Like last year, organisers are keen to showcase a diverse range of talent. This is demonstrated perfectly by Raga Jam – a ‘Blues Concert’ with a difference. This session will feature musicians playing instruments not normally associated with the Blues, including some extraordinary tabla and sitar players. The festival programme features rich and varied music, film and dance to celebrate the heritage of one of London’s most culturally enriched boroughs.
The Festival will take place in and around the centre of Ealing from Wednesday 12 to Sunday 16 February 2014. This year’s Festival will be celebrating dance and also feature numerous artists from in and around Ealing.
Robert Hokum, the vocalist and guitarist for Blues San Frontiers, one of the bands performing in the Raga Jam said: “Ealing Music& Film
Festival provides people with an opportunity to experience art they may not normally be able access – it’s unique and not mainstream.
However, that does not mean it’s any less enjoyable. I am very excited to be part of the Raga Jam with my band and other fellow musicians. Mehboob Nadeem will be playing the sitar. He is a world class musician with numerous accolades to his name and this is an amazing opportunity to watch him play – so don’t miss it.”
As before, the Festival has been organised by an independent Charitable Trust of the same name, specially set up by a group of residents and Angie Bray MP, and it is being supported by more than 20 local organisations and businesses including Ealing Council and the University of West London.
Patrick Chapman, Chairman of the Trust, said of what is now becoming an annual event: “We have a fabulous tradition of music and film in Ealing; we should celebrate that fact. We are putting on a stunning programme this year around the theme of dance that involves world-class local and international talent, music – classical, blues, choral, fusion – dance, talking heads and of course film, and we are already helping young musicians in our Borough through our outreach programme.”
Peter John, Vice Chancellor at the University of West London, said: “I am delighted to support the Ealing Music& Film Valentine Festival and its aim to, quite rightly, remind us of our cultural heritage. It provides something for everyone. And we can sit back and savour the borough’s fine contribution to the arts while, in the process, also showcasing some of Ealing’s venues and talent.”
For more information and the full programme, visit www.ealingmusicandfilmfestival.org/
