Masala! Mehndi! Masti! Festival 2011
Harbourfront Centre, along with its lead summer partner The Toronto Port Authority, presents Masala! Mehndi! Masti! created and co-produced by Satya Arts Association, Aug. 19-21.
The film segment, MMMovies! features an exciting personality this year: the new face of Indian cinema and one of Bollywood’s 10 most desirable actors, Abhay Deol. His just-released film, “Zindagi Milegi Na Dobara (You Only Live Once)” has taken the planet by storm.
Winners of the reality TV show “India’s Got Talent”, the 17-member Shillong Chamber Choir from Meghalaya (a tiny north-eastern state of India) perform a repertoire of classical, jazz and musica sacra on the WestJet Stage. Sri Lanka’s biggest hip-hop stars, Bathiya and Santhush, fly in as festival closing headliners, and classical artist Snehasish Mozumder also performs with his double-necked mandolin, fusing gorgeous music with his unique voice. Part traditional and part contemporary, Bhanging by the Lake presents the best in Bhangra dance and music.
Dance takes over the Redpath Stage as some of the best choreographers come to Masala! Mehndi! Masti! to showcase the traditional and non-traditional dances of South Asia. Promising to excite the audience with fast-paced dance, Swar Sadhana is a group known for their traditional music; they present Dandiya Raas, inviting one and all to participate in this Gujarati community dance. GhuMMMo! is an hour-filled production of exceptional dance performances that highlights a range of dance techniques that include jazz, classical and ballet.
Actors take audiences on a journey through South Asian customs and culture in Sacrifice , by Nobel Prize winner Rabindranath Tagore, a tale about a king and queen in conflict with each other when religion dominates politics. Dirty Pakistani Lingerie has Pakistani-American women airing their dirty lingerie while trying to find their place among two very different cultures.
When: Friday, August 19th to Sunday, August 21st, 2011
Where: Harbourfront Centre
See below for a complete schedule of events. For more information, click HERE.
MUSIC
Carnatic Violins
Subhadra Vijaykumar is the Artistic Director of the Radha Academy of Carnatic Violin (South Indian classical). This esteemed violinist was nominated in 2010 for the MARTYS Awards and was selected by the Culture Division of Mississauga to perform at the opening of Kariya’s City Hall opening (located in Japan).
When: Friday, August 19, 2011
Where: Redpath Stage
Time: 7pm and 9pm
Waheed Soroor and Kice a.k.a Kastro (Afghanistan/Canada)
Afghan-Canadian performer Waheed Soroor uses his high-energy voice and talent with a wide variety of instruments to entertain audiences around the world. Kice is one of the first artists to take the Afghan-Canadian music scene by storm with his unique sound and style.
When: Friday, August 19, 2011
Where: WestJet Stage
Time: 8pm
Bhanging by the Lake
Dhol Circle, DJ Double AA, Gabroo Punjab De & Paul - The Drummer - Nanuwa are joined by Toronto’s Jus Reign to perform the best in Bhangra dance and music. Part traditional, part contemporary and part fusion Bhangra, the high-energy celebration has become a festival favourite of Masala! Mehndi! Masti!
When: Friday, August 19, 2011
Where: WestJet Stage
Time: 9:30pm
Seniors Desi Idol – Semi Finals
South Asian senior singing stars take back the stage in this wonderful community involvement programme started by the festival in 2010. This is the semifinal round. Stay tuned for the finals on the 21st.
When: Saturday, August 20, 2011
Where: Redpath Stage
Time: 1pm
Nishith Pandya & Jonita Gandhi
Multitalented singers Nitish and Jonita rock the stage with their latest Bollywood numbers.
When: Saturday, August 20, 2011
Where: WestJet Stage
Time: 2pm
Kaminari (Japan/Canada)
Coming from Osaka, Japan, Yoshi and Chie are the musical duo Kaminari (which means ‘lighting’ in Japanese) and play the sitar and didgeridoo. Their unique style blends musical rhythms from India, Australia and Japan with sounds of jazz, funk, rock and more western musical genres.
When: Saturday, August 20, 2011
Where: Redpath Stage
Time: 2:30pm
SW Storm (Trinidad/UK)
Considered to be one of the most versatile artists in the Caribbean, SW Storm brought a unique style to Soca and out of this came a new sub genre, “pop soca”. His vocal range and versatility makes him a unique performer that entertains audiences around the world, while bringing closer to each other the sounds of the Caribbean and South Asia.
When: Saturday, August 20, 2011
Where: WestJet Stage
Time: 3pm
Snehasish Mozumder (India)
Performing with his self-created double–neck mandolin, Snehasish Mozumder fuses classical and jazz music with his exceptional singing voice to create original and unforgettable music. The artist is one of a few performers recognized to be part of the new generation of Indian classical musicians.
When: Saturday, August 20, 2011
Where: WestJet Stage
Time: 8pm
Shillong Chamber Choir (India): North American Premiere
Formed in 2001 to showcase the talents of Meghalaya (a north-eastern state of India), the 17-member Shillong Chamber Choir burst on the scene in 2010 via the hit reality TV show “India’s Got Talent”, bringing the judges to tears! Their music consists of a range of western classical, jazz and musica sacra, tribal music and even explores music from Indian cinema.
When: Saturday, August 20, 2011
Where: WestJet Stage
Time: 9:30pm
Chin Injeti (Vancouver)
Producer, artist, writer and recent Grammy Award winner Chin Injeti’s recent move into hip-hop has come with great success. Born in India, the artist has worked with such artists as Drake, Eminem and Dr. Dre.
When: Saturday, August 20, 2011
Where: Brigantine Room
Time: 11pm
22° of Beatitude (Vancouver)
From the producer of Delhi 2 Dublin comes 22° of Beatitude, a journey though modern Asian sounds. 22° was 10 years in the making, incorporating recording sessions with artists worldwide, from the temples in Bhutan to the street corners of Tokyo – an original take on South Asian pop music.
When: Saturday, August 20, 2011
Where: Brigantine Room
Time: 11pm
Seniors Desi Idol – Finals
Finalists from the previous day enter the finals to challenge each other for the MMM 2011 Seniors Desi Idol title.
When: Saturday, August 21, 2011
Where: Redpath Stage
Time: 1pm
Devis n’ Divas
Two exceptionally talented local South Asian female singers, Shirsha and Anusha Sivalingam, perform in Devis n’ Divas, a showcase that highlights their most popular and acclaimed work
Shirsha: Sunday, Aug. 21, 1:30pm (Redpath Stage)
Anusha Sivalingam: Sunday, Aug. 21, 4:30pm (WestJet Stage)
Rhythm of Rajasthan (India)
The deserts of northwestern South Asia come alive by Toronto’s waterfront. This group of traveling artists is performing exclusively in the region at Masala! Mehndi! Masti!. Bringing Rajasthani sufi and devotional music and dance, they bridge religions and create a divine spiritual vibration.
When: Saturday, August 21, 2011
Where: WestJet Stage
Time: 2pm
Chillout
Singer and songwriter Mandippal performs an eclectic and acclaimed blend of poetry, pop and rock that has earned him a growing fan base and recognition as well-loved and hard working artist in Toronto.
When: Saturday, August 21, 2011
Where: Brigantine Room
Time: 3:30pm
Ghazal Party (Pakistan/C
anada)
One of the finest singers of Pakistan, Naqi Ali Khan has a beautiful voice that has captivated audiences locally and all over the world.
When: Sunday, August 21, 2011
Where: Brigantine Room
Time: 5pm
Bathiya & Santhush (Sri Lanka)
Classically trained vocalists Bathiya and Santhush have composed, produced and performed some of Sri Lanka’s greatest hits since 1998. Bathiya being the driving force behind production and arrangement, and Santhush as the emotion and pulse behind the music, the duo has great showmanship are considered the kings of hip hop in Sri Lanka.
When: Sunday, August 21, 2011
Where: WestJet Stage
Time: 5pm
DANCE
Swar Sadhana Dandiya Raas
A group known for original and traditional music, Swar Sadhana Dandiya Raas promises to bring non-stop, upbeat dance sequences that encourage everyone to pick up their dandiya sticks (two sticks used for traditional folk dance from India) and start dancing along.
When: Saturday, August 20, 2011
Where: Redpath Stage
Time: 5:30pm
GhuMMMo!: Sanskriti Arts
One of the GTA’s most popular dance schools and companies, founded and directed by Puja Amin, enchants us with her unique dance styles.
When: Saturday, August 20, 2011
Where: Redpath Stage
Time: 9pm
GhuMMMo!: Hemant and Vaishali Panwar
Born in a small village in Rajasthan, India, Hemant Panwar is a professional singer and dancer. He has taught in Gandharva Mahayidyalaya and in the Academy of Fine Arts and Literature, and has also composed music for television, theatre and documentary films. He and partner Vaishali are exponents of the Jaipur gharana (school) of Kathak dance. Together they run Panwar Dance Academy.
When: Sunday, August 21, 2011
Where: Redpath Stage
Time: 3pm
GhuMMMo!: Tarana Dance Academy & Sanskriti Arts
Featuring outstanding dance performances from Tarana Dance Academy, who highlight a range of dance techniques from South Asia as well as jazz and ballet.
When: Sunday, August 21, 2011
Where: Redpath Stage
Time: 4pm
FILM
MMMovies!
Exploring the work of South Asian actors, MMMovies! provides an intimate viewing experience. Abhay Deol, nephew of the legendary Dharmendra, and an accomplished actor in his own right is the featured personality this year. Dubbed as the new face of Indian cinema and also polled as one of the 10 most desirable hotties in Bollywood, Abhay is a force to be reckoned with. He was nominated for best male debut actor in 2005 and has acted in many award-winning movies, including “Oye Lucy! Lucky Oye!” and “Dev. D”. His just-released film is “Zindagi Milegi Na Dobara (You Only Live Once)” which has taken the world by storm. He is featured at a Q&A session and an “In Conversation with Abhay Deol” on stage.
Showtimes: Friday, Aug. 19, 7pm & 11pm | Saturday, Aug. 20, 12:30pm, & 10pm | Sunday, Aug. 21, 12:30 pm
Where: Studio Theatre
In Conversation with the cast of “Breakaway”
An on stage tête-à-tête with the cast and crew of the yet-to-be-released Canadian movie, “Breakaway”, including lead actor Vinay Virmani, gives insights on the process of creating this film, its triumphs and its tribulations.
When: Saturday, August 20, 2011
Where: Brigantine Room
Time: 4pm
FOOD
Roshni Mansukhani
Working in the food industry since the age of 13, Roshni Mansukhani is now the executive chef for Merrimack College located in Boston. Mansukhani recently won the Silver Medal at the Knorr Competition and was named the Food Network’s “Chopped” Champion in 2009.
When: Saturday, Aug. 20, 1pm, 3pm & 5pm | Sunday, Aug. 21, 12:30pm & 2:30pm
Where: Lakeside Terrace
Several specially commissioned food vendors also provide taste-bud tantalizing South Asian food as well as other mouth-watering culinary delights from around the globe.
THEATRE
Dirty Pakistani Lingerie by Aizzah Fatima (U.S.) (18+)
Six Pakistani-American female characters are brought to life to air their dirty lingerie while struggling to find their place at the chaotic juncture of two very different cultures. No subject is off limits!
Warning: This show may offend some viewers.
When: Saturday, August 20, 2011
Where: Studio Theatre
Time: 7:30pm
Komic Sutra (18+)
Managing to see the world in a comical light, stand up comedian Nitin Mirani is a pioneer of the comedy circuit in the Middle East and is the founder of Komic Sutra. From the recession to Blackberries, Hollywood vs. Bollywood and relationships between different cultures, Nitin Mirani’s comedy sketch is an unpredictable and highly entertaining act.
When: Saturday, August 20, 2011
Where: Lakeside Terrace
Time: 10:30pm
Sacrifice
A play written by Rabindranath Tagore, Sacrifice tells the story of a king and queen who are in conflict with each other when the King decides to abolish animal sacrifice. This decision pits him against his Chief church advisor and his wife, in a time when religion dominated politics.
When: Sunday, August 21, 2011
Where: Studio Theatre
Time: 5pm
WORKSHOPS AND SEMINARS
Rhythm of Rajasthan Workshop
A workshop that demystifies Rajasthani music, exploring the merging of sufi (Hindu and Islamic) spiritual cultures, and the transfer of their skill and talent from one generation to the next. Led by Nitin Harsh.
When: Saturday, August 20, 2011
Where: Brigantine Room
Time: 2:30pm
In Conversation With Monika Deol
An Canadian pop culture icon and recipient of the Masala! Mehndi! Masti! Trailblazer Award, Monika Deol broke through stereotypes and made history as a South Asian woman headlining Canada’s top entertainment music and dance show, “Electric Circus.” This conversation is sure to be an inspiring insight into the South Asian experience in the 80s and 90s. When: Saturday, August 20, 2011
Where: Lakeside Terrace
Time: 9pm
GhuMMo!: Bollycore – dance class
Award-winning choreographer Puja Amin and her ensemble take over the Redpath Stage, blending various dance forms that are impressive yet comfortingly simple to help you work up an appetite with a fun dance workout.
When: Sunday, August 21, 2011
Where: Redpath Stage
Time: 12:30pm
Chillin’ In Your Brown Skin: HIV Stigma Kills
This social issues panel features an honest, blunt and extremely important open discussion on how damaging the HIV stigma can be. An eye-opening call to action to treat people living with HIV and AIDS with dignity and respect. Produced by the Alliance for South Asian AIDS Prevention.
When: Sunday, August 21, 2011
Where: Lakeside Terrace
Time: 5pm
FAMILY
Kids’ Craft
Inspired by South Asian culture and festivities, children will create a themed craft.
When: Saturday, Aug. 20, 1pm & 4:30pm | Sunday, Aug. 21, 1pm & 4pm
Where: HabourKIDS Zone Tent
Storytelling
Children and parents participate together through arts, crafts and storytelling inspired by South Asian culture and festivities.
When: Saturday, Aug. 20, 4 pm & 4:30pm | Sunday, Aug. 21, 3:30pm & 4pm.
Where: HabourKIDS Zone Tent
Bachcha Party
A special section of Masala! Mehndi! Masti! celebrating the talent of youngsters singing and dancing as well as the professionals can.
When: Sunday, August 21, 2011
Where: Brigantine Room
Time: 1pm
BAZAAR
Throughout the festival there will be numerous kiosks offering South Asian and other articles from around the globe for sale. Mehndi (henna) parlours and boutiques will also cater to those looking to enhance their aesthetic appeal with a South Asian touch.
MyBindi.com is a proud sponsor and programming partner of Masala! Mehndi! Masti! 2011.
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