News
Monday, June 25, 2012
Pak-US music diplomacy continues in Karachi
By Asad FarooqKARACHI: Although Pakistan and the United States (US) have been in a kind of diplomatic deadlock over various issues, including NATO supply ban and Salala Check Post incident; it was witnessed in a recent musical concert that featured performances of the US Stooges Brass Band and Asif Sinan, a local vocalist that music diplomacy prevails between both countries.
Stooges Brass Band enthralled the audience with their beautiful performance and received overwhelming appreciation in the concert held recently at a local hotel under the aegis of the US Consulate in Karachi. The show fascinated audience with fusion of various diversities. It was very pleasant and interesting to see Sindhi traditional dance by a man donned in the traditional outfit.
Followed by the performance of band, Asif Sinan mesimerised the audience with his Sufi Tabla-Dholki and Jazz fusion. The guest band and audience enjoyed and participated in ‘Dhamal’ on the Sufi song ‘Dum dum Ali dum dum’. The performing session culminated at the joint performance of local and guest band on ‘Yaro Yahe Dosti Hay.’
Talking to the Daily Times, Larry Brown, trombone player for the Stooges Brass said no matter a language difference prevailed between both countries, music was an international language and an a buffer in itself.
Talking about the Pakistani music, he said that it was particularly inspired and influenced with Sufism and is beautiful. “The Pakistani music instigates beautiful feelings within me, reminding of my home,” he said, adding that Pakistani musical instruments had a similarity with the contemporary musical instruments.
When asked about his opinion regarding the role of music in peace process, he said that there was violence across the world and they were attempting to spread promote peace through music.
He said that he joined the Stooges Brass in 2011. The band, formed in 1996, is today considered one of the best brass bands of New Orleans’ iconic second line traditions.
Talking to the Daily Times, US Information Officer in Karachi, Amanda Caldwell said that the band was brought to Pakistan, in response to the call of a number of Pakistani people, asking for more music missions. She said that it was all about cultural exchange. “Irrespective of the age, caste, creed or colour, music is enjoyed across the world and plays a significant role in promoting peace,” said Caldwell.
US Cultural Affairs Officer Anthony Jones, Public Affairs Officer Kevin Murakami, French Consul General at Karachi and various notables of the metropolis as well as students were also present in the concert.
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk