VIBC Newsletter


VIBC Newsletter	APRIL 16, 2008
In this issue: City of Bhangra Festival Malkit Singh Summer Love Earth Hour Punjabi Literature Workshop Highschool Competition	Thank you, thank you very much We would like to thank all of the City of Bhangra Festival volunteers, performers, sponsors and spectators for being a part of the largest South Asian cultural festival in Vancouver. It’s a collaborative effort that gets this festival off the ground each year, and we thank you for believing in the VIBC Society.
Bhangra + our love & soul = City of Bhangra Festival Each year, our excitement and passion for Bhangra grows. We’re not quite sure where our fascination for all things Bhangra-related came from, but it’s in every part of our lives now. “I find myself humming random tunes while I'm working and on occasion, dancing down the aisles while I grocery shop (was the move by the Lucky Charms box a jhummar or dhamaal…)” – Anonymous VIBC Volunteer Anyway, Bhangra lives in our souls and it’s our joy to bring this part of our souls to you.
Our best friend, Malkit Singh We thank, salute, prostrate in front of, the Golden Star, Malkit Singh. It was our pleasure to host this gracious international performer during the City of Bhangra Festival. Read below for some of our favourite (and sometimes embarrassing) memories: “I had to pick up Malkit Singh from the airport on the night of the Opening Gala, so before I went to the airport I stopped off at my house to change into a nice suit. I met Malkit Singh at the arrivals terminal and after picking up his luggage, we walked to the airport parking lot. I went to the machine to pay for the parking and that’s when I realised that I’d left my wallet in my other pants! I went to my car to grab some change but there was nothing there. I was like, oh sh**! I had to turn to Malkit Singh and ask for $5.50 to pay for the parking. He was really nice and said no problem and gave me a $20.00 bill. “– Terry Dhanda, VIBC Volunteer and Malkit Singh’s right-hand man during the festival. "I wasn't aware that Malkit Singh was going to be making a special appearance at the Opening Gala. Being in the same room as him was special moment in itself but the speech that he gave was truly inspirational and I loved how he finished his speech by singing Jind Mahi! Truly amazing and a priceless moment!" – Jasmine Garcha, Performer Services, VIBC. "The biggest highlight of [the festival] was meeting Malkit Singh on Friday before the show. It was great having the personal conversation about his family and about his music. I finally know what Tootak Tootak means… who knew it was such a romantic song?" – Joti Dhesi, VIBC Director.
Summer Love Don’t worry! We’ll be back soon! We have a couple of events up our sleeves this summer. Check out our website or Facebook page for details in the upcoming months. It’s time for Bhangra under the sun!	Earth Hour Celebration On March 29 at 8:00 p.m., VIBC volunteers and friends joined individuals, cities, organizations and nations across the world in making a statement that we can take action on climate change and global warming. Earth Hour is a global initiative where people commit to turning off lights and unnecessary power for one hour to raise awareness about the importance of energy reduction and climate change. Learn more at www.earthhour.org
Coming soon…Punjabi Literature Workshop The University of British Columbia will be hosting a Punjabi Literature and Its Worlds workshop on April 26 & 27, 2008. Join writers and scholars as they discuss and consider Punjabi literature as a North American and world literature. The event will feature academic papers in English on literature in Punjabi and a series of readings in Punjabi by local poets and fiction writers. Visit http://www.asia.ubc.ca/ for more information.	Highschool Competition Come & Cheer your high school! A great evening with lots of dance performances; prizes; entertainment; dhol performances; and fun! Tickets being sold at "Kamal's Video Palace" (#103-8268 120th Street, Surrey B.C.) Ticket prices: $10 Tickets will NOT be available at the door! Get your tickets early, last year's show was sold out fast!
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