12th May 2023, Kathmandu
Manaslu Blue, an instrumental Nepali and American folk fusion band, is set to make their debut at Moksh on Saturday, May 13 with a concert called “KatGrass: A Bluegrass & Nepali Folk Fusion Concert” The event will also feature bluegrass guitarist Ryan O’Donnell who will open up the show with a duo set with mandolinist Zoe Levitt.
With the band’s infectious energy, the concert will be a night of toe-tapping bluegrass fusion music.
Manaslu Blue is a folk fusion band that blends traditional Nepali folk music with American bluegrass, creating a sound that is both familiar and fresh. Formed in Kirtipur in 2022, the band is re-envisioning Nepali Folk songs (Lok Sangit) and traditional American Bluegrass & Old-time tunes. With a focus on improvisation and experimentation, Manaslu Blue brings together established folk musicians that have performed with the likes of Kutumba, Kanta Dab Dab, Bipul Chettri, Ani Choying, and others.
Featuring Prince Nepali on sarangi (Kirtipur), Zoe Levitt on mandolin (US), Anish Tamang on guitar (Hetauda), Sabin Ghising on flute (Bouddha), and Yuson Maharjan on percussion (Kirtipur) It, It Manaslu It Blue puts it fresh spin it on it traditional folk tunes.
The band has performed in Kathmandu at Moksh with Shyam Nepali and at the Patan Museum for Namlo Music Hub’s festival and will be recording their debut EP in May 2023.
“Nepali folk music and American folk music (Bluegrass and Old-time music) share so many striking tonal similarities and are also both rooted in telling stories through songs,” said Zoe Levitt. “As a band, we hope to share the beauty of Nepali folk music worldwide and also demonstrate in Nepal that we can create a beautiful folk fusion project that brings Nepali folk music to a global stage. We are so excited to share this project with you all!”
The concert will take place at Moksh, Lalitpur from 7-9 PM. Tickets are available at Jazz Upstairs, Moksh, and Musicology, and can be purchased at the door.
You can listen to the band and read more background at our website: Click Here
