Grupo Fantasma wows music lovers in Karachi

KARACHI: Music lovers were enthralled by the performance of Grupo Fantasma’s pulsating Latin Funk here at Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture.

The musicians are in Karachi by the courtesy of US Consulate General Karachi, said a statement released here on Wednesday.

“What a show!” said Public Affairs Officer Li Ping Lo. “The audience here at Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture loved the band’s distinctive fusion music. It is really wonderful to see this level of enthusiasm.” Grupo Fantasma is visiting Pakistan courtesy of the US Embassy.

“I really enjoy these cultural exchanges,” said Acting Consul General Chad Peterson. “Music is a great way to bring together people of all cultures, ages and interests.” The U.S. State Department has supported a number of similar initiatives in Pakistan, he said. In the past year, the U.S. Consulate General has brought the Ari Roland jazz quartet, U.S. saxophonist Lee Redfield, Grace McClean and Them Apples (country-themed rock) and the Kentucky Winders (bluegrass).

Front and center of these efforts is the US State Department’s $1 million grant to the National Academy of Performing Arts (NAPA) and University of Texas Austin’s (UTA) Butler School of Music. The project helps develop composition, instrumental and vocals as well as student and faculty exchanges between the two institutions.