“If Music Be the Food of Love, Play on”
By Haya Faruqui
Pictures by Annie Athar
Pakistan Arts Council (PAC) of University of Southern California (USC) Pacific Asia Museum, in collaboration with Grand Performances Los Angeles (GPLA), put up a power-packed show starring Fuzon, the Band. Additionally, Irfan Murtaza, a talented artist and well-known poet, showcased his paintings comprising of still life, portraits and Islamic architecture and calligraphy.
This colorful evening commenced with the remarks of Mari Riddle, Executive Director of Grand Performances. He was followed by Samira Saleh, President of PAC, who welcomed and thanked the dignitaries and generous supporters of PAC and Grand Performances.
Consul General of Pakistan, Mr Abdul Jabbar Memon and his beautiful wife Shehla Memon, who were one of the major sponsors of the event, hosted a pre-show dinner reception for the sponsors and dignitaries. Addressing the guests, the Consul General emphasized the importance of such events that introduce the world to Pakistani culture and music.
The presence of the Consul Generals of several countries - Germany, Belgium, Kuwait, Afghanistan, and Turkey - was clearly reflected in the multi-cultural and multi-racial audience that this musical evening had attracted. Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti’s office was represented by Joumana Silyan-Saba, Director of Public Affairs, John Wirf, Commissioner Human Relations, and Dr Amna Qazi, Commissioner of Human Relations.
Fuzon enchanted the audience with their melodic amalgamation of Sufi, classical, disco and folk music. The rising crescendo of “Ali Maula” resonated amidst the tall skyscrapers of downtown Los Angeles’ open air theater, setting the mood for a relaxing evening.
Khurram Iqbal, the lead singer, wowed the LA audience just like he wowed everyone in India’s reality show “Saregamapa Singing Superstar. While some people sang along, others danced the night away enjoying yet another successful event jointly arranged by PAC and Grand Performances.
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