MOUNTAIN View, CA: If you are a music lover, we have good news for you. Make your summer more refreshing and entertaining with Gaana Music festival. The inaugural Gaana Music Festival, presented by the Times Group and produced by T Music Corporation, comes to Shoreline Amphitheatre on Saturday 19th May and Sunday 20th May!
This spectacular two-day event gathers the biggest names in Indian Music, including Arijit Singh, Mika Singh, Usha Uthup, Benny Dayal, Kanika Kapoor, Gippy Grewal, Amaal Malik, Armaan Malik, Ayushman Khurrana, Akriti Kakar, Prakriti Kakar, Sukriti Kakar, Indian Raga, Penn Masala. Billed to be the biggest and first Indian music festival in United States, the two day event promises nonstop musical treat to all the music lovers of Bay area.
Day 1 features Mika Singh, Usha Uthup, Armaan Malik, Amaal Malik, Kanika Kapoor, Benny Dayal and Gippy Grewal.
With millions of fans all over the world, Mika Singh has given Punjabi music a distinct identity. His unique voice and style, has gained him vast critical appreciation in the last decade and also the title of a powerhouse entertainer. A singer, composer, performer, songwriter and director in his own right, Singh is better known as The King of Bollywood, reaching unmatched levels of fame in the industry through dozens of chart-busting hits from his solo albums to Bollywood soundtracks. Singing Superstar Mika Singh who has over 10 million followers in social media is ready to belt out some of his hit numbers such as “Bas Ek King”, “Mauja Hi Mauja”, “Ibn-e-Batuta”, and “Dhanno” at Gaana Musical festival.
When we think Usha Uthup, who is also referred to as ‘queen of pop’, we immediately think ‘high energy’, ‘silk saris’, and ‘gajras’. For the last several years, Usha Uthup has given Indian music, versatility and individuality imbibed in layers of ethnic Indian tradition and heritage. She has redefined music and all its nuances, and has broken several norms when it comes to dressing. Some of her popular songs like ‘Ramba ho’, and ‘Shaan se’ which she will be performing at the festival have been etched in everyone’s minds and hearts and are remembered for the sheer verve and soul that they possess.
When brothers Amaal Mallik and Armaan Malik come together, they create magic with their compositions and vocal chords. They complement each other perfectly, get ready to witness their compositions at the festival. Armaan is the son of singer and music director Daboo Malik and nephew of famous music director Anu Malik. He has given hits such as Jai Ho, Main Hoon Hero Tera, Buddhu Sa Mann, Wajah Tum Ho, Naina, Chaar Shanivaar and Sau Aasmaan.
Versatility is the name of the game for singer Kanika Kapoor, who not just captivates with her vocal abilities but also tweaks regular things for a surprisingly alluring result. Be it her devotional or Bollywood rendition, Bay area get ready to listen to her heart wrenching soulful numbers such as the newly released single Ik Onkar or peppy Baby Doll.
When Benny Dayal is on stage, he promises quality entertainment. He is one of the more fashion forward singers in Bollywood. He has crooned hit numbers in several languages including Malayalam, Kannada, Tamil, Marathi and Hindi. Dayal is also known for his work with AR Rahman, especially in Hindi films like Delhi 6 and Ghajini.
Rupinder Singh Grewal, commonly known as Gippy Grewal, is an Indian actor, singer-songwriter and film director whose works span over Punjabi and Hindi film industry. Since his inception in the music world of Punjabi pop, Gippy has carefully developed a diverse and successful music career scoring a hit with ‘Chak Lai’, his very first album. A great performer and singer, the power of sensitivity and credibility come naturally to Gippy Grewal. His albums reflect his very own unique style and are a great blend of ‘Punjabiyat’ with the latest pop.
Day 2 features Arijit Singh, Ayushman Khurana, Penn Masala, Kakkar Sisters and India Raga
Superstar singer Arijit Singh has been described as mellifluous, mesmerizing, natural voice, soothing and soulful by various critics and music aficionados. He has sung in diverse music genres.
The MTV Unplugged show performances by the singer is just one such example of how much effort the singer puts in every time to deliver something better. At Gaana music festival, Arijit will also give you a trip into his favorite playlist by crooning the most amazing songs that he likes, and believe me, his playlist is as amazing as his own songs.
Ayushmann Khurrana is an Indian film actor and singer, who started his career as a television anchor. If Ayushmann Khurrana still continues to hold on to his music, and makes time for it, it just shows his passion and love for music. Pani Da Rang , Mitti di khushboo, O heeriya, Saadi gali aaja are definitely a treat to watch live at the music festival.
Penn Masala is an American a cappella group. It is the world’s first and premier South Asian a cappella group. Their music is a huge hit across the world and their mash-ups have garnered a massive fan following in the recent years. With 10 albums under their name, Penn Masala will enthrall their fans on day 2 at the Gaana music fest.
The Penn team comprises Anvit Reddy, Sanjit Chakravarty, Hari Ravi, Ajay Vasisht, Pranay Sharma, Praveen Rajaguru, Brendan McManus, Kasish Hora, Yamir Tainwala, Vishnu Rachakonda, Nikhil Raman, Atman Panigrahi, Anirudh Bikmal and Wrik Sinha.
Singer Akriti Kakkar, who will be performing with her twin sisters Sukriti and Prakriti Kakkar at the festival is thrilled to share the stage with them on day 2 of Gaana music festival. Akriti Kakkar is the lively voice behind hits like “Marjaani” from Billu Barber, the title track of Johnny Gaddar, “Iski Uski” from 2 States, and “Saturday, Saturday” from Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhaniya.
While Sukriti has made a name for herself with songs such as Pehli Baar (Dil Dhadakne Do) and Kar Gayi Chull (Kapoor and Sons), Prakriti is known for songs such as Bheeg Loon (Khamoshiyan) and Tu Hi Jaane (Azhar).
The IndianRaga Fellowship is the world’s most prestigious network of performing artists producing the best collaborations and music videos.
Gaana music festival promises wide and varied repertoire ranging from folk, semi classical, and Bollywood Indian music with global influences of rock, funk, pop and jazz. From opportunity to meet and greet the artist and lazing on the lawns with World class music, this music festival is high-octane show that music lovers are going to cherish for a long time. Grab your tickets at www.gaanamusicfestival.com.
Vidya Sethuraman
India Post News Service