Starting July 31, 2004, sixty international, national and local artistes from music genres representing the acoustic, folk, jazz, blues, funk, rock and hip hop will all converge in Leh, Ladahk for the World Music festival. The world music festival has been planned to coincide with H. H. Dalai Lama's visit to Ladakh on the 2nd of August.

New Delhi, Delhi, India, July 21, 2004 (Business Wire India) -- Organised by Namgyal Institute for Research on Ladakhi Art and Culture (NIRLAC), and the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council the world music festival aims to promote the Ladakh region as a universal destination for music lovers, with the pristine backdrop of the Himalayas to inspire the participants and the audience.

The International contingent will be represented by artists such as Aurora Jane, Raychel Boulton, Primitive Wizardz, Growlsman and The Nail Factory from Australia, The Esquisse Project from France, and SONIA from the United States of America. Performing along side will be our very own Dhananjay Kaul, HFT, Orange Street and Trademark, and local bands like the Tempest, Positive heart band, 4C band, Ibex Jazz band. Additionally, there will be a host of other Ladakhi musicians and performers who will bring alive the festive atmosphere.

Bikram Singh Thockchom, festival Director from NIRLAC said; “For us this is a dream come true. The entire event is a non-profit endeavor wherein all management, ground staff and musicians, traveling from various international destinations, have gathered together to express their love for music. We are pleased to see such a grand participation from across the globe especially for the first attempt and are hopeful that we will be able to make Leh a destination for music lovers.”

The world music festival will not only offer the opportunity for international exposure to Indian musicians, but will also entice international performers to explore the Indian music culture. The festival will commence with a traditional ceremony from local performers and an official welcoming by the regional administration.

The duo behind the festival are Gavin Spokes and Andrew Grenenger, two musicians from Australia who perform for the Nail Factory, who whilst on their last trip to India inspired by the beautiful locales of Leh, Ladakh, decided to bring international music to India and make it a part of the international music calendar.

Gavin Spokes, Event Manager said; “The uniqueness of Leh, Ladakh holds the key to the success of the festival in the future. It is the scenery and location that will continue to draw artists from all over the world to come and perform year after year.”

To promote the World Music Festival, the organizers toured on Enfield motorbikes from Manali to Leh last month. The tour has been documented by Asliegh Ngheim and Max Bourke independent film makers from Australia and will be aired internationally from SBS Australia, Australia's world news/events channel.

Continuing with the spirit of promoting Leh and the music festival 'Out there Adventure', a group of eight riders from corporate honchos will be attempting to set a world record motorbike ride by covering five of the worlds highest passes in 24 hours. They will conclude their ride with an appearance on stage at the festival.

For those who may not be able to make it to the Festival in Ladakh, there will be a special performance by a select group of artists in New Delhi at the Tivoli Gardens on 7th August, 2004. Performing at the event will be internationally renowned groups like Raychel Boulton, The Nail Factory and The Primitive Wizards all from Australia along with leading bands from Delhi such as fantastic new jazz outfit called HFT and Orange Street, who are currently on a European Tour.

     

Media contact details

Bikram Singh Thockchom,
NIRLAC,
+91 (11) 35574809