Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje

Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SB)

Mangaluru, Feb 5: Standing true to its motto of ‘honouring brass band artists and providing a stage for country dancers and brass band singers’, the inaugural brass band festival, ‘Pepere Pepe Dum’, concluded on a high note at Kelarai church ground on Sunday, February 4.

Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza, bishop emeritus, diocese of Mangalore, presided over the stage programme. Dr Hemachandra Kumar, bishop, CSI Karnataka southern diocese, U T Khader, speaker, Karnataka Legislative Assembly, K J George, minister for energy, Karnataka state, J R Lobo, former MLA, Ivan D’Souza, former MLC, Inayath Ali, secretary, KPCC, Walter Nandalike, founder Daijiworld Media Pvt Ltd, Fr J B Saldanha, PRO, Mangalore diocese, Fr Melwyn Pinto, rector, St Aloysius College, Fr Rocky D’Cunha, superior, Capuchins, Mangaluru, Fr Melwyn D’Cunha, superior, Carmelites, Mangaluru, Sr Mariette, superior general of Bethany sisters, Sr Clara Menezes, provincial, Ursuline sisters, Fr Joseph Mascarenhas, parish priest, Kelarai church, Dr John D’Silva, secretary, diocesan parish council, Philip D’Souza, MD Prince Caterers Neermarga, and Santhosh D’Costa, vice president, Kelarai Parish graced the event as honourary guests.

Last day of ‘Pepere Pepe Dum’

Day 3 of ‘Pepere Pepe Dum’

Applauding the event, U T Khader said, "Brass band is an exclusive culture of coastal Karnataka. No one sits quietly for the music of a brass band, which gives relaxation to the mind and body. I appreciate the organizers for a unique brass band fest. As Kambala and Yakshagana, our brass band also should reach the legislative assembly for a musical performance. I always support these types of cultural extravaganzas, and I am also ready to host this brass band fest in my constituency."

During the programme, minister K J George was felicitated by bishops and dignitaries for his countless contributions to the community and society.

Expressing his gratitude for the felicitation, K J George said, "Philanthropist Ronald Colaco invited me to this brass band fest, and I accepted it because of his strong influence in society through various social activities that are more than that of a politician or people's representative. I am thanking the organizers for the grand felicitation. Being loyal to society and my party, I am always dreaming of the upliftment of every section of people. But nowadays, the younger generation is not much interested in electoral politics. By neglecting electoral politics, they lose a golden opportunity to serve society. Hence, I am request the youth to work in political parties with ethics and the spirit of leadership."

Thanking the brass band artistes and the gathering, Walter Nandalike said, "Because of the brass band fest, a new era of brass band started in coastal Karnataka. It provided a big boost to brass band artistes, singers, and country dancers. The entire credit goes to 'Ami ani Amchi,' the organizers. Daijiworld TV is proud to telecast this reality show as an honour to brass band teams and its artistes. It is a start. It will continue for another few seasons. More than 15,000 brass band fans visited this venue in the last four days. This is a record in the Konkani entertainment industry. On this occasion, I congratulate Denis D’Silva, Santhosh D’Costa, and their team for a successful culmination of the event."

J R Lobo also appreciated the efforts put by Ami ani Amchi in association with Daijiworld TV to bring all major brass band teams under one roof. He urged the community to pass over the cultural aspects, especially brass bands and their related forms, to the next generation.

In his presidential address, Bishop Emeritus Dr Aloysius Paul said, "Brass band is a sensation of the Konkani community residing in the Konkan region. In olden days, brass band artistes had great respect in society, and they were the more influential persons in cultural gatherings. But slowly they were sidelined because of digitalization in music. But any kind of digitalization cannot beat the live performance of a brass band. Knowing this, the team Ami Ani Amchi and Daijiworld TV provided a wonderful stage for live performances of brass band teams. It should be continued."

Santhosh D’Costa welcomed the dignitaries and the gathered. Roshan Castelino rendered a vote of thanks. Arun Ajekar compered the event. Music director Alwyn Noronha Bajpe, known compere Manu Bantwal, and award-winning choreographer Avil D’Cruz were the judges for the show.

Thousands flocked to the Kelarai Church ground for the first-ever brass band festival that started on Thursday February 1. The fest provided an opportunity for spectators to dance to the beats of brass bands.

'Ami Ani Amchi,' a premier group of cultural enthusiasts, organized the band fest in association with Daijiworld TV. Prince Caterers Neermarga are the title sponsor of 'Pepere Pepe Dum'. As many as 20 known brass band teams from coastal Karnataka performed in the fest.