LIVEWIRE: MUSIC, MEET AND MASTI
The fourth Lahore Music Meet (LMM) may have established that this musical event will continue for years to come. Last year’s fest had many security and soundcheck issues, so it was refreshing to see that the LMM this year has made a huge impact.
As always, the grandeur of the Al Hamra Arts Council stood out from a distance. Hip and retro style posters of the LMM and Patari hung about adding to the aura, and colourful decorations adorned the lawns. Strobe lights at certain music stalls acted as natural attractions and people streamed in all day long to gawk at the incredible ambience of festivity. Many just stood along the gates peeping in, but once they discovered that the festival was free for all with only an ID card and a copy needed to enter, they also strode in.
Day One was mostly about a host of people filtering in and out of the gate. But while last year there were talks by rock star Ali Azmat and maestro Sajjad Ali, this year the superstars were the Battle of the Bands (BOTB) winner, Kashmir.
Even the discussions were tighter and more focused, including masterclasses on western percussion, violin and synth among others.
The reason behind Lahore Music Meet being more of a hit this year is because there were live performances happening out in the open with some great sound quality
But the two days’ real highlights included a screening of Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy’s documentary Song of Lahore — about the Sachal Jazz Ensemble — and a concert by Kashmir.