As in previous years, we present a special Jodhpur RIFF Children's morning for our younger patrons that will feature: The Terah Taali and Gair dances... unusual, rich and vibrant; Kachi Ghodi & Chhatar Kotla, performed on dummy horses while men in elaborate colorful costumes dance rhythmically to drum beats as a singer narrates the exploits of the Bhavaria bandits of Shekhawati; Bahrupiya - the artful, disguise specialist and con man, the performer par excellence - a favourite; Kawa Circus,I ndia's first Rajasthani circus act featuring traditional artists of Rajasthan; and the young masters from the Langa and Manganiyar communities... not to be missed!

A one and a half hour vibrant extravaganza of Rajasthani traditional music and dance that includes Algoza party with male dancers, music and dances of the Kalbeliya, popular songs from Rajasthan by the Manganiyar, the Dhol Drummers of Rajasthan with a fire dancer and a special set by one of our international artists concluding the evening.

The Meghwal are a Hindu community from the Marwar region in Rajasthan. The community of Megh or Meghwal is synonymous with the Bhambhi. The Meghwal are well known as an occupational group engaged in tanning of hides and also working as agricultural laborers. Their saint is Ram Devji and they sing Bhajans for their deity in villages. Their main accompanying instrument is called 'tandura' a string instrument with a very distinctive sound and the jhanjh, a cymbal-like instrument. The Meghwal women of western Rajasthan are recognized as being very good weavers.

Unique to the region and to the country, the Meghwal of Marwar herald in the first dawn at Jodhpur RIFF 2016

As you wander through the Mehrangarh Museum in the fort, taste the myriad flavours of a variety of traditional dance forms reflecting the distinctive root traditions of Rajasthan - some known and some not so well known. Various forms including - Terahtaali - a devotional dance form of Kamad community honoring their folk hero Baba Ramdev (not the yoga guru!); the Jogis of Marwar; Kalbeliya, probably amongst the best internationally known of Rajasthan's nomadic communities, easily claiming to be the state's resident experts on snakes; Gair - the martial looking visual spectacle from Marwar and Chang Nritya.

Kahaniyan Kahan hai?

Storytelling has always been a part of India's rural cultures. And in Rajasthan, it has been inseparable from village life... mostly present as recitation and chanting but better known through traditional forms such as Phad and Kaavad. This year at Jodhpur RIFF, we begin a new exploration of the storytelling forms of the region with the help of Dr. Vijay Verma and Nahar Singh Jasol , ex-Director of the Mehrangarh Museum. The afternoon will see a special focus on the form of the Chand style of story telling among others.

Information on artists will be available from 7th September.

Jodhpur RIFF's interactive session series gives visitors a rare opportunity to meet fascinating artists in various root traditions, engage with them and chat about various folk instruments, forms and communities of Rajasthan through their performances, demonstrations and facilitated interactions. As more and more of Rajasthan's rich cultural heritage disappears and new generations turn to other professions seen to be more financially rewarding than their music, RIFF puts the spotlight on some of Rajasthan's more profound communities, forms and traditions nearing extinction.

Lakha Khan Manganiyar (sarangi, vocals)

At 70, Lakhaji is perhaps the greatest exponent of the sindhi sarangi. Born in the village of Raneri in Jodhpur district, Rajasthan, India into a family of traditional musicians from the Manganiyar community, he was trained at an early age by his father Tharu Khan and later, by his uncle Mohammad Khan, in rendering the compositions of the Multan school of Manganiyars. His first public performances were in the late 60's and 70's under the guidance of the late Komal Kothari, a highly regarded Indian historian and ethnomusicologist. While most Manganiyars play the Kamaycha, Lakhaji is unique in that he is one of the few Manganiyars to have mastered this complex instrument and to carry forward the centuries-old musical tradition of Rajasthani folk and Sufi music. He has performed extensively across Rajasthan and India, and internationally in the U.S. and Europe. Including a special performance at the Edinburgh International Festival

Kadar Khan Langa (sarangi, vocals - from the Sarangia Langa tradition)

At 70 Kadar Khan Langa is one of the seniormost sarangi players of Rajasthan. Kadar Khan belongs to a traditional music family where his father and brothers were all sarangi artists and vocalists. Born in Badnava, Kadarji lost his parents before he turned 10. He was brought up by his elder brother Ibrahim and his wife - he learned the sarangi from his brother. He would accompany his brother to their patrons' houses and witness his performance. The respect that his brother earned, inspired him to learn the music and follow the footsteps of his brother. Kaderji's philosophy on his professional life is unique - he gives more importance to his relationship with his patrons than to developing new inroads towards professional performances in India or abroad. He sincerely believes that his patrons are the people who have been supporting their families for generations and will do so for their future generations as well. They are the ones who actually understand their songs. If ever he has to choose between a performance at a patrons' house and a performance anywhere else including traveling abroad, he will always choose to perform for his patrons.

Being one of the senior most artists of the community, Kadarji has performed at many prestigious festivals/ occasions in India as well as abroad. His first performance abroad was in Paris. Internationally he has traveled to Europe including the Edinburgh International Festival.

Both Lakhaji and Kadar Khan believe that if music is not played with love, it has no meaning. And for future generations to actually understand and play true folk music, folk music should be taught in schools and that there be plenty of folk festivals where traditional folk music is presented.

Chiranji Lalji, Shamsuddeen Khan and Parveen Sabrina Khan

(vocals - Rajasthani Maand) featuring Ghewar Khan Manganiyar (Kamaycha)

At once both folk and classical, Maand is a vocal style that is Rajasthan's most singular contribution to north Indian classical music. This year, Jodhpur RIFF presents two doyens of the style - Chiranji Lalji and Shamsuddeen Khan - both Maand singers of extrodinary skill and uderstanding. Hailing from Supka in Nagore district, Shamsudden ji has been performing for over 40 years, having learned Maand from his father Nabi Khan and his grandfather Barde Khan, a court musician in the royal house of Jodhpur. Chiranji Lalji is from Nawalgarh and a recipient of the Allah Jillai Bai Award for Maand. His contribution to Maand has been unique - both as a dedicated practioner and a teacher. Both have performed extensively in India and abroad.

With them, Parveen Sabrina Khan returns to Jodhpur RIFF, performing some specially prepared songs together... a young vocalist with an extraordinary voice and a deepening interest in Maand, Parveen has performed extensively in Brittany (France) and has been presented by Jodhpur RIFF in the UK. Ghewar Khan Manganiyar arguably Rajasthan's finest living exponent of the kamaycha - accompanies the Maand artists. Ghewar was trained by his father, the late Sakar Khan Manganiyar, patriarch and doyen of the tradition - he has presented his work all over India and abroad, collaborating with some of the greatest string and percussion players of the world.

Brian Molley Quartet

(jazz saxophone, flutes, clarinet, bass, drumsbass, drums and keys) in collaboration with Asin Khan Langa, Bhungar Manganiyar, Saddik and Latif Khan (vocals, sindhi sarangi, khartal, dholak and morchang)

Once in a blue moon comes a jazz band that brings a different swing to things... a mixture of mellow moods and "brandy" brass... crafted ballads, drum 'n' bass, straight ahead jazz, brazillian choro, baiao - the Brian Molley Quartet delivers lyrical contemporary modern jazz in an inventive and impressive way. Drawing from extensive and diverse musical traditions and experience, led by the young and quietly sensational saxophonist Brian Molley, this sought after jazz quartet skillfully crafts their music for a wide audience. Add to it an extended stint with some ace Rajasthani musicians lead by Asin Langa, a young master on the sindhi sarangi and what you have is a wonderful new collaboration that premieres at Jodhpur RIFF. The artists also record their first collaborative album in Jodhpur during Jodhpur RIFF.

Davy Sicard Live in concert

(vocals in Maloya and French with rouleur, guitar, traditional percussion)

Originally from the remote island of La Reunion, but now based in France, Davy's music is sourced from Reunion... a folk form 'Maloya' which is a unique amalgamation of African slave chants and rhythms, unique traditional instruments and more...

If one were to define Davy Sicard's quest as refleted in his music, it would be for search for truth, a search for personal identity, a spiritual quest, and finally recognition of a collective identity, all firmly anchored in his core - Reunion Malagasy, Indian, born in the suburbs of Paris... anchored in Creole culture. Between whirling waltz, reggae, blues and ballads, the special ingredient in this case is Davy's beautiful voice which glides across the music like a scrumptious coating, pure sweet and expressive.

A master of modern 'Maloya', Davy Sicard's music is all about universal themes such as slavery and reconciliation. His songs weave a powerful thread between the ancient world and today's modernity with his particular brand of live energy on stage.

Desert Lounge

(all acoustic, traditional - from Rajasthan) from 11.30pm onwards

Rao Jodha Park (Mehrangarh Fort)

Jodhpur RIFF presents 'Desert Lounge' in the Rao Jodha Desert Park, just outside the Mehrangarh Fort... an unusual, acoustic, moon-lit rustic experience under the stars with artists in the park. Artists include the young Rajasthani group Dhun Dhora; emerging vocalists from Barmer Bhuta, Nehru and Dayam and the more senior Sawan Khan and Hakam Khan - strong vocalists from western Rajasthan. As you wander towards a tune floating in from afar or sit down to listen to a full throated song, we hope you will experience this as a simple yet magical combination of both gentle melodies and earthy beats that will enchant us till the wee hours of the morning.

Please note: The meeting point for all audience is in the Mehrangarh Fort lower car park at 10.45 pm or at the entrance to the park at 11.00 pm. The walk to and from the performance space is approximately 20 minutes from the lower car park: first on the road to the Rao Jodha Park entrance (10 minutes) and then in the park (10-15 minutes) - so please be prepared to walk!

Please carry something warm (it can get chilly) and wear decent shoes for walking.

The music is non amplified so we would like our audience to be silent during the performance so that all can hear clearly. Therefore, any disturbing noisy or talkative audience will be asked to leave. Hot drinks and light refreshments will be available for purchase.

Bhaga Khan Manganiar - Bhaga Khan hails from Chantagarh village in Jaisalmer and is accomplished in devotional singing styles of both the Meghwal and Shad. Equaly adept in bhajan and vaanis by the legendary Padma Ram Meghwal and Mehesha Ram, Bhaga Khan also has a deep knowledge of folklore and mythology and sings compositions of Meera, Kabir, Dadu, Redas and Surdas.

As you wander through the Mehrangarh Museum in the fort, taste the myriad flavours of a variety of traditional dance forms reflecting the distinctive root traditions of Rajasthan - some known and some not so well known. Various forms including - Terahtaali - a devotional dance form of Kamad community honoring their folk hero Baba Ramdev (not the yoga guru!); the Jogis of Marwar; Kalbeliya, probably amongst the best internationally known of Rajasthan's nomadic communities, easily claiming to be the state's resident experts on snakes; Gair - the martial looking visual spectacle from Marwar and Chang Nritya.

   

As part of an ongoing project, Jodhpur RIFF 2016 held a master class camp for a group of young Mangnaiyar musicians. This master class was conducted as a "residency" for talented musicians of the next generation, prior to the festival. At this session, we get a chance to see them present their work as well as to talk to them - to learn first hand what they feel about their traditions, their loves their challenges. And most importantly, their aspirations and vision of the future of their legacy.

Pempa Khan Manganiyar (surnai, shehnai, murli)

Pempa Khan grew up playing the surnai while keeping an eye on his family's camels. Once, one of his family's jajmaan (patron) heard him, he encouraged him to play and that was when he began learning the kamaycha, surnai and murli from his elder brother, the late Sakar Khan. Their parents died very young and it was Sakar ji who brought him up.

For him, the surnai is popular in all over India (in classical music it is referred to as sehnaai and surnai in folk culture). Pempa ji's core instrument is the Thalwadi surnai and its popular among the Maganiar of Sindh Pakistan, of Kutch in Gujraat and in the Thar in Rajasthan. He plays the murli, less out of training, more because he loves it. According to Pempa ji, the surnai/ shenaai is assumed to be an auspicious instrument across India, played to herald people in a religious or family ceremony. Traditionally in villages, it was only the dhol or the nagada that was considered auspicious. The surnai was popular only in royal courts or in big cities.

Today, in his 50s, Pempa is a living master in this tradition. There are other good players and he does have students from the community, but he rues the fact of the decline in the number of capable artists and the quality and repertoire of the playing of the instrument.

Sawan Khan Manganiyar (Sufi poetry and vocals)

(information on this artist will be available from 7th September)

Main Stage Performances

STRINGS & BEATS

from 7.45 PM onwards

Old Zenana Courtyard (Mehrangarh Fort)

Kamaycha Charm with Ghewar Khan Manganiyar (kamaycha, dholak, khartal) Unique to Rajasthan, the Kamaycha is one of the rarest instruments in the world today. And among its few living masters is Ghewar Khan Manganiyar, arguably the most proficient and skillfull. Son of the late master Sakar Khan Manganiyar, Ghewar and his brothers Darra (a superb Kamaycha player) and Firoze (a master dholak player) present a unique concert centred on the Kamaycha and its particular sound. A number of master Kamaycha players, accompanied by light percussion present the best of the instrument - alternately bass and rough and then soft, sweet and melodius.

In its present form, the Kamaycha comes with 10-17 strings and is played with a bow. Made of mango wood, its rounded resonator is covered with goat skin. Three or four of its strings are goat intestine called 'roda' and 'joda' while the other 14 strings of steel are 'jhara'. The Kamaycha (also called Kamaicha, but completely different from the spiked fiddle from Iran - the Kamancheh) bow is prepared from "Khejari" wood and horse tail hairs or synthetic thread. Small bells (gungroos) are attached to the bow to produce rhythmic jingle along the notes.

Ross Daly and Kelly Thoma in concert (Greek lyra) with special guests Ghewar Khan Manganiyar (Kamaycha),Jeff Lang (guitar and slide), Masha Natanson (Polish and gypsy vocals) and others.

Although of Irish descent, Ross Daly does not really fit into any particular ethnic stereotype given that his life has been spend in many different parts of the world and his home for the last 35 years is the island of Crete in Greece. Ross Daly, at a very early age, discovered that music was, in his own words, "the language of my dialogue with that which I perceive to be sacred". Since 1975 he has been based on the island of Crete where he is universally recognized as one of the foremost experts on the island's rich musical tradition. In particular, he is considered by many to be the undisputed master of the lyra. No stranger to Jodhpur RIFF (Ross and Kelly made a brief but superb appearance here in 2014) or to Indian music, Ross presents a select duet with his partner, long-time collaborator and expert lyra player Kelly Thoma and is then joined by a host of friends on other string instruments to complete what promises to be a serene, beautiful and vibrant concert. He also begins work on a new collaboration with Rajasthani instruments which we hope will premiere in Jodhpur RIFF 2017.

The Cretan lyra is a Greek pear-shaped, three-stringed bowed musical instrument, central to the traditional music of Crete and other islands in the Dodecanese and the Aegean Archipelago, in Greece. The Cretan lyra is considered as the most popular surviving form of the medieval Byzantine lyra, an ancestor of most European bowed instruments. Ross Daly is especially well known and respected for his ability to bring artists of different and seemingly unrelated traditions together in collaborations of unique quality and depth. In 1982 he established the Labyrinth Musical Workshop which is today situated in the village of Houdetsi 20 kms south of the capital city of Herakleion. The Musical Workshop Labyrinth (www.labyrinthmusic.gr) is a unique educational institution dedicated to the study of the world's modal musical traditions and every year Ross Daly and his colleagues organize an impressive number of seminars and master-classes which are taught by many of the world's greatest master-musicians - some of our Rajasthani master musicians have also played here.

RIFF Robust - a Jodhpur RIFF percussion special featuring master percussionists of Rajasthani in collaboration with Ben Walsh (khartal, dholak, morchang, dhol, kunda, table, drums)

A Jodhpur RIFF percussion special featuring master percussionists of Rajasthan in collaboration with Ben Walsh. Ben is celebrated as one of Australia's most accomplished percussionists and performers. He has earned himself a phenomenal reputation internationally and abroad for his skill, mastery and innovation. Here, for the first time, he meets up with a dozen or more Rajasthani master percussionists - on the dholak, the khartal, the morchang, the dhol - for a concert full of rhythmic rancour and robust mayhem.

DJ Dolphin Boy

Inspired by the philosophies of the groove-based, funk and soul music scene of the 50's, 60's and 70's, of Celtic music and Jazz, DJ Dolphin Boy is a unique musician in the underground and genre-bending mix-tape scenes of Scotland, in fact, currently Scotland's favourite DJs and remixers. His open-minded musicality and ability to make even the popest of tunes and folkiest of dirges sexy means he's loved by the folkies and jazzers as well as by the hardcore clubbers on the dance floor. Hail Dolphin Boy... a little more laid-back than the current trends in the EDM scene, more funky, more retro and way more dancy... This is DJ Dolphin Boy's first visit to India (of many, we hope!)

(artists to be confirmed; information available from 7th September)

PLEASE NOTE

The Program is subject to change. There will also be screenings of films at Jodhpur RIFF. Please watch out for details of venue and timings on our Facebook page in early October and at the venue. Entry will be free.

For more information on the program, email: info@jodhpurriff.org

Early morning rustic vocals of Smita Bellur in Kannada, Hindi and Urdu... who shares her spiritual and musical journey traversing Hindustani and Carnatic vocals, Kabirvaani, Nanakvaani and the lilting and heartrending poetry of the Sufi mystics - a varied and vibrant dawn concert from a young and upcoming vocalist with a mature voice.

As you wander through the Mehrangarh Museum in the fort, taste the myriad flavours of a variety of traditional dance forms reflecting the distinctive root traditions of Rajasthan - some known and some not so well known. Various forms including - Terahtaali - a devotional dance form of Kamad community honoring their folk hero Baba Ramdev (not the yoga guru!); the Jogis of Marwar; Kalbeliya, probably amongst the best internationally known of Rajasthan's nomadic communities, easily claiming to be the state's resident experts on snakes; Gair - the martial looking visual spectacle from Marwar and Chang Nritya.

   

Jodhpur RIFF hosts a focussed session on the aero-phonic instruments of Rajasthan. Led by expert Dr. Vijay Verma, instruments include the algoza, the narh, the murla, murli, been, shehnai/ surnai and many others. Rarely heard or played today, the wind instruments of the region are unique examples of a fast-dissapearing rural culture of the deserts of India.

Jaiateerth Mevundi in Concert (vocals in Marathi and Kannada, tanpura, harmonium, tabla) One of the finest vocalists to emerge from the Kirana Gharana of Dharwar region, Jaiateerth Mevundi is a master in the Santvaani (words of the saints) and Daasavani (words of the devotee) musical traditions of Karnataka and Maharashtra. Add to it his complete and profound understanding of Hindustani classical music and his rustic style of singing the traditional abhang and no wonder then, his artistry has been acknowledged through numerous accolades invitations and awards including the 'Swar Bhaskar Puraskar'-the first ever award given in the name of Bharat Ratna Pt. Bhimsen Joshi of Dharwar.

Dada Dadi ke Gaane (songs of my grandmother and grandfather) Anwar Khan Manganiyar in Concert (vocals in Rajasthani accompanied by harmonium, khartal, kamaycha, dholak) Anwar Khan Manganiyar is one of the leadng vocalists of Rajasthan. A profoundly knowledgeable vocalist of considerable experience and stature, he performs a solo concert for Jodhpur RIFF for the first time ever. Presenting select songs that he knows were handed down from his grandparents to him, he sings their and his favourites from a repertoire rarely heard today, even in the villages of the Manganiyar community.

Maru Tarang (ripples of the desert - vocals in Rajasthani and English, table, sindhi sarangi, khartal, guitar, lap steel guitar) Deep in the deserts of Rajasthan, Australian artists Jeff Lang & Bobby Singh met Asin Langa & Bhungar Manganiyar. Spanning continents and genres, a remarkable collaboration commenced - Maru Tarang. A virtuosic repertoire including ancient Rajasthani songs refreshed by Australian roots; seminal blues by Robert Johnson enriched by Indian flavours; soulful expressions through deep, original and fiery improvisations and compositions... These artists have developed their music to be all they need to converse, sans a common language... and the conversation is stunningly eloquent. After a series of successful tours in Australia, release of the remarkable album "Blue City"; rated among the top 10 at WOMEX 2014 (Spain) by NPR, acknowledged as sensational at Celtic Connections and Moshito and soon to release another album.... Maru Tarang returns to play at Jodhpur RIFF 2016

Söndörgö ('Shoendoergoe' - lead tambura, tambura samica, derbuka, trumpet, clarinet, saxophone, kaval, accordion, shepherd flute, hulusi, tapan, vocals)

Söndörgö is a fantastic band from the interiors of Hungary, playing lesser known, traditional and popular tunes of the Serb-Croatian communities living along the Danube, coupled with gypsy and Balkan tracks from elsewhere. Not surprisingly, they play 17 instruments among them and styles of music that are hugely attractive, but little known and quite different to the traditional Hungarian repertoire. Blazing a hot trail through the gypsy/world music scene in Europe, Sondorgo presents a remarkable collection of foot tapping and melodious music at Jodhpur RIFF 2016. In contrast to most groups playing Balkan music, Söndörgö isn't playing brass band music. It is a tamburitza band. The tambura is a small and agile plucked instrument similar to the mandolin which is occasionally supplemented by wind instruments and accordion. Söndörgö's traditional repertoire is made up of material gathered by Béla Bartók and Tihamér Vujicsics as well as learned from old masters of the tradition... touched by, and drawn towards Southern Slav folk music.

Bixiga 70 in concert

Bixiga 70 is as one of the most widely sought after groups in contemporary instrumental music from Brazil. These talented musicians produce a contemporary sound that mixes Brazilian and African influences, including Samba and Reggae, with carimbó and ethio-jazz. Other elements pulled from the travels of Bixiga's ten members include - Cumbia from Colombia, Malinké drumming from Guinea and Cuban blaxploitation riffs. Fundamentally though it's the horns that dictate the pace, and this is where Fela Kuti's Yoruba influence is most obvious. The horns on can blast out with serious swagger. A tight backing of trombones and saxophones give irresistible danceability. If looked to the horns as a litmus test of Afrobeat quality, in this regard Bixiga 70 shoot off the scale. A just-have-to-dance-to band! (Indian Premiere)

The RUSTLE at RIFF is our largest impromptu collaboration event that concludes the festival's night time revelries. Every year, the festival appoints an artist as 'rustler', who then rustles up musicians from the festival to participate in this performance in pairs, or quartets or all together - he or she feels fit to do - it's our way of giving them an opportunity to perform on stage with each other, most of who have never met before or may rarely meet again. This year, Ben Walsh - one of the world's foremost and most innovative drummers - is our rustler, who will lead this year's moonlit jam with Rajasthani percussionists, Brian Molley on Saxophone, members of Bixiga 70... who knows what will happen! Not to be missed!!