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Non Stop Bhangra Moves To a New Website!

2010-03-10T17:03:00.000-08:00

As of March, 2010, Non Stop Bhangra has moved to a new website. Please check there for current updates and info.

2010-02-08T20:51:00.001-08:00

NON STOP BHANGRA(54)

Date: February 20th, 2010

Venue: The Rickshaw Stop 155 Fell Street
Time: 9 PM Doors I 9:30 PM Bhangra Dance Lesson
Dholrhythms Dance Troupe: 10:00pm
Price: $15 advance I $20 Door

PURCHASE ADVANCE TICKETS

NON STOP BHANGRA LIVE SET:
DHOLRHYTHMS DANCE COMPANY
DJ JIMMY LOVE (PRODUCER/TURNTABLES)
DJ COLLAGE AKA MR. CHATMAN (Emcee, Seattle)
MANDEEP SETHI (Emcee)
HINA PATEL (VOCALS)
RAV-E (Dhol)

NSB DJ SETS BY RESIDENTS:
DJ JIMMY LOVE
DJ CONCERNED
RAV-E

Imagine a scene from a Bollywood movie smack in the middle of a thumping nightclub--swirling colors, the rhythm of pounding feet, and the relentless energy of brilliant beats--that's Non Stop Bhangra. Non Stop Bhangra is a non-stop party, featuring dance lessons with Dholrhythms Dance Company, followed by dance performances, live music sets, visuals, live painting, and Dj's spinning an eclectic mix of Bhangra, Hip-Hop, Reggae, and Electronica. This month the full NSB crew will be in the house for a live performance, alongside resident Dj's Jimmy Love, Dj Concerned, and Rav-E playing their favorite Bhangra cuts to keep the floor dancing non stop.

THE COLOR THEME THIS MONTH IS RED.
SO JOIN THE CREW AND SUPPORT THE VIBE

Check out photos from January NSB!

2010-01-18T17:40:00.001-08:00

The Kanbar Center For The Performing Arts Presents:
Dholrhythms Dance Company

Date: Saturday, Jan. 23rd

Venue: The Osher Marin JCC
200 N. San Pedro Road
Time: 8 PM Doors - 9:30 PM
Price: $18 members I $20 nonmembers

PURCHASE TICKETS

Dholrhythms steps out on a bold new venture, showcasing your favorite Bay Area Dance Troupe as a featured performance company. Beyond a normal performance, Dholrhythms is digging deep to illustrate the wonders of Punjab through the use of narration, singing, and most of all dance. Presented by the Kanbar Center For Performing Arts at the Osher Marin Jewish Community Center, this showcase is part of the 20th Anniversary season. The event is open to all ages, and is set in an environment created to teach and share the beautiful folk dances of Punjab.

2010-01-04T22:51:00.000-08:00

NON STOP BHANGRA(53)

Date: January 16th, 2010

Venue: The Rickshaw Stop 155 Fell Street
Time: 9 PM Doors I 9:30 PM Bhangra Dance Lesson
Dholrhythms Dance Troupe: 10:00pm
Price: $15 advance I $20 Door

PURCHASE ADVANCE TICKETS

LINE-UP:
DHOLRHYTHMS DANCE TROUPE
DJ JIMMY LOVE (Producer/Turntables)
DJ CONCERNED (Brooklyn, New York)
DJ COLLAGE AKA MR. CHATMAN (Emcee, Seattle)
MANDEEP SETHI (Emcee)
RAV-E (Dhol)
MARCUS MURRAY (Live Painting)
AMAR (Visuals)

Non Stop Bhangra 53- Begin the New Year with a bang!

Kicking straight into gear for the new year, Jimmy Love will be joined on the decks by the one and only DJ Concerned (New York). The ever so beautiful Dholrhythms Dance Troupe returns from it's winter hiatus ready to make this year the biggest for Bhangra in the Bay Area! The full NSB crew will be in the house to get your hands in the air, shoulders shrugging and hips grinding - helping you start off your 2010 with some much needed good energy! will be teaching the Bhangra dance lesson, which we are sure will help with the extra cheer you put on over the holidays. Live painting and visuals will set your new year to a vibrant backdrop, while live drummers and MC's will lead us to the funky Bhangra land of tomorrow! Thanks SF for a wonderful 2009! Join us in making an even better 2010!

Check out photos from November NSB!

NSB's Jimmy Love This NYE!!!!

2009-12-17T01:32:00.001-08:00

For the second year in a row the Afrolicious crew will be hosting New Years Eve at their home base in the Mission District, The Elbo Room. Along with hosts selectors (and real life brothers) DJs Pleasuremaker and Señor Oz, and resident drummers B Lee and elRod, there will be very special guests throughout the night including MC Fresh4Life from Trinidad & Tobago.

Also on the bill:
Pleasuremaker Band (full 7 piece ripping live dance music)

NON-STOP BHANGRA DJ Set by DJ Jimmy Love

NYE w/Afrolicious Soundsystem + Pleasuremaker Band + DJ Jimmy Love
Elbo Room 647 Valencia SF, CA
9:30pm-2am

Tickets are $15 in advance - $20 from 12/24 on and $25 @ door
Advance tix at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/91606

2009-11-10T23:43:00.000-08:00

NON STOP BHANGRA (52)--THE LAST NSB FOR 2009

NONSTOP BHANGRA(52)

Date: November 21st, 2009
Venue: The Rickshaw Stop 155 Fell Street
Time: 9 PM Doors I 9:30 PM Bhangra Dance Lesson
Dholrhythms Dance Troupe: 10:00pm
Price: $15 advance I $20 Door

PURCHASE ADVANCE TICKETS

SPECIAL GUESTS:
DJ SEP(Dubmission)

plus

NON STOP BHANGRA RESIDENT CREW:
DHOLRHYTHMS DANCE TROUPE

DJ JIMMY LOVE (NSB Producer/Turntables)
MANDEEP SETHI (NSB Emcee, SF)
RAV-E (NSB DhoIi)
MARCUS MURRAY (NSB Painter)
AMAR (NSB Visuals)

Non Stop Bhangra 52- Ending the Bhangra year with a Bang!

Non Stop Bhangra celebrates the last NSB of 2009 with a rock solid DJ exclusive night of music. This month on the turntables is an extended set by NSB founder Jimmy Love and resident Rav-E who will be reaching into their bags of classic dance floor Bhangra beats. Joining the boys is DJ Sep of Dub Mission fame. She is one of NSB's favorite guests from over the years, dropping solid Bhangra tunes with a female touch. Starting the night out will be the beautiful ladies of Dholrhythms with the ritual Bhangra dance lesson, as well as a wicked dance performance to get you moving. Throw in visuals, NSB emcee Mandeep Sethi, & live art by NSB painter Marcus Murray, and you have every part represented of this exciting & emerging sound and culture of Bhangra in the Bay Area! Non Stop Bhangra will return in January 2010, but that sure is a long time to wait to get your 'balle balle' on!

Check out photos from October NSB on Diwali Night!

2009-11-03T16:42:00.001-08:00

Green Bash & Common Ground Magazine present
The Official Opening Night Party for the
8th Annual SF Green Festival
Green Spirit Dance

Date: Friday, Nov. 13th, 2009
Venue: 1015 Folsom | at 6th street
Time: 8:00pm-3:00am
Non Stop Bhangra Set: 9:00pm
Price: $15 advance I $20 Door

PURCHASE ADVANCE TICKETS

LINE UP:
NON STOP BHANGRA
DELHI 2 DUBLIN
DAVID STARFIRE
PLEASUREMAKER BAND
THE GREEN CHILDREN
KIRTAN & SACRED SPACE W/MUKTI +
GUARA VANI & JAYA LAKSHMI
AVANT GARDE PERFORMANCE ART BY EL CIRCO (Burning Man)
AMBIANCE BY HOOKAHDOME
PLUS SPECIAL GUESTS!

The Festivities will launch on Friday The 13^th at 1015 Folsom with the 3^rd incarnation of The Green Spirit Dance in celebration of Common Ground’s 35^th Anniversary—a spirited multi-dimensional event, with diverse offerings happening on various floors. The Main Dance room will feature a live band performance by the rapidly emerging Delhi 2 Dublin, a Vancouver based group that was hit on this summers west coast festival scene. Their hybrid sound and lively stage presence skillfully blends the upbeat energy Bollywood Dance with the musicality of Celtic folk creating an infectious vibe that electrifies the dance floor.

Complementing Delhi 2 Dublin will be The Bay Area’s own Non Stop Bhangra. Imagine a scene from a Bollywood movie smack in the middle of a thumping nightclub---the swirling colors, the rhythm of pounding feet, and the relentless energy of brilliant beats. Non Stop Bhangra is a non-stop party, featuring dance lessons with the Dholrhythms dance troupe, followed by dance performances, live music sets, visuals, live painting, and DJs spinning an eclectic mix of Bhangra, hip hop, reggae, and electronica.

The eclectic show will be artistically elevated by a rare appearance by the El Circo Performance Troupe, host of the legendary El Circo Burning Man theme camp shows that have stunned the playa year after year. The troupe performance will includes costumed performers, artists, live musicians and aerialists supported by World Class DJ’s David Starfire (Burning Man / Coachella / Harmony Festival) and Pleasure Maker: Afrolicious, who will bring on the groove laden world beats sure to heat up the dance floor late into the night.

The sacred Kirtan music of Mukti & Friends will special guest Guara Vani and Jaya Lakshmi will enrich “Spirit” side of the event. They will be performing upstairs in the Spirit Tower and accompanied by dance movement and acro-yoga workshops. There will be a great selection of exhibitors and sponsors serving up healthy organic food and green sustainable business products.

MORE INFO.....

2009-10-06T01:00:00.000-07:00

NON STOP BHANGRA 5 YEAR ANNIVERSARY PARTY

NONSTOP BHANGRA(51)

Date: October 17th, 2009
Venue: The Rickshaw Stop 155 Fell Street
Time: 9 PM Doors 9:30 PM Bhangra Dance Lesson
Non Stop Bhangra Collective Live Set: 10:00pm
Price: $15 advance I $20 Door

PURCHASE ADVANCE TICKETS!

SPECIAL GUESTS:
TONY TALWAR (CHICAGO)
J. BOOGIE (OM RECORDS)

NON STOP BHANGRA COLLECTIVE LIVE:
DHOLRHYTHMS DANCE TROUPE
DJ JIMMY LOVE (NSB Producer/Turntables)
DJ COLLAGE (NSB Emcee, Seattle)
MANDEEP SETHI (NSB Emcee, SF)
LUV (Vancouver, BC)
RAV-E (NSB DhoIi)
BALA NOWLE (Dhol)
BRYAN DEAN (NSB Bass)
HINA (NSB Vocals, LA)
MARCUS MURRAY (NSB Resident, Live Painting)

With so much to celebrate in October, Non Stop Bhangra returns to the Rickshaw Stop to ring in 5 years of Bhangra beats in the Bay Area! NSB's humble roots started as the 1 year anniversary of Dholrhythms teaching Bhangra. Fast forward 6 years and NSB is one of the most exciting and unique parties in San Francisco. If that is not enough to get you excited, this month's event falls on Diwali, the auspicious Indian "Festival Of Lights."

Joining Jimmy Love on the decks this month is a double header with Tony Talwar all the way from Chicago and local hero J-Boogie (OM Records). The full Non Stop Bhangra crew will hold it down live featuring a mash up of live drums and MC's over Non Stop Indian beats. The beautiful women of Dholrhythms will be on hand to lead the Bhangra dance lesson, making your shoulders shrug with glee. Let your inner light shine with us as we celebrate 5 years of bring this vibrant and exciting music to San Francisco!

2009-09-27T02:05:00.001-07:00

YBGF FEATURING NON STOP BHANGRA
Date: October 1, 2009
Time: 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Location: Jessie Square

EVENT INFO

With a vision to create a community that breaks cultural and religious boundaries, Non Stop Bhangra Collective brings together people from all walks of life to share its oneness through the gifts of music and dance. The Non Stop Bhangra Collective presents a brief Bhangra history, an interactive Bhangra dance lesson done to the live drums, dance performances, live dhols, an emcee, talented DJ, and vocalists! High energy and colorful from beginning to end.

NSB INTERVIEWS

2009-09-27T00:53:00.000-07:00

Non Stop Bhangra Interviews

Dave Sharma

Kush Arora

Sandeep Kumar

Luv (Signia)

Non Stop Bhangra Reaches 50!

2009-09-15T19:46:00.000-07:00

NONSTOP BHANGRA(50)

Date: September 19th, 2009
Venue: The Rickshaw Stop | 155 Fell Street
Time: 9 PM Doors | 9:30 PM Bhangra Dance Lesson
Non Stop Bhangra Collective Live Set: 10:00pm
Price: $15 advance I $20 Door

SPECIAL GUESTS:
LUV (SIGNIA, VANCOUVER) *Interview
DJ HMD (VANCOUVER)

NON STOP BHANGRA COLLECTIVE LIVE:
DHOLRHYTHMS DANCE TROUPE
DJ JIMMY LOVE (NSB Producer/Turntables)
DJ COLLAGE (NSB Emcee, Seattle)
MANDEEP SETHI (NSB Emcee, SF)
RAV-E (NSB DhoIi)
BALA NOWLE (Dhol)
BRYAN DEAN (NSB Bass)
HINA (NSB Vocals, LA)
MARCUS MURRAY (NSB Resident, Live Painting)
AMAR (NSB Visuals)

NSB 50--Milestone's and New Beginnings

Celebrating our 50th Non Stop Bhangra monthly event, the NSB crew keeps it GOLDEN with a night like no other in the San Francisco Bay Area. This month NSB Collective is joined on stage by Vancouver's own "Luv" of super Bhangra group Signia. On his first trip to the Bay Area we are also excited to bring down DJ HMD. Coming off international success with his single "Indian Summer"
and fresh release of his new mix cd, he is ready to light up the dance floor.

As always, the night kicks into full speed when the doors open to the ritual Bhangra dance lesson by Dholrhythms Dance Troupe. Non Stop Bhangra Collective will be charged and ready to bring down the house, boasting live drums and vocalists from L.A. to Vancouver including NSB powerhouses Mr. Chatman and Mandeep Sethi, performances by Dholrhythms, over wicked beats by NSB Producer Jimmy Love along with our favorite house DJ, Rav-E on dhol and decks.Add some spice and loving from VJ Amar and Marcus Murray painting live, & you’ll experience an endless Visual Feast alongside Non Stop Beats!

This is a special milestone for NSB night that continues to explode. Please join us in celebrating the unique magic and killer audiences that have helped make NSB one of "250 things to do in SF before you die" (7X7 Magazine)!

* THE THEME THIS MONTH IS BLACK & GOLD
Come sporting black & gold and get a free Bhangra mix CD by NSB!

NSB Interview: Luv (Signia)

2009-09-15T19:27:00.000-07:00

Luv (Signia)

Jimmy Love recently caught up with "Luv" from Vancouver based Bhangra act Signia to hear how things are going, and find out a little more about this months special guest...and NSB family member from afar.

NSB:
We are really excited as always to have you down to NSB from Vancouver, and see the continual growth and world of a seriously awesome person and vocalist. We have a few questions we would love to share with our crowd and the greater Bhangra world that reads our website.

When do you first get into singing Bhangra, and what was the catalyst that propelled you to say I want to be a singer?

Luv:
Well it was because my parents said I was not allowed to sing at home anymore...lol….Just joking !!! It was in Oct 2/1982 when I saw Amitabh Bachchan perform…really that is when I said I wanted to sing and entertain the masses !!! Bhangra is in my blood!!!! I was around the tender ripe age of 7 when I started singing but professionally hmmm, 22 and there is no stopping me now!!!

NSB:
We had you down a few years back for our anniversary as part of Singia, but what has "Luv" been up to since then and where is it going?

Luv:
Well it has been a great journey and what a show NSB put on the last time I was there. Signia is still around, my partner in Signia (San-j) is doing a lot of work in his new band Delhi 2 Dublin and that is awesome I am soo proud of the work those guys do!!! They are Awesome !!! As for myself currently on a tour … been touring with RDB, H-Dhami, Manak-E,Indy Sagu , A-Slam, Sunny Brown Lomatic and Baba Khan. I have recorded a couple of tracks for a film in Mumbai which should be coming out this Feb 2010 and my album ….will be out this Spring 2010. Josh/ RDB / Nick Chowlia will be co producing the tracks with me …..It is a lot of great things happening in my life right now ! You will all get to see that on my next album !!!

NSB:
You recently did a tour with RDB as a vocalist, what was one highlight from that tour, and what was one learning experience from being on the road with an act with a serious history in the Bhangra scene?

Luv:
What a great question…The whole experience was awesome…looking at the way these guys (the whole tour that is…all the artists) entertain is unbelievable!! As an artist you must grow and keep on learning. The best thing…is that I got to learn from the best !! Entertaining is not just singing but playing to the crowd!!!!

Highlight of the tour was the meet and greet with the fans …I loved taking pictures and signing autographs because the fans are what it is all about …as well we played soccer in T.O…with me H-Dhami/ RDB and Indy Sagu…that was such a laugh !!!

NSB:
Last, you have experienced NSB before, share a glimpse from the outside looking in for our viewers on how you view this event and how it fits into the Bhangra scene in North America...

Luv:
NSB (NON STOP BHANGRA) is the blood, sweat, tears of all the organizers - to showcase music, talent and artists from around the world !!

When I hear about the Bay area I feel and think NSB!!! Reason why is that, NSB, are there promoting Bhangra the right way by teaching the dance and the history behind the dance!

NSB fits in the Bhangra seen as a revolution in North America, as it brings all cultures and groups together to showcase a dance !! I wish more cities could do this …there is not enough of this going on in North America !!!!

NSB are doing a great SEVA or charity to the Bhangra and music scene…if you have not been to an event you are missing out on an extremely fun and good time …but before I g …if you are planning to come to an event …make sure you have your dancing shoes on !! Have a back up pair as well, because your soles will be worn out be the end of the night !!

Non Stop Bhangra (49)

2009-08-05T15:41:00.000-07:00

NONSTOP BHANGRA(49)

Date: August 15th, 2009
Venue: The Rickshaw Stop| 155 Fell Street
Time: 9 PM Doors | 9:30 PM Bhangra Dance Lesson
Dholrhythms Dance Troupe: 10:15pm
Price: $15 advance I $20 Door

*PURCHASE ADVANCE TICKETS

LINE UP::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

DHOLRHYTHMS DANCE TROUPE
DJ JIMMY LOVE(Turntables)
RAV-E (Turntables, Dhol)
MANDEEP SETHI (Mic)
MARCUS MURRAY(Live Painting)
AMAR(NSB Visuals)

Non Stop Bhangra 49 - Back to the Old School

Non Stop Bhangra is taking it back to the old school, as we they towards 5 years of providing one of the most talked about monthly events in San Francisco. Going back to their roots, the crew is bringing back a full night of DJ's to rock the dancefloor. Resident Jimmy Love returns to the decks for a highly anticipated extended set, along side resident DJ Rav-E and special surprise guest. The lovely ladies of Dholrhythms will be on hand to warm everyone's soul up with a Bhangra dance lesson to kick start the night followed by beautiful performances. From there on out the night dives into hard bumping Indian beats and a visual feast from Amar and live painting by Marcus Murray. This month, wearing Black and White will get you a free Bhangra mix cd from the NSB Collective. Come celebrate your independence with us as we celebrate India's Independence Day.

* THE THEME THIS MONTH IS BLACK & WHITE
Come sporting black & white and get a free Bhangra mix CD by Non Stop Bhangra Collective

2009-07-07T15:24:00.000-07:00

NON STOP BHANGRA(48)

Date: July 18th, 2009
Venue: The Rickshaw Stop| 155 Fell Street
Time: 9 PM Doors | 9:30 PM Bhangra Dance Lesson
NSB Collective Live Set: 10:15pm
Price: $15 advance I $20 Door

*ADVANCE TICKETS AVAILABLE SOON

LINE UP::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
SPECIAL GUESTS
SANDEEP KUMAR(L.A.)
DJ CONCERNED(BROOKLYN, NY)

NON STOP BHANGRA COLLECTIVE LIVE
DHOLRHYTHMS DANCE TROUPE
DJ JIMMY LOVE(NSB Producer/Turntables)
DJ COLLAGE(NSB Emcee, Seattle)
RUP(NSB Emcee, Vancouver)
RAV-E (NSB DhoIi)
BRYAN DEAN(NSB Bass)
HINA(NSB Vocals, LA)
MARCUS MURRAY(NSB Resident, Live Painting)
AMAR(NSB Visuals)

Non Stop Bhangra 48 - Coast 2 Coast
Bringing the best of both coasts together, Non Stop Bhangra returns with two of the top Bhangra DJ's in the US for a night of NYC vs LA. Representing the Indian community at large, Sandeep Kumars' mixes are heavily linked to the largest parties in Southern California. Hailing from NYC is world music globe trotter DJ Concerned, having spent time playing at Basement Bhangra he returns for his third NSB set. Coming off of the SF Mag Best of The Bay party, the Non Stop Bhangra Collective returns for a live set which will get your hands in the air. Come early for the Bhangra Dance Lesson, and stay for the full Bhangra 101 course including visuals and live painting by NSB's own Marcus Murray. There is nowhere in SF to get a full night of these banging Asian beats, and be a part of the movement as we try and push the Bhangra sound forward!

* THE THEME THIS MONTH IS CAMO
Come sporting anything CAMO & get a free Bhangra mix CD by Non Stop Bhangra Collective

2009-06-10T13:26:00.001-07:00

NONSTOP BHANGRA(47)

Date: June 20th, 2009
Venue: The Rickshaw Stop | 155 Fell Street
Time: 9 PM Doors | 9:30 PM Bhangra Dance Lesson
NSB Collective Live Set: 10:15pm
Price: $15 advance I $20 Door

* PURCHASE ADVANCE TICKETS HERE

LINE UP::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
SPECIAL GUESTS
DAVE SHARMA (Sub Swara, NY)
J. BOOGIE (Om Records)

NON STOP BHANGRA COLLECTIVE LIVE
DHOLRHYTHMS DANCE TROUPE
DJ JIMMY LOVE(NSB Producer/Turntables)
DJ COLLAGE(NSB Emcee, Seattle)
RUP(NSB Emcee, Vancouver)
MANDEEP SETHI (NSB Emcee)
RAV-E (NSB DhoIi)
BRYAN DEAN(NSB Bass)
HINA(NSB Vocals, LA)
MARCUS MURRAY(NSB Resident, Live Painting)
AMAR(NSB Visuals)
plus
Special Guest MC AESOP(Living Legends)

As we tip toe into another San Francisco summer, Non Stop Bhangra brings the heat. Loading up on talent from all over North America, NSB brings the best the US has to offer in banging Indian beats to the Rickshaw Stop. All the way from NYC's famous Sub Swara crew is Dave Sharma, who has rocked everything from Basement Bhangra to a live tour with Moby playing drums. Sharma is a regular feature on BBC's Asian Network and returns to NSB for his first appearance in almost 2 years. Joining the crew this month will also be J Boogie (OM Records) of Dubtronic Science, the recent Best DJ in SF thanks to the good guys over at the SF Weekly. If that is not already an instant party, the full Non Stop Bhangra Collective will be in the house including the return of a very special guest MC from the Living Legends - Aesop! Come early for the Bhangra dance lesson and live NSB Collective set, and stay late for endless Bhangra beats.

Back to front, front to back hands up!

* THE COLOR THEME THIS MONTH IS YELLOW.
Come sporting anything yellow & get a free Bhangra mix CD by Non Stop Bhangra Collective

2009-05-08T22:52:00.001-07:00

NONSTOP BHANGRA(46)

Date: May 16th, 2009
Venue: The Rickshaw Stop | 155 Fell Street
Time: 9 PM Doors | 9:30 PM Bhangra Dance Lesson
NSB Collective Live Set: 10:15pm
Price: $15 advance I $20 Door

* PURCHASE ADVANCE TICKETS HERE

LINE UP::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
SPECIAL GUESTS
DJ SEP(DUBMISSION )
KUSH ARORA(SURYA DUB)

NON STOP BHANGRA COLLECTIVE LIVE
DHOLRHYTHMS DANCE TROUPE
DJ JIMMY LOVE(NSB Producer/Turntables)
DJ COLLAGE(NSB Emcee, Seattle)
RUP(NSB Emcee, Vancouver)
MANDEEP SETHI (NSB Emcee)
RAV-E (NSB DhoIi)
HINA(NSB Vocals, LA)
PLUS

MARCUS MURRAY(NSB Resident, Live Painting)
AMAR(NSB Visuals)

If you have the spring fever to go dancing, Non Stop Bhangra is the hottest place in the Bay Area to let yourself go. This month brings two top DJ's from some of San Francisco's best parties to rock it out with the Non Stop Bhangra Collective. Kush Arora who is currently on tour with Bassnectar and celebrating the killer release of his new album "The Dread bass Chronicles" joins NSB for a rare Bhangra'fied Reggae mash up set. DJ Sep from the legendary Dub Mission also returns to bring her smooth touch of well selected crates of classic Punjabi cuts. As always, the night kicks into full speed when the doors open to the much anticipated Bhangra dance lesson with Dholrhythms. Once the house is full, the Non Stop Bhangra Collective takes the stage, boasting live drums and vocalists from L.A. to Vancouver over beats by NSB Producer Jimmy Love and beautiful dance performances by Dholrhythms Dance Troupe. Live visuals by Amar and paintings by Marcus Murray round out the experience, as the banging Bhangra beats take the crowd through to the last stop of this rickshaw ride of a party.

* THE COLOR THEME THIS MONTH IS WHITE.
Come sporting anything white & get a free Bhangra mix CD by NSB’s own DJ Jimmy Love

Check out a glimpse from last month's NSB when surprise guest Aesop from hip hop group Living Legends sat in with the Non Stop Bhangra Collective during the live set.

2009-04-13T00:37:00.001-07:00

NONSTOP BHANGRA(45)

Date: April 18th, 2009
Venue: The Rickshaw Stop | 155 Fell Street
Time: 9 PM Doors | 9:30 PM Bhangra Dance Lesson
NSB Collective Live Set: 10:15pm
Price: $15 advance I $20 Door

* PURCHASE ADVANCE TICKETS HERE

LINE UP::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
SPECIAL GUEST
DJ JIMMY SINGH(CHICAGO, BHANGRATHEQUE)

NON STOP BHANGRA COLLECTIVE LIVE
DHOLRHYTHMS DANCE TROUPE
DJ JIMMY LOVE(NSB Producer/Turntables)
DJ COLLAGE(NSB Emcee, Seattle)
RUP(NSB Emcee, Vancouver)
MANDEEP SETHI (NSB Emcee)
RAV-E (NSB DhoIi)
BRIAN DEAN(NSB, Base)
HINA(NSB Vocals, LA)
PLUS

MARCUS MURRAY(NSB Resident, Live Painting)
AMAR(NSB Visuals)

Back once again with the sound of a lion, Non Stop Bhangra roars into spring for another installment of it's sold out monthly event. Joining the NSB Collective this month is Bhangratheque founder Jimmy Singh, dropping wicked tracks that light up his infamous Chicago party. Kicking the night off with the incredible Bhangra dance lesson by the beautiful Dholrhythms Dance Troupe, expect the night to go from 0 to 60 in seconds. Featuring Jimmy Love on the decks and the Dholrhythms Dance Troupe, out of town vocals will be laid down by DJ Collage (Seattle), Rup (Vancouver), Hina (L.A.) and local hero Mandeep Sethi. Rav-E and Bryan will lay down the rhythms section as visuals by DJ Amar (Electric Vardo - Surya Dub) and live painting by Marcus Murray provide an experience not captured by any other local event. You don't need to be a Slumdog Millionaire to know the answer as to why this event is the most exciting event in the bay area, you just need to come with a desire to dance!

* THE COLOR THEME THIS MONTH IS BLUE.
Come sporting anything green & get a free Bhangra mix CD by NSB’s own
DJ Jimmy Love!

Non Stop Bhangra 44 – Bhangra Goes Green

2009-03-13T12:14:00.000-07:00

NONSTOP BHANGRA(44)

Date: March 21, 2009
Venue: The Rickshaw Stop | 155 Fell Street
Time: 9 PM Doors | 9:30 PM Bhangra Dance Lesson
Price: $15 advance I $20 Door

* PRE-SALE TICKETS ARE SOLD OUT!!!
~TICKETS STILL AVAILABLE AT THE DOOR!
*First come first serve, so get there early...

LINE UP::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
SPECIAL GUESTS
DELHI 2 DUBLIN (LIVE ACT FROM VANCOUVER, BC)
SF MIXMASTER DJ DUSEROCK

ALONGSIDE NSB COLLECTIVE
DHOLRHYTHMS DANCE TROUPE
DJ JIMMY LOVE
DJ COLLAGE(SEATTLE, MC)
MANDEEP SETHI (MC)
RAV-E (DHOLI)

MARCUS MURRAY(RESIDENT PAINTER)
AMAR(VISUALS)

The Non Stop Bhangra crew goes green again, bringing back the massive live act Delhi2Dublin to help celebrate St. Patrick’s Day weekend. Fresh off the road from SXSW and enjoying the release of their hit remix cd, the Irish-Bhangra fusion always kills it at the Rickshaw Stop. To make things a little more exciting; this year the two collectives will be doing a mash up live set, with the NSB Collective featuring DJ Collage from Seattle and Mandeep Sethi rocking the microphone. Joining Jimmy Love and Rav-E on the decks this month is SF’s mix master Duserock dropping a massive Bhangra vibe set. The lovely ladies of Dholrhythms provide the fun Bhangra dance lesson to kick off the night, and will be working dance performances into the live set. Getting the green light for a visual explosion is VJ Amar (Electric Vardo – Surya Dub) and Marcus Murray painting live. Join us and experience a one of a kind St Patrick’s Day, but come early as NSB usually sells out.

Come sporting anything green & get a free Bhangra mix CD by NSB’s own
DJ Jimmy Love!

Check out February's NSB featured on SF Station TV

NONSTOP BHANGRA(43), Sat. Feb 21st!

2009-02-05T14:18:00.001-08:00

NONSTOP BHANGRA(43)

Date: February 21st, 2009
Venue: The Rickshaw Stop | 155 Fell Street
Time: 9 PM Doors | 9:30 PM Bhangra Dance Lesson
Price: $15 advanceI$20 Door

*PRE-SALE TICKETS ARE SOLD OUT!!!
~TICKETS STILL AVAILABLE AT THE DOOR!
*First come first serve, so get there early...

LINE UP::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
J.BOOGIE (OM RECORDS, SF)
DJ CONCERNED(NEW YORK)
DHOLRHYTHMS DANCE TROUPE
JIMMY LOVE (NSB RESIDENT)
DJ COLLAGE(SEATTLE)
RUP SIDHU(VANCOUVER)
MANDEEP SETHI (MC)
RAV-E (NSB RESIDENT)

MARCUS MURRAY(LIVE PAINTING)
AMAR(VISUALS)

2009-01-22T00:17:00.001-08:00

YERBA BUENA CENTER FOR THE ARTS PRESENTS:
WHATS THE BIG IDEA NIGHT!
NONSTOP BHANGRA & SURYADUB SOUNDCLASH
Saturday, Jan 31, 2009
9 pm—midnight
Yerba Buena Center For The Arts
Grand Lobby, Forum and Galleries
701 Mission Street(at Third)
San Francisco, Ca
FREE ADMISSION!

Musical worlds collide as two of San Francisco's top crews come together for a mash down of styles featuring Surya Dub Live with Kush Arora & Maneesh the Twister and Non Stop Bhangra Collective Featuring Dj Jimmy Love, Dholrhythms Dance Troupe, RavE(Dhol), and NSB Residents Dj Collage and Emcee Mandeep Sethi.
• BHANGRA LESSON WITH DHOLRHYTHMS: 9:15—9:45
• View YBCA’s current exhibitions transPOP: Korea Vietnam Remix, Irreverent: Contemporary Nordic Craft and The Art of Slow Food Nation
• Continuous Korean/Vietnamese short films in Screening Room
• Cash bar with specialty cocktails
• FREE PIZZA! FREE TEA!

RSVP AT WWW.YBCAFREE.ORG AND GET
• Early entrance to the party at 8:30 pm
• Priority entrance all night

Non Stop Bhangra 42 - The Return of NSB!

2009-01-05T20:30:00.000-08:00

NONSTOP BHANGRA(42)

Date: January 17th, 2009
Venue: The Rickshaw Stop | 155 Fell Street
Time: 9 PM Doors | 9:30 PM Bhangra Dance Lesson
Price: $15 Advance | $20 Door

**PRE-SALE IS SOLD OUT, TICKETS WILL STILL BA AVAILABLE AT THE DOOR!

LINE UP::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
NAVDEEP (Anamika Records)
MANDIP (Dutty Chutney - Philly)
DHOLRHYTHMS DANCE TROUPE
JIMMY LOVE (NSB RESIDENT)
MANDEEP SETHI (MC)
RAV-E (NSB RESIDENT)

MARCUS MURRAY(LIVE PAINTING)

NSB COLLECTIVE IN DECEMBER

2008-12-09T00:59:00.001-08:00

NONSTOP BHANGRA is on haitus for the month of December and will return to its regular schedule of 3rd Saturdays, starting January 2009! In the meantime, NSB Collective will be jamming at some fun events around San Francisco! Come join your favorite crew and ring in the new year in NSB style.

UPCOMING EVENTS::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

DUBMISSION

Date: December 28th, 2008
Venue: ELBO ROOM 647 VALENCIA STREET
Time: 9 PM Doors | 9:30 PM Bhangra Dance Lesson
Price: $7:00

LINE UP:::::::::::::::::::::
DJ SEP
LUDICHRIS
DHOLRHYTHMS DANCE TROUPE
DJ JIMMY LOVE
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ECLECTIC FEVER
An Exotic, Multi-Cultural, New Year's Eve Masquerade
Date: December 31st, 2008

Venue: GIFT CENTER PAVILLION | 888 BRANNAN STREET
Time: 9 PM-3AM| 21+
Price: $55 Early Bird|Price goes up after Dec. 15th

LINE UP:::::::::::::::::::::
SILA AND THE AFROFUNK EXPERIENCE
NONSTOP BHANGRA COLLECTIVE
SAMBADA
NINO MOSCHELLA
DORANDO

SAMBAMORA DANCE COMPANY
DJ JEREMIAH AND THE AFROBEAT NATION
RASA VITALIA

FOR MORE INFO: http://www.eclecticfever.com/

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Non Stop Bhangra 41 - This Saturday!

2008-10-16T15:34:00.001-07:00

NONSTOP BHANGRA(41)

WEAR YOUR FAVORITE SHADE OF YELLOW

Date: November 15th, 2008
Venue: The Rickshaw Stop | 155 Fell Street
Time: 9 PM Doors | 9:30 PM Bhangra Dance Lesson
Price: $15 Advance | $20 Door

PURCHASE ADVANCE TICKETS HERE

LINE UP:::::::::::::::::::::
DHOLRHYTHMS DANCE TROUPE
JIMMY LOVE (NSB RESIDENT)
DJ CONCERNED(NEW YORK)
DJ COLLAGE(SEATTLE)
MANDEEP SETHI (MC)
RAV-E (NSB RESIDENT)

MARCUS MURRAY(LIVE PAINTING)

"BHANGRAFEST" EVENTS THIS WEEKEND!

2008-10-08T02:37:00.000-07:00

SAN FRANCISCO

NSB COLLECTIVE AT UNION SQUARE PLAZA

October 12, 2008 - Sunday
2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Free, open to public, all ages

Come join the Non Stop Bhangra Collective at Union Square Plaza as we continue our anniversary celebration with "BhangraFest"! The whole NSB Crew will be there for the festivitie including Dj Jimmy Love, Dholrhythms Dance Troupe, Mandeep Sethi(mic), Rav-E(Dhol) plus Marcus Murray painting live. Come celebrate with us as we share the spirit of Bhangra with the SF community and give the tourists something to remember.

There will be a bhangra lesson, dance performances, live dhol, emcee's plus the skills of our favorite Dj Jimmy Love rocking out the decks. What better way to spend a sunday afternoon than dancing outside with NSB Crew. We'll see you there!

BERKELEY
October 11, 2008 - Saturday
Dholrhythms Bhangra Class(beginner basic)

9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Ashkenaz Music & Community Center(Main Studio)
1317 San Pablo Avenue, Berkeley
Free, open to public

October 12th, 2008-Sunday
Dholrhythms Family Day
5:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Dholrhythms Class/Performance, Dancing
Ashkenaz Music & Community Center
1317 San Pablo Avenue, Berkeley
Free, open to public, all ages

*There will be a bhangra dance lesson, performances by Dholrhythms Dance Troupe, live Dhol plus dancing to music by Dj Jimmy Love!

Dholrhythms(5yr) & NSB(4yr) Anniversary Celebrations--"BHANGRAFEST"

2008-10-08T01:34:00.000-07:00

FIRST ANNUAL "BHANGRAFEST"

We are excited to share that we are celebrating Dholrhythms and Non Stop Bhangra anniversaries this month. Dholrhythms is celebrating 5yrs and Non Stop Bhangra turns 4. Dholrhythms first year anniversary gave birth to NSB. Wow, what an amazing journey it has been.

Dholrhythms and NSB Collective have been fortunate enough to share its passion on some amazing stages over the years, including Stern Grove Music Festival last summer and Power To The Peaceful Festival in Golden Gate Park this summer. This is a milestone for us so we really wanted to celebrate with the SF Bay Area community that has allowed us to flourish. In an effort to continue spreading the energy of Bhangra that is being seeked out by the masses, we are celebrating our anniversary with our first annual festival “BhangraFest”

The festival consists of a series of presentations including free classes for both adults and kids, workshops and performances, along with events as the Non Stop Bhangra Collective throughout the San Francisco Bay Area Community. These events will take place at various locations, collaborating with various organizations, most of which are free to the public. So bring your family and friends and join us at one or all of these festivities.

Thank you for your continued support, love, and for being a part of our community. We look forward to celebrating with you. See you on the dance floor!

BHANGRAFEST 2008 LIST OF EVENTS

NSB D2D MASHUP

2008-10-08T01:06:00.000-07:00

NSB welcomed back Delhi 2 Dublin from Vancouver, Canada for the second time this year. After a sold out show in March for St. Patricks Day, we were thrilled to have them back in the house. Like the first time, It was a sold out night, with line around the block. They rocked the house one more time. Dj Collage was in the house tearing up the stage alongside D2D. Mandeep Sethi, NSB Resident Emcee, threw down some rhymes of his own when he joined the crew.
Check out a review of D2D at NSB on Evolving Music Blog

We all had an amazing night, another unique experience to remember. And as always, one of our favorite moments of the night was when we asked how many people are here for the first time. We always begin NSB with this ritual. its always pleasantly astounding to see how many people raise their hands each time. The best part is finding out that most people heard about it through their friends, through word of mouth. That is the best way for this community to grow.

And as every month, one of the other traditions is taking one last shot, which we call the “The Last Man Standing”. Every month the crew takes a photograph at the end of the night to celebrate, rejoice, remember, laugh, and create one more memory that gets etched in our mind.

NSB#39, One More Down!

Non-Stop Bhangra 39 This Saturday!

2008-09-17T14:05:00.001-07:00

NON STOP BHANGRA 39

Date: SEPTEMBER 20TH, 2008
Venue: The Rickshaw Stop | 155 Fell Street
Time: 9 PM Doors | 9:30 PM Bhangra Dance Lesson
Price: $15 Advance| $20 Door

PRE-SALE Tickets Sold Out!!!!
~Tickets still available at the door, first come first serve~
PURCHASE ADVANCE TICKETS HERE

LINE UP:::::::::::::::::::::
DELHI2DUBLIN(VANCOUVER)
DHOLRHYTHMS DANCE TROUPE
JIMMY LOVE (NSB RESIDENT)
AMAR(VISUALS)
MANDEEP SETHI (MC)
RAV-E (NSB RESIDENT)

MARCUS MURRAY(LIVE PAINTING)

NSB CREW AT POWER TO THE PEACEFUL FESTIVAL WITH MICHAEL FRANTI & SPEARHEAD, ZIGGY MARLEY!

2008-09-12T15:45:00.000-07:00

AN INTIMATE GATHERING OF ABOUT 75,000 PEOPLE!
Speedway Meadow, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco!

Setting the Intention:
“The First key to holding good community space is the intention. The second key is allowing people to have freedom within that intention to contribute. The final key is the feeling that people went away with. Did people leave feeling inspired.?”
-- Michael Franti, Conscious Dancer Magazine, Spring 2008!--

We don’t know if words can do justice to the experience we had this past weekend, but we are inspired to try.

Last weekend, we (NSB Collective) got an opportunity to open up Power to the Peaceful Festival. Not only did we get to perform and share the contagious happiness that is associated with Bhangra, we got to hang out with Michael Franti and experience the entire concert from stage looking out into an audience of 75,000 people. There were moments in the day where we had to remind ourselves that this was actually happening, especially the moments when we saw Ziggy Marley walking around and just hanging out next to us on stage watching the show like everyone else.

The powers of music and dance truly do defy any language, religion, or culture and can break boundaries by bringing people together in the most amazing ways. It didn’t matter that just a few hours ago we were dancing to the beats of Punjabi music, than listening to Ziggy Marley singing Redemption Song and now rocking out to Michael Franti’s energy. At times it felt like we were at NSB, the whole crew jamming together like we always do. We were all connected, sharing something much larger than the individual sounds and movements we performed. It was a beautiful day full of energy, good vibes, with creative energy flowing all around. The most important perhaps was the realization that 70,000+ can come together in harmony and share something in unison. What could be better than that! We were so grateful to have been a part of such a celebration.

Thank you Guerrilla Management & Michael Franti!
Yes! We did leave feeling inspired!

NSB - At Power To The Peaceful September 6th

2008-09-01T19:38:00.000-07:00

Non-Stop Bhangra was just asked to open the festivities this coming weekend at the Power To The Peaceful Festival. We are beyond excited to be a part of this legendary festival as it celebrates it's 10th year!

Joining the crew all the way from LA, is the Dhol player from Bhangra superstar group RDB. We will be doing a super short kick off set which starts at 11 am...so please come out if early if you want to catch us!

We are going to get the party stared...

On stage it will be Jimmy Love - Dholrhythms - Rav-E - Mandeep Sethi - Shawn (RDB)

Added this year to the already awesome show is Ziggy Marley, and another wicked performance from Michael Franti!

Saturday September 6th - Free $$ - MORE INFO
Speedway Meadow - Golden Gate Park

DUB MISSION 12YR ANNIVERSARY, TONITE AT ELBO ROOM!

2008-08-31T13:18:00.000-07:00

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Come join the NSB crew at Elbo Room tonite as we celebrate the 12 year anniversary of Dubmission, "one of the longest running weeklies in San Francisco." Founder and resident Dj Sep is one of our favorite dj's and has been a long running guest at NonStop Bhangra.

The Special featured guests include our friends and fellow artists Dj Collage(Seattle) and Kytami (Vancouver from Delhi2Dublin crew) who have rocked it out with the NSB Collective at many events including at the Rickshaw Stop monthly. They'll be coming down to NSB again next month but tonite you get to see them in a rare live combo set at Elbo Room. They will be performing alongside Jacob Cino(Third Eye Tribe, Vancouver).

We've been hanging with them this weekend and got a sneak peek at their jam session as they rehearsed for tonite. Its going to be a rocking night, so come check them out.

NSB crew will be on the floor somewhere so see you there!

THIRD EYE TRIBE (Tribalharmonix, Vancouver, Canada)
featuring KYTAMI on outerspace violin and JACOB CINO on beats, melodica and vocals with DJ COLLAGE on the mic plus resident/founder DJ SEP!

Elbo Room
647 Valencia Street
San Francisco
-21 & over
club line: 415 552 7788
9 pm to 2 am - $12 advance / $15 day of show
advance - adv. tix: ticketweb.com, jambasetickets.com

Jimmy Love @ SF Bay Guardian Happy Hour

2008-08-27T13:24:00.000-07:00

SF Bay Guardian Hellraiser Happy Hour
feat. Jimmy Love, Kush Arora, and J. Rogers
Wednesday August 27th @ El Rio

Join the Guardian Hellraisers for an extra-special event hosted by the infamous Surya Dub DJs, a Guardian Best of the Bay 2008 Winner for "Best Ambassadors of Dread Bass!" It will be an afterwor lowdown hoedown featuring ice-cold beer specials, delectable bites, and raffle prizes benefiting the SaveNet Radio campaign! Buttshaking boombastic beats by Kush Arora, Jimmy Love, and J. Rogers.

El Rio | 3158 Mission (btw Cesar Chavez & Valencia) | 6p-8:30p | 21+
NO COVER!

NSB Gets more Press & Awards!

2008-08-20T13:53:00.000-07:00

Voted Best of 2008 Niche Dance Parties
"THE BEST, 08 ISSUE" -San Francisco Magazine, 2008!

- Best of Bay Issue, SF Bay Guardian, 2008!
*Voted Runners up: Best Dance Company (Dholrhythms)
*Voted Runners up: Best DJ (Jimmy Love)
*Voted Runners up: Best Party Producers (Non-Stop Bhangra Crew)

In a city that is known as a hip and intoxicating destination, with a pulsing culture alive with attractions, museums, art galleries, nightclubs, restaurants, festivals, and something for every taste; its quite an accomplishment to be recognized in any fashion as one of the best. We are very grateful and proud that our collective has been given so much love by the San Francisco Community. The constant support from NSB fans and attendees has made NSB one of the most happening events in San Francisco. NSB has reached this platform because 1000’s of diverse people who have experienced NSB continue to spread its energy among their friends and communities making us a vibrant part of SF nightlife. Thank you!

Thanks to the SF media for recognizing our efforts and giving us their support. We are truly grateful for being an important part of one of the most vibrant cities in the world!
Here’s to another fabulous San Francisco year! Go Team NSB

Bhangra Goes Global

2008-08-18T17:45:00.000-07:00

One of the energies behind NSB is our belief that music is a gift to mankind and can break all cultural boundaries and bring people together in the most amazing ways. It doesn’t matter where you were born, where you live, what music you listen to, or how you dance, the energy that creates music and dance is Universal. Its common to us all regardless of the different ways it comes alive. Bhangra is one such energy whose joyful beats and beautiful rhythm always makes people smile and share something in unison.

This month we got to witness this joy once again in another incredible experience. We were invited to teach and perform at the WFDF 2008 Worlds Ultimate & Guts Championships. Who knew the sport of Frisbee was that big? 2000+ athletes, from 20 different countries all gathered in Vancouver, BC to compete in 100’s of games held at the University of British Columbia, Thunderbird Stadium. We were invited to teach and perform at the opening and closing ceremonies. What an incredible experience! At the opening ceremony, 4000+people in the audience from all over the world joined in to share the beautiful energy of Bhangra.

We wanted to share some pics and videoclips of the amazing experience as we celebrate our continued efforts to share the Bhangra spirit with the masses.

Check out PHOTOS from the ceremony.

Check out some video footage:

Non-Stop Bhangra 38 - August 16th, 2008

2008-07-14T16:03:00.001-07:00

NON STOP BHANGRA 38

Date: AUGUST 16TH, 2008
Venue: The Rickshaw Stop | 155 Fell Street
Time: 9 PM Doors | 9:30 PM Bhangra Dance Lesson
Price: $15 Advance | $20 Door
PURCHASE ADVANCE TICKETS HERE

LINE UP:::::::::::::::::::::
DHOLRHYTHMS DANCE TROUPE
JIMMY LOVE (NSB RESIDENT)
J BOOGIE(OM RECORDS)
DJ SEP(DUB MISSION)
AMAR(VISUALS)
MANDEEP SETHI (MC)
RAV-E (NSB RESIDENT)
MARCUS MURRAY(LIVE PAINTING)

NSB's Jimmy Love Tonight @ Mission Bombay!

2008-06-13T14:38:00.000-07:00

Get Freaky this Friday the 13th as Mission Bombay features a bangin' mix of Asian beats from Bhangra to Bollywood and beyond with resident DJs. Non Stop Bhangra's Jimmy Love will be dropping beats, come check him at this new Indian hot spot in the heart of the mission...

Jimmy Love - Non-Stop Bhangra
Suresh - Nagabeatz

BOLLYHOOD CAFE
3372 19th Street @ Mission
San Francisco
415-970-0362

10pm-2am • $5 • 21 & up

Non Stop Bhangra 35 This Weekend!

2008-05-12T19:11:00.000-07:00

NON STOP BHANGRA 35
Date: May 17th 2008
Venue: The Rickshaw Stop | 155 Fell Street
Time: 9 PM Doors | 9:30 PM Bhangra Dance Lesson
Price: $10 Advance | $15 Door
Get Advanced Tickets Now!!!

LINE UP:::::::::::::::::::::
DHOLRHYTHMS DANCE TROUPE
Sandeep Kumar (Los Angeles)
JIMMY LOVE (NSB)
MANDEEP SETHI (MC)
DJ AMAR (VISUALS)
RAV-E & BALA (DHOL)
MARCUS MURRAY(LIVE PAINTING)

Interview - Sandeep Kumar

2008-05-07T16:23:00.000-07:00

NSB's Jimmy Love recently did some back and forth with
LA Supa'Star Bhangra DJ Sandeep Kumar!

Sandeep will be playing this month at NSB!

We are excited to have you coming back up north in May, your last trip up gave us a killer up tempo Bhangra set laced with some wicked scratching. Bhangra promoters in the US drop your name as one of the top Bhangra DJ's in North America, and your remixes are searched for and now some are available on Bollywoddmashups.com, but our readers and club night fans know very little about the electro-house Bhangra machine.

1) JL:

How long ago did you decide to attack the turntables and mix music? Also, as a DJ I notice you approach the turntable unlike most world music DJ's, which leads me to believe you come from a more house and hip hop background. Is this true, or the reverse?

SK:

I’d say it’s true, I got into the idea a long long time ago, honestly probably when I was around 6 or 7. I had some older cousins who were DJ'ing so they got me hooked. They used to make me mix tapes of old hip hop like Run-DMC and NWA with their scratches and tricks in between. That was around the late 80's when the DJ and Hip Hop culture was really starting to get going so it was an exciting time to be around. At that young I didn't really understand the music or what was going on, but I really looked up to my cousins so it was kind of a monkey see monkey do type scenario. I was always around them so as they progressed more into house music and turntablism I followed as well. Eventually I got into Bhangra in the early 90's around when Bally Sagoo really blew up and the UK thing was picking up. Then the U.S. hindi remix scene hit with DJ's like Lil' Jay and TS Soundz in the mid 90s and that's kinda where I felt most comfortable. That music really related to me because it was fusing the hip hop/DJ culture with the traditional desi stuff I grew up listening to. I was around 12 or 13 at the time and started making my own mix tapes using tape decks. I never gave them out to anyone, it wasn't like a big endeavor or anything, just something for me and my sister to listen to in the car. I recently found a few of those old tapes and archived them into digital format that I'll probably post on my podcast or something, its really wierd to listen to something and realize it was made about 13 years ago, it makes you feel really really old. Eventually I got into mixing on vinyl which also happened at my cousin's house and a few years later (around 18) I bought my own decks and went full force at it. When I got my decks I honestly never really bought any bhangra or even hip hop for that matter, at the time all I wanted to do was mix house music. Around that time I met Jay Dabhi; he and I got along because we were both into the desi thing but still strong house heads. He was doing Indian and non-Indian parties on a regular basis and told me I should just do Indian stuff as well since I would pick up on it quickly and probably do well considering my background. So I definitely come from a house and hip hop background, which is different from a lot of world music DJ's. A lot of them are really good producers who can't really take what they do in the studio on the road for a liveshow that makes sense to the crowd so they wind up DJ'ing. It's a very different approach from someone like me, but it's not uncommon producers to make good DJ's. They both have a good ear for music and an overall vision for what they’re trying to accomplish musically.

2) JL:

Though you play Bhangra, you seem more on the level of pushing house and electro sounds with an Indian twist. What other DJ's are you into that are producing and playing a similar set and style of music. Where are you able to find the style music you play, or are your sources only from producers you know?

SK:

Honestly it's been really difficult finding DJs and producers that are into the type of house/electronic I'm into. Most Indians aren't really into house so the really good house tracks I get are usually by house DJs and producers who just happened to have an Indian/ethnic sample in their track. Also a lot of world/electronic stuff that's made is by people who come from more of a world music background then an electronic music background, so it sounds more like world music then electronic. Again I come from the opposite background, in addition to being big into the DJ thing, I've a huge synth and electronic music equipment junkie. I try to learn every program under the sun and am constantly tweaking away on my synths, so I'm really into the roots of getting electronic music to sound right, so when I hear world musicians try to play it off like it's true house music or drum and bass it kinda annoys me. But I'm constantly digging trying to find stuff that fits what I'm trying to do. There are a few people that come from the same mindset and their music shows. To name a few : Jay Dabhi, Sharmaji, Delhi2Dublin, Tej Gill, and a few others. As far as sources go, there's no real secret source, I just spend a LOT of time searching like I always have and every now and then you find some amazing stuff. The online music store thing has really changed it though, before I used to spend hours and hours in music stores trying to find tracks but now I browse around on iTunes or Beatport and I've got access to so much. The amount of music I search through on a normal basis is rediculous, my "unsorted music" folder on my computer at any given time usually has about 200 tracks in there and I keep another one just for house music that's about the same. Having roughly 400 tracks at any time to go though is rough, but when I get to play a set it's exactly what I want it to be it makes it all worth it. Also I try to make my own mashups and remixes whenever I can, it makes sense to make your own stuff exactly how you want it instead of spending forever trying to find what you're looking for.

3) JL:

How is the Asian-Bhangra scene down in LA? Is there a demand for Bhangra within the city, or more isolated to the Desi scene like a lot of the cities in the US? What is your favorite city to play, and what make the scene there the most fun?

SK:

The scene in LA is huge, one of the biggest I've seen. There was a really big synergy of DJs, producers, music stores, promoters, and artists around 2001-ish that sparked a buzz that's still going strong in LA. It was just so connected. We used to do CDs, shows and things of the sort that really kept the interest going. From there the next generation of kids were so into bhangra that they've taken it above and beyond what we thought would ever happen. Bhangra competitions and the teams involved really get a lot of attention. Before it was us Djs that used to get flown around the country, but now teams like Kalsa Junction, Sher Foundation, and NBA travel more then I do. From a Djs standpoint you can see it on the dance floor, before I used to play more fusion/hip hop sounding bhangra that would mesh well with mainstream club music and people would dance to Bhangra almost the same as they would to hip hop, but now when I play bhangra in LA you see a lot more intricate and traditional dance moves. We definately got a lot more going on then your typical "screwing the lightbulb" moves. It's great to see though, I haven't really seen any other ethnicity that has the youth as into their culture then we do. Where else can a guy dance around in a skirt with a buncha men and have that be considered manly? It's pretty badass when you think about it, the pride of the culture not only surpassed people's expectation of how to dress and act, but redefined it.

The desi scene in LA is kinda wierd. LA is known as a city into image and looking cool, rather then just going out and having a good time. So within the desi scene people are either "Too cool to be Indian" or "Too Indian to be cool". Outside of the desi scene, non-Indians are definately into the music. Cheb I Sabbah always sells out shows here, I once saw him play at the Getty Center in front of about 3,000 non-Indians. I've also seen Nitin Sawhney and AR Rehman play at the Hollywood Bowl in front of crowds of upwards of 20,000 people, so it's one of the few cities where the interest has grown outside of our community.

As far as my favorite city, that's a tough one to answer. A lot of cities are changing right now so you don't really know what's going on till you get there. Also the desi thing has been around for a while and so now desis are starting to get over it. Actually, I wouldn't say they're over it, but it's been around long enough where people aren't as excited that something Indian is going on. Also, desi artists aren't really doing stuff that's as high caliber as what people like Jay Dabhi and Bally Sagoo did in the 90s, and if there is the one or 2 artists, it's not enough to keep a whole scene going. On the more fusion side, people like Sharmaji, Dehli2Dublin, and Non-Stop Bhangra are brewing a new U.S. underground scene that is really exciting and worth getting into. I couldn't say what city is my favorite, there's just a lot of gigs and scenes that I'm blessed to be involved in.

4) JL:

What makes it a great gig for you when you go somewhere new to play? What was the favorite party you have played in the past, and what made it stand out?

SK:

Main thing that makes it fun is the crowd, if it's a crowd that doesn't mind dancing all nite and leaving the club sweaty and smelly then we'll have a good time, if it's one where people wanna show off their Versace and Louis Vuitton while sitting in the corner being served overpriced bottles of liquor, and spend the whole nite trying to put on a fashion show then we have a problem. Also if the crowd is open minded that's great too, like I said before I spend a lot of time trying to find tracks so if the crowd is willing, I'll introduce them to some new and interesting things. I come from an old school mindset regarding DJ'ing where it's our job to search out new/interesting stuff and spread it to the people, not be at the mercy of pop charts and radio playlists. I definitely make it a point to play at least 1 or 2 tracks I know no one at the party has heard, just to introduce something new and challenge myself as a DJ. It's not always easy to do, especially since a lot of people come to the parties I do demanding to hear stuff they know, but after going through what I go through to find music it just wouldn't make sense to be a jukebox.

I don't think I have one favorite party, but there are 2 that probably tie, those would be the nights I did with Cheb I Sabbah at Temple Bar here in LA and this weekly I used to do at this place called Moomba in LA as well. Both had a similar flow musically, I'd start off the night with some "Asian underground"/chillout stuff similar to what you'd hear on a Buddha Bar CD, just to set the mood while people are having drinks and just walking it. Then get into the house stuff I like to do that's got an ethnic twist to it, people don't usually dance to this stuff but it raises the energy level and gets people ready to party. Finally at the peak and into the end the night off get into Bhangra/Bollywood/HipHop and anything else interesting that would drive the crowd nuts. Honestly it's not something that couldn't be done elsewhere, when I played Beats without Borders in Vancouver that place was right along the same vibe, as was Non Stop Bhangra in San Francisco, it's just that when I get hired to play out of town I'm usually hired to do the main time slot, so I don't get to do the interesting stuff to warm up the night.

5) JL:

You are about to return to NSB, can you give our readers your perspective on the party we have cultivated. Having played at NSB once, do you have a different idea of what to pack for your set based on what you noticed from the last trip? I know Dave Sharmaji said after his first time out he realized exactly what the crowd wanted, do you feel you got a better grip or already knew what was up?

SK:

NSB is simply awesome, its the party I've tried to do in LA a few times but haven't been able to quite get there. I've played in SF a few times and there's kind of a barrier between the "Indian" parties and the more fusions stuff like what Dhamaal did. NSB breaks that barrier and provides what I think is the perfect middle ground. The first time around I didn't know what to expect so I kinda played it safe, but I now realize the crowd is really open minded and I can probably take things a lot further musically. I'm used to playing for really picky crowds so sometimes playing for a crowd for that's up for anything kinda throws me off, but when I know that going into it then it's a lot of fun and I'm usually glad with the end result. Another element that threw me off was the dance lessons in the beginning, that’s kinda the opposite vibe then I’m used to starting a night off with. There’s no warm up time or time to mingle and get acquainted, you guys get right to business and it’s strictly dancing all nite. 10P.M. at NSB feels like what any other party is like at midnite, Vikki does a great job orchestrating that whole thing and getting people going. I'm rite where Dave was also, when you guys first called me I didn't know what to make of it, but Dave had highly recommended you guys and he's usually right about these types of things. We're a small group of people all trying to do similar things musically so it's exciting when get to link up with other people devoted to the same things as us. This time around I'll be more prepared also, last time when I went to NSB it was a hectic time as my sister was having a baby. I literally got the call that the baby was born as I boarded my plane to get to San Fran and anyone who knows me personally knows how crazy I am about that baby, so my mindset was kinda rushed in trying to get back home to greet my new nephew.

6) JL:

What is on the horizon for Sandeep? I know you are playing some shows with Jay Dabhi, recently in Texas but what is coming up. You also play different styles of music along side drummers, is this something you see fully in the future for Sandeep?

SK:

I really couldn't say for sure right now, but I'm for sure going to be spending more time making music in the next few months, I've been busy trying to finish up school as well as building my studio and learning how to produce to the caliber I'd like. It's very similar to my approach with the DJ'ing thing, I spent a really long time learning everything I could about it before really going out there and doing it, and now I'm at the same place with production. Some of my friends tell me I've spent way too much time learning and setting up my studio, but in my head you only have one chance to make that first impression and when you already have a reputation to uphold, you have to come out strong, so I think I'm as there as I'm going to be. Sometimes you can spend forever preparing for something when in reality, as the saying goes, "ain't nothing to it but to do it"

Jay and I actually don't have anything planned right now, we rarely get to spin together, but he's my favorite DJ to spin with. We're just right on the same page which is rare for the both of us, he's one of the few I actually go back to back with. One of us will get a strong vibe going and once that vibe kinda starts to slow down we just pass the headphones to the other one and that one will pick the vibe right up. On the flip side, Jay's probably the best desi DJ in America, so doing a gig with him is kinda like having a wrestling match with Hulk Hogan as your tag team partner (well, maybe in the 80s, but you know what I mean). I've also done a few gigs with a good friend of mine who's awesome at the drums, Sim Grewall. Those gigs are a challenge for me because he's such a good drummer and most club music that I'm used to playing has some very simple, but heavy percussive elements which make it easy to dance to, but I've got to find stuff that gives him more room to do what he does best. The DJ/drummer combo is pretty popular right now, but most of the time the drummer is just playing the same drum beat as the song the DJ is playing, just live. We try to make it a little more challenging then that, we've done it a few times where he just plays over what I'm doing but it just kinda bores both of us, so we incorporate more stuff that makes it interesting for the both of us, a lot of accapellas, scratching, and drum solos, which in turn make it interesting for the crowd as well. I also play alongside some dhol players, but many times that's against my will. No joke, these people just show up to clubs with dhols and start jammin away. You can't really stop them because the dhol is so freakin loud so you're kinda stuck, very annoying. However I play alongside dholis like Dhol Nation and Shawn Kalsi often and it works well. I’ve done stuff with Ravi Drums in the past as well and he’s got an incredible stage presence. Dave Sharmaji's top on the list of drummers I wanna gig with though.

I like gigging with other musicians, but I realized part of the reason I've been doing it is because I had gotten so used to the way I would spin that I could do the same thing with another element on top. It like a juggler,for example, who let's say juggles 3 apples, after a while he gets into the motions of the 3 apples so you throw in a forth, and a fifth, and so on. Eventually that juggler is going to want to progress into juggling something more challenging. It had gotten so routine and would bore me so I'd want to spice things up. I had really polished that style of mixing, which is good, but at the same time I want to always be getting better. There's always room for improvement, I hate when DJs just give up practicing because they think they're good enough to get by, or they're so arrogant as to think they couldn't get better. So I've been trying to further things by spending time practicing trying to get better at what I do and incorporate more challenging elements, like scratching and effects. People might notice I've been doing more of that in my sets, which is a change and I do mess up from time to time, but it keeps things interesting and moves things forward. I’ve always admired artists that are like that, people like Sasha and DJ Qbert have that mindset, always pushing forward. What you saw them do 5 years ago isn’t what you’ll see them doing now. People always look at what they’re doing and consider it to be on another level, its not always polished and gets a little messy when introducing something new, but it’s forgivable since you trust them as artists. I hope someday people look at me that way too.

Weekends Events - Free!!!

2008-04-30T17:16:00.000-07:00

This weekend you will find NSB's Jimmy Love dropping tracks at two FREE parties in the city. First is the Kick Off Party for Mission Bombay, as it moves to Every Friday a the new Bollyhood Cafe in the Mission. Second, Jimmy will be playing two sets (Day/Night) at the How Weird Street Faire!

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

FREE - Mission Bombay Launch Party!

Wake the town and tell the people: Mission Bombay has found a new home!!! Starting this Friday, the party will take place every Friday night at the funky Bollyhood Café, a beautiful and contemporary space fusing Indian film, music, food and fun drinks... To celebrate the move, the Mission Bombay crew are throwing a FREE relaunch party with all 4 resident DJs dropping wicked Asian beats all night long! Over the coming months expect special guest sets, dance performances & live drums blazing a new direction in the heart of the Mission! So please join us this Friday May 2nd for the big relaunch of Mission Bombay at Bollyhood Café!

MISSION BOMBAY - THIS FRIDAY MAY 2ND
Bangin' Asian beats from Bhangra to Bollywood & beyond

Resident DJs
JIMMY LOVE (Non Stop Bhangra)
VANKA (Stellartrax)
SURESH (Nagabeatz)
RAJAH (Soul Cocina)

BOLLYHOOD CAFE
3372 19th Street @ Mission
San Francisco
415-970-0362

10pm-2am • Normally $5! • 21 & up

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

How Weird Street Faire - FREE!!!

Global Groove Stage (Daytime)
Sunday May 4, 2008 — 11:11 am to 5:55 pm

Groove Garden, Surya Dub, Electric Vardo, Non Stop Bhangra,
Yoga Tai Chi Collective, Mystic Beat Lounge, and Earthdance!
(trans-global funky grooves)

Club NV – 525 Howard Street (Night Time)

Hosted by Muti Music, Raindance, Groove Garden, Surya Dub, Electric Vardo,
Non Stop Bhangra, Yoga Tai Chi Collective, Mystic Beat Lounge, and Earthdance

Featuring:
Jimmy Love (Non Stop Bhangra)
Cheb I Sabbah
Dragonfly
Dov
Lil John
Timonkey
Rhythmystic
Eprom
Amar (Electric Vardo)
Beats Antique
CB (Yoga Tai Chi)
Heyoka vs Mimosa

NON-STOP BHANGRA - APRIL 19th

2008-04-16T14:37:00.000-07:00

NON STOP BHANGRA 34
Date: April 19th 2008
Venue: The Rickshaw Stop | 155 Fell Street
Time: 9 PM Doors | 9:30 PM Bhangra Dance Lesson
Price: $10 Advance | $15 Door
PURCHASE ADVANCE TICKETS HERE!

Advance Ticket Are Sold Out!!!!
Tickets will still be available at the door,
first come first serve! Please come early
if you want to get in...

LINE UP:::::::::::::::::::::
DHOLRHYTHMS DANCE TROUPE
DUSEROCK (Bumpin' Uglies)
JIMMY LOVE (NSB)
MANDEEP SETHI (MC)
DJ AMAR (VISUALS)
RAV-E & BALA (DHOL)
MARCUS MURRAY(LIVE PAINTING)

Weekend Events

2008-04-11T10:51:00.000-07:00

The NSB crew has a weekend off, but some of our friends are throwing down in SF at Triple Power:

Friday Apr 11
Triple Power
4 Year Anniversary and Goodbye Party

Il Pirata

2007 16th Street
San Francisco, CA 94103 map
cross street: Utah
district: Potrero

Description

Triple Power’s anniversary parties have always been their biggest nights – they pull out all the stops and toss 'em in the weeds. But for *this* party, not only is Triple Power celebrating their anniversary, but they’re also saying goodbye, for now. After four years, they’re going on hiatus to recharge for their next incarnation. In appreciation for the dance community's support over the years, there’s NO COVER. They’ll also have food, t-shirts and CD mixes to give away, a host of performers, light sculpture art installations, and IMHO, the best funk’n DJ line up that whole weekend...

... Including an all tag team, take no prisoners DJ rush featuring:
* MANEESH the TWISTER :: surya dub + GIAMMA :: triple power
* RRRUS :: space cowboys + SHANTI :: triple power
* SMOOVE :: the end up + DONNA MATRIX

Performances throughout the night by:
* JAMIE "Sparkaluscious" LUV & Vikki FIRESPICE :: sooper hoopers
* VIOLET LOTUS :: stunning spinning
* REDVELVET :: beautiful bellydance

Resident artists:
* Doumbec drummbastic by SOOZHYQ
* Light sculpture art installation and braincandy visuals by SYNESTHESIA
* Massage by KEER

Tonight JLove at Mission Bombay + DJ Rajah Mix

2008-04-10T11:50:00.001-07:00

- Tonight NSB's Jimmy Love Plays at Mission Bombay in the Mission -

Jimmy Love (Non Stop Bhangra)
Rajah (Soul Cocina)

Asian Underground and Bhangra inna Mission stylee

LITTLE BAOBAB
3388 19th Street @ Mission
San Francisco
415-643-3558
10pm - 2am • $5 • 21 & up

Hear the latest mix from DJ Rajah on the beyond tip
Tune: East of the River Dolores
Tracklist:
Africa (Cottonbelly Remix) - Cirque Du Soleil
Africa dream - talib kweli
Street Sound - Charlie Hunter Feat. Mos Def
113's Voix du Mali REBEAT feat Oumou Sangaré - Selecta Rajah
Esclavage- Toma Sidibe
Tom Waits Swordfishtrombone REBEAT - Selecta Rajah
Araña Hindu (San Pancho mix) - Selecta Rajah
Kill Kill Kill Acapella of Big Red and Kathrin DeBoer - DJ Vadim
Quernavaca/ Bonanza Mexico - MIRAI SEIKI MEXICO
Como el ruido del mar - Mala Rodriguez
Eha Ehenia - Tartit
Sabrina/Gaz Naturel - Gnawa Difusion
Hal Hal (Rajah Refix) - Barış Manço
I can Never Feat Emo - DJ Vadim
Chico Sonido Psych cumbia beat (shake it to the ground) - DJ Blaqstarr + Rye Rye
Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa (Black Dominoes Shake it to the ground remix) - Vampire Weekend
Shake it to the Ground (Grand Theft Remix) - Blaqstarr and Rye Rye
Big P Missy E - Dj Crow
Periferia (unlabeled street tape)
Ohhhh - Oh No
Para un Viejito - Rebajadas x Sonido Martines
After the Rain - Little Dragon
Marketplace - Raz Mesinai's Badawi
Kleopatra - Salah Ragab & The Cairo Jazz Band
Ashhad Biannak Hilou - Sadun Jabir
Zadik Zecharia's Zorna - remixed by DJ Caress
Deedar De - from the Dus Soundtrack
Eshareh - Specialist 'N' Tru-Skool
Danca Do Mexe Remexe - Dama do Bling

INTERVIEW - DAVE "SHARMAJI"

2008-04-07T13:42:00.000-07:00

<Sharmaji, DJ Collage @ Stern Grove along side NSB>

NSB Founder Jimmy Love made a trip out to NYC earlier this year, and got to hang with Dave Sharmaji at the legendary Basement Bhangra party. Slipping away for some quiet one on one time, Jimmy threw out the idea of an interview for our readers back in SF....as Sharmaji has been a part of the NSB family since joining us on stage at Stern Grove! Dave has been making waves with regular airplay on BBC, and joining the wicked SubSwara crew as a resident DJ. An all around great guy and star on the rise in the music world, we are happy to finally post the interview after some back and forth!

JL:
Though you use elements of Bhangra in your tracks, you seem to be pushing Bhangra and Dub to new and exciting levels. Where is it that you want to take this sound, and what has been pivotal to you for inspiration in creating your unique blend of the two worlds?

DS:

Let's start with the pivotal/inspiration thing first. Most important is the abstract: overall, i want to make music for the dance floor; if it doesn't work as a piece for people to bug out to, then i haven't done my job. Ultimately, outside of hired-gun gigs, the music that i want to create lies squarely between Desi musics-- especially Bhangra and, to a lesser degree, light classical, (Ghazal, Thumri, etc)-- and Dubstep and/or d&b, though d&b continues to be less and less of a concern as time goes on. It's not really about combing the 2 in a remix fashion (although that's fun), It's about music that's a balance of physical and mental, and a conversation between the 2 sides... an age old thing. A track needs to move your body, your head, and your heart all at once-- if not, it's not good enough. My only criteria, the only place i want to go to and the only levels that i want to take productions to is THAT level. And it's in Dubstep, Bhangra, and Hindustani Sangeet that i find the best starting points to build tunes of that quality.

Artists/shows that inspired and continue to inspire... I grew up in the 90s, playing drum set, and for as crappy as pop radio may have been (from poison and the like in the early part of the decade to backstreet boys and all that post-grunge crap after), there was a brilliant underground scene across the nation. Fishbone, the Chili Peppers, and Jane's Addiction in LA, NYHC and ska in NYC, to say nothing of the great era of mid-90s hip hop and Dancehall-- Wu-Tang, Shabba Ranks, Bounty, Beenie, Buju... Because of that I'm all about taking the music out of the given context.

Bhangra had always been simmering in the background; it wasn't until i moved back to the east coast in '98 that i really started getting involved. Seeing Punjabi MC at Basement in 98 really lit the fire with a BIG flame, and seeing Dhol Foundation, back in the days when it was almost impossible to get a Dhol in the US, turned it to an addiction.

We live in a time where the old contexts, and even the old re-interpretations of context, are over. World music is for aging hippies. Rock sounds like 90's Moby. drum & bass tunes sound like 70s rock... and MIA is a superstar. I find that incredibly inspiring.

JL:
We have had you out here a few times, and the whole crew loves seeing you each time. On your last trip we talked a little about Bhangra in the US, I wanted to hit you up on your thoughts between the Bhangra/Asian scene on both coast and see how similar or different they are in your opinion. We know a lot of the crews fly back and forth so there is already a network, though the vibe of crowds and promoters on each coast tends to be different. We would love to hear your take on the two.

DS:

I think the vibe in NYC is a bit more hustle-bustle because we're 6 hours closer to the UK, and it's not a gigantic stretch to get an artist from London or Birmingham in to perform. However, the East Bay has the whole Yuba City/Hayward world, and that's a big draw for really intense Bhangra; the Punjabi's that are out here in Queens are still surrounded by NYC. Besides Bikram Singh from NYC, i expect that the next US Bhangra singer to really make an impact will come from the East Bay... or Texas.

Ultimately there is so much competition for such a small pie that the US mainstream-Desi scene seems to have cannibalized itself over the last few years... in 2002-3 there were Desi weeklies and monthlies that i could rattle off the top of my head; nothing like that any more. What keeps NSB and Basement Bhangra alive is the fact that we all play new music, push boundaries, and are not running with fads-- longevity is built into our scene. We may not do the numbers that the SASA/Desi party world does.... but we're here to stay!

Ultimately I'd like to see more diversification in the Desi world in general, not only to grow, but to keep people coming back. Once someone hits 27 or 28 in this scene, they often feel isolated from the rest of the party. that doesn't happen at NSB or Basement... and it damn well shouldn't!

JL:
What would you say about the rise of the US Bhangra and Asian scene, do we have something to offer that is not already been done in the UK?

DS:

Yes!!!!! absolutely. we've got the flip of what the UK had in terms of rock 40 years ago-- we've got enough distance from the UK's history and India in general to get rid of all the bullshit and just make music. Led Zeppelin really didn't have to worry about a bunch of guys in Memphis dissing them because they were ripping off Willie DIxon. Similarly, an artist like Bikram Singh has the space to create something without the burden of context... especially in this day and age where Myspace and Facebook offer all the context you need.

But unfortunately-- I'm not seeing much of a rise, or not nearly the amount of artistry and artist support that I'd expect to in the states. Artists and promoters like Rekha and Jay Gatzby are always on the lookout for up-and-coming Desi talent that they can put out there, but the offerings have been pretty bleak. Straight up? U.S. DESI ARTISTS ARE NOT WORKING HARD ENOUGH. A few girls singing run-of-the-mill pop songs with Hindi hooks, some pretty mediocre rappers, and very few artists that are coming with anything original and personal. Even back when i was involved with Bombay Dreams on Broadway... nearly 1/2 of the cast was Canadian, because the casting agents had a very hard time finding young American Desi's who could cut it at a professional level.

I think we're at a generation gap that the UK was at maybe 2 generations ago... so many of the South Asian families in the states are 1st-generation immigrants, who are concerned about their kids future. It's understandable to me, but what it means is that we've got a massive amount of Desi kids who get into music for a bit , just until they get a 'real' job. And that's holding us far, far back. Straight up: if you don't have the guts to see this through, then I'm going to question your involvement with it at all.

There's a lot of music coming from Asian youth in the UK that is really, really good-- tons of people doing fresh-sounding Bhangra, the MDK Cartel doing Grime, NuPhlo and Geiom doing Dubstep... where's the creativity in the states? where's the Asian music that will have more than a 14-minute shelf life? I'm waiting... i want to cut it to Dubplate, play it out and make you famous!!!!

JL:
You have been a BBC darling and winning some awards, what is next for Dave Sharmaji? Can we expect an album out soon, or at least an EP to satisfy the DJ"s?

DS:

You know, at the end of 2006, i was sure that 2007 would be THE year for me to come to fruition as an artist. Turns out it was a year of phenomenally hard work that is beginning to pay off... here's the developments:

Out RIGHT NOW is the "DJ Rekha Presents: Basement Bhangra" CD.. a bunch of the NSB massive might recognize my remix of the title tune, which I ran both times i was out in SF with you guys. Although that's not included on the album, there are 2 tunes that i was involved with.

Also out right now, on a wholly different tip, is the video game "Assassin's Creed" that i played a bunch of the percussion on. When you're loading up arrows in a scene in Jerusalem and you hear the frame drums pounding-- think of me!

Up next is Low Motion Records, an imprint i've started with fellow NYC Dubstep artist Secret Agent Gel... The first release is 2 of his tunes, "Body" and "Refined," both of which are absolutely massive. The 2nd release will be a surprise from me, with the flip being "Koli Stance," a tune that I co-wrote with Dhruva and got lots of support from DJ's around the world, including BBC's Bobby Friction & Nihal, Nerm, and Maryanne Hobbs.

After that, we're slated to be releasing the SubSwara LP in the spring; the EP is currently making the rounds in "the industry." Expect lots of post-Desi and non-Desi sounds from us, as SubSwara bridges the gaps in physical dance music.

I've also been in touch with Akash Sagar, the original composer of "Bhangra Pauna".... I did a remix for Nerm's Electro East show, and it's been caned like crazy on the Asian Network. He loves the remix... no promises, of course, but we gonna see what we can do about getting that out on 12" vinyl for everyone.

And beyond that... lots of speculative stuff that i don't wanna jinx!

JL:
You are a normal name now at NSB, what is your 'outsider' experience when you enter a NSB night to perform?

Pictures from last NSB with Dave "Sharmaji"

DS:

My GOD i love playing NSB!!!! I can't think of another night in this entire country where the venue is packed by 9:30pm, and stays that way until closing. I'm interested in seeing what the crowd responds to and bringing what my take is on Bhangra and even Bollywood... The energy in Bhangra is so broad that i like to present it in a way that's really inviting for someone who may be there for the first time. I love the fact that the NSB crowd is so diverse, that so many people know all the words to pretty deep Punjabi cuts, and that Viki and the girls absolutely smash it every time. It's also fun to test the waters of what does and does NOT work at NSB-- in NYC, you can really easily get away with spinning Hip Hop and Dancehall at a Bhangra party, but at NSB, they want BHANGRA. and maybe a bit of desi house and breaks, and some Bollywood... but really it's all about the Bhangra.

- Jimmy Love

LL Cool Singh - The Return?

2008-04-07T02:58:00.001-07:00

So I stumbled across this article today and got excited. I have not heard anything from him in ages, and upon his return he is now going by his real name Jas Dhingra. For many people just getting into Bhangra this means little, but for me he was def someone I spent serious time tracking down any copies I could find of his mixes and instrumentals.

The article was written in January, so I assume the release date is somewhere lost on IST (Indian Standard Time) as there is no real information other then a trailer on the labels website. The label is called 4Play Recordings which started in 2003, and host a couple other artists I know, Omnious DJ's being the other larger act of note.

If you are looking for some of his older albums you can pick them up here, though I do warn you the last thing I got through this site took ages to arrive (IST)...

Store With Albums
http://www.punjab2000.com/acatalog/Punjab2000_Home_LL_Cool_Singh_167.html

To read more information on LL Cool Sing...sorry, Jas Dhingra

Jas Dhingra Official Website
http://www.jasdhingra.com/

LL Cool Singh MySpace
http://www.myspace.com/jdhingra

More Info on LL Cool Sing
http://www.asiangigs.com/llcoolsingh.htm

Jimmy Love

R.I.P Uttam Chakraborty - March To Tibet

2008-04-04T15:01:00.000-07:00

I am very very sad to be posting this event, as Uttam was an unbelievable tabla player destined to go on and do amazing things in the music world. I was lucky to meet Uttam years ago in my house, on a magical night when he did a tabla show in my living room...little did I know he was on his way to be a master and blew my mind with what he could do. The NSB family's heart goes out to his family and friends. He was a very gentle and soft spoken sweet heart, as well as one of the most amazing performers we have seen! - Jimmy Love

An Evening of Tabla Performances (in L.A.):
In Memory of Uttam Chakraborty
Saturday April 5, 2008 7pm FREE
<More Info>

Mesmerizing tabla performances will be the focus of this special evening dedicated to art of solo tabla. An instrument widely used in an accompaniment context, tabla itself is based on a richly evolved solo tradition. The art of solo tabla takes the listener on a journey through fixed compositions and improvised explorations of themes. Featured tabla artists include: Tukluda Chaudhuri, Suman Laha, TJ Troy, Rob Elston, John Wash and Robin Sukhadia. Mike Robbins will be providing Lahara on Harmonium.

Tonite’s evening is dedicated to Uttam Chakraborty, an exquisite tabla player who recently passed away and was a dear friend to me and the tabla community. Donations for his family are greatly appreciated. We are accepting donations through PayPal, all funds raised will be wired to Uttamda’s surviving wife and child, in Sonarpur, West Bengal, India. Funds will be used to support his family through this difficult time.

Uttam Chakraborty, an exquisite tabla player who recently passed away and was a dear friend to me and the tabla community. Donations for his family are greatly appreciated. We are accepting donations through PayPal, all funds raised will be wired to Uttamda’s surviving wife and child, in Sonarpur, West Bengal, India. Funds will be used to support his family through this difficult time.

SF - SUNDAY APRIL 6th, 2008 - 1015 Folsom (NSB's DJ Amar!)

In Suport of the Tibetan People's Uprising Movement
Cyphertown & Wasfia Nazreen Present:

FreQ Nasty
Cheb i Sabbah
Karsh Kale

With

DJ Amar + Nickodemus + An-ten-nae + Mozaic+ Malarkey + KnowSleep + Unicorn + SolarLion + Mimosa + Heyoka + Lotus Drops + Goodfelllow

All Proceeds to benefit www.TibetanUprising.org & www.giveback.net

1015 FOLSOM, 1015 Folsom St.
San Francisco, CA.
$15 adv $20 door | 21+ | 9:00PM - 4:00AM Advance

Tickets at: www.brownpapertickets.com/event/31859

NSB Friend Kush Arora In SF Weekly

2008-03-30T20:21:00.001-07:00

Non Stop Bhangra friend Kush Arora was just featured in the SF Weekly! Big up's to our friend pushing the Asian sounds! Kush Arora have been playing his signature live set at the monthly party called Surya Dub, as well as a featured live performance across the US. If you have not seen him live yet, catch him dropping sets around the United States along side some of the freshest MC's in the world.

Check out SF Weekly's article!

He is also featured on some hot bills coming up:
April 3rd, RECORDLABELRECORDS - Bottom of the HIll!

April 5th - Massive DubClash Party!
With NSB Vocalist - DJ Collage!!!!

Visit Kush Arora.com

INTERVIEW - KUSH ARORA

2008-03-30T19:11:00.000-07:00

(Dave Sharmaji, Maneesh, Kush Arora, Jimmy Love)

Recently NSB's Jimmy Love caught up with busy boss
Kush Arora for a quick interview about his music,
and his thoughts on Bhangra and Asian music in the US...


JL::
Thanks for taking the time to do this! We have known each other for
some years now, and it has been wicked knowing you and watching
you turn into one of the bay areas most exciting underground
producers on the rise. Though you use elements of Bhangra in
your tracks, you have been pushing Bhangra and Dub to new and
exciting levels. Where is it that you want to take this sound,
and what has been pivotal to you for inspiration in creating
your unique blend of the two worlds?

KUSH::
Thanks for your kind words, it means alot coming from an exciting
DJ like yourself! First off, inspiration wise I grew up hearing Hindi
and Bhangra music on and off at home and in India or family functions.
So it is in my blood as an influence, but I wasn't big on the
sounds actually till I was a teenager, I kind of came to them in
a funky reverse way later on in my musicianship. I had been playing
drums since junior high and piano most of my life, doing punk rock,
industrial and experimental music, electronica and slowly grew into
Dancehall and dub quite heavily while in high school, started
producing beats as well. I was listening to artists like The Rootsman,
Muzlimgauze, and soon thereafter Bally Sagoo who were doing either
very Dancehall Reggae or Industrial music - but with cultural sounds
from each  of their respected genres, Middle Eastern or Indian
drum sounds, Bally Sagoo was doing straight up Bhangra dub 15
years ago very literally. This shit shattered my worlds, and I would
occasionally hear dub plates or while in India or Punjabi functions,
that were bhangra reggae 2 step things, or just bashment type
music and it really had a big influence on me. But again, i really
didn't feel like just imitating it, i felt like there was a very
large amount of room left for experimentation with punjabi music
outside of hip hop and reggae , especially since so much of it is
commercial. It kind of blended naturally into my music and has come
to be more literal of a combination than it was a few years ago,
where i was making it much more abstract and out there sounds,
now I have felt like i can filter that into more conventional
but still super charged underground vibe type versions of Bhangra
and dub. As of recently however I have been doing much less of
it and trying to bury it in different forms of songs and styles,
so who knows what may be next other than more instrumental music -
and less vocal stuff for a bit.

JL::
It has been fun watching you grow in the bay area as an artist,
and seeing your production skills sky rocket in what seems like
a blink of an eye. What would your advise be to new producers
trying to learn how to make cutting edge music for both the end
track as well as being able to translate the track in a live
setting?

KUSH::
Well. I think i still have quite a bit of work to do in production
to be honest, it's a never ending battle and once you've gotten
one thing figured out, say, how to make the bass fatter or the
vocals less hissy, you've found 5 more things that now sound like
shit because you've improved something else in the mix! It is a
never ending battle of scales, time, patience most importantly,
and how much you are willing to do on your own production.
My advice is learn as much as you can yourself, definately don't
read crappy audio mix magazines and regurgitate all their
compression and settings on the plug in methods: just lock yourself
in a room, get down,experiment a lot and really try and hear your
music in a lot of places, not your room and studio only.

The success of a good producer is them honing their own original
style in a variety of formats, because originality is the key -
people and producer wannabes totally forget that alot. They're
constantly chasing production trends and sounds and shit from
other people, but they forget that, if they wanted people to do
the same to their music, the need to make something that is at
least SLIGHTLY distinct. Keep your head straight and don't get
sucked up in "industry" stuff, really just hang out with your
friends who you love and make good music, most important thing.
To translate your music into a live setting: lots of artists
like using Abelton live, i myself have used that and i usually use
Cubase and do dubbing. It's tough translating electronic music into
a live setting, without it being something kind of minimal
and basic like Techno.

You have to be very organized, and prepared for your stuff to
sound like shit in a bottle the first time you start hearing
it at clubs. After a few years of doing that, you'll pick up
on alot of do's and don'ts for club settings, and you'll learn
where in your show, people start enjoying themselves, or not
enjoying themselves. When you play live you have to keep in
mind the folks at hand, and learn to be flexible with that as
much as possible, it's very tough to do without doing generic
shit like looping jungle loops and twizzly synth sounds!

Be prepared for a challenge!

JL::
What would you say about the rise of the US Bhangra and
Asian scene, do we have something to offer that is not already
been done in the UK?

KUSH::
I think most incarnations of desi music have been done in the UK
already, but the vibe is really different quite a bit of the time,
I have to say. Here in the US i see a different flavor coming from
producers like Sub Swara, Dave Sharma, myself, which is a bit more
electronic at times and less hip hop/ or R&B influenced vibe.
I also see alot of artists doing more experimental and less teen
oriented desi music in the US, so i think truly there is alot of
difference in the offerings that the US has. More underground,
less commercial by numbers. There still are lots of and lots of
amazing underground producers in uk like Sukh Knight,
The Specialist, and Geiom of course.

JL::
We know you are still playing out in support of your recent
album which is killer, but what is next for Kush Arora?

KUSH::
A bunch of things coming up my friends: Finishing up tunes
with Dave Sharma and Dhruva from Sub Swara NYC, serious Desi
dubstep madness. Just cut a tune with Bongo Chilli in the UK
who has sung on stuff by The Bug, Rootsman, Rogue State, sort
of industrial metal dread bass type of thing. Working with
Reggae/Reggaeton vocalist Santero on some jatt Hip Hop Riddims
for his project. New Riddim with Vocalist Zulu which is total
Bhanga, Ragga, bizness, Dance Hall minimalism. Finishing 2
unreleased tracks from N4SA, "New Commers" and "No Response",
which are very thematic and dark bashment numbers.

I definitely am going in a more experimental direction lately,
I have  started a new project with band mate KOSSAK from
RecordLabelRecords, called The Placebo Brothers which is very
intricate sound design based instrumental music, very different
from what "Brooklyn to SF" has to offer, much more for the head
and pretty melancholic music overall. Also I've been in the lab
constructing a new live setup in which i will be making and
tweaking beats live and switch from my old dub setup, into a
totally new, more fun wild dance floor type of thing
(since after all we're playing at dance clubs in sf these days!).

JL::
Keep posted here and see what Kush is up to in the near future..
I know he is working on a new live set as well, which he may
feature at an upcoming NSB event!

What Is Bhangra

2008-03-30T18:41:00.000-07:00

SPIRIT OF BHANGRA
ABOUT NONSTOP BHANGRA WHAT IS BHANGRA

Bhangra is a beautiful form of expression that will engulf you in its spirit as soon as you experience it. It’s a celebration of life and is done with zest, enthusiasm, and energy. It is perhaps the most vigorous form of South Asian Dances. Bhangra originated in the fertile land of Punjab, India. Punjab means land of five waters (rivers); it is a Northwest region of the Indian Subcontinent, currently spread amongst Indian states of Punjab, Jammu & Kashmir, and parts of Himachal, Hariyana and Pakistani Punjab.

Though bhangra may have existed longer, its history can be traced as far back as 500 years. Bhangra was created among farmers while they worked in fields. Since its grounded in earth, its basic movements relate to farming activities like ploughing, sowing, and, harvesting. Traditionally performed to celebrate the harvest, Bhangra reflected the enthusiasm and appreciation shared among rural folk as they witnessed their hard labor bear fruit. Bhangra season concludes with Baisakhi, a festival that marks the arrival of the harvesting season. Baisakhi always falls on April 14^th, and marks the beginning of the solar year and is therefore also celebrated as the New Year among Punjabi’s. Bhangra is truly one of the most joyous and celebratory forms of dancing. It is no longer done just among farmers and is now known as a folk dance of Punjab and can be seen at any happy/festive occasions and celebrations especially weddings.

The main instrument played during bhangra is a barrel size drum called the Dhol. Its strong bass beats are so contagious & can lure even the most dedicated of wallflowers onto the dance floor. Other instruments played during bhangra are a single string instrument called the tumbi, and a multi layered string instrument, somewhat similar to the violin called, sarangi. Some other small instruments used to add more sound, are sapera, supp, and chimta (clamps) and smaller drums such as the damru and dholki. Though traditional performances most often include many of these instruments, Dhol is still the most important and most common instrument used in Bhangra. Now, dhol beats are also often fused with other instruments such as flutes, tablas (a smaller Indian drum), and synthetic sounds.

The music is so vibrant and has almost an intoxicating effect on those listening as if some chemical gets released in their bodies when the dhol(drum) beats kick in; you can’t help but move your feet to the beat. It’s truly a beautiful thing to watch as it brings out the free spirit and un-inhibited emotions and allows people to move their bodies in a way that brings tremendous joy and release.

Bhangra music is well known in the UK as that’s where a large population of punjabi’s migrated. Over the last 10 to 15 years, it has gained more recognition in North America, as up and coming dj’s and producers have started playing this sound to a wider audience. Now Bhangra has become a synergistic blend of its traditional origins and contemporary musical styles ranging from Reggae, Hip-Hop, to Drum N Bass. Bhangra continues to reach the masses, emerging as a popular global sound.

-

Non Stop Bhangra Moves To a New Website!

NSB's Jimmy Love This NYE!!!!

NSB INTERVIEWS

Non Stop Bhangra Reaches 50!

NSB Interview: Luv (Signia)

Non Stop Bhangra (49)

Non Stop Bhangra 44 – Bhangra Goes Green

NONSTOP BHANGRA(43), Sat. Feb 21st!

Non Stop Bhangra 42 - The Return of NSB!

NSB COLLECTIVE IN DECEMBER

Non Stop Bhangra 41 - This Saturday!

"BHANGRAFEST" EVENTS THIS WEEKEND!

Dholrhythms(5yr) & NSB(4yr) Anniversary Celebrations--"BHANGRAFEST"

NSB D2D MASHUP

Non-Stop Bhangra 39 This Saturday!

NSB CREW AT POWER TO THE PEACEFUL FESTIVAL WITH MICHAEL FRANTI & SPEARHEAD, ZIGGY MARLEY!

NSB - At Power To The Peaceful September 6th

DUB MISSION 12YR ANNIVERSARY, TONITE AT ELBO ROOM!

Jimmy Love @ SF Bay Guardian Happy Hour

NSB Gets more Press & Awards!

Bhangra Goes Global

Non-Stop Bhangra 38 - August 16th, 2008

NSB's Jimmy Love Tonight @ Mission Bombay!

Non Stop Bhangra 35 This Weekend!

Interview - Sandeep Kumar

Weekends Events - Free!!!

Club NV – 525 Howard Street (Night Time)

NON-STOP BHANGRA - APRIL 19th

Weekend Events

Tonight JLove at Mission Bombay + DJ Rajah Mix

INTERVIEW - DAVE "SHARMAJI"

LL Cool Singh - The Return?

R.I.P Uttam Chakraborty - March To Tibet

An Evening of Tabla Performances (in L.A.):In Memory of Uttam ChakrabortySaturday April 5, 2008 7pm FREE<More Info>

In Suport of the Tibetan People's Uprising MovementCyphertown & Wasfia Nazreen Present:

NSB Friend Kush Arora In SF Weekly

INTERVIEW - KUSH ARORA

What Is Bhangra

An Evening of Tabla Performances (in L.A.):
In Memory of Uttam Chakraborty
Saturday April 5, 2008 7pm FREE
<More Info>

In Suport of the Tibetan People's Uprising Movement
Cyphertown & Wasfia Nazreen Present: