Ottawa

Ottawa, ON (May 6, 2009) - “RBC desiFEST” hosted its official launch and helped celebrate South Asian Heritage Month in Ottawa on Monday, May 4. This National Music Tour travels across Canada, landing in Toronto on Saturday, May 30; Montreal on Saturday, June 27; and Vancouver on Saturday, July 25, 2009. “RBC desiFEST” features contemporary indo-jazz fusion, global beats and cutting-edge DJs boasting over 24 hours of foot-tapping music. Included in the celebrations are South Asian delicacies, artisans, dance and music workshops.
The Canadian National launch of “RBC desiFEST” took place at the exclusive Rideau Club. Helping to kick-off the event were its exclusive sponsors; Eugenio Mannario- Regional Vice President, RBC (title sponsor) and Robin McIntyre - Regional Vice President, Rogers TV (presenting sponsor).  Along with the key sponsors, Parliament heavyweights joined the festivities; Minister John Baird, Patrick Brown, Rob Oliphant, Bob Rae, Justin Trudeau, Ujjal Dosanjh and many others hob-knobbing with media.


“Helping celebrate South Asian Heritage Month and launching RBC desiFEST in our nation’s capital is a defining moment for us,” expresses CEO & Founder, Sathish Bala. “To create mainstream awareness for the South Asian arts community is something our entire team has been focused on for the past 3 years. We are excited to be working with the government to build awareness for RBC desiFEST Ottawa and to continue celebrating diversity through music in Canada.”


“RBC desiFEST” presented by Rogers is Canada’s only national South Asian music festival. Creating opportunities for South Asian artists and South Asian inspired music, the event strengthens local communities, inspires youth and supports the arts community in Canada.  The 2009 festival will visit four cities across Canada including; Ottawa, Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver.  Combined they will showcase over 100 incredible artists and over 24 hours of free music.