ISLAMABAD:
The annual 2nd Music Mela began at the Pakistan National Council of Arts (PNCA) to celebrate International Jazz Month, according to local media sources.
According to a local media outlet, the 3-day event which has been organized by the United States Embassy, in collaboration with the Foundation of Arts, Culture and Education (FACE) will feature 25 acts from various music genres, where thousands of music enthusiasts from all across Pakistan will be present, as well as international speakers and music promotors, according to a US statement issued by the Embassy in Islamabad.
“Music has a special power to overcome barriers – regardless of language, geography, or culture.This event builds on the tremendous success of last year’s Music Mela and a year of cultural events arranged by the U.S. Embassy and its partners in Pakistan and the United States,” said U.S. Ambassador Richard G. Olson while inaugurating the gala.
U.S. bassist Marcus Miller also addressed the crowd via video message as part of International Jazz Month.
Pakistani artists headlining performances this year include Hadiqa Kiani, Sanam Marvi, Faiz Ali Qawwal, Ustad Shafqat Ali Khan, Coven, Sketches, Asrar, and many others.
In addition to live performances, Music Mela 2015 will feature workshops and master classes that address the needs of the Pakistani music industry. The program also includes master classes and presentations from successful music initiatives such as the National Academy of Performing Arts and Nescafe Basement, according to sources.
