What started out two years ago as a group of women friends getting together to sing has become an important part of Kathmandu's musical calendar. Yes, here it is again: Women in Concert III. As in previous years, Kathmandu's singing women are jamming again for a cause between Dasain and Tihar. WIC III promises to be bigger and better than ever this year with 10 performers, including two first timers.
"I'm sick and tired of the doom and gloom soothsayers. It's time to be more optimistic and positive as well. There is so much music flourishing, so why not encourage it?" asks Vidhea Shrestha, performer and moving force behind the concert.
WIC started in 2003 when five musician friends decided to jam. With no promotion, advertising or sponsorship, the show drew an enthusiastic crowd of 250 people. The next year they were a bit more organised, creating a platform for new singers and also performing for a cause by donating part of the proceeds to the Nepal Child Welfare Foundation.
"We are a notch up from bathroom singers," admits Pooja Gurung, the group's self-proclaimed official tea-maker during rehearsals. But WIC's love of music has led the women to accomplish so much more. This year's proceeds will go to Sewa Kendra Leprosy Relief and also provides an important platform for more women singers.
WIC II introduced Pooja Gurung and Preeti Kaur, whose music careers skyrocketed after the event. This year's new talents are Arpana Raymajhi and Anne Gardner Vaidya. "It's been nice singing with Vidhea Shrestha and Sapana Thapa but there is a little pressure to be singing with such great voices. Still, I'm giving it my 110 percent and am able to learn and have fun at the same time," says Arpana.
WIC III is being held on 23 October at the Shambala Garden, Hotel Shangri-la, 7.30 PM onwards. The performers are Akansha Lama, Anne Gardner Vaida, Arpana Rayamajhi, Pooja Gurung, Preeti Kaur, Rachana Gurung Sharma, Sheri Thapa, Sapana Thapa, Vidhea Shrestha and Yankey with their backup band Cloud Walkers. Tickets are Rs 999 and include a buffet dinner.
