Solanki Nathu Lal

While we were in India, specifically Pushkar, we had the extraordinary opportunity to meet - and the students had the opportunity to play with - the world-famous Rasjasthani drummer, Solanki Nathu Lal. We had no idea that it was a possibility. Our itinerary simply mentioned a cultural performance on our last night, and then it turned out to be Solanki Nathu Lal. One of the students, Sara, is a big Radiohead fan, and in the course of his introduction he mentioned that he had played with them, and she just about splooshed (to paraphrase Archer) - and her, boyfriend, an even bigger Radiohead fan, was crazy jealous. He led a workshop for the students and played with them, and then at the end sat down amongst us and gave a concert. Then he hung around to talk, sign autographs, and sell CDs. The students had a ball, but I'm sure it hasn't hit them yet was an unbelievable experience it was.

Each of the students was positioned with two traditional Rajasthani drums, and he taught basic beats while he improvised.

Seriously, he may be the coolest guy I ever met.