What drew George Harrison and The Beatles to Indian music and culture?
To celebrate the 50th anniversary of one of The Beatles most iconic albums, Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, Milapfest have teamed up with Liverpool City Council to rekindle and showcase the amazing creative and spiritual connection between The Beatles and India with a festival of music and culture with a special all-day event on Sunday 11th June 2017. Taking inspiration from the track Within You, Without You, Milapfest are taking over Liverpool’s St George’s Hall with four special concerts. Featuring some of the very best Indian classical artists and reflecting the changing mood of the day, each concert will be accompanied by a specially designed traditional Indian cuisine. Alongside the concerts is a free, all-day Indian Festival Village with food, arts and crafts, providing a unique musical exploration of East meets West, as seen in The Beatles track.
Beatles Ragafest Concerts
08:30, 13:00, 17:30 and 21:30 (please see below for details of each concert)
Festival Village
Open from 11:30 – 21:00 (free admission)
Join world-renowned Sarod artist Pandit Ranajit Sengupta and Tabla maestro Kousic Sen on Tabla as they set the tone for a wonderful day ahead with the meditative, spiritual and energizing moods created by Hindustani Ragas. The concert will be accompanied by a taster of a typical Indian Breakfast.
Ticket Price: £10 (incl. breakfast)
East meets West as an ensemble of Indian musicians led by violinist Jyotsna Srikanth perform alongside Swedish string quartet, Kristallkvartetten. This exploration of the six seasons of India will be accompanied by a traditional South Indian lunch.
Ticket Price: £16 (incl. lunch)
Grammy award winner, Pt. Vishwa Mohan Bhatt, alongside his son, Salil Bhatt, will showcase the extraordinary slide guitar he created, the Mohan Veena. Joining them in their exploration of both contemporary and traditional music is renowned Tabla artist Ramkumar Misra. This concert is accompanied by a traditional North Indian dinner.
Ticket Price: £20 (incl. dinner)
This candlelit concert brings together Madras pianist Anil Srinivasa and Bansuri flautist Rekesh Chaurasia as they launch their new album, ‘Melody on the Mersey’. They will be accompanied by percussionist Pirashanna Thevarajah and Tabla maestro Kousic Sen. Unwind and relax with masala chai, kumbakonam degree coffee and nibbles as they take you on a soulful musical journey.
Ticket Price: £16 (incl. drinks & food)
To celebrate the 50th anniversary of one of The Beatles most iconic albums, Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, Milapfest will rekindle and showcase the amazing creative and spiritual connection between The Beatles and India with an Indian Festival Village, filled to the brim with musical, cultural and gastronimical delights.
The day-long celebration will kick off with an exciting display of Indian Drumming on the steps of St George’s Hall (11:15am) before welcoming you into the Main Hall which will transport you to India. Bring all the family and explore the best India has to offer. Whether you want to get involved and try something new with one of our interactive workshops, taste some of the finest delicacies the country has to offer or listen to the amazing sounds that so influenced George Harrisonso much, there is something for all generations.
Harrison Stage
Watch the already exhilarating Indian Festival Village come alive with an explosion of music and dance on our main stage at the heart of St George’s Hall. Why not get involved? These amazing performers are also great teachers who will have you dancing away in these new styles in no time!
12:30pm. 3:30pm & 6:30pm Bharatanatyam
Enjoy the expressive and rhythmic movements of Indian Classical Dance with the talented young artists of Swati Dance Company & Milapfest’s Art School students
1:30pm, 5pm & 7pm Bhangra
Nachda Sansaar one of the country’s most popular Bhangra dance companies of the country, bring their powerful drumming and energetic dancing to the village.
Kids Corner
Lot’s of fun for little ones can be found in our Kids Corner! For the arty types, there’s lots of hands on arts & crafts to try. Dress up in traditional Indian fare or learn more about the exciting myths and legends of the East, there is lots here to keep the younger members of the family entertained!
1pm, 4pm & 5:30pm Storytelling with Gayathri
Starr Room
Whether you want to take a moment out and enjoy a relaxing yoga or meditation session or get your heart racing with an exciting Indian folk dance workshop, immerse yourself in some of the most fascinating activities the festival has to offer.
12pm, 3pm, 5:30pm & 8pm Yoga Taster Session
Novices & experienced yogis alike are invited to join PR Mohan for a quick fix yoga session
1pm & 4pm Folk Dance Workshop
An exciting Gujarati folk dance class led by Manisha Solanki suitable for all the family
2:30pm, 5pm & 8:30pm Meditation Moment
Stimulate your chakras & escape your stresses with a guided meditation session from Ian Costabile
Lennon Room – LEAF Pop Up Café
One of Bold Street’s most popular joints, LEAF, will be joining the celebrations with a very special pop up café that will showcase some of their finest loose-leaf tea and locally-sourced produce. The Liverpool favourite will be teaming up with Milapfest to create an exclusive tea especially for Sgt Pepper’s 50th birthday.
McCartney Stage
Join us for an exciting series of live events, from informative talks from music experts, to live performances and magic shows!
12pm, 3pm & 6pm Magic Show: Bharat Patel
Join us for some ‘Indian Style’ magic from one of the world’s most in demand performers
2pm, 5:30pm & 7:30pm Music Performance: A Modern Classical
Milapfest’s young musicians from Tarang & Samyo Too will showcase Indian Classical Music with a modern twist
3:30pm Talk: Kousic Sen, “Talking Tabla”
An insightful talk from Milapfest resident artist Kousic Sen on the history of the Tabla, & the relationship between music & mathematics. Open to music lovers of all genres!
4:30pm Talk: Dr Mike Jones, “The Beatles and Indian Music”
George Harrison’s Journey: Hear about this fascinating story & connections with Beatles & Music Industry expert Dr Mike Jones
Joining the festival village are popular names such as
· Matta’s International Foods
· LEAF Tea Shop & Bar
· Mayur Indian Restaurant
· Shared Earth
Browse, try and take home:
· Traditional Arts & Crafts
· Handbags & Handicrafts
· Delicious Indian food
· Spices & culinary delights
· Music & DVDs
Free to all
News
Milapfest Announce ‘Sgt Pepper at 50’ Event
BBC Radio Merseyside Interview
