The 10th annual City of Bhangra Festival, May 29–June 7, celebrates a form of folk music and dance from the Punjab regions of India and Pakistan, delivered with the excitement of the 21st century. Ten days, 24 headliners, 14 teams, 300 performers in total, and 15,000 local and international attendees in Vancouver and Surrey will celebrate this year’s theme: #BhangraLove.
Pushing Boundaries, Creating Spaces
Behind the scenes and in the streets, VIBC’s 10th anniversary campaign is celebrating #BhangraLove.
Our campaign is close to us, and we hope it reaches you in a meaningful way too. The photographs are meant to share our deeper side, the side that is concerned with discrimination, cultural recognition, freedom of expression, access to the arts, and of course – love. It’s the side that drives us to work together, create spaces for intercultural collaborations, and develop positive relationships with the people around us. It’s the side of us that lets us push boundaries.
Whether challenging political issues or appreciating the simple ways we connect with one another, our campaign is meant to leave room for interpretation. It’s meant for you to connect with VIBC in the way you want to.
For us, the images should reach beyond the sidewalk, and into spaces where cultural practices, expressions, and our complex identities wander freely.
As we enter our tenth year, we want to take risks and we want to keep learning. To do this, VIBC will need to wear its heart on its sleeve. And, we’re asking you to join us. #BhangraLove
Native Thunder
An exhilarating start to the Festival, led by MC and beatboxer Rup Sidhu and choreographed by Hardeep Sahota, with performances by Native Thunder Productions, JCC Shalom Dancers, Now or Never Crew, Leela Dance, and the Royal Academy of Bhangra, all accompanied by Karn Bhuller on Dhol. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to experience First Nations, Jewish, Hip-Hop, and Garba dancers creating intercultural mash-ups by blending bhangra moves with their own indigenous folk traditions. Presented with support from Canada Council for the Arts. [Photo courtesy Native Thunder Productions]
DETAILS: Thursday, May 29, 6:30 pm, Reception (free); 8 pm, TransFusion ($10). SFU Woodwards, Fei & Milton Wong Experimental Theatre, 149 W Hastings Street, Vancouver. TransFusion Tickets: www.vibc.org/events