In an inspired twist on the traditional mehfil style, Naad Foundation and Vancouver International Bhangra Celebration (VIBC) join forces to create an evening of global fusion featuring Saanjh.
A mehfil is traditionally a gathering or evening of courtly entertainment featuringpoetry, or Indian or Pakistani classical music (particularly Hindustani classical music) and dance, performed for a small audience in an intimate setting. Today they are generally given in the homes of especially avid music lovers. Our Media Arts Mehfil takes place Friday, May 30, from 7pm in the City of Surrey’s new home at 13450 104 Avenue in Surrey.
Saanjh is a Punjabi word which means “connecting, sharing, partnering,” an apt description for a talented group of Vancouver musicians from around the world creating a unique and mesmerizing mosaic of North Indian classical, progressive rock, jazz, funk, Punjabi folk and Caribbean groove. This eclectic evening of improvisation and collaboration by artists, composers, teachers and producers is sure to have you on your feet. Performers include Bruce Harding (flute/bass), Sandy Khaira (drums/percussion), Coach Sandhu (guitar), Gagandeep Singh (vocals), Amarjeet Singh (tabla), Vidya Sundar (vidya veena), Baljit Singh (dilruba), and Tony Boughen (keyboard).
Naad Foundation is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the music, dance and literary traditions of South Asia. Since 2006, the Foundation has dreamed of a building and institution where the artistic and cultural traditions of the world could come together under one roof. Today, Naad Foundation provides an environment where youth can learn music, dance and languages, and at the same time absorb the values of a rich cultural and musical heritage.
Founded in 2004, the not-for-profit Vancouver International Bhangra Celebration Society (VIBC) has worked to elevate the art form of bhangra and strengthen Vancouver’s multicultural community. VIBC accomplishes this by producing the City of Bhangra Festival, which has grown to become the largest of its kind in North America. VIBC’s vision is to embrace the spirit of celebration, generosity and community that is bhangra, and to welcome people from all cultures to enjoy the beats of this beautiful art form.
After the Mehfil, about 9:00pm, join VIBC’s partners, supporters, and sponsors at a free Community Reception sponsored by VIBC and the City of Surrey, with music by DJ Jason Kamoh. (Reception catered by Nanak Foods with wine from Desert Hills Estate Winery.)
“I am pleased to welcome the 2014 Bhangra Celebration to Surrey and to our new City Hall,” says City of Surrey Mayor, Dianne Watts. “Surrey’s cultural diversity is one of its strengths and hosting a VIBC event is a great addition to the City’s vibrant arts and culture community.”
Also coming up are two very different interpretations of Pakistani music, and some complementary local artists. Saieen Zahoor is a leading Sufi musician from Pakistan, who has spent most of his life singing in Sufi shrines. He produced his first record in 2006, when he was nominated for the BBC World Music awards, and emerged as theBest BBC voice of the year 2006. Saieen is not his first name but a Sindhi honorific title.
In 1989 he performed on a concert stage for the first time at the All Pakistan Music Conference, which brought him into musical prominence. Subsequently he has emerged as a leading performer in Pakistan, frequently appearing on TV and in concerts. Zahoor has also given concerts in UK, Japan, Ireland, India, Canada, and Norway.
Saieen Zahoor will perform on Saturday, May 31 at the Vogue Theatre, 918 Granville St., 8pm.
FESTIVAL EVENTS
TransFusion + Opening Reception
Fei and Milton Wong Experimental Theatre at SFU Woodwards, 149 W. Hastings
Thursday, May 29, 6:30 Reception, 8pm show
Ticketing: $10 Tickets at Eventbrite
An exhilarating start to the Festival, led by MC and beatboxer Rup Sidhu and choreographed by Hardeep Sahota, with performances by Native Thunder Productions, JCC Shalom Dancers, Now or Never Crew, Leela Dance, and the Royal Academy of Bhangra, all accompanied by Karnveer Bhuller on Dhol. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to experience First Nations, Jewish, Hip-Hop, and Garba dancers creating intercultural mash-ups by blending bhangra moves with their own indigenous folk traditions. Opening Reception catered by Nanak Foods. Presented with support from Canada Council for the Arts.
Media Arts Mehfil + Community Reception
Friday, May 30 @ 7pm – Surrey City Hall, 13450 104 Avenue, Surrey/ 9pm Community Reception
Ticketing: $20 at Eventbrite
The term “mehfil” refers to an evening of entertainment in an intimate setting. A twist on the traditional mehfil style, this gathering of accomplished performers brings together new collaborations grounded in an emphasis on improvisation and a sense of play. With performances delivered by Saanjh and Rup Sidhu.
Saanjh is a Punjabi word which means “connecting, sharing, partnering,” an apt description for Vancouver’s most talented group of musicians from around the world creating a unique and mesmerizing mosaic of North Indian classical, progressive rock , jazz, funk, Punjabi folk and Caribbean groove, this eclectic evening of improvisation and collaboration by performers, composers, teachers and producers is sure to have you on your feet. Bruce Harding (flute/bass), Sandy Khaira (drums/percussion), Coach Sandhu (guitar), Gagandeep Singh (vocals), Amarjeet Singh (tabla), Vidya Sundar (vidya veena), Baljit Singh (dilruba), and Tony Boughen (keyboard).
After the mehfil, join VIBC’s partners, supporters, and sponsors at a free Community Reception with music by DJ Jason Kamoh, catered by Nanak Foods and wine from Desert Hills Estate Winery.
The event is recommended for ages 19+, with catering.
EKTA featuring Saieen Zahoor
Saturday, May 31 @ 8pm – Vogue Theatre, 918 Granville St, Vancouver, BC
Ticketing: Northern Tickets (Vogue Theatre) from $25
(Opening act naQsh )
Sufi mystic from Pakistan, Saieen Zahoor, takes the stage with his famed ektara in VIBC’s first concert hosted in solidarity with Punjabi communities from India and Pakistan. For most of his life, Zahoor has performed mainly in dargahs (Sufi tombs or shrines), at festivals, and in the streets – he didn’t produce his first record until 2006, when he was nominated for the BBC World Music Awards and emerged as the “Best BBC Voice of the Year 2006.” To hear him sing the most beautiful Urdu poems by Bulleh Shah and Rumi with both mesmerizing simplicity and the depth of a Faqir (Muslim ascetic) is to be transported to another place and time. Opening this epic evening is local Indo-Pak band naQsh.
Presented by Wireless World, with support from CPPC, PCCA, Indian Summer and Pakistani Consulate Vancouver.
Bhangra Village
Sunday, June 1 @ 1pm – TD Engagement Centre (TSP program), SFU Surrey, 10350 University Drive
Thursday, June 5 @ 6pm – SFU Woodwards
By Invitation
This is the academic/intellectual part of our program. We create a space for local and international artists, performers, community members and bhangra enthusiasts to connect and share ideas. The participants and artists appreciate this opportunity for conversation and growth.
Bhangra on Main featuring Qurat-ul-Ain Balouch
Tuesday, June 3 @ 8pm – Fox Cabaret, 2321 Main St, Vancouver, BC
Ticketing: Tickets Tonight (Music on Main) $35
VIBC and Music on Main team up for an evening with female Pakistani artist Qurat-ul-Ain Balouch (aka “QB”) live in session. Join QB and her band at the Fox Cabaret for an intimate acoustic set highlighting Punjabi folk traditions and popular music. Presented in partnership with Music on Main, www.musiconmain.ca, info 604.879.9888.
Downtown Bhangra
Friday, June 6, 5-10pm & Saturday, June 7, noon to 10pm@ Vancouver Art Gallery Plaza
Free
The biggest and highest-profile event of the festival, Downtown Bhangra spans two days and is our open stage in the core of the city. Hundreds of local and international dancers, dozens of musicians, and thousands of attendees descend upon the Vancouver Art Gallery grounds. Saturday night’s headliners are Jay Status and DJ SANJ! From bhangra lovers to tourists, to Vancouverites on their lunch breaks or spending the afternoon in the city with their family, everyone loves this event.