We expected a line out the door for Vancouver's Delhi 2 Dublin on Tues., Sep. 18. Instead, the door to the Blind Pig in Ann Arbor was locked.
When they say doors at 9, they mean it. Once they welcomed us in, we spent the next 20 minutes wondering if anyone else was going to show up. Like most of the Canadian indie musicians that tour the States, Tarun Nayar, or simply T, was philosophical. The $12 cover was probably too much (the price of two drinks at any non-dive bar in Ann Arbor). It was the band's first time performing in southeast Michigan (someone with a clue booked them for Blissfest in 2011).
We'll never understand the musical cultural divide between two countries that share thousands of miles of border and speak the same language. If anyone is the epitome of a cultural bridge, it's Delhi 2 Dublin, with their perfect fusion of Bhangra and Celtic and hip hop. They even made us Google "tabla" and "dhol"; we love that.
In the end, about 20 people were treated to easily one of our top shows of the year. Everyone danced, and there are few bands that we can say that about. It's impossible not to dance, propelled by Ravi Binning on the dhol, the kilted Andrew Kim on electric sitar and guitar, Sara Fitzpatrick on fiddle, the charismatic Sanjay Serin at the mic and T adding electronics, background vocals and the tabla.
Starting (Nov. 6) at Winnipeg's West End Cultural Centre, Delhi 2 Dublin are touring Western Canada, ending with a show at The Commodore in Vancouver on Nov. 30.
Photos: Russ Gordon/N2D Images
