Join the Mountain Festival Krabi, Thailand on January 18, 2025 with a SPECIAL DISCOUNT for Asian Itinerary readers! Use the code M003 at ticketmelon valid until 18 January at 11.00AM A vibrant celebration of techno music set against the stunning backdrop of Krabi‘s Mountain View Resort. Nestled amidst lush greenery and majestic limestone cliffs, this all-day event offers an unforgettable experience for travelers seeking both adventure and rhythm in southern Thailand.  Event Date: January 18, 2025  Venue: Mountain View Restaurant, 610, Moo 1, Ao Nang, Mueang Krabi District, Krabi 81000, Thailand.  Doors Open & Music Starts: 12:00 PM Event Ends: 6:00 AM Party All Night Long From Dusk Til Dawn! Mountain Festival Krabi This all-day event offers an unforgettable experience for travelers seeking adventure and rhythm in southern Thailand. Featuring 7 International Techno Dj • NAKADIA (TH/GE) Thai’s Techno Queen • FL!M (TH/FR) Man from the souther of Thailand who bring Thai Techno To France & Canada • ANNA AMATO (IT) DJ and Model from Italy • LÖ PAGANI (FR) France Techno Veterans • WIEBE ROOSE (BE) High Energy Techno From Belgium • ETIL (TH) Music curator who addicted to Techno • ITSFORCHA (FR) Beautiful French Techno Date: January 18, 2025 Venue: Mountain View Restaurant, 610, Moo 1, Ao Nang, Mueang Krabi District, Krabi 81000, Thailand Location https://bit.ly/mountainfestmap Tickets: Early Bird Tickets (limited to 100 tickets, available until Christmas) 700THB Regular Tickets (limited to 400 tickets): 850THB Late Tickets: 1,000THB At the Door: 1,500THB VIP 5000THB Limited Offer 30 tickets, Inclusive Food & Beverage, Fast Track, VIP Seat, Premium Buffet Access. https://youtu.be/c-WJ-VST0qA?si=maMaq79ZE4JflIsV FLIM Dittapat Get to know FLIM Dittapat, a Man from Southern Thailand Starting from his hometown at the age of 17, he has been learning and introducing the Thai Techno scene to the world, especially in Canada, France, Spain, and Germany. He has collaborated with renowned Techno artists such as SCAN X, Drumcomplex and many others. He has performed at national-level festivals like Les Plages Electroniques Festival and Fete De La Musique. This time, he returns as a headliner alongside Nakadia, the Thai Techno Queen, and Anna Amato, an Italian DJ and model. Join Flim and over 7 leading Techno DJs on Saturday, January 18th at the Mountain Festival, the first international Techno music festival in a valley in Krabi, held at Mountain View Restaurant Ao Nang.

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Join us for a weekend of extraordinary symphonic experience by the ocean at the Koh Chang Music Festival. Held at the luxurious The Retreat Koh Chang, this event brings together the international award-winning Siam Sinfonietta, conducted by National Artist Somtow Sucharitkul, accompanied by distinguished talents including Belgian-Thai soprano Nadlada Thamtanakom from the Flanders Opera, Thailand’s famed soprano Barbara Zion, tenor Pop Aritach and Malaysian baritone John Tneoh! Imagine sitting by the ocean on a beautiful tropical island, serenaded by a full-scale symphony orchestra as the sun sets over the waves. Feel the warm breeze, the tang of salt in the air, and the sweeping romance of each orchestral note while sipping champagne with the one you love. The festival features two magical evenings: Saturday, November 23 | “Magic of the Movies” Experience timeless scores from film classics, including Vertigo, The Godfather, and the charming Harry Potter Suite. Sunday, November 24 | “Magic of the Opera” Be captivated by famous arias from beloved operas such as La Bohème, Madama Butterfly, and Carmen, and much, much more!Don’t miss this unique chance to experience the magic of live symphony and opera on one of Thailand’s most beautiful islands.Limited seats and table packages available.Don’t miss this incredible chance to experience live symphony and opera in paradise!The Siam Sinfonietta has performed in the world’s top stages, from Carnegie Hall to the Musikverein in Vienna – and now, for the first time, in Koh Chang.The Retreat Koh Chang, a 5-star luxury tropical oasis part of the prestigious Condé Nast Johansens Luxury Hotels collection, offers breathtaking setting perched over the ocean, surrounded by lush mountains. Book now:https://bit.ly/4fxEsVJ Room packages:https://bit.ly/4eqeTFe or call +66 91-736-6777

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Get ready for another electrifying edition of Maho Rasop Festival 2024, Bangkok‘s biggest indie music event, where the vibrant spirit of Southeast Asia meets an eclectic blend of global music talent. Scheduled for November 23-24, 2024 this two-day festival promises an unforgettable celebration of art, music, and culture. What to Expect Maho Rasop has built a reputation for curating an impressive lineup of indie, alternative, and electronic artists from all over the world. Past editions have featured standout acts like Mac DeMarco, The Drums, Khruangbin, and Bombay Bicycle Club, and 2024 promises to be no different with its exciting mix of both international headliners and rising regional stars. Expect a stellar lineup, immersive art installations, and activities that reflect the diverse cultural tapestry of Thailand. Why You Should Go Diverse Lineup: From rock and punk to electronic beats, the festival has something for everyone. Maho Rasop prides itself on bringing together indie favorites and fresh new sounds. A Unique Festival Experience: Held in the heart of Bangkok, the festival combines stunning venues and art installations, with performances that captivate all your senses. It’s a feast not just for music lovers but for culture and art enthusiasts alike. An Inclusive Atmosphere: Maho Rasop has been a trailblazer for creating an inclusive space where music lovers of all backgrounds can come together to celebrate their passion. Whether you’re a die-hard indie fan or just looking for a fun weekend, the festival has a place for everyone. Cultural Integration: The festival’s unique charm lies in its ability to blend local culture with global music trends, making it a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the cutting edge of Thailand’s vibrant arts scene. Perfect for Travelers: Bangkok, with its bustling streets, historical sites, and incredible food scene, makes for the perfect festival destination. Spend your days exploring the city and your nights rocking out at Maho Rasop. Ticket Information Tickets for the 2024 edition are on sale now! Grab your early bird tickets and secure your spot for one of Southeast Asia’s premier music events. Whether you’re a local or an international traveler, this is one festival you won’t want to miss. For more information, including the full lineup, tickets, and festival updates, visit mahorasop.com. This festival will bring Bangkok to life in 2024. Mark your calendars and join the celebration! LOCATION: https://maps.app.goo.gl/x5jdveRwS8XUG6ub9

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The Borneo Jazz Festival is making a physical comeback this June after being held only virtually the past year due to the Covid-19 pandemic. This is one of the longest running Jazz festivals in the region, and the 17th edition will take place from June 24th to 26th at Coco Cabana in Marina Bay, Miri, Sarawak, while online viewers can livestream performances from their homes via an online platform. Themed “Jazz in The Jungle”, this year’s Borneo Jazz festival will be held in a hybrid format to reach out to the greater jazz-loving community worldwide. The physical concert will take place at Coco Cabana, Miri while viewers will also be able to livestream one-hour blocks of their performances from home. Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said this time, the festival will be a virtual and physical hybrid event. He added that the hybrid concert was the best way to go this year based on the positive response received from the Borneo Jazz Virtual Experience last year. The Borneo Jazz Virtual Experience 2021 three-day journey garnered 244,637 online viewers from 43 countries. With musical content curated by No Black Tie Presents, Malaysia’s foremost jazz promoter, music lovers can expect a spectacular mix of jazz and hip-hop, tribal vibes, world beats and electro-jazz grooves during the 17th edition of the Borneo Jazz Festival. Watch out for an eclectic mix of jazz musicians, rappers and DJs from USA, Hungary, Singapore, France, Malaysia and more lighting up the Borneo Jazz stage to celebrate cultural diversity, tradition and innovation. Sarawak Arts Council’s band Sarawak Symphony Orchestra (SONS) will also be taking to the Borneo Jazz stage for the first time in a continued collaboration with Sarawak Tourism Board, with the aim to lift Sarawak’s local music scene. At the ceremony, Abdul Karim also announced Malaysia Airlines (MAS) as the official airline for the event. This was followed by the unveiling of Sarawak Tourism Board’s ‘More to Discover’ livery on three MASwings ATR 72-500 aircraft as part of the one-year collaboration with the Sarawak Tourism Board. Abdul Karim (third right) and other guests give their thumbs-up after unveiling the ‘Sarawak More to Discover’ livery on one of MASwings’ ATR 72-500 aircraft. As the official airline partner for Borneo Jazz Festival, Malaysia Airlines and supported by its sister company Firefly, will offer attractive deals of up to 15 per cent discount on flights from Peninsular Malaysia, London, Australia and some ASEAN destinations to cities in Sarawak. Firefly will fly passengers from Penang to Kuching via its jet operations. Jazz music lovers can start purchasing tickets for the Borneo Jazz Festival starting April 22 from the website jazzborneo.com . For the public category, a one-day pass is priced at RM128 per ticket, two-day pass is RM228 and a three-day pass is RM338. As for students and senior citizens, one-day pass is priced at RM88, two-day pass is RM128 and three-day pass is RM188. For those who want to enjoy the event virtually, tickets are priced at RM25 per one-hour block.

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Hybrid for the first time in Malaysian festival history, the Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) is back this year to celebrate its 25th year with more heart-racing, foot-stomping world rhythms from June 17-19. Themed ‘Legendary Rainforest Celebration’, this year’s RWMF will return to the Sarawak Cultural Village for the full festival experience, and simultaneously be livestreamed around the world. It will feature 60 performers from a host of countries including Korea, Canada, China, India, Mexico and almost everywhere in between. Sarawak Tourism Board chief executive officer Sharzede Salleh Askor, who announced this at a press conference here yesterday, said this year will see more individual acts than ever before on the rainforest stage – some live at the Sarawak Cultural Village and some beamed in by the power of modern technology. “This year, among others, we are joined by Bluguru from Australia, who set the soundwaves singing with their incredible blend of musical styles from Bluegrass to Blues, Indian to Celtic, Swing, Jazz and adventure too. “The audience can enjoy the rapid switches from one genre and one instrument to another, backed by soaring vocal harmonies, blistering guitar and fiddle. “We also feature Timo Väänänen, the leading exponent of Finland’s national instrument, the kantele. He will seamlessly blend the traditional model with the modern, electrical 39-string version to give the Sarawak audience a taste of a haunting and unique sound which has graced film, 25 albums and five solo CDs,” she pointed out. Sharzede said for those watching RWMF from home, online viewers will get a two-hour experience nightly of RWMF through their own dedicated platform, combining livestream of the action at the Sarawak Cultural Village with original curated content. She said individuals just need to sign up for one hour at RM25, then extend for another when the rhythm moves them. She added that they could just book two hours in advance over all three evenings. “Expect the same grand performances from global acts, but this time alternating with curated original video material, showing a range of local and international performers in their own environments. “We are also able to showcase a unique range of acts which might never have previously been able to stage a whole set. Meet Sarawak’s cultural practitioners of purposeful sound – our chanters, drummers, and pratuokng players, all at home,” she said. Sharzede said this year is a celebration but it is also about legacy building, with Randy Raine Reusch, originator of RWMF, returning to the stage and behind the scenes – the guiding hand of the artistic content. “He is joined by two rising stars of Sarawak music, Alena Murang and Bob Meldrick of At Adau, as Randy passes the baton to the next generation of musicians who grew up with this festival. “Our two Sarawak performers share their award-winning experience of video production and international travel with the next set of performers to appear on the stage that first welcomed them,” she added. RWMF workshops, she said, often the highlight and defining feature of the festival, continue this year. She said these workshops will bring together diverse musicians from many disciplines, drawing together these talents under unifying themes to showcase, jam and create unique music in the setting of the Sarawak Cultural Village. “Our Friday will kick off this year with our ‘Sape Gathering’. We are calling together anyone who can strum a Sape in Sarawak to get together for a grand sape jam. “This year, we have a kiddie’s workshop to bring on the next generation where they can play with instruments, create art and enjoy the festival ground to their hearts’ contents,” she said. Early Bird ticket sale is happening now until May 14 for both the physical and virtual concerts. Those interested in the physical concert can grab tickets in the different categories – Adult 1-Day Pass (RM150), Adult 3-Day Pass (RM375), Child 1-Day Pass (RM80), Child 3-Day Pass (RM155) and 1-Day Family Package Pass – two adults and two children (RM400). The physical tickets are available for purchase via rwmf.net. The virtual blocks will feature handpicked artistes that will showcase the allure of world music from both Sarawak and the international stage. Audiences can choose to buy the virtual block of one hour each depending on their preferred lineup. Virtual tickets will be sold at a later date which will be announced soon. Enjoy Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) 2022!

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Festival-goers who have already purchased tickets for Neon Lights Festival taking place at Fort Canning Green on 23rd and 24th November and are looking for one more reason to party like a rock star may explore the VIP Upgrade launching at 9am next Tuesday, 5th November. Available for a limited time only, Neon Lights ticket holders may upgrade their current passes to VIP status from S$99 for Single Day Pass holders, and S$175 for Two-Day Passes. The VIP upgrade is available to ticket holders on a first-come-first-serve basis. The prized experience at Neon Lights Festival comes with Fast-tracked entry to Fort Canning Green with dedicated VIP entry queue Pre-loaded tokens in each RFID wristband worth S$24 worth two drinks Access to the elevated and sheltered VIP area at the balcony of Fort Canning Centre with a stellar vantage point of the Neon Lights Main Stage Access to the private bar and select food establishments The all-important dedicated restrooms Parents with children need not fret, for children may enter the VIP area for free with an accompanying adult VIP ticketholder. Tickets to Neon Lights Festival start from S$30 for children and S$128 for adults and are available at www.neonlights.sg and SISTIC. Purchase of a Neon Lights adult ticket is required to qualify for the VIP Upgrade. Existing ticket holders who have purchased tickets from TicketFlap will receive an email to the registered e-mail address offering the upgrade, or may reach out to info@neonlights.sg should they not receive the email. Tickets purchased through SISTIC may call the SISTIC hotline at +65 348 5555 to process their VIP Upgrade. For more information, please visit www.neonlights.sg/experience/vip. Purchase of Neon Lights adult ticket is required to qualify for VIP Upgrade Existing ticket holders who have purchased tickets through TicketFlap will receive an e-mail to the registered e-mail address offering the upgrade. Should you not receive the e-mail, please contact info@neonlights.sg Existing ticket holders who have purchased tickets through SISTIC and wish to do a VIP Upgrade may contact SISTIC at +65 6348 5555. Hotline operating hours are 10am – 8pm on Mondays to Saturdays, 12pm-8pm on Sundays and Public Holidays. About Neon Lights Singapore’s very own premier outdoor music and arts festival promising an electrifying line-up of international and local music acts, a dynamic arts programme, and a ton of fun for everyone! The three previous editions of the festival have attracted over 30,000 people featuring acts such as Damien Rice, Sigur Ros, Chic/Nile Rodgers, Foals, Interpol and Yuna. Neon Lights has quickly established itself as one of the most eagerly anticipated lifestyle events of the year. “An interactive roller coaster of music-driven energy and emotion” Billboard “Two days of boundary-burning music and arts performances” Timeout Singapore

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One month from today, Neon Lights Festival will return to Fort Canning Park and the scene is set for a weekend of diverse performances, live art, installations and roving acts. Already featuring a sensational line-up of music acts including the likes of Mumford & Sons, HALSEY, Nick Murphy fka as Chet Faker, Honne, and much more, Neon Lights is thrilled to welcome Clean Bandit to stage on Sunday 24th November. The premier music and arts festival also presents Neon Nooks to illuminate the nooks and crannies of the festival. This year’s Neon Nooks features local and international artists and acts such as South African artist Francois Knoetze coming to Singapore for the first-ever time with his renowned Cape Mongo series, Leeroy New’s Aliens of Manila x Singapore (featuring Jereh Leung and Sonia Kwek), and roving bands Bloco Singapura and Mariachi Viva Mexico. The ever-popular Silent Disco Asia also returns for festival-goers to bust a move and revel into both nights of the festival with three channels of music and neon-lit headsets. And the whole festival site will feature the spectacular aesthetics enhancements of Neon Lights’ décor guru Soph O. Clean Bandit Joining the phenomenal line-up at Neon Lights will be Grammy award-winning British electronic band, Clean Bandit with a DJ and MC set. Known for their unique classical crossover and dance music, the band has released multiple award-winning tracks such including four UK number 1 singles with floorfillers such as ‘Rather Be’ ft. Jess Glynne, ‘Symphony’ ft. Zara Larsson and ‘Solo’ ft Demi Lovato. Having played a superb headline show at Star Theatre in Singapore last year, the band has since released a very well-received second album ‘What Is Love’ and three more hit singles. Clean Bandit will share the stage with HALSEY, Nick Murphy fka Chet Faker, AURORA, BADBADNOTGOOD, Gus Dapperton, Cosmo’s Midnight, Fleetmac Wood, Joan and MMLD on Sunday, 24th November. Neon Nooks Programmed by arts and culture consultancy Hyphen, Neon Nooks explores the cycle and treatment of discarded objects – from otherworldly trash creatures to wearable sculptures made from recycled colanders and plastic tubes, festival-goers are invited to reflect upon our hyper-consumerist culture through the representation of waste, alienation, as well as the necessity of resourcefulness within an urban context. Referencing the popular New York-based photography site, Aliens of Manila x Singapore explores themes of alienation and migration by injecting strangely costumed bodies into the urban landscape. Helmed by Filipino artist Leeroy New, the project was inspired by his mother’s work as an overseas Filipino worker and relied on her invaluable information about the migrant condition in the United States where she worked as a caregiver for almost 17 years. He is collaborating with Singaporean dancers Sonia Kwek from dance company P7:1SMA, who returns to perform at Neon Lights for her third year, and Jereh Leung from Dance Nucleus. The trio will inhabit Leeroy’s fantastical costumes made from everyday objects. Delving into consumerism and sustainability, South African multi-disciplinary artist Francois Knoetze reimagines trash objects – specifically the packaging of domestic consumables and electronic devices used to record everyday life – as remnants of activities that shaped them in his extensively presented Cape Mongo series. Cape Mongo has featured to critical acclaim in the likes of La Triennale di Milano this year and at Kunsthal KAdE in 2018. Each Mongo character sees Cape Town’s discarded waste made into mythical trash creatures which have emerged from the growing dumps of consumer culture. Two Mongo characters ‘VHS’ (2013) made from VHS tapes and a new work ‘Cable Mongo’ (2019) will be presented at Neon Lights. In addition to the slew of sensational acts on the Main Stage, festival-goers can swing to the samba and throbbing batucada beats of Bloco Singapura, founded by the legendary multi-instrumentalist Syed Ahmed, and be transported to the streets of Guadalajara Mexico with the folkloric melodies of Mariachi Viva Mexico. All this will take place amidst the perfect backdrop of Soph O’s eclectic, extraordinary and transcendental décor creations, which make the festival ever so inviting. Since its inception, 80% of Neon Lights Festival’s décor has been made out of repurposed and upcycled materials. Tickets to Neon Lights Festival start from S$30 for children and S$128 for adults, and are available at www.neonlights.sg and SISTIC. For this Diwali weekend, Neon Lights will be having a long weekend flash sale on Single Day (Sunday, 24th November only) and Two-Day tickets at four tickets for the price of three. The sale starts at 12pm on Friday, 25th October and ends 10pm on Tuesday, 29th October and is available via www.neonlights.sg only. Festival-goers who are travelling in from their countries and require accommodation may look to Neon Lights Festival’s Official Hotels Capri by Fraser and Andaz for exclusive promotions. Capri by Fraser is offering a 25% off Best Flexible Rate for rooms booked through their website using the code NEON2019 while Andaz is offering 25% off selected dining outlets. Terms and conditions apply. For more information, please visit www.neonlights.sg.

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Their music has been described as “heavenly music that allows one to see the mountains and hear the breeze”. The Taiwu Ancient Ballads Troupe was formed at the Taiwu Elementary School in Taiwu Township of Pingtung County, Taiwan, situated near the sacred North Dawu Mountain. Their leader, Camake Valaule, began documenting ancient songs of the region that had previously only been handed down orally. This amazing tribe from Taiwan, inhabiting an ancient and sacred area of Taiwan, was voted as “Amazing Voice” by the Japanese NHK Network Programme, and not without reasons. I was lucky to participate once again to the Rainforest World Music Festival, which in its agenda showcases unique cultural and traditional music from all around the world. And this year, Taiwu Ancient Ballads Troupe was on the line up of performers thanks to a cooperation with the Taiwan Tourism Board. I was lucky enough, after the second day press conference at the festival, to manage to stop their leader, 38 years old Camake Valaule, who allowed me a few words. Camake is the teacher of Taiwu Elementary School in Taiwu Township, Pingtung, and he is a real indegenous people of Taiwan. As a member of the Paiwan tribe, he told me that a lot is expected from him. Apart from teaching physical education, he is in charge of teaching a   wide range of subject to local students such as Mathematic, Science, Chinese language, environment and history. Camake has a real passion in keeping his traditional culture alive, and this is reflected in the way he teaches it in the school, as he firmly believes the local children of Taiwan should get to know their culture better. He tells me that one of the unique things about the Paiwan tribe is that “each of the ballads is tightly related with the tribe and to familys’ history. Even love songs and chants used during ceremonies follow strict rules. Singing ballads is a way to let the children learn about themselves”. During his teaching times, he has started to form a group that plays and sings traditional music; members are children and kids from his tribe with an age range that spans from 5 to 28 years old. At the beginning of this project he has little expectations, but as the years passed their performances began to become well known to the people of Taiwan and not only. Taiwu Ancient Ballads Troupe has been performing for over 16 years and they have so far recorded two albums, and even winning some Taiwan Award. And as I talked to Camake through the help of his translator, Pei-Ti Huang, I realized the Paiwan people are not only amazing with their traditional culture and costumes, but are also very similar to the Dayak of Sarawak. Among the similarities are the beads, the woven clothes and also the patterns. Being a local, I believe that studying Asian tribes’ similarities is paramount to get to know our background and to realize that we are all related, from a time when Asia was a big lump of land, long before Taiwan became an island. In fact, Camake told me that his government, the Taiwan Aboriginal Government, has already sent representatives to Sarawak to study these similarities. Impressive. So in the end, what Japanese NHK Network said was true: the amazing voices of Paiwan’s Taiwu Ancient Ballads Troupe are amazing indeed. Check out their facebook page https://www.facebook.com/TaiwuAncientBalladsTroupe/?ref=ts&fref=ts

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Sunburn is an Electronic Dance Music (EDM) festival held in the beach and party destination of Vagator, in Goa, India. Previously held in Candolim, Sunburn is Asia’s largest music festival, with an amalgamation of music, entertainment, food and shopping. Sunburn 2016 dates are 27 to 30 December. The festival was inaugurated in 2007, and in 2009 CNN ranked Sunburn as one of the Top 10 Festivals in the world. It is now at its 10th year, and it promises to bring the biggest artists to India. Sunburn is the perfect haven for those hoping to escape cooler climates and fully immerse themselves in world-class electronic music. Spread over 4 days, the festival has multiple stages with artists playing simultaneously. Not only does Sunburn provide the perfect soundtrack to round-off the year, but festival goers can also let loose with a range of adrenaline powered activities such as bungee jumping, camping, volleyball and zorbing, offering the ultimate holiday experience. The festival is organised by India’s premier electronic music brand Sunburn, which also organises various city festivals, gigs and club tours across India since 2007. For information on ticket prices, payment plans + EMI options, and other Sunburn events, stay tuned on www.sunburn.in Early Bird Tickets Phase 1 for Sunburn started on 22 May. International customers can buy tickets on ViaGogo.com Sunburn Facebook page is www.facebook.com/sunburnfestival Sunburn Youtube channel is www.youtube.com/sunburnfestival

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Syrian band Broukar was formed in 2007 in Damascus, a city that has long been one of the Arab World’s centers for cultural and artistic innovation, especially in the field of classical Arab music. The excellent musicians and artists composing the group are all part of several Arabic orchestras; they have all studied and trained in prestigious schools as the higher Institute of Music in Damascus, and some teach Arab music. The name Broukar comes from an ancient hand-made precious fabric from Damascus. Broukar original group of three musicians, those who founded Broukar, has expanded: there are now five of them on stage: four musicians and a whirling Dervish dancer. The highlight of their eagerly-anticipated performance at the Rainforest World Music Festival 2016 was certainly the hypnotic ritual of the sacred dance of the Dervish, as dancer Ahmad Alkhatib, dressed at first in the traditional white Sufi costume and later in a magnificent black-and-white dress, turned on his own axis slowly at first then faster and faster, in an unrelenting spinning to ecstasy. This dance is based primarily on the rotation and hand movements in reference to the name of God. The dervish ceremony represents a mystical journey of man’s spiritual ascent through mind and love to perfection. Finding the truth and deserting his ego, the Dervish returns then to the spiritual journey as a man who reached maturity and he can love and be of service to the whole of creation without discrimination of believes, races, classes and nations. Revolving around the heart, from right to left, is the dervish way of conveying God’s spiritual gift to the people upon whom he looks with the eyes of God. Broukar enthusiastic and piercing music is a highly spiritual reinterpretation of classical Arab music (both singing and instrumental), a typical and authentic oriental music in all its colours and sources, a kind of revival of the musical heritage of the East. Lyrics cover secular and religious topics and Broukar repertoire is inspired by the divine Sufi philosophy. Sufi singing comes from Sufism, a practice of Islam, and is directly associated with the Dervish dance. One of their traditional instrument is the kanun (or qanun), a flat trapezoidal wooden box with 78 strings. Broukar musicians teach kanun music to Syrian young generations so they can hold on to and keep alive the culture of their country, with the hope to form some of the future Syrian composers and musicians. Broukar was featured in Village du Monde, a 2012 compilation of artists from Swiss festival Paleo. Should you wish to book one of their performances, Broukar are represented by Artways: www.artways.com Dervish dancer Ahmad Alkhatib fb: https://www.facebook.com/ahmadervish

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I have been attending the Rainforest World Music Festival for 4 years in a row and I can say that every year I manage to connect to someone who draws my interest at the event. Last year, for instance, I interviewed Mongolian throat singer Epi and members of other impressive bands. This year I have been considering about the veterans, those pioneers that have been at this festival since the start, without missing one year. They surely will have their own unbiased opinion of this great annual event. With this in mind, I have hunted people down, looking for someone special who has witnessed it all, year after year. What would be their perception of Rainforest World Music Festival 19 years on? It was on the way back to the hotel from one of Rainforest World Music Festival workshops at the Dewan Lagenda at the Sarawak Cultural Village that, at the hotel reception, I got to introduce myself to Linda. Linda Drew is a middle aged woman from Australia, so amicable and young-looking that I was not surprised about her big smile. I liked her from the first moment, and I was so happy when she accepted without any hesitation to be interviewed. Linda has been attending Rainforest World Music Festival since year 1, back in 1999. Back then she was a manager for a South American band that was performing at the festival. “On the first year, the festival was just like a baby. It was so new, so fresh, it had just started”. It was her love for music to make her and the band be back at the festival twice, in 2002 and 2007, but it did not end there. In fact, after she learned about the volunteers program, she saw an opportunity there; she applied and has been a volunteer ever since, year after year. “I like Rainforest World Music Festival so much. I believe it is the best music festival I have ever attended. Since it started, this festival has been improving a lot in terms of facilities, management and performers. The atmosphere here is so amazing, people are friendly, and being a volunteer gives me the chance to meet lots of people as well as to interact with the artists. At the question about what part of the Rainforest World Music Festival she liked most, her face got so excited and she told me that for her, “one of the best acts at the festival are the workshops. It is there where you really can connect with people and artists in a more personal and intimate way. At the workshops, you can really learn about the artists’ music, their dances and their instruments”. Linda also told me that other than the workshops, she loves the art and craft bazaar areas. “I have been buying lots of souvenirs from Sarawak, like most other tourists I guess. I love anything that has a tribal motive, from traditional basket, to bracelets and necklaces”. Despite Linda’s comments bout the festival were almost all on the positive side, there is something that is bothering her: “You see, this festival is not a baby anymore; it has been growing and changing a lot since it started, becoming a more advanced and much better event that can be well-known the world over. What really disappoints me at this level is the peoples’ behaviour. I have observed that most at the festival tend to sit and play on their smartphone. This is indeed not good. It is a world music festival where people are supposed to mix and mingle, make new friends, enjoying the performances and dance a lot. It is not about ‘sharing’ a picture or a video to your friend back home, or to chat to your regular group. I really hope they introduce a complete ban on Internet and 3G in the future, this would really give back the freedom feel to this magnificent event”. I kind of agree with Linda; I can see myself that ironically as it may sound, nowadays with the coming of new technologies, the younger generation has less interaction with each other, if not through their media devices and applications. After all, Linda keeps enjoying Rainforest World Music Festival year after year, and publicly praised the organisers for doing such a good, amazing and successful job. As you can see, people’s accounts of the Rainforest World Music Festival is usually a positive one. The only advise I can give you today is, be part of it one day!!!

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To say that Dya Singh travels the world creating and spreading music, passion and happiness is not an overstatement. Originally from Malaysia, his father was a renowned Sikh spiritual minstrel from Punjab, and Dya learnt the Sikh songs and the art of singing beside his father in the Sikh ‘Gurudwaras’ from the age of five onwards. I was surprised to hear that he is no stranger to Sarawak. Dya was in Sarawak several times as a kid and as an adult; the first time was in 1964, and he told us that he still has fond memories of visiting family and of cycling around Kuching. Dya Singh was one of the ‘mystic’ artist at the 2016 Rainforest World Music Festival. And Dya Singh’s connection to world music is absolutely clear: his impact on the world music stage has been nothing short of phenomenal. In Australia, the country he is based in, he has been one of the pioneers in the development of new Australian ‘World’ music. He sings about spirituality in his native Punjabi (with occasional English explanations) and he has single-handedly taken the traditional Sikh spiritual music of his ancestral Punjab into the world music stage. His music is a form that originated in Punjab and later spread throughout the western World with the diaspora of Sikhs worldwide. Dya Singh group was formed in 1993 after Dya had stopped singing publicly for almost fifteen years. Their first concerts were presented in Australia, where he is acknowledged as the most significant singers and master musical interpreter of the centenary traditional Sikh hymns with diverse influences from around the globe. Their performance at the Theatre Stage of 2016 Rainforest World Music Festival, accompanied by Dheeraj Shrestha at the tabla as well as his own daughter Gimel, was many things in one. It was hypnotic and uplifting, reaching out from his source indigenous music to fusion with contemporary music trends from other parts of the world for the perfect blend. The performance was intense and informative with interactions and improvisations between the musicians. Their creative and spiritual stage style conveyed a great sense of joy, a confirmation that music is transformational in that no matter what the context. Dya Singh music is soothing and inspirational, taking to you by the hearth and uplifting you with compelling rhythms. Through music, improvisations and messages delivered in chants and in words in between songs, Dya Singh gives a message that speaks of respect and love. They advocate and speak about greening and revegetation, peace and universal harmony, for a result that is much more than world music: it is a music that can change the world. Nowadays Dya Singh travels widely throughout the world and is highly acclaimed by both Sikh and alternative mainstream audiences. Their achievements include the release of over 26 CDs, of which some have been recorded by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation & sponsored by various Federal & State Government Departments. Dya Singh has twice been awarded ‘Instrumentalist of the year’ by SAMIA (South Australian Music Industry awards), and the group has has twice been nominated ‘World Music Group of the year’ winning it once. Their International tours – USA, England, Canada, Singapore, Germany, Ireland, Japan, Singapore, Thailand & Malaysia, UAE (Dubai) and Kenya – have included arts, folk, new-age, world and sacred music festivals worldwide such as WOMADelaide, Woodford Folk Festival, Singapore Arts Festival, Vancouver Folk Festival, Winnipeg Folk Festival and the California World Music Festival, At the Closing Ceremony of the Parliament of the World’s Religions in Melbourne, in December 2009, His Holy Highness – The Dalai Lama said: “Dya Singh is the true messenger of the universal message of Amritsar – the holy city of the Sikhs – and its Golden Temple. He and his group remind me of the Golden Temple – not as a holy shrine of the Sikhs alone, but a holy shrine of all people.” Dya Singh is available for performances, concerts, conducting ceremonies, kirtan and short tours. For more of Dya Singh’s music: FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/DyaSinghFriends  WEB http://www.dyasingh.com Email contact@dyasingh.com Browse Rainforest World Music Festival for future dates at www.rwmf.net Watch Dya Singh at the Woodford Folk Festival 2011 HERE !  

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Come and join the annual Penang Island Jazz Festival, celebrating live jazz and percussions music from local and international artistes under one roof. Artistes from jazz and other genre bands will use this as platform to promote their talents. The seed of an idea of a jazz festival on an island was planted and conceptualized in 1996 and 8 years later was realized with the birth of the 1st Penang Island Jazz Festival in 2004. The Penang Island Jazz festival has grown through the years and established itself to be one of the more highly anticipated and important music festivals within the region. Penang Island Jazz Festival could, of course, exist strictly as an event of appealing live performances from a variety of artists, but by carefully stretching the ears of its fan base, it’s doing more. With the introduction of Creative Malaysia and Island Jazz Forum, Penang Island Jazz Festival is positioning itself as a more socially conscious festival, one that sees itself as a means to educate and promote at the all-important grass roots level. And that’s exactly as it should be. An independent festival fully owned and organized by The Capricorn Connection, the festival is a 2 day / 1 stage (Jazz By The Beach Stage)event with a number of workshops and a mini Jazz Gallery. With the intention of creating a festival experience, many other supporting activities such as Fringe Stages, “Jazz With A Heart” Charity, Island Jazz Forum, Community Drum Circle, After Hours Jazz Jam and others have been added on in subsequent years. Held annually on the beautiful island of Penang, the festival – which has been built on a “foundation of friendship” through the support of family and friends – has through the years seen many local and foreign acts from USA, UK, Australia, South Korea, Japan, Indonesia, Germany, Norway, Netherlands, Sweden, Brazil, Hungary, China, Taiwan, Vietnam, etc. The festival is supported by the British Council, the Goethe-Institut Malaysia and the Danish Embassy. Penang Island Jazz Festival 2016 will be held at Batu Ferringhi, December 1st – 4th. http://www.penangjazz.com https://www.facebook.com/PenangIslandJazzFestival

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Jazz market by the Sea is back for its 6th year! As always there’s the best of the Indonesian jazz scene, hotly-tipped emerging talent and exciting cross genre artists, with a programme that truly brings something for everyone. Attracting not just music fans, the festival includes vibrant market stalls showcasing local arts and crafts, a wide range of mouth watering food stalls, and other many other festivities. This award winning festival, one of Bali’s biggest Jazz event, attracts are many talented acts lined-up to colour the weekend! To see the performers line up click here:  http://www.jazz-market.com/line-up/ Beside good jazz beats from Indonesian talents, Jazz Market will also brings a cultural theme “CLOTHING THE NATION”. Jappy Sanger, the Co-Founder said: “This year we want to bring the Jazz Market goers to experience what is beyond our Indonesian heritage and culture through textiles and fabrics, with dimensions of the past and to this present day. All of this has been clothed and collaborated through Indonesian music culture and jazz.” Jazz Market by the Sea is always a festival for everyone. Music, culture, culinary, and engaging activities for you, and your kids are just some of the treats you’ll catch in this year’s Jazz Market. Check out some awesome photos from last year’s Jazz Market at http://www.jazz-market.com/gallery/ For more info and ticketing, check out http://www.jazz-market.com Visit their social media for more info, updates, and the FREE tickets giveaways : FB http://www.facebook.com/jazzmarketbali INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/jazzmarket/ Jazz Market by the Sea will take place on Friday 19th to Sunda 21st August 2016 from 2pm until 11pm, at Taman Bhagawan @Tanjung Benoa Nusa Dua, Bali

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The 19th edition of the Rainforest World Music Festival to be held at the Sarawak Cultural Village in Damai, Borneo, on August 5 to 7 will feature eight Malaysian groups sharing their locally home-grown talents on stage with 26 international artistes. Five artistes and groups from Sarawak will be featured, including sape maestros, Alena Murang and Mathew Ngau Jau, Gendang Melayu Sri Buana, Thunder Beats of Nanyang Wushu Drums, as well as a performers from the Sarawak Cultural Village. Two bands from Peninsular Malaysia, 1Drum.org and the Unique Arts Academy and the Band Girls of Sabah State Cultural Board will also take the stage. “We are proud to provide a stage for our own talented performers to shine, showing that we too have leaders and groundbreakers in World Music as a genre.” says Angelina Patricia Bateman, Director of Corporate Communications and Project Director of the festival. The Rainforest World Music Festival prides being voted among the top 25 international music festivals by “Songlines”, a renowned world music magazine based in the United Kingdom for sixth consecutive year. The Festival is also the first and largest event of its kind in Malaysia, with many from throughout Borneo and the whole world sharing their culturally-rich music, including bands such as Shanren from China, Auli from Latvia, Torgeir Vassvik from Norway, Chouk Bwa Libete from Haiti, Cimarron from Colombia, Pat Thomas & Kwashibu Area Band from Ghana and many more. Aside from the nightly performances, there will be informative and interactive afternoon workshops throughout the three-day festival, revolving around the theme of ethno-musical significance. There will also be fringe events namely the Rainforest World Craft Bazaar and the Food and Village Mart, where one can purchase the local arts, crafts and cuisine of Borneo, as well as the Borneo Tattoo Expo at Damai Central, where one can see the traditional tribal tattoos of the indigenous tribes of Sarawak. Another event being held this year is the Pustaka Bookaroo, which combines music, stories and crafts from around the world in workshops for children aged between seven and 12. Every year, the event organizer will host a tree planting ceremony wherein members of the organizing committee, media, sponsors, artistes and volunteers will plant dozens of saplings in nearby nature reserve in order to ensure the environmental sustainability of the event as well as to increase environmental awareness among the public. In conjunction with this effort, all vendors within the festival are required to use reusable or recyclable cutlery and plates during sales. Sarawak Cultural Village, the venue of the festival, is popularly known as the ‘living’ museum which takes up a sprawling 17 acres of land at the foot of Mount Santubong, roughly 35km north of Kuching. The event is supported by the Ministry of Tourism and Culture Malaysia, Ministry of Tourism Sarawak and endorsed by Tourism Malaysia with Malaysia Airlines Berhad as the presenting sponsor. Festival tickets and updates are now available online or from the ticketing agents listed at www.rwmf.net, with pre-sale prices available until August 4. For more contact www.sarawaktourism.com or Barbara at barbara@sarawaktourism.com

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It was at the Rainforest World Music Festival (one of the 25 best International Festivals) where I discovered 1Drum.org and their innovative drum circle. A drum circle is a celebration of life, community, and  music-making in the moment. Participants sit in a circle while playing drums and hand percussion, and join  in creating  a group rhythm. The circle is moderated by a facilitator who guides the group in rhythms and rhythm-based activities. The community drum circle make you feel joyful and energized, and it is an opportunity to enjoy a group activity with friends and neighbours. It is a family-friendly event and open to all ages. No previous musical or drumming experience is necessary. It’s all about fun! From samba to drum-line to eco-music to african to 1Malaysia drum groups, 1Drum.org and friends are able to mesmerize crowds and get everyone into the groove of the beat! 1Drum.org provides audiences with an interactive drumming experience that you will be talking about for a very long time. Whether you are looking for a drum circle, percussion performance or drum training, 1Drum.org is there for you. Join 1Drum.org for a wonderful celebration of rhythm and spontaneous percussive beats; where everyone, young and old are invited to participate in a musical experience that is second to none. They provide drums of all shapes and sizes to create beats that will rock the jungle! 1Drum Circle is a great way to meet like-minded people and an opportunity to reconnect with your inner rhythm. This is your stage. Lets sing and dance, drum and chant to celebrate life thru music at the 2016 Rainforest World Music Festival. 1Drum.org promotes wellness, self-expression, stress reduction, and fun, it is an activity for all ages and professions, it is for kids and adults with or without musical background. Bring along your music instruments, dancing shoes, poi toys or your voice and join 1Drum.org! For gallery pics and info, browse www.1Drum.org

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