London International Arts Festival
London International Arts Festival is a unique diversity arts festival taking place in East London this weekend. Having Indian violin virtuoso Jyotsna Srikanth as curator, the selection of artists is extraordinary: 14 acts have been narrowed down from over 1800 who have initially applied to book performances during the 3-day weekend. 2012 being the debut year of the event, it has already carved its own place in the World Music scene., providing the London audience with the singular opportunity of enjoying live music seldom seen outside the ethnic communities from which it emerged.
The line-up includes fabulous Indian vocalist Dr. Balamuralikrishna, acclaimed Serbian Jazz band EYOT, Mexican fusionists La Internationale Sonora Balkanera and Indian Vipanchee ballet‘s UK premier of “Rabindranjali”. Classical, Folk and Contemporary music from around the world is being presented ‘through the carnatic lens’ – India, Mexico, Cyprus, Serbia, UK, & USA will be represented on stage.
Dhruv Arts, the organising body behind LIAF, is an East London educational organisation aimed at promoting South Asian culture (music, dance, storytelling and visual arts). Entry for the live acts is ticketed, however, anyone can attend the free workshops and authentic cuisine stalls held downstairs, in the Redbridge Town Hall.
DJ Ritu, respected radio broadcaster talks about the festival which takes place on the final weekend of the London 2012 Olympics: “The first ever London International Arts Festival is about to land in our city and this week’s AWIL gives listeners a chance to savour the sounds of this Olympic line-up. Similar to the Southbank’s Meltdown we are blessed with the artist’s choice, Jyotsna Srikanth being the curator and herself an extraordinarily talented violinist with a discerning ear for quality. The LIAF acts have been lovingly handpicked, not hired out of habit or nepotism, as often happens on the live music circuit.” DJ Ritu continued, “Rooted in the South Indian classical tradition, Jyotsna has come through exacting standards of precision, improvisation and child prodigy study and expects a similar quality from other artists. Those to pass her exam include Serbian group EYOT, Mexican band La Internationale Sonora Balkanera, and South Indian vocalists Carnatica Brothers, with a living legend –South Indian classical singer Dr.M. Balamuralikrishna – headlining on Saturday night.”
The official supporters of LIAF are Antehc productions, Barclays, B4U, Canny Sol Ltd, Darbar Arts, Deepam TV, Indian Council for Cultural Relations, London Borough of Redbridge, NDTV, The Nehru Centre and, of course, Here and Now 365. We are excited to see diversity being once again celebrated in London; it is the very foundation from which this city’s wonderful culture stems and these opportunities to see artists from around the globe are a statement to that.
Official website and tickets here: www.liaf.co.uk
Here and Now 365 has always prided itself for promoting multiculturalism and celebrating the ethnic diversity of the UK.
