Vancouver collective Delhi 2 Dublin mash up a highly unlikely, yet wholly enthralling, hybrid of Celtic music, Bhangra, dub reggae and drum'n'bass that kept them on the road for more than 150 shows around the world last year alone (and the band's been hard at it for more than 10 years now). With that said, tabla and electronics man Tarun Nayar decided that 1) it was time to take a wee bit of a break, and 2) it would be a damn shame if all the musical and personal experience he'd accrued in his global travels weren't put to good and timely use.

So after what would seem to be not much of a break at all really, Nayar (www.tarunmusic.com) has announced the release of his debut solo album 22 [degrees] of Beatitude, which comes complete with a - the man clearly loves the punishment - quick cross-Canada tour to support the new work.

"It can be brutal and there isn't a whole lot of sleep involved," says Nayar, "but it's hugely inspiring to be meeting so many people in so many places, and to get on stage and do what I love night after night.

Nayar further explains that the new show, something of a departure from Delhi 2 Dublin, will be heavy on the multimedia experience with live visuals and the like. Visual artist Electrabelle will accompany Nayar on the tour, as will percussionist Dave "Sharmaji" Sharma (Sub Swara, NY) and glitch-hop duo BPM (Rup Sidhu and Nadia Chaney). Musically speaking, they're promising a performance that bridges Bhangra, drum'n'bass and chill-out forms (get an idea of your own at www.myspace.com/taruntspoon).

And being the nice guy that he is, Nayar has committed 50 percent of all the proceeds of 22 [degrees] of Beatitude to charity, specifically the building of homes for the destitute, as well as education and social programs, in Asia. You can help him achieve this goal by showing up at one of the following performances in coming weeks...

April 7, Nelson, Spirit Bar

April 8, Cumberland, The Waverley

April 9, Victoria, Victoria Event Centre

April 10, Vancouver, The Waldorf

April 14, Ottawa, Mercury Lounge

April 15, Montreal, Club Lambi

April 16, Toronto, The Drake Hotel