This yearβs edition in October will see Indian folk artistes sharing the stage with musicians from Scotland, Australia and Yemen
If the line-up of artistes at the upcoming eighth edition of the Jodhpur RIFFΒ – Rajasthan International Folk Festival – is anything to go by, the festival promises to be a melting pot of exotic music from around the globe.
Spanish/French singerΒ Manu Chao performing at the 2013 edition of RIFF
(Image courtesy: Jodhpur RIFF Facebook)
This year, the annual folk festival hosted in the breathtaking Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur, will be held from October 8-12. Known for its spectacular and relaxing ambience as well as the painstakingly-curated line-up, it has been bringing down niche, folk musicians from around the globe every year.
This year, fans of Indian classical music will be treated to performances by icons such as Fazal Qureshi (tabla), Dilshad Khan (sarangi) and Mahesh Vinaykram (vocals). A Yemeni music collective, Yemeni Blues – Blurring Boundaries, will present its unique music act that derives influences from Yemenite and West African styles as well as jazz.
A local folk group performing at Jodhpur RIFF 2013
(Image courtesy: Jodhpur RIFF Facebook)
Besides the mesmerising acts by the Manganiyars of Rajasthan, this year will also witness a moonlit jam led by iconic Scottish drummer James MacKintosh.
Sets by Australian oud player Joseph Tawadros, Pakhawaj maestro Parveen Arya and bauls Noor Alam Fakir and Subhadra Sharma, are just some of the many other awe-inspiring performance lined up for the four-day gala.
If you are planning to come with your family, there is a lot on offer for kids as well. At the Kawa Circus, they can enjoy entertaining folk shows such as Β and regulars such as the Kathputali, Bahrupiya, Kachi Ghodi and Chhatar Kotla.
Get the full line-up here.
There is a 25 per cent early-bird discount if you book ticket before September 25. To avail of the offer, click here.