Johnny Kalsi is well-known for his work with Afro Celt Sound System as a core member, plus The Imagined Village, and numerous solo artists (Peter Gabriel, Khaled, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Avril Lavigne to name a few) but it is with his band The Dhol Foundation that he lets loose his creative side. This could be called Kalsi’s solo work but ‘Basant’ is full of collaborations and the result is glorious and uplifting.
The band has featured in the music of Hollywood films, Gangs of New York and The Incredible Hulk. They have also worked with Peter Gabriel on the soundtrack for films including Rabbit Proof Fence and The Last Temptation of Christ. The Dhol Foundation performed as the opening act with STOMP at the Royal Variety Performance which was screened on ITV1 in December 2011. Peter Kay hosted the star studded event which also featured Tony Bennett, Barry Manilow, Cee Lo Green, Nicole Scherzinger and Pixie Lott. The show was staged at The Lowry on Salford Quays and also on the bill were comedians Jason Manford, Greg Davies and Tim Minchin. The full stage show features energetic dhols up, bass, drums, guitar, dholak, and bhangra dancers.
This event includes a Bhangra dance demonstration by support act The Bollywoodettes, with an option to take part. This takes place 8 ~ 8:30 P.M.
“Johnny Kalsi is one of the most reliable journeymen of British world music, his thunderous double-headed dhol drumming bringing a syncopated swing to everyone from Transglobal Underground to the Afro-Celt Sound System.” — Financial Times