FirstWorks presents: Red Baraat Festival of Colors

Hits with the force of a spiritual awakening” – STEREOGUM 

Red Baraat Festival of Colors is an immersive celebration that melds the sounds of the South Asian diaspora with kaleidoscopic visual imagery. Led by dhol player Sunny Jain, Red Baraat has transformed the festive spirit of the Hindu holiday of Holi into a year-round tour of communal revelry that brings together what NPR has called “the best party band in years,” a montage of classic Bollywood visuals, and joyful dancing. 

At the core of Festival of Colors is Red Baraat’s singular sound: a merging of hard driving North Indian bhangra music with elements of hip hop, jazz, and raw punk energy. Created with no less a purposeful agenda than manifesting joy and unity in all people, the band’s spirit is worn brightly on its sweaty and hard-worked sleeve. 

Traditionally, Holi is marked by public gatherings of families and strangers sharing songs, dance, and the exchange of “colors” – colorful powders playfully thrown amongst crowds of revelers. The holiday signifies the victory of good over evil, the arrival of spring, and for many, a festive day to meet, play and laugh, forget and forgive, and repair ruptured relationships. 

In this spirit, we invite you to wear your brightest colors, bring your joy, and come together for this special FirstWorks Global Journey at a time when the world needs it most! 

“If we can unite people of all backgrounds and ethnicities to partake in the exuberance of life through the universal language of music, then life is that much sweeter.” -Sunny Jain, bandleader, Red Baraat