Parramasala 2018 – March 9 – 11 : 40 Nations. One Cuture. in one and only one Parramatta.
The NSW Government has committed an additional $600,000 over three years to one of the State’s largest multicultural arts and cultural festivals, Parramasala.
Now in its eighth year, Parramasala celebrates the cultural diversity of NSW through music, dance, theatre, food and film, representing more than 40 nationalities.
Minister for Multiculturalism Ray Williams announced the additional funding during the 2018 program launch”””˜Many Cultures. One Sydney’.
“Parramasala is a vibrant festival showcasing Western Sydney’s extraordinary multicultural identity, and its growth as an economic and social hub.”
“The NSW Government is committed to supporting the evolving arts and cultural scene of Greater Western Sydney,” Mr Williams said.
The 2018 program features some of the best in international and domestic acts, including free concerts by Grammy-nominated group Hiatus Kaiyote and Grammy Award-winning Saharan band, Tinariwen.
Crowds will also enjoy the opening night multicultural parade, interactive drumming and dancing workshops and the delicious Masala markets.
As a partner in Parramasala, City of Parramatta Council welcomed the State Government’s extra funding for what has become the signature event on the Multicultural March calendar.
“We are proud supporters of Parramasala. Western Sydney is home to a lively assortment of cultures and the City of Parramatta is pleased to lead the way in showcasing the very best our region has to offer,” Parramatta Lord Mayor Cr Andrew Wilson said.
“Parramasala is an important festival in Westen Sydney, the beating heart of Sydney city.”
He mentioned how so much is happening in Parramatta with a museum being built and a $110 million worth of redevelopment of Riverside Theatre. It all started with A Rahman show which got things rolling. And I must thank the Indian community which is the backbone of the festival. Once finished Riverside theatre will be available to all the cultural activities in Western Sydney.”
Parramasala Chairperson Dr GK Harinath OAM encouraged every member of the community interested in arts, music, food and culture to attend the festival this year. At the launch he emphasised how important Parramasala has become over the years, “Its a wonderful celebration in promoting unity and understanding the cultural diversity which makes up almost half of the state of NSW.”
“With a mixture of free and ticketed high-quality events, there is something for everyone at any age this year,” Dr Harinath OAM said.
Member for Parramatta Geoff Lee said Parramasala celebrates Parramatta’s cultural diversity and boosts the local economy.
“I am pleased the NSW Government continues to support Parramasala, which promotes the importance of social cohesion and creates local job opportunities.”
Since 2016, the NSW Government has committed $2.2 million to secure Parramasala’s rightful place in our cultural calendar until 2020.
Parramasala will take place between 9 and 11 March 2018. For more information about the festival, the 2018 program and for daily event schedules, see www.parramasala.com.
Parramasala 2018 Program Highlights:
The Welcome Parade
Parramasala 2018 will open with an explosion of colour, movement and sound! The Welcome Parade will be a
coming together of cultures, community and the many talented artists that make Parramasala the extraordinary
celebration it is. Over 500 performers from more than 40 cultures will make their way from Parramatta Town Hall to
Prince Alfred Park to open the festival with a street party like no other!
Dream Girls of Bollywood
Parramasala will feature the South East Asian festival highlight – Dream Girls of Bollywood! Prince Alfred Park will be
filled with all the colour, dance and excitement of the Bollywood phenomena in a free theatrical event showcasing
an international cast of Bollywood performers.
Tinariwen
This Grammy Award-winning Saharan Desert rock group are a musical phenomenon. Tinariwen’s popularity
skyrocketed internationally with the release of the critically acclaimed Aman Iman in 2007 which lead to playing for
sell-out crowds around the world, including Montreaux Jazz festival, Lollapalooza and WOMAD. Now off the back of
their eighth album Elwan, featuring collaborations with Mark Lanegan and Kurt Vile, Tinariwen will bring the spirit of
the Sahara to Parramasala!
Hiatus Kaiyote
Prepare for a very special treat from one of Australia’s most internationally acclaimed bands, the Grammy
nominated – Hiatus Kaiyote! Representing a fusion of musical styles with influences from an international palette
Hiatus Kaiyote will perform on the festival stage combining an eclectic mix of sounds into a truly unique musical
creation.
Jyotica Tangri and Kushal Paul
Award-winning Indian popstars Jyotica Tangri and Kushal Paul will set the stage on fire together during Parramasala
2018! Jyotica has recently been awarded Best Playback Singer of 2017 in the prestigious and coveted Zee Cine
Bollywood awards for her song ”˜Pallu Latke’. Kushal earned his title of Rockstar when he won the 2016 Indian
musical reality TV contest, Sa Re Ga Ma Pa.
Masala Nights ”“ World Dance Congress
The Riverside Theatre is set to experience a journey around the world and back! Parramasala has scoured the globe
to bring audiences a dance show like no other. The ”˜Masala Nights ”“ World Dance Congress’ will feature a world
premiere ”˜masala’ of dance, music and culture. Parramatta’s Riverside Theatre will come alive in a collision of Latino,
Middle Eastern, South Asian and African dance styles and music.
Short URL: https://indiandownunder.com.au/?p=10469