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PCS NIGHT: Saturday November 22, 2003
The Big Bhangra
Click here for source: Archives - Oak Leaves
Punjabi Cultural Society hosts dance show and music performance
JENNIFER OLVERA
Once mewling pop icon Britney Spears jumps on a bandwagon, you know that particular giddyap has gone mainstream. Such is the case with her recent Bhangra-infused album. And although few inside -- or outside -- the Indian community would call her approach authentic, most are pleased that the Punjabi folk sound is garnering such public attention.
Interested in checking the real thing? Be sure to stop by the Punjabi Cultural Society's "PCS Night 2003," a Bhangra dance show and musical performance on Saturday at Hanging Garden Banquets in River Grove.
Palatine-based Punjabi Cultural Society was founded in 1993 with the goal of promoting the north-Indian state of Punjab and its Punjabi cultural values among the Indian community while heightening awareness of Punjabi heritage in mainstream culture. Today, it's 2,500 members strong and draws many generations of Indian-Americans to its gatherings.
The upcoming two-part event will begin with an International Bhangra Competition, which will feature the music and dance stylings from England, Vancouver, Toronto, Indiana, New York and Chicago. Cash prizes of up to $2,500 will be awarded to team winners.
If you're not sure what to expect, here's a little history: The dance is synchronized to the rhythmic beats of a drum called "dhol" and the melodious sounds of ankle-bells, along with brisk shoulder, feet, body movements and jubilant expressions.
Bhangra dance is emblematic of the robust, romantic and carefree people of the Punjab region in India and Pakistan. This dance used to be performed by the farmers rejoicing after the final harvesting of their crops. Nowadays, Bhangra is performed at weddings and other special social occasions.
"Beyond simply being fun to watch, we want the competition to encourage local youth to take part in Punjabi culture and connect with their roots," said Wayne resident, Rajinder Singh Mago, co-founder and past president of the Punjabi Cultural Society. "But it's also an opportunity to expose our American brothers and sisters to our culture, clothing and style of dance."
After the competition, a traditional Indian dinner will be served and revered Bhangra singer Malkit Singh of "Tutak Tutak Tutian" fame will perform with his 10-member orchestra.
"The whole evening will be about celebratory music and dance," Mago said. "For those who aren't already familiar with the Bhangra style, they can expect to hear high energy beats and see a lot of lively jumping up and down."
"We'll also have a dance floor so people can join in the fun," said Palatine resident Mohinderjit Saini, managing director of the show. "Aside from being a good time, it's also great exercise."
In addition to offering this annual event, PCS also works with other Indian and Asian American organizations to increase the visibility of the Punjabi community and to make meaningful contributions to the places they live. The organization co-sponsors the Asian American Coalition of Chicago's programs Lunar New Year celebration dinner banquet, the Asian-American parade, and the Asian-American festival at Daley Plaza. PCS youth and adults participate in functions at the Chicago Historical Society, Museum of Science and Industry and Chicago Children's Museum.
"PCS Night 2003" will begin with the International Bhangra Competition at 7 p.m. on Saturday at Hanging Garden Banquets, 8301 W. Belmont Ave., River Grove. Tickets range from $35 to $100 and include dinner, the dance competition and performance by singer Malkit Singh. For tickets, call (847) 359-5727. Tickets are also available at major Chicago and suburban Indo-Pak stores and online at http://www.pcschicago.org/.
