Musical evening: Zoe Viccaji performs to an appreciative audience

Folk performances punctuated by food, social activities.

ISLAMABAD: A group of folk musicians enthralled a candid audience in the sprawling gardens of the Turkish embassy on Saturday. Organised by the Asian Study Group (ASG), the event lifted the spirits of its members with good food, fine music and the promise of exhilarating activities in the months ahead, proving, that there is nothing like a good party to embrace even the most wearisome of seasons.

The soirée was in for several treats: a vibrant Punjabi folk group from Jhang lent vigor to the summer air, compassing the venue to charm well-dressed women on their round-tables, who pulled out their cameras and broke into smiles.

A round of trivia followed, earning the well versed, prizes in the form of vouchers and dinner dates to upscale restaurants and the rest, a lesson on the ancient history and heritage of Pakistan. Win or lose, all guests were rewarded with a lavish dinner catered by the Serena Hotel and lingered on afterwards for the biggest treat of them all: Zoe Viccaji and the Inline Band.

Accompanied by the five-member Inline band, with a rich Goan legacy dating back to the 50’s, singer and songwriter, Zoe Viccaji had the crowd at “hello”, or rather; at her soulful cover of the jazz hit “mercy”.  A Nina Simone cover brought doting couples out to sway together on to the grassy dance floor near the stage.

Viccaji, who delved into western jazz at the start of her musical career, has since integrated the influence of eastern classical into her upcoming album.

While a good amount of guests went home with spa and dinner vouchers, pashmina shawls, handicrafts and an air ticket to fly anywhere on Qatar Airways, the evening was a reminder of over four decades of ASG’s commitment to a platform without profits or politics.

“We want to encourage Pakistanis to own their country,” said ASG President Parveen Malik. She believes that the keenness of foreigners to learn about Pakistan is less often seen in Pakistanis who tend to take the bulk of their heritage and culture for granted.

ASG’s focus on the province of Balochistan, of which, little is known or seen in the commercial realm. The introduction of Naheed Azfar, who is finishing a book on Baloch embroidery, triggered a dialogue and curiosity within the group, encouraging the exploration of culture and social norms in the province, which remains a mystery, in large part.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 20^th, 2013.