Let the party begin, says Bhangra and rock star Dal Hothi, who is playing this year’s Hi Neighbour Day dance in Errington.
August 20 may be the event’s 42nd anniversary, but they’re not slowing down any as they bring in Dal along with his band, the Headlines.
Mixing high-energy Bhangra and Bollywood beats from India with familiar pop-rock songs on guitars are Beau Simpson, Terry Gage, Tom Zillich on bass and Mike Schmidt on drums and Dal Hothi on lead vocals and percussion.
Dal and the Headlines have rocked 2010 Olympic stages as well as Surrey’s Fusion Festival and toured North America, India and England.
Hothi’s goal is to make Indian music accessible to a worldwide audience by fusing traditional Western pop song structure with Bhangra beats and other Indian elements and by singing lyrics in English, Punjabi and Hindi.
A string of successes include being the first Indo-Canadian artist to have music videos and live performances on Much Music, reaching the Top 40 on Canadian radio stations, and winning the Canadian National Rock Radio live competition.
He recently spent three months in Mumbai, India, performing and shooting his hit Bollywood music video, I Promise You, with Slum Dog Millionaire star Freida Pinto.
On Hi Neighbour Day, join your neighbours and friends and party to a dhol-fueled groove at the Errington Hall.
Get your tickets in advance because there won’t be any sold at the door.
Advance tickets only are $20 at Cranky Dog Music in Parksville, at the Errington store, and Heaven on Earth in Qualicum Beach. No minors.
Watch for more on Hi Neighbour Day in Friday’s News. — Submitted