Riff 2009

I am just back from the Rajasthan International Folk Festival. The festival was organized at the Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur. The five day long festival was organized from October 1 to 5, 2009.
We chose to attend the performance of the Langa musicians. It was an unbelievable experience listening to Ustad Allaudin Khan Langa who played the ancient instrument called Surinda. Musicologists believe that only about 4 Surindas are present in the world today and in India perhaps no one outside the Langa family may be able to play this instrument.
In short, it was an out of the world experience to listen to such great music sitting in the Royal fort of Mehrangarh.

Yes.. I read about RIFF 2009, held in the picturesque environ of the Mehrangarh fort. There is a lot of media coverage... I believe the festival is about fusion music.It is amazing. I will make it a point to be there next year.

I too visited the Rajasthan International Folk Festival. The festival is patronized by Shri Gaj Singh, the Maharaja of Jodhpur. I could see that there is a lot of emphasis on fusion music– of the east meets west type.
At RIFF 2009, I was able to witness the interesting chemistry between Flamenco dancers from Spain and Banjara artists from Rajasthan. Flamenco dancer Farruco and Rajki Sapera from the Kalbelia tribe of Rajasthan matched each other beat for beat and twirl for twirl.
Historically, they share a common musical heritage. The Gypysies of the West, first began their journey from the Thar desert of India and eventually stopped in Spain. On their way, they imbibed the music of the various countries they passed through.

I did not know about this festival. Thank you for your posts.