SPOTLIGHT
MOSAIC IS BACK WITH ITS 20TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION
Canada’s leading South Asian multi-disciplinary arts festival, Mosaic, celebrates its 20th edition this August 1-2.
Canada’s leading South Asian multi-disciplinary arts festival, Mosaic, celebrates its 20th edition this August 1-2, continuing its mission to feature and spotlight A list global artists and Canadian talent.
The festival’s opening at the Mississauga Celebration Square will be performed by Mohawk artist and musician, David R Maracle who is also an advisor on the board of directors of Canadian Community Arts Initiative (CCAI).
Sampradaya Dance Creation was the first opening act for Mosaic festival back in 2006 and will be performing to commemorate a 20-year long association.
Highlight include Berklee College alumni, Mekaal Hassan presenting Shehzad Ali Khan qawaal presenting the dynamic musical genre from the subcontinent. Opening night headlining act will be the great recall to the pioneering spirit of popular Indian music in the UK, with the first ever Mississauga performance by Apache Indian.
Jadoo Entertainment under the award-winning choreography by Dhruv Naik, will follow with their signature high energy finale.
August 2 will commence with a public favourite, Rising Star Program with the 10 finalists on stage vying for four cash prizes and an opportunity to sing with the headliner.
The celebrity judges will decide the winners. A special 20th anniversary flag hoisting ceremony will take place at 7 pm with the mayor and various members of regional, provincial and federal government.
This year’s festival celebrates with two back-to-back headlining acts with Josh The Band from Canada and Aima Baig from Pakistan. Both have been Coke studio performers and have many original hits and songs that are popular among millions of
their fans.
The grand finale will see Bollywood Dance School in a powerful dance performance. Canadian actor and dora nominated artist, Ali Kazmi will MC the festival and Indian comedy star, Nitinn R Miranni is joining him as a guest MC.
Rock The Coliseum, the indie music festival, will be playing simultaneously in the Amphitheatre on the north square, with Elyse Saunders and Chastity headlining, hosted by Dave Woods. Other bands include Jade Hilton, Andy Colonico, Kristin Nicholes Band, Mackenzie Leigh Mayers, Brian John Harwood on Friday and Idle Era, Thunder Queens, Less Killjoy, A short Walk to Pluto, Avalon Stone, Valliant and Fortunate Losers. Demetrius Nath is the festival Director for RTC.
Mosaic Festival is also presenting a 20 years commemorative documentary highlighting the journey of both the organization and the projects and festivals over 20 years.
This year, Mosaic festival programming features Mississauga Plein Air Painting group, led by artist Leo Dias, as they present on site painting inspired by the festival experience. 10 visual artists will be participating and painting on site. Children’s arts and craft workshops led by Yogita Tandon will have crafts making workshops including birdseed dispensers, a popular activity. Food selection is exceptionally wide this year with the addition of seven food trucks.
More info at www.mosaicfest.com.