Sxsw Pakistan Showcase Free Concert!

This year's SXSW is showcasing -- for the first time ever -- a fairly large contingent of singers, musicians and bands from Pakistan representing an eclectic mix of the country’s rich musical repertoire, who will be performing at different venues throughout the festival. The artistes and bands representing Pakistan are a mix of the more contemporary sounds of indie rock and hyper-folk as well as voices and instruments that have survived the ages. There is a Manganiyar singer and dhol player from Thar, Mai Dhai, belonging to a caste of musicians who performed for the Kings of Rajasthan. Khumariyan from Peshawar, who define their musical genre as “propulsive hyper-folk”, have brought the live music scene in their native, troubled city to life fusing the guitar and sitar to ‘intoxicate' listeners while challenging the effects of Talibanization. Underground Indie rock band Poor Rich Boy express the ethos of being "well off... but sad" through striking lyrics and atmospheric sounds. The Lahore-based MEKAAL HASSAN BAND whose brand of music fuses the rhythms of Eastern classical and folk with jazz harmony and rock sounds. A highlight of their performance: featuring the melodic vocals of HUMAIRA CHANNA. HAROON is well-known since his debut in the duo boy band Awaz, but since striking out on his own in 2000 he has explored his multiple talents creating the award-winning animated TV series Burqa Avenger; he has composed all the music for the show. Percussionists par excellence, the Sain Tanveer brothers from Sialkot are considered among the finest exponents of dhol-playing. SAIN TANVEER is known for playing four dhols at a time while engaged in trance-like spinning. The guitarist ZEEJAH FAZLI will be performing with Sain Tanveer’s troupe. Besides shining a positive light on Pakistan's rich musical tradition and talent, this showcase presents a unique opportunity for members of the Pakistani community to experience the music, lyrics and melodies that remind us of home. There will be a free concert of the singers, musicians and bands at the campus of the University of Texas at Austin on the evening of March 13. We encourage you to spread the word and bring your family and friends to avail of this wonderful opportunity to experience a heady mix of Pakistani music. Publicity material for this free concert is being developed and will be circulated soon. Details about venue and time will be posted as soon as they are finalized? WATCH THIS SPACE! The AADI Team