THE fifth annual Indian Summer Festival returns to Vancouver with a compilation of creative dialogue, eye-opening public art exhibitions, and thought-provoking literary presentations and music events. World-renowned innovators and creators collaborate at this highly anticipated seasonal event that embraces the unexpected in venues across the city from July 9 to 18.

“Indian Summer Festival brings the world to Vancouver through a series of provocative, multi-arts events featuring great international visionaries and minds,” says Sirish Rao, Indian Summer Festival Artistic Director. “We’re pushing boundaries and inviting audiences and artists to meet at the intersection of art and science, music and genetics, religion and secularism, the ordinary and the extraordinary.”  

Event Highlights

* Indian Summer Festival Opening Gala – Vikram Vij challenges some of Vancouver’s favourite chefs to create Indian-inspired street food.

* Maestro Amjad Ali Khan and Sons – One of India’s greatest living musicians is joined by his sons for a special concert at the Orpheum Theatre

* Clay Water Brick: Small Entrepreneurs with Big Dreams – Life and business advice from Jessica Jackley, co-founder of the revolutionary micro-lending website Kiva.

* Genes and Jazz – A collaboration between Nobel prize-winning geneticist Dr. Harold Varmus and one of New York’s most significant jazz quintets.

* The Wrath of God: Religion and Violence Today – Reza Aslan returns to Vancouver to unpack the arguments around religion and violence, touching on a range of topics from identity to ISIS.

The 10-day festival also features provocative talks by literary stars and social entrepreneurs, genre-bending concerts, a look at when 30s era Bombay met American jazz, and a special series of free public art projects.

For the full lineup of events and to purchase tickets, visit www.indiansummerfest.ca

Indian Summer Festival is presented in partnership with Simon Fraser University.