Auspicious Opening of the 5th Annual BaliSpirit Festival, Tuesday evening in Ubud

In the elegant splendor of the grounds of the Arma Museum in Ubud, amidst busy workers making last minute preparations of stage and setting, and in an atmosphere of gaiety and expectancy, an enthusiastic crowd of well wishers and dignitaries witnessed the official opening of the 5th annual BaliSpirit Festival with the striking of a gong by the principals and founders.

The gong was preceded by a solemn solo dance by Mas Eko Supriyanto, then happy and congratulatory speeches, including a welcome by founder Made Gunarta, who reminded the audience of the high principles of community and international spiritual awareness that the Festival encourages by bringing music and culture from all over the world to Bali. 
Made was followed by a welcome from the representative of the governor of Bali and a humorous goodwill speech by the minister of Balinese tourism and Creative Economy.

The crowd was then treated to a stellar performance of percussion featuring gamelan and bamboo and flute by Yayasan Kryasta Guna Gamelan. Especially impressive was the trio who performed precision piercing gamelan mixed with contemporary rhythms. The evening concluded with a rousing touching performance of ‘Extraordinary Woman,’ a song honoring women all over the world by Ghanian Rocky Dawuni and his ensemble, which included sweet vocals and the harp-like sound of a Griot Kora player from Senegal, West Africa. Auspicious beginnings, beautiful and happy, on the ground here in Ubud, Bali.

Written by : Jeremiah Abrams