This year’s Indian Summer Festival demonstrates a beautiful truth: inspiration is all around. In the two concerts I attended, artists reinterpreted words from the songs they heard growing up, sampled melodies from film soundtracks, and translated the natural bioelectric signals of plants into audible sound. These concerts (seen July 11 & 13) offered a look into artists’ connections with their cultures, friends and family, and the natural world.
In its mission statement, Indian Summer aims to “address a gap in Vancouver’s cultural landscape and to break stereotypical perceptions of South Asian art as ossified, traditional, and nostalgic”. After attending this festival for the first time, I can attest to the boundless creativity of the artists featured in the festival’s lineup. From comedians to authors to classical musicians, Indian Summer showcases a wide variety of art forms with many of the featured guests pushing beyond the expected.
L-R: Raaginder & Rashmeet Kaur with band at Vancouver’s Indian Summer Festival. Photo: Kaitlyn Chan
Sacred Sounds, New Worlds: Rashmeet Kaur
On July 11, I gathered alongside other buzzing audience members in the Vancouver Playhouse to see one of India’s fast-rising stars: Punjabi singer and composer Rashmeet Kaur. This concert marked her Vancouver debut and was the last venue for her North American tour. Therefore, we had to party as Kaur said herself.
Producer and musician Asad Khan opened the event with his newly titled project “Sabr”. This performance drew from Indian classical, Old Hindi film, Punjabi folk, Qawwali, and Ghazal, reimagining them in electronic soundscapes.
As the room was lit only by a couple spotlights, the intricate sounds of each track took centre stage. Khan described the experience as “swimming in music”, and it’s hard to disagree with that suggestion. The ringing voices and ethereal instrumentation engulfed the space, leaving nothing untouched.
Midway through his set, Khan was joined by California–based violinist Raaginder, who is of Punjabi descent. A Pakistani-Canadian artist, Khan explained how tensions between Pakistan and India have affected his music and others’ willingness to collaborate with him. Understanding the history between these countries offered a deeper listening experience and emphasized how music transcends physical borders.
Asad Khan at Vancouver’s Indian Summer Festival. Photo: Kaitlyn Chan
After an intermission, we returned to our seats to see the headliner. Kaur’s set began with slight technical difficulties, which the singer took in stride. She led the performance with such natural charm that audience members were drawn to speak to her as if they knew her personally. The dialogue was respectful and fun, adding to the liveliness of the show.
Kaur’s original songs were a delight to hear, blending Punjabi folk, Sufi, hip-hop, and R&B. With her deep, rich, and grounded tone, Kaur appeared effortlessly powerful. At times, it was hard to imagine where the singer was even breathing!
For some songs, Kaur had her band join her on stage, featuring a bassist, drummer and pianist, who all played with animation. Raaginder was also invited back for a couple of songs, matching the energy perfectly.
Modern Biology. Photo: Andre Chan
Special Presentation: An Evening with Modern Biology
The second concert I attended at Indian Summer was held on the Great Lawn of VanDusen Botanical Garden. This picnic-style event allowed the audience to be surrounded by nature for the entirety of the performance.
Modern Biology—the stage name of electronic musician Tarun Nayar—stood with a DJ setup and plants and fungi around him. “Let’s start with this fern,” he said, attaching sensors to its fronds. Nayar then led the audience through a meditative practice of going into “plant mode” (i.e., finding a comfortable position and imagining life through the lens of a plant).
L-R: Rubina, Modern Biology, Chris Gestrin & Jaron Freeman-Fox at Vancouver’s Indian Summer Festival.
Photo: Kaitlyn Chan
Nayar had many friends and collaborators join him as he shared that much of the show came together in the previous 24 hours. By his side for the entirety of the performance was pianist Chris Gestrin, who was quietly talented and followed the flow of the improvisational show. Other guests included poet Ruby Singh, violinist Jaron Freeman-Fox, Professor of Anthropology Dr. Michael Hathaway and singer Rubina. Each brought their own touch to the event from a violin-mushroom music battle to an educational reading about fungi sexuality. Rubina was particularly outstanding with haunting vocals that were layered over “mushroom music”.
Overall, the concert was deeply calming. Nayar was successful in turning one’s attention to the symphony of the earth. “We aren’t the only ones here,” he said, “this whole world is alive.”
Indian Summer showcases unique programming that educates and awakens the soul. With these concerts as examples, it serves as a reminder that the inspiration you seek is right in front of you … perhaps it is in the shape of a red-belted conk.
Vancouver’s Indian Summer Festival continues until July 19. For more information about upcoming performances, visit www.indiansummerfest.ca
