Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje

Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Feb 2: The first ever brass band fest ‘Pepere Pepe Dum’ was inaugurated by gurkar of Mandd Sobhann, Eric Ozario here at Kelrai Church ground on Thursday February 1.

'Pepere Pepe Dum', a fest of Brass Band performance with the tag line 'Brass Band Naach Grand' will be held from February 1 to 4 between 4 pm and 10 pm at Kelarai church ground.

Dean city deanery Fr James D’Souza blessed the four-day brass band fest. Meanwhile, Eric Ozario was felicitated.

Speaking after receiving the felicitation, Eric Ozario said, “I was crazy about bands from a very young age. I would dance to their performances. Many people used to perform in bands and used to receive allowances. In one instance at Karkala, I noticed blood flowing from one of the performers’ trumpet. I felt that I have to do something for these performers as they are not secured enough in life. Hence I started an association for them. I joined with my friend Louis Pinto and Mandd Sobhann and organised a brass band concert too. All this was for a fund for the performers. But we were unsuccessful. Our motive was the brass band performers’ welfare. We, at Mandd Sobhann are always there to help you. I thank all my friends who have organised this event. We have put in a lot of efforts to get together all artistes from over the years and this event means lot to us.”

Former MLA J R Lobo said, “Eric Ozario is a legend of the Konkani community. All his life has been dedicated to Konkani. Eric and Louis have dedicated their lives for Kalaangann which works to preserve Konkani language and culture. The event ‘Pepere Pepe Dum’ is a unique concept. Felicitating Eric is like honouring the entire community. He is the right person to be felicitated. I congratulate the organisers. Brass bands have existed since our childhood. We have to preserve this culture and help them grow. The organisers are doing their best for Konkani language.”

Parish priest of St Anne Church Kelarai Fr Joseph Mascarenhas, managing director of Daijiworld media Walter Nandalike, president of Mandd Sobhann Louis J Pinto, entrepreneur Joseph Mathias, Dubai; chairman and founder of St Milagres Credit Souhardha Co-Op Karwar George Fernandes, president of Catholic Sabha Mangalore Pradesh Allwyn D’Souza, president of IFKCA Karwar Samson D’Souza, president of ICYM Mithesh D’Souza, superior of Fathima convent Kelarai Sr Shanthi Pereira and others were present.

'Ami Ani Amchi', a premier group of cultural enthusiasts has taken the lead in organising the band fest in association with Daijiworld TV. As many as 21 known brass band teams from coastal Karnataka have registered their names to perform in the fest.

The slots of the fest contain a felicitation of band owner and a half an hour performance of brass band with country dance. Every day, there will be performances of five band teams and the best five dance teams will qualify for the finals. The winning team of the grand finale will get a cash prize of Rs 1 lac.

The band fest also provides for an opportunity to the spectators to dance to the beats of brass band and a unique dancer will also get take home a cash prize with the title of 'Dancer of Brass Band Fest'. Along with experiencing traditional brass band music and country dance, the spectators can also enjoy the authentic coastal food and visit book stalls and antique galleries etc.