Performers for 2024:
We’re saddened to hear that Willow Switch had to cancel due to an illness in the band, but we wish them a speedy recovery and good health.
However, we’re so blessed to have Ali Jafri of The Shadow Majlis step in to do a solo set. Enjoy the enchanting sounds of the sitar paired with his dynamic vocals at the Performance tent at 5:00pm.
Bio:
Whether as a member of David J.’s live band or playing rock-sitar for Pigface, Ali Jafri has spent the past several years cultivating a multi-cultural artistic and musical vision. Now, he’s bringing that vision further to fruition with The Shadow Majlis.
If one looks up the word “Majlis,” one finds its Arabic and Semitic roots to describe social or religious gatherings – commonly translating to “sitting room.” This sparks some impressive connotations for The Shadow Majlis – presiding from the shadows, watching and guiding the audience towards deeper spiritual understanding and fulfillment.
From tragedy is often sprung the most poignant and powerful artistic output, and The Shadow Majlis is no exception: The project was formed by Jafri in the wake of the loss of his seven-year-old son OisÃn after a nine-month-long battle with a highly aggressive form of brain cancer, as well as the dissolution of his relationship. Recovering from such a devastating turn of events is no simple task, but with The Shadow Majlis and the band’s forthcoming debut album, The Departure, Jafri not only repairs his own soul, but offers us an alternative sonic reality in which we can all find solace and relief.
Fusing elements of Eastern modes with post-punk and rock, The Departure immerses listeners in an alternative neo-global style that transcends national and stylistic borders, The Departure is as its title suggests – a departure from the norm, a journey into something other, where there are no limits, and inclusion is all.
