By Marian Sharaf Joseph

It is an honor to be remembered by generations to come, especially when one has served in educational institutes, where children remember their beloved teachers and courteous helpers till the time they grow old. Lahore School of Arts and Sciences, on the day of its 22nd anniversary, paid tribute to its oldest and first employee, the Late Azeem Khan. It was no ordinary tribute to Azeem Khan; the evening was mesmerizing with music from the band Laal. Held at Alhamra Cultural Complex, Open Air – Qadaffi Stadium, the event was managed by none other than ‘one of the most organized event planners in town’ – Salina Rashid of Lotus Client Management and Public Relations.

Azeem Khan, a security guard, was the guardian of the school. As explained by the faculty at LACAS, “with his natural exuberance, deep sense of responsibility and traditional Pathan loyalty, he took it upon himself to be the guardian of the school’s discipline, reputation and smooth functioning, and generated warmth in all who came across him. In a sense he typified LACAS’ culture of egalitarianism and equality before the law.” The tribute to its legendary employee has added to the reputation of LACAS, by inculcating a sense of social responsibility within its student body and for encouraging learning through outdoor activities.

Since its establishment in 1987, LACAS has upheld its value and traditions with dignity and devotion. Nazi Qureshi – Director of LCAS at the occasion said, “Music, as they say, is a universal language – an educator. LACAS has always considered cultural education to be as vital to a child’s development as academic excellence. Today, LACAS is proud to invite their current students, faculty and alumni to salute the memory and legacy of the late Azeem Khan. For twenty years, no one walking through the gates of LACAS could miss him; he was always the one constant as the institution grew and evolved. Azeem Khan left an indelible mark in the lives of so many. ‘LAAL’s music speaks of social education through music and with three band members being LACAS alumni, we thought having the band live in concert to be a befitting tribute.’

In addition to this, LACAS made the right choice by choosing LAAL for this event. Inspired by Sufi music, their songs stirred spiritualism and emotions of patriotism within the audience. The voice, the music, and the showmanship even got the elder audience rocking. It was interesting to hear the guitarist and band member Taimur Rehman say, “Three members of our band are teachers and we feel very strongly about education. In fact, for us Laal is also a means for political and social education through music. The future of the country lies in education…”

Amidst political insecurity, it was great to see the enthusiasm of school kids, the courage of school faculty and LAAL’s exuberance, which put together, made this night so memorable. By the way, this LAAL concert night by LACAS, was my little son’s first concert. I am glad I took him along.

Get Ready! An army of music has loaded its guns to blast Lahore with music preaching freedom, writes Marian Sharaf.

For the past many years, music has played a vital role in initiating peace movements and bringing revolution; be it WWII or the Vietnam War – Flower Power being the biggest and most affective of all. No wonder someone once said, “The guitar is mightier than the sword.” Unfortunately, our country, which was born amidst political chaos of the Indian British Raj, is yet gliding in doldrums. There have always been artistes struggling for recognition, writers pleading for freedom of expression and politicians proving their loyalty in vain. Nonetheless, the entertainment industry has survived, positively making an impression every now and then. Yet, there is a lot to do; a lot more to talk about.

Our hills haven’t been alive with the sound of music; it’s always been the beat of marching feet and a sound of distant guns. Organizing gigs on Independence Day isn’t enough. The nation needs to come closer in a vibrant style; heart to heart – soul to soul.

Well, 2009 won’t be just 2009 anymore because Aag Tv and Fire Records have taken the initiative to launch the biggest music event in the history of Pakistan; it’s called AAG ALIVE – Duniya Dhekey Gee [The World Will See]. Our army of musicians have loaded their guns and are all geared up to blast the city with non-stop music for a straight 12 hours, broadcast in 5 countries – across 3 continents. Yes, for the first time Pakistan will witness, enjoy and celebrate music, as it happened in Woodstock and Live Aid. AAG Alive aims to put various genres of music together with the message of peace and solidarity. The two day journey will include 12 bands, solo artists, Live Acts and DJs, including, the legendry Ali Azmat, Atif Aslam, Noori, Strings, Fuzon, Rozan, Aaro, Hadiqa Kiyani, Javed Noman, Rahim Shah and Shiraz Uppal to name a few.

As stated by AAG Alive team, “From absolute to extreme, the mammoth event is a unique two day marathon, in the field of 15 thousand as an audience. Participation of over 22 music heavy weights and an atmosphere will rival some of the biggest events in the world.” Freedom of expression and celebrating music is what AAG ALIVE will be all about. Participants may camp the night before the bugle plays. There will be jam sessions, bonfires, dance floors and most importantly, FREEDOM!

The event that will mark 25th October, 2009 as a day for solidarity through music, and will show the world that no force can kill the patriotism of Pakistanis. Ali Azmat, who spoke at the AAG ALIVE press conference held at Avari Hotel Lahore said, “I don’t remember anything like this happening in history before. Since the earthquake in 2005 that happened on the same date as this, we have been drowning in one problem after another. We have more in life to think of; more than inflation or the social depression we are trying to survive. It’s time to show that no one can defeat us, no one can scare us. We have to bring ourselves back to life. AAG ALIVE with help us stay alive.”

Music in Pakistan has made a positive impression the world over. It has surely come through hard times, and is continuing its struggle despite security issues. Salute to our musicians, who will gather on the battle field, to show what music in Pakistan can do. It’s amazing how people are responding to this event. It’s not only the youth but the older generations too that are enthused to celebrate something different, something good. Aag TV and Fire Records; AAG ALIVE – Zindabad.

Concert At Sahara Desert Resort, Dubai, on 28^th Nov 08

By Caiyad Phahad

Karen Zoid:

Karen Zoid (born Karen Louise Greeff) was born on 10^th August 1978 in Brussels, Belgium, to a South African diplomat, She grew up in Belgium and then Johannesburg, where she developed from being a teenage busker on the streets of Johannesburg, into  an award-winning national figure.

On 3^rd May, 2008 she won the South African Music Awards, SAMA, for Best Female Solo Artist of 2008. These are very much the Grammys of South Africa.

She is also an acclaimed songwriter with 55 of her songs released over her three EMI albums (36 in English, 19 in Afrikaans). She married Don Reinecke, the lead guitarist of the band, on 29 January 2007 & with him she has a baby boy – Ben Francis Reinecke.

In 2001 she released her first album, “Poles Apart”; in 2003 she released “Chasing the Sun”. In 2005 she released“Media”, through EMI, which was an instant success & achieved a Gold Record status. In fact, her songs are part of the first year university curriculum in Afrikaans at some universities. In 2002 she was a nomination in the finalists for South African Woman of the Year.

On 2 August 2007 she released her fourth album “Postmodern World” through Just Music. Two of her songs featured in the 2006 movie “Number 10″.

Her status as a cross-cultural icon was exemplified when she performed at the inauguration of State President Mbeki & at the Nelson Mandela 46664 concert, where she shared the stage with Queen and Katie Melua. She has performed alongside John Mayer, Metallica, Seal, Hothouse Flowers, Collective Soul and Simple Plan.

Kamal Musallam:

The new group was formed in early 2007 with Rony Afif on drums, Elie Afif on double bass & Rami Lakkis on electric bass and multi instruments. The band showcased for the first time, the sound of Arabic Jazz as a trio. Kamal has been a pioneer in this genre since 1999. He is an architect by profession, but decided to do music, as it is his passion. He went through various musical experiences such as traditional Arabic music, Flamenco, Rock and the Blues. From the late 80’s to early 90’s, he began discovering more Jazz sounds through records by the Pat Metheny Group, Miles Davis, George Benson, John McLaughlin, Al Di Meola, among others. He moved to France in 1994, where he experienced another true musical atmosphere for four years, which helped him develop his playing styles on both the guitar and the oud. He is also influenced by Ziad Rahbani, Abdul Wahab, and Farid Alatrash – all renowned Arabic composers. He produced his first album “On a Jordan River’s Side” – released under his own label K&G Productions in 2003. The group has also been joined by a big variety of musicians among which are: Khaled Yassine, Dasha Tichanova, Sevine A, Rasha Rizk, and Julien Mathonet, among others… Recently Kamal introduced a new instrument innovated by Godin, called theGlissentar, which is basically a true marriage between the guitar and the oud. He is currently designing a new concept guitar with IBANEZ Japan.

About the Event / Concert itself:

The event was well organized.

The venue, sound, lighting … everything was perfect. This may well have been because their own company, Jumana Production, which is one of the best sound, light and fireworks productions in world, was in charge. The venue could have been used in better way, as it is very huge place. The crowd was moving and grooving to almost every track. I personally enjoyed one track by Karen which she wrote especially for Barrack Obama and her own African and black supporters.

I got a chance to meet Karen personally. She was very natural, humble and nice; nobody would even imagine, at least I didn’t, that she is as beautiful from inside as she is from the outside