For the first time Bangladesh's popular contemporary band "Chirkutt" will take part in an American music festival that starts from March 11 in the city of Austin in Texas, USA. The festival, South by Southwest Music and Media Conference (SXSW) event will mark its 30th anniversary this year. This time US president Barack Obama, and first lady Michelle Obama will join the festival as keynote speakers. Chirkutt will be the first Bangladeshi band to contend in this festival. The band will perform on March 16 and 17."We are simply excited for being able to get such a chance to participate in this music festival. We have joined so many music festivals but this time it's very special. For the first time we are going to represent Bangladesh, such a great opportunity where we will share so many things about Bangladesh through our songs," said Sharmin Sultana Sumi, one of vocals of the multifaceted band in the city on March 7.
When asked about their selections of songs they will present at the music festival, Sumi said that different kinds of songs have been selected including folk songs and Chirkutt's original songs.
Chirkutt will perform on International Day Stage on the first day at 4pm US local time and at Russian House on the second day at 10pm and each day Chirkutt will perform for forty minutes.
According to the official webpage of SXSW, its organisers recongise Chirkutt to be as "A proud Bangladeshi band through and through, which has gloriously exploded beyond its nation's borders and reached distant shores across the world's oceans."
The SXSW welcomes almost 30,000 established and newbie music artistes every year. The festival provides platforms for participants to extend their potentials to the doorsteps of international studios and production houses both for artistic and commercial benefits.
Although known to be a modern folk band, Chirkutt's eclectic compositions defy genre or classification. After starting their journey in 2002 the band has performed in the renowned India Music Week and the Jaffna Music Festival and in Sri Lanka alongside many international musicians.