MUSIC FRENZY
It's not every day that you can listen to great music performances against a backdrop that basks in the history and heritage of folk arts. The Jodhpur Rajasthani International Folk Festival (Jodhpur RIFF) held from October 10 to 14 promises all that and more, says Bhairavi Jhaveri
 |
|
Jodhpur riff 2007: Devotional concert |
Initiated last year, the festival is founded with an intention to play catalyst in boosting the livelihood of folk artists of Rajasthan, while promoting tourism of the city of Jodhpur.
The festival sees close to 150 traditional folk acts by artists from Rajasthan, performances by legendary Indian musicians and vocalists, international traditional artists, international contemporary artists, and fusion performances among these varied styles of work.
"Therefore, we look for artists who are eager to perform with Rajasthani folk artists while scouting for acts for Jodhpur RIFF," explains Festival Director, Divya Bhatia. "This increases chances of longer collaborations between folk artists and other artists, which will ultimately result in a direct impact on the livelihoods of folk artists," he adds.
While there are no hard and fast rules in what kind of an artist can make the cut, each one must add value to the overall texture of music, he believes. With a line up spanning artists from Netherlands and UK to New Delhi and Rajasthan, the fest will also double up as a forum for musicians and artists from across the globe.
Where is the festival held?
Jodhpur RIFF is held at the Mehrangarh Fort. The performances on the first two days will be held at the Chowkelo Gardens, with the Fort as the backdrop. The last two days will see indoor acts, in the Zenana Deodi/Zenana Courtyard sections the oldest areas in the Fort. The acts are split according to the time of day morning, sunset, main stage, and late night or club performances. The last will showcase music that
is danceable.
One reason for the creation of the festival is to valorise and reposition the folk in contemporary life
â Divya Bhatia, Festival Director
Mick Jagger has become patron to Jodhpur RIFF
After attending the launch of the festival in October 2007, as a personal guest of HHM Gajsinghji, Maharaja of Jodhpur, the Rolling Stones' lead member Mick Jagger has agreed to become the patron of the festival. "Last year's RIFF was heady", said Jagger, "And I really liked the way established names shared the stage with folk artists. If you are combining different styles there are bound to be influences, but the roots should remain intact. Jodhpur RIFF has got the balance just right," he added.
Other events at Jodhpur RIFF 2008
A special 3-hour concert for school children, their families and visitors, introducing them to the performing arts of Rajasthan. The concert will include folk songs, street acrobats, and dance traditions. Short performances by Been and Pungi players from Bikaner, Chang dancers from Churu, and renditions of Kalbeliya songs from Jalore.
Devotional concerts at dawn and sunset.
This year's highlights
A sarangi performance by classical musician Ustad Sultan Khan and folk artist Lakha Khan Manganiyar
DJ/Producer/Multimedia artist Jason Singh in collaboration with Bex Mather (Newcastle), a folk/jazz singer, songwriter and guitarist have worked with 6 Rajasthani folk artists and will present an evening of electroacoustic sound.
The Yuri Honing Trio, a jazz trio from Netherlands, performs with Rajasthani folk artists. These artists will travel for the Bimhuis Festival in the Netherlands held in November.
Gypsy Night with a performance by Parno Graszt, a village band from Hungary.
How you can get there Tickets
For online bookings, log on to: www.jodhpurfolkfestival.org
October 10- Opening Night Concert (7 pm onwards): Rs 750
October 11, 12, 13- Main Stage + Club Mehran (7 pm onwards): Rs 750
October 11, 12, 13- Day pass ( 12 pm to 4 pm): Rs 350
October 10 to 14- Festival Pass: Rs 2,500
October 11, 12, 13 and 14- Devotional concerts at Jaswant Thada: Free entry
Watch out for
A vocal recital by Padma Shri Shubha Mudgal (New Delhi) on October 10 at 9 pm at Chowkelo Gardens
Raag Kalpataru written by Krishnanand Vyas Dev was a three-volume "report" per se containing a complete collection of the music styles performed in Udaipur as well as other royal courts around the country in the 19th century. Only a limited number of copies were made available and distributed among rulers of elite India. In 1992-93, it was republished in Bengal, and now after 15 years, I have managed to get a hold of their latest limited edition copy. This encyclopedic book contains only lyrics without notations â no ragas, no taals. I will be reconstructing these pieces to my discretion for my performance at Jodhpur RIFF.
