The potential of music, circa 2019

We’re barely into 2019, just the first ten days approximately, and the spirit of the music scene continues to shine. At the Qatar National Center, Pkmusicfest is scheduled to take place on January 9 (today) where Strings, Ali Sethi and Quratulain Balouch are set to perform. Strings have touched down in Doha at the writing of this article so music fans are in for a spectacular ride, given the musicians attached.Saif Samejo, the unsung hero in our midst, is coming back with Lahooti Melo 2019, which is, as we reported earlier, dedicated to women this year. Fortunately, Lahooti has unveiled more of its line-up. And we now know that on February 9 and 10, the University of Jamshoro will host the Six Eyes Collective (who will be conducting live mural sessions as well as an art and music healing therapy workshop). If that didn’t just blow your mind, the line-up also includes Asif Sinan, Bhagat Bhooro Lal, Mai Dhai, Faisal Rafi and wait for it, Chand Tara Orchestra. The festival will also include panel discussions on a variety of subjects with a varied list of speakers, in addition to the music fraternity. Prepare yourself for something very special. Peek Freans Sooper and Geo TV’s big Junoon reunion concert finally happened on December 25 in Karachi with decent success. But if you’re wondering about the future of Junoon, the band has moved on to its international tour that is not backed by Sooper. While that campaign is over, the original Junoon is taking the stage again, beginning their international run with a concert in Dubai. Brian, Ali and Salman are playing at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium on Friday, January 18. Will they perform just in Dubai or other venues remains to be seen but Dubai is certainly in for a ride of nostalgia and rich songs. Plus, a new season of Nescafe Basement is being shot even as we wonder about the fate of Coke Studio and other corporate platforms like Pepsi Battle of the Bands 4 and what changes, if any, are in the making. Let us not forget that Khumariyaan and Poor Rich Boy will be releasing their albums this year but the exact date remains unclear at this point. As always, the coolest indie music fest, Lahore Music Meet 2019, is also expected to make an appearance later this year – watch out.  

from The News International - Instep Today http://bit.ly/2SRtgJJ