Instep rounds up this weekend’s hot and happening activities.
Creative Karachi Festival
The Creative Karachi Festival, dubbed as “Sabeen Mahmud’s gift” to the city of Karachi and famously dubbed by its passionate founder as a “non-stop party in the park!” is returning with its second edition this weekend, on April the 23rd and the 24th.
The two-day event, scheduled to take place at the Alliance Française in Karachi is so much more than a showcase of creativity, music, arts and culture. It is a remembrance and a tribute to the life and legacy of Sabeen Mahmud who not only gave this city her heart but provided hope to all those who walked through the doors of T2F. As we come close to her first death anniversary (on April 24), there is no better way to remember her than a festival that will, at least temporarily, transform a corner of this volatile city into a colorful, collaborative outlet where people from all walks of life can witness cultural magic and connect.
Though it’s only the second edition, CKF has plenty to offer. Be it films, music, food or gorgeous artwork by some of the city’s most exciting artists; there is something for everyone.
In music, some exceptional artists are gearing up to take the stage over the course of the next two days. These include Ali Suhail, Sikandar Ka Mandar, //orangenoise, E Sharp, Yousaf Kerai, Zohaib Kazi, Natasha Humera Ejaz, The Sketches, Saami Brothers, Zoe Viccaji, Rushk and many more.
CKF is also showcasing a handful of films including Hell Hole by Mobeen Ansari, Khamosh Pani by Sabiha Sumar and many others. In addition, there will be panel discussions on varied subjects, a stand-up comedy show by Shehzad Ghias, a radio play based on the writings of Manto, Napa Children’s Theatre by Zain Ahmed, an exhibit on Pakistani album art through the ages curated by Samya Arif, Sana Nasir and Humayun Memon and much more. The festival will begin at 1:00pm and go on till 10:00pm on both days. You can either purchase a day pass for Rs. 350 or the weekend pass for PKR 600 from the venue.
The Silent Eye: A Talk by Arif Mahmood
Those of you who are interested in photography and are in Karachi, head to the Habib University later today from 6pm to 7pm to hear veteran photographer Arif Mahmood who will be presenting “his photography work spanning over three decades”. The event is free and open to the public but you do need to register on the Habib University website.
Ensemble Karachi feat Mahgul
For loyal and dedicated fashion followers, Ensemble Karachi is hosting a two-day exhibit featuring the designs of Mahgul today and tomorrow from 11am to 9pm. The showcase will include summer luxury wear from the collection, The Indus Society, as seen at PFDC Sunsilk Fashion Week” so head on out if you’re fashionably inclined.
Music Mela 2016
While Karachi plays host to the Creative Karachi Festival, Islamabad is gearing up for the return of Music Mela. Set to take place from April 21 to 23, the festival will be a unique showcase for music with interactive panel discussions featuring a combination of artists as well as a series of performances that will, in all likelihood, steal your heart. Plenty of panel discussion merit attention such as ‘Introduction to Folk Music of Pakistan’ which will feature artists from all corners of the country such as Qurban Niazi (Punjab), Shan Khan (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Taj Buledi (Baluchistan), D.W. Baig (Gilgit Baltistan) and Sufi Meeran (Sindh). You can also find rock ‘n’ roll boys Ali Noor and Ali Hamza conducting a workshop on songwriting where you can hear the brothers speak about their methodology and more. In performances, you can look forward to Javed Bashir, Sounds of Kolachi spearheaded by the amazing Ahsan Bari, Ali Sethi, Pushto folk legend Zarsanga and many more.