Anya M. Wassenberg's Blog: Art & Culture Maven, page 99

New Orleans Mardi Gras Funk: Cha Wa Announces Debut Full-Length Release Funk 'N' Feathers April 1 2016 & Live Dates

From a media release:

CHA WA ANNOUNCES DEBUT FULL-LENGTH FUNK 'N' FEATHERS
OUT APRIL 1, 2016 (UPT MUSIC)
NEW ORLEANS FAVORITES FUSE MARDI GRAS INDIAN STYLE WITH MODERN FUNK

• Buy the CD

Mardi Gras Indian funk band Cha Wa will release their debut album, Funk 'n' Feathers, on April 1, 2016, after years of explosive, thunderous live performances all over the Crescent City. The new recording is a red-hot combination of two of New Orleans’ quintessential trademarks, Mardi Gras Indians and street level funk music. Funk 'n' Feathers combines deep funk, percussive polyrhythms, and a mix of singing and Mardi Gras Indian chanting that fuse into an intoxicating, hypnotic blend of culture that could only come out of the Crescent City. Cha Wa will celebrate the album with a hometown show on release day and performances at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival in April. “Cha Wa” is a slang phrase used by every Mardi Gras Indian tribe, meaning “We’re comin’ for ya” - and this band is definitely comin’ for ya!

Funk 'n' Feathers is a direct descendant of the seminal Mardi Gras Indian-related funk recordings of the 1970s by the Wild Magnolias (backed by The Meters), the Wild Tchoupitoulas, The Neville Brothers, and Dr. John. But this time there is a contemporary twist - the production of Ben Ellman (who has also produced his own band, Galactic, as well as Trombone Shorty and others) and the mixing and mastering of San Francisco’s super-hip engineer Count (DJ Shadow, Radiohead, Lyrics Born, etc.). As a result, Cha Wa's version of Dr. John's “All On A Mardi Gras Day” is a wild recreation of the original. The song takes you straight to the street corners of Uptown New Orleans, instilling the energy of seeing the Indians dancing in their traditional feathered suits, but it also embraces a production style, which is cutting-edge. Another classic, “Jock-A-Mo” (the original version of the song which later became a hit, and has been covered by many artists, as ‘Iko Iko’) is also made over by infusing it with the band’s upbeat brand of funk and the fresh production approach. Davell Crawford, the grandson of the song’s writer, and Irving Banister Sr., the man who played guitar on the original version in 1953 - and the father of Cha Wa’s lead Indian Irving “Honey” Banister, provide deep New Orleans roots to the recording.

The two leaders of Cha Wa, singer/percussionist Honey Banister and drummer Joe Gelini, have been involved with the Mardi Gras Indians for years. Honey Banister, Big Chief of the Creole Wild West tribe, combines both the Mardi Gras Indian tradition and the history of New Orleans rhythm and blues. He was also a featured performer in the HBO series Treme. Gelini moved to New Orleans after graduating from the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston. Joe saw the Mardi Gras Indians emerging on Mardi Gras day to march down Dryades Street and, he says, “I was hooked.  It's a spiritual thing.  It's more than the music.” Spy Boy J'Wan Boudreaux combines the lyrics and style of his grandfather, Big Chief Monk Boudreaux of the Golden Eagles, one of the most respected Mardi Gras Indians and one of the greatest Indian singers ever, with a 21st century take on this music.  Other contributors to the album include John Fohl on guitar (Dr. John), Stephen Malinowski on organ (Ana Popovich), Yoshitaka “Z2” Tsuji on piano (Kermit Ruffins), and Haruka Kikuchi on trombone. Another well-known Mardi Gras Indian, Norwood “Geechie” Johnson of the Wild Magnolias, added bass drum and backing vocals. Special guests include producer Ben Ellman on alto saxophone and Colin Lake on lap steel guitar.

Cha Wa brilliantly finds the right balance between Mardi Gras Indian tradition and an edgier dose of  the street funk which also originated in New Orleans. The band has gained critical praise not only from their hometown publications Offbeat, The Times-Picayune, Advocate, Where Y’At, and Gambit Weekly, but also through national tastemakers including Rolling Stone, NPR Music, and Dan Rather Reports.  The music is spontaneous and spiritual at the same, and no two shows are ever the same. “I think we've reached that point where we can feel the direction of the music intuitively and we just go with it,” says Gelini. “It’s like having that heavy Indian sound with modern recording and modern production and using it all together. It's classic and contemporary at the same time.”  On Funk 'n' Feathers, Cha Wa has made a modern album featuring great energy and enthusiasm, but one which also draws from the deep well of New Orleans culture. The result? Cha Wa is coming for ya!

UPCOMING SHOWS SPRING 2016:
February 27- Universal Studios Orlando - Orlando, FL
March 5- Howlin' Wolf - New Orleans, LA
March 31- Lafayette's - Memphis, TN
April 1- Blue Nile [Album Release Show] - New Orleans, LA
April 7- French Quarter Fest - New Orleans, LA
April 10 - d.b.a - New Orleans, LA
April 21 - Ogden Museum of Southern Art - New Orleans, LA
April 23 - New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival - New Orleans, LA
April 30 - French Broad River Festival - Asheville, NC
June 4 - Michael Arnone’s Crawfish Festival - Augusta, NJ

All on a Mardi Gras Day

Balkan/Romani - Eva Salina sings Šaban Bajramović on Lema Lema (Vogiton Records - February 11, 2016)

From a media release:

Eva Salina sings Šaban Bajramović
Lema Lema (Vogiton Records - February 11, 2016)

"Salina grew up into a modern interpreter of Balkan styles. Her new album pays tribute to a late musician whose story is shrouded in mystery and urban legend." -NPR's Weekend Edition

• Buy it on CD Baby

ŠABAN BAJRAMOVIĆ was king. Throughout the 1960s and 70s, he recorded music that resonated so deeply with Yugoslavian audiences that it’s still heard today at backyard parties in the Bronx, or even as far away as Australia. A larger-than-life legend of Serbian music, Bajramović operated so far outside of the music industry that it’s a wonder he could become such a star. Yet his music resonates even today, not least in the ears of a young American who fell down the rabbit hole of Balkan song. Renowned vocalist EVA SALINA grew up immersed in Balkan singing, and began her travels to the Balkans for study at the remarkable young age of 12. Growing up in the tradition, she had the good fortune to study directly with famed mentors from across the Balkans. Professionally, Eva cut her teeth in New York’s Balkan diaspora, and was welcomed into Roma communities there, amongst whom the songs of Šaban Bajramović are still in demand. After years of dancing and singing songs at weddings, circumcisions, and late nights around banquet tables, Eva took on the daunting project of recording the first tribute album to Šaban Bajramović: LEMA LEMA, set for release February 11, 2016 on Vogiton Records. The result is an electric, subversive, gonzo take on the great Romani singer by a continent-spanning band of master musicians. It’s all tied together by Eva’s voice, at once hall-shaking and sensual, the perfect blend of vocal emotions.

In the spirit of Bajramović himself, this is no traditionalist rehash of his songs. Instead, Eva draws from New York’s wildly diverse global and jazz music scenes, inviting artists from bands like Slavic Soul Party!, Kultur Shock, and The Klezmatics. This eclectic lineup includes, among others, Eva’s longtime musical partner, Banat Romani accordionist PETER STAN, Jewish music icon FRANK LONDON, jazz-metal guitarist BRANDON SEABROOK, Indian percussionist DEEP SINGH, and multi-instrumentalists RON CASWELL and PATRICK FARRELL. Engineered and mixed by Grammy-winning engineer DANNY BLUME, and mastered by multi-Grammy winning engineer SCOTT HULL, one of the key ingredients of this album came from the birthplace of the songs themselves. Traveling to the village of Pavlovac, Serbia on the special invite of famed Romani trumpeter EKREM MAMUTOVIĆ, Eva brought the inimitable sounds of Serbian Balkan brass bands from some of the best players in the region into the swirling blend of New York global roots music that she’d created.

LEMA LEMA is an album that’s both reverent and deeply subversive. Singing entirely in the Romani language, a rare feat for an American artist, Eva Salina kept all the pronouns in the song lyrics the same, combining a potent feminine voice with Bajramović’s gritty, male perspective. This kind of gender subversion is not unheard of in Romani culture, but it’s a hallmark of Eva’s feminist vision of the music. Immersed all her life in Balkan music, yet living an ocean away, Eva had an ongoing fight against the perception in the US that she was an outsider to the music. Traveling in the Balkans, however, she was embraced by the Romani musical community–itself made up of centuries of outsiders–and she was given unprecedented access to the traditions. Music has always been a gateway between cultures, and with the album LEMA LEMA, Eva Salina shows that a singular vision can change the way we see an artist’s legacy.

Latin Alternative Music: RUIDO Fest Returns to Chicago July 8 to 10 2016 - Early Bird Tix on Sale February 12

From a media release:

RUIDO Fest
The First 3 Day Multi-Stage Outdoor Latin Alternative Music Festival in U.S. is Returning For The Second Year to Chicago, Illinois on 
July 8, 9 & 10 2016

• A Limited Supply of Discounted Early Bird Tickets Are Being Released On Friday, February 12th at 10 AM (CST) Available while supplies last
• To buy Tickets Click Here

"It was only the festival's first year, but its strong vision, distinctive lineup, and solid organization made it instantly memorable, and I can't wait for it to return." (Noyse/Vice)

"Ruido is truly the first of its kind: a three-day outdoor festival in the U.S. showcasing the best in Latin alternative that recognizes veteran acts like but also digs deeper by featuring new and experimental artists.. It's the festival that Chicago absolutely deserves." (Remezcla)

"Ruido Fest is not only a name of a musical event, it's also a promise on its way to be one of the most established events in its genre. (LBE)

Chicago, IL - February 10, 2016.-  After the successful debut of RUIDO Fest last year, the first 3 day multi-stage outdoor music festival in U.S. showcasing a variety of great Latin Alternative music acts from all over the continent and Spain, announced its return for the second year in Chicago on July 8, 9 & 10 at the Addams/Medill Park.

Once again, Riot Fest Presents, Rock Sin Anestesia, Metronome, and Star Events, partnered to present RUIDO Fest in Chicago, a city with a more diverse Latino population than any other American city. A limited supply of discounted Valentine's presale tickets are being released on Friday, February 12th at 10AM.  They will be available while supplies last. 3-Day GA & 3-Day VIP tickets will be offered, and will continue to be for sale at 'full price' after the presale is over.

"The confirmed artist roster will be announced in March," commented Eduardo Calvillo from Rock Sin Anestesia, "and it will bring unexpected great surprises to the festival, from well-established international to up-and-coming bands. We are very confident that fans will be delighted."

More than 25,000 people gathered last year for the first edition of RUIDO Fest to witness history with an excellent artist roster of over 50 acts, including CaféTacuba, Zoé, Molotov, Ozomatli and Kinky among other, and that together represent the wide variety of Latin music culture today. To purchase tickets and for more info visit ruidofest.com.

For upcoming announcements, Like us on Facebook - Follow us on Twitter - View on Instagram - http://ruidofest.com 

Venue:
Addams/Medil Park - 1301 W. 14th St.   Chicago, Illinois 60608

RUIDO FEST is Co-presented by: Riot Fest Presents, Rock Sin Anestesia, Star Events and Metronome  

Hotel Picks
There's no camping in Chitown, but you can find a range of accommodations nearby (and downtown a mere train ride away) from budget priced to upscale:

Chinatown Hotel
Address: 214 W 22nd Pl, Chicago, IL 60616, United States
Phone:+1 312-225-8888
It's 1 star and the price reflects the amenities - still, it's clean and cheap. Located in Chicago’s Chinatown, this no-frills budget hotel is set in a 4-story redbrick building that's a 3-minute walk to the El train.

Chicago Marriott at Medical District/UIC
Address: 625 S Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60607, United States
Phone:+1 312-491-1234
This upscale 3-star hotel offers a chic bistro and sleek modern furnishings - worth it if you want to pamper yourself after a day dancing in the sun. Within the West Loop, this upscale property is and 2.3 miles the Willis Tower and 4.5 miles from the John Hancock Center.

Solo Bass Release: Moppa Elliott's 'Still, Up In The Air' & Live Date February 16 2016 in Brooklyn

From a media release:

Hot Cup Records Releases Still, Up In the Air
Debut Solo Album by Bassist Moppa Elliott
Elliott Celebrates in Concert
Tuesday, February 16 at Shapeshifter Lab, Brooklyn, NY

Hot Cup Records is proud to release Still, Up in the Air, the first solo album by bassist Moppa Elliott. The album was recorded on February 16, 2015 at St. Stephen's Pro Cathedral in Wilkes-Barre, PA, a space that has served as the venue for several other Hot Cup releases.  Primarily known as the leader of the ensemble, Mostly Other People Do the Killing, Elliott demonstrates both his mastery of the double-bass and his personal approach to solo improvisation.  The recording will be released on February 12, 2016 and Moppa celebrates with a concert on February 16 at Shapeshifter Lab in a concert that includes MOPDtK and solo sets by Moppa.

There is a long and storied history of solo bass recordings and Still, Up in the Air adds something new.  While the influence of Barre Phillips, Malachi Favors, Dave Holland, and Barry Guy cannot be ignored, the music on this recording is an attempt by Elliott to improvise in a way that eschews the typical conventions of linear, developmental forms favored by many other players. Elliott cites authors such as David Foster Wallace and Milorad Pavic as influences on his non-linear approach, as both create books that prevent the reader from progressing sequentially from page to page.  Elliott's performances on Still, Up In the Air jump from idea to idea rapidly in order to simulate a similar effect.  Elliott also drew inspiration from the 20th century's Cubist painters to create disjunctive forms that shift in perspective without assembling a unified whole.

Elliott's approach to the double-bass in a solo context incorporates not only all of the standard pizzicato and arco techniques of traditional bass playing, but also explores his own wide vocabulary of extended techniques including several new approaches to polyphony.  The variety of articulations used, both arco and pizzicato, enable him to cover a vast range of sonic space in a single improvisation.  All of the music was recorded live and the album includes a single edit, splicing together "Sequence Six" and "Sequence Twelve" into a single track.  Each piece draws on Elliott's experience performing in a wide variety of contexts including jazz, solo recitals, orchestral playing, and improvised music.  This recording offers the listener both an opportunity to hear Elliott's unique and personalized language of solo improvisation as well as another side of his well-established musical personality.

Moppa Elliott is best known as the composer, bassist, and bandleader for the widely heralded band "Mostly Other People Do the Killing."  The ensemble recently won the El Intruso Critics' Poll in the "Best Band to Hear Live" category and released Mauch Chunk, their eighth studio album.  In 2014, MOPDtK released Blue, a note-for-note recreation of Miles Davis' masterpiece Kind of Blue.  In addition to performing, Elliott runs the Hot Cup Records label and teaches music at St. Mary's High School in Manhasset, NY.

Moppa Elliott plays a late 19th century Bohemian bass and uses a CODA Bow carbon fiber bow. The recording was made using Ron Stabinsky's CAD Equitek E110 stereo microphones and the "Realist" pickup by David Gage.

Sequence Three, the first track

Indie Jazz with a Twist: Jim Wellman Album Release: Dawn To Dusk - Feb 29 2016

Indie Jazz with a Twist:
Jim Wellman
First MP3 Release: Probably Good - Jan 18, 2016
2nd MP3 Release : EP For The First Time - Feb 8, 2016
Album Release: Dawn To Dusk - Feb 29, 2016

From East Sussex, England, comes an album of what can only be called conscious funk, disco and RnB. You'll get your science lessons along with a dash of post-modern sociology to a funky groove in this imaginative concept album from Brand New Heavies founding member Jim Wellman.

Jim Wellman was set to retire from the music biz by the fall of 2014. But, his planned retirement instead became a comeback as a solo artist, inspired in particular by the mainstream media's propaganda on the situation in the Ukraine. According to Wellman's bio,

"The album is social commentary, but viewed through perspectives of human psychological evolution, and analysis of mass communication and propaganda. The core of the work is the understanding that Man lives in a world of amazing technological development, but is still encumbered with medieval forms of government by representatives who serve mainly the interests of the elite."

Sonically, the release is a perfect wave of good old school RnB and funk. Probably Good - the first single - has a great groove in a classic 1970s RnB style. As with the other tracks on the release, the lyrics are a pleasant surprise - quirky and clever.

Found a good girl
But he was entirely expendable

and the chorus:

Love can change it
Faith won't heal it
Truth's induced it
The law's infused it

The video (below) is equally post-modern quirky, with those naked Bond girl silhouettes and a geeky Wellman playing sax on the beach. Lucy is about... Lucy - that Lucy, our earliest forebear, the ancient female skeleton of the hominin species Australopithecus afarensis found in Ethiopia. Really. The lyrics trace the history of man. Change is diversity... he sings in Lewontin Campbell - the title a reference to two of the pioneers of cognitive biology.

The instrumentation - all by Wellman himself - is nicely fat and spot on in its execution; a full band with groovy keyboards, liquid guitar licks and a horn section along with both male and female vocals to take us through the intriguing concept album.

Tyranny comes with a happy song... 

Happy song is a standout, a duet between Jim and a female voice that trips along merrily to its dark message. Premature Truth is a slow and sexy musing on the nature of ideas. It includes a spoken word section.

It may not grab your emotions, but your intellect and your dancing shoes will be inspired by this clever yet accessible release.

Jim Wellman (All instruments) / Guest vocals: Judy La Rose Vocal on Lucy Only; Tara from studiopros.com - All other female vocals Terron from studiopros All lead male vocals except Cynical Century and Premature truth vocals by Jim Wellman

Track listing:1 - Lucy2 - Lewontin Campbell3 - Probably Good4 - Premature Truth5 - Feedback Loop6 - Night Of The Meme7 - Red Or Blue8 - Happy Song9 - For The First Time10 - Cynical Century11 - Let The People Rule Ya

Alex Anwandter Writing/Directorial Debut Nunca Vas a Estar Solo at the Berlin Film Festival February 11 to 21 2016

 From a media release:

Alex Anwandter Writing/Directorial Debut
'Nunca Vas a Estar Solo' at the Berlin Film Festival
February 11 to 21, 2016

Alex Anwandter makes his writing/directorial debut at the Berlin International Film Festival with the premiere of "Nunca Vas a Estar Solo". The festival takes place February 11-21.

The film follows the story of Juan (Sergio Hernández - “No”, “Gloria”), a manager at a mannequin factory leading a rather regular life, while conveniently ignoring the fact that his son, Pablo, is gay (and secretly cross dressing) - until life forces him to confront reality. Pablo is hospitalized after being brutally beaten by a gang of thugs in his neighborhood. The incident leaves Juan in debt, angered by the failure of the justice system and ready to take matters into his own hands to save his son. The story is loosely inspired by hate crime victim Daniel Zamudio, a Chilean gay youth and fan of Alex Anwandter’s music, whose death following a brutal beating made international headlines.

The film's world premiere forms part of the Berlinale Panorama program, although "Nunca Vas A Estar Solo" has already won awards as a work in progress, including at the Guadalajara Film Festival and the Santiago International Film Festival.

Anwandter states, “This story is not a biopic and shifts its focus onto the father of the boy. This is my way of saying: it was not just one boy, it’s many boys and girls, women and men. And the life we should examine more carefully is not the boy’s, it’s the rest of us. We who allow this to repeat over and over.” (Image - Andrew Bargsted in Nunca Vas a Estar Solo)

Anwandter goes on to say "It is an honor to debut in such a prestigious festival. I want to share this story. Although it is universal, it is deeply rooted in Chilean idiosyncrasy. Personally, I think it's important that our fiction acts as a powerful mirror of our immediate problems."

This year is shaping up to be a big one for Anwandter, with the April 1st release of his latest album, “Amiga” on Nacional Records, as well as the film's international release.

Here's the first single - Siempre Es Viernes En Mi Corazon

Trendy Valentine's 2016 in Toronto: Nugateau Patisserie Eclair Special

From a release:

Trendy Valentine's
Nugateau Patisserie 
717 Queen Street West Toronto 
Tel : 647-748-7001 nugateau.com

TORONTO - Chic, sleek Nugateau Patisseries is the first éclair-only patisserie in Toronto, owned by former Jelly Modern Doughnuts pastry chef Atul Palghadmal. They've put together a multi-cultural menu that showcases the cream-filled delight with international flair and have come up with the perfect solution to your Valentine's treat needs.

• The Queen West patisserie is offering up two special flavours as a duo ($12 for both) created specially for this love-filled holiday: Champagne (Choux pastry, Champagne and white chocolate cream) and Rose (Wild Strawberry cream with candied rose petals). 

They will also be offering up their other 12 seasonal flavours, including recently introduced savoury flavours Foie Gras and Smoked Salmon.

What could possibly be more romantic? Eat up!

Harlem Haberdashery Presents Third Annual Masquerade Benefit for Harlem Hospital Center March 5, 2016

From a media release:

Harlem Haberdashery Presents 
Third Annual Masquerade Benefit for Harlem Hospital Center
March 5, 2016

• Tickets

(New York, NY-- January 27, 2016) Harlem Haberdashery, the award-winning, bespoke boutique, will present its Third Annual Masquerade Ball benefiting Harlem Hospital Center. The Benefit will be presented by media partners AVENUE Magazine and Culumus Media's Radio 103.9fm. The Masquerade Ball will take place on Saturday, March 5, 2016 from 8pm - 12am at Harlem Hospital Center’s Mural Pavilion.

The Mural Pavilion will be transformed into “Casino Royale” festive and fun environment hosted by Radio 103.9fm’s Roxie Digital to welcome up to 250 guests wearing their best Black-tie meets Las Vegas casino chic ensembles who will celebrate the best and brightest of Harlem past, present and future including:

Honorary Award Presentation:
*Man of the Year - “Harlem’s Distinguished Gentlemen”: Khary Lazarre-White, The Brotherhood-Sister Sol
*Woman of the Year - “Harlem’s Inspiring Lady”: Tamika Mallory, Mallory Consulting
*Trailblazer of the Year -“The Spearheader”: Elena Romero, Celebrated Educator and Journalist

In addition to honoring community leaders, the Masquerade Ball will include live deejay performance by Sundae Sermon founder Stormin’ Norman, sumptuous food stations featuring Harlem restaurants: Cheri, Farafina Cafe & Lounge, Harlem Besame, Harlem Shake, Lolo’s Seafood Shack, Make My Cake and Seasoned Vegan with multi-level cocktail bars with spirits by Harlem Brewing Co., Papi Wines and William Wolf Whiskey. Guests will dine, dance and drink as well make memories at Shaken + Stirred Media interactive photo booth. The evening’s festivities will be immortalized with visuals produce by online men’s lifestyle magazine Mr. Refined. Community partners in support of the Masquerade Ball Harlem Run, #TakeCareofHarlem, and The League: DGM.

Event Information:
Harlem Haberdashery’s 2016 Masquerade Ball Benefiting Harlem Hospital Center
Saturday, March 5, 2016:  8pm - 12am
Harlem Hospital Center’s Mural Pavilion, 506 Lenox Avenue (at 136 St.), NYC 10037
Tickets $150 per person; A generous donation from ticket sales will be donated to Harlem Hospital Center.
Ticket link: www.2016hhball.eventbrite.com

Contemporary Art: 8th Annual India Art Fair January 28 to 31, 2016 in New Delhi

From a media release:

8th Annual India Art Fair
January 28 to 31, 2016
in New Delhi

NEW DELHI - The eighth edition of India Art Fair takes place January 28-31, 2016 in New Delhi and welcomes visitors to the largest contemporary art event in South Asia. Offering a unique opportunity to discover the best galleries in the region and beyond, India Art Fair's programme includes lectures, projects and events across the capital with an emphasis on cultural experience and education.

It is the fifth most attended art fair in the world, with the last edition attracting around 80,000 visitors. India Art Fair is South Asia’s leading platform for modern and contemporary art and portal to the region’s cultural landscape. Founded in 2008, India Art Fair has become the bedrock of a now booming cultural community with connections to every level of the market.

Building on these foundations, India Art Fair is expanding its programming to reflect South Asia’s immense diversity in the visual arts and to provide a platform for innovation across disciplines and exchange, throughout the region and the world.

The India Art Fair is as much about the business of art as it is about the art lover's - and especially art collector's - experience and there are a number of events and activities that work towards that goal. The speakers series look at topics that arnage from a look at the new generation of South Asian collectors to the great Indian graphic novel. A film programme rounds out the offerings.

The galleries represent a cross section of contemporary South Asian art from India, Nepal and Sri Lanka with a sprinkling of galleries from Spain, the U.K. and the United States.

This year there'll be high-level representation from Guggenheim and Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), New York, Carnegie Museum of Art, Palais de Tokyo, London's Victoria and Albert Museum, art auction powerhouse Christie's, the Colombo Art Biennale and Lahore Biennale Foundation, to name a few.

Zain Masun is the IAF's new international director and has overseen new initiatives and directions. To this end, IAF offers a much more tightly-curated fare this year, stamped clearly with the global clout of Masud, who worked previously for five years as assistant fair director of Art Dubai.

The 2016 edition is the most inward-looking one held so far, and engages with India’s folk and traditional arts. Foremost is Kalam Patua : From The Interstices Of The City-II, a solo show on Kalighat painter Kalam Patua curated by art historian Jyotindra Jain. A postmaster in West Bengal’s Chandpara sub-post office by day and artist by night, Patua’s works have featured in international museums such as V&A. Patua is a contemporary exponent of the 19th century style that originated outside Kolkata’s Kalighat temple. “Kalighat artists represent the syncretism unique to the subcontinent—Muslim artists paint scrolls with accompanying folk songs on Hindu gods and goddesses. Kalam, however, is a contemporary artist, choosing subjects such as communalism, dowry, urban life, eroticism in his works, using the language of Kalighat art,” says Jain.

THE DETAILS
VENUE
NSIC grounds, Okhla Industrial Area, New Delhi

VISITORS HOURS
29th - 30th January, 2016 (Friday and Saturday) - Public Hours: 2 PM - 8 PM
31st January, 2016 (Sunday) - Public Hours: 11 AM - 7 PM

Accommodations
There's a good choice of hotels and other accommodations available not far from the industrial area where the India Art Fair is being held. Here are a couple of suggestions:

Jasmine Boutique Hotel
50, Pocket-I, Jasola Vihar,
New Delhi- 110025, INDIA
Email : sales@jasmineboutiquehotel.com
Tel (24x7): +91 11 41641601/2/3/7

About 2km from the Art Fair site, you'll find comfort and contemporary luxury at the Jasmine Boutique Hotel. The mid-priced hotel offers value and personalized service in a small boutique hotel.

Eros Hotel
Nehru Place, American Plaza,
New Delhi, 110019, India
TEL: 91-11-41223344 / FAX: 91-11-26224288

About 4km from the Fair, the splendid Eros Hotel overlooks the Lotus Temple in Nehru Place with a palatial sense of style. You'll find five star contemporary grandeur throughout with a distinctly Indian flair, with all the usual amenities, including a spectacular outdoor pool.

Electro-Africa: Baaba Maal's new album The Traveller out now! (Palm Recordings - Jan 15, 2016)

From a release:

Baaba Maal's new album The Traveller out now!
(Palm Recordings - Jan 15, 2016)

• Order via iTunes

Baaba Maal, the Senegalese master-musician and cultural warrior, has an electrifying new sound and exhilarating live presentation.

The Traveller, his latest album, Baaba’s eleventh, released January 15, 2016, is a mixture of roots African sounds and cutting-edge western electro elements.

Complementing the record Baaba has a tight new road-band, a six piece, a departure from his previous larger line-ups, that will express the fresh sound, soulful truth and pulsating excitement of his latest innovative music.

A number of keynote headline concerts were scheduled. These included a performance in December 2015 at the Blues du Fleuve, the festival Baaba Maal has established in his home town of Podor, on the river Senegal.



The Traveller was recorded in London and Senegal; in making the record Baaba Maal has collaborated with Johan Hugo Karlberg from The Very Best. The Very Best’s two albums were genre-shattering, bright meshes of Afropop and electro; Karlberg has also worked with M.I.A, Coldplay, and Amadou and Marian, among many others.

‘Baaba is an amazing guy: he’s seen it all and done it all,’ says Karlberg. ‘He’s heavily involved in amazing projects all over the world that help people, so he’s a very inspiring person to be around and work with. It was just an honor to be able to have so much fun together and make music.’

‘I am so inspired by The Traveller,’ says Baaba Maal. ‘Working with Johan I feel we have achieved a perfect blend of sensibilities drawn not only from Africa and Europe but from all over the globe: I feel The Traveller defines how the planet looks at this time from the point-of-view of Senegal, Africa’s most westerly country. And despite many problems in many places, that view is extremely positive and inspiring.’