more than just entertainment — it’s a deeply emotional.
Let’s continue to show up, support, and shine a spotlight on Nepali talent on global stages. Together, we are preserving our identity — one unforgettable event at a time. Thank You !!!
