Zakopower from Poland to perform

Deep Forest trumps Deep Purple. Celtic trumps Classical. Alpine horn trumps Alpine romantic melodies from K-Jo films. For me, it’s always been world music that makes the world go round.

So when I heard that there’s a Polish world music ensemble coming to town, I did my homework faster and better than I ever did at school. If you’re crazy about unusual sounds like I am, you’ll be excited too. Zakopower is a nine-member band that was founded in 2005 by violinist Sebastian Karpiel-Bułecka, and named for his hometown in the Tatra mountains, Zakopane. The group’s going to perform in Mumbai as part of the Polish National Day celebrations organised by the Consulate of Poland. It’s the 90th year of Independence for Poland and 75 years since the Polish Consulate had an office in Mumbai.

So, what’s the sound you can expect? Honestly, going by all the different numbers I heard online in anticipation of the real thing, there’s a very eclectic outpouring of musical talent. A fusion of the traditional, folksy music from the Goral community of Southern Poland with very modern beats and rhythms. A sound that spans electronic, pop and folk rock and brings it all together in a powerhouse performance that’s guaranteed to engage, enlighten and enchant. No wonder they were nominated for Best Polish Act at the MTV Europe Music Awards the same year they got together. And they followed up their popular debut album ‘Music Hal’, with another successful one called ‘Na Siedem’ in 2007.

Nine great musicians + two evenings of unlimited entertainment = one really happy me. And although the rest of the chaps are cute and all, I’m going to be in pole position to meet the man behind the magic — Sebastian — backstage. Will you be in the race too?

Zakopower will perform at:
* NCPA, Marine Drive, Mumbai, on Monday, November 24 at 7 pm. Entry by complimentary passes available at the venue; Tel: 22824567, 66548135; E-mail: zakopowermumbai@gmail.com
* The Blue Frog, Lower Parel, Mumbai, on Tuesday, November 25 at 10.30 pm. Entry Rs 300 per head from 9 pm onwards; Tel: 40332300; E-mail: reservations@bluefrog.co.in