RBC desiFEST

For the first time, Vancouver will host Canada’s only South Asian Canadian music festival showcasing 20 young and aspiring Indo-Canadian artists into the mainstream music industry. 

 

RBC desiFEST presents the very best in South Asian Canadian music and dance with contemporary indo-jazz fusion and world music, along with cutting edge DJs from the Asian underground music scene.  The festival also features dance and music workshops, cooking demonstrations, arts and crafts vendors and traditional South Asian delicacies.

RBC desiFEST originally launched in Toronto and was an overwhelming success. This national event will feature a DJ competition and the winner will be invited to be the ambassador at the grand finale event in Toronto on May 31. 

This year’s festival kicked off in Montreal on March 29th which will be followed right here in Vancouver, where there will be a 10-hour South Asian talent search contest on May 3. 

Graham MacLachlan, RBC regional president for B.C. said: “RBC is pleased to support RBC desiFEST and to see top South Asian Canadian talent being shared with a wider audience this year.  We hope all of the dancers and musicians enjoy the festival and are inspired to continue performing.” 

Last year, RBC desiFEST in Toronto featured headlining artists like internationally acclaimed indo-fusion duo JOSH, The Bilz, best known for their international hit single 2Step Bhangra, Canadian R&B sensation Deesha who recently picked up a 2007 JUNO nomination in the R&B/ Soul Recording of the Year category, rock band Zameer which was nominated for the ‘Best Independent Artist’ award at the 2006 Toronto Independent Music Awards, and internationally renowned dance group Shiamak.

This year, performers will include master tabla player Trichi Sankaran, Friends of Raagas, Toronto’s number one DJ Baba Kahn, katak phenomenon Monika Monga and the mesmerizing dancers from Kama Entertaiment.

The 12-hour music extravaganza will end with an explosive finale featuring DJ Amita & Bollywood Grooves.

Audition details for RBC desiFEST can be found on www.desifest.ca or call Sathish Bala at 1.888.321.0006. For all other inquires including media, call Rina Gill at 778.688.4973 or email:  rina@iccc.org.

RBC desiFEST Vancouver presented by TELUS will be held along Water Street  in Gastown. For up to date information on artists, events and daily prize giveaways please visit us at www.desifest.ca. Admission is free.