Samuel J. Dass is enjoying his purple patch. Fresh from his triumph in the World Championship of Performing Arts (WCOPA) – dubbed the Olympics for the performing arts – he agrees that 2006 is turning out to be a prolific year for him. The 38-year-old sitarist is gearing up for the final of the competition, a worldwide talent contest that selects the best talent in various disciplines of the arts, in Los Angeles that runs Aug 5-13.  

WCOPA draws interest from over 50 nations, with the opening ceremony and grand finals being held at the Hollywood Palladium. The Palladium is the former stomping ground of Frank Sinatra and a venue graced by some of the top acts from the Rolling Stones to The Who. Dass aims to step on to the stage for the big showdown after excelling, alongside his partner Prakash Kandasamy, in eight categories.