Red Baraat: Festival of Colors

The Boston Globe called Red Baraat’s irresistible sound “new-breed marching-band music that’s part Punjabi wedding, part New Orleans second line, and all New York.” Led by the charismatic percussionist Sunny Jain, the Brooklyn octet whips up a raucously fun mix of Indian bhangra rhythms, go-go music, jazz, hip-hop and Crescent City brass funk. For this special night, the band presents Festival of Colors, celebrating the Hindu holiday of Holi. Marked by public gatherings of families and strangers sharing songs, dance, and the exchange of ‘colors’ – colorful dry powder or colored water playfully thrown amongst the crowds of revelers – Holi is observed at the approach of vernal equinox. The festival signifies the victory of good over evil, the arrival of spring, end of winter, and for many a festive day to meet others, play and laugh, forget and forgive, and repair ruptured relationships. There is no band on earth better suited for this celebration of renewal and positive energy than Red Baraat. Come party with the rousing group the Wall Street Journal called “a big band for the world” on this most auspicious occasion. "…a fiery blend of raucous Indian bhangra and funky New Orleans brass. The result, needless to say, is completely riotous." -Village Voice