Delhi 2 Dublin, Hopmonk Sebastopol

Delhi 2 Dublin was a happy accident born out of Vancouver’s Celtic Fest in 2006. Their sound started as an electronic fusion between bhangra beats and Celtic fiddle and has since grown into anything from dub reggae to breaks to just straight up happy dance music.

Founded by Tarun Nayar (of Beats Without Borders cred), Sanjay Seran (at the time hailing from live bhangra act Signia), and Ravi Binning (a professionally trained bhangra dancer and dhol player), the band started kicking ass on stages across North America, with violinist extremist Kytami and sitar/guitar hero Andrew Kim.

Releasing their first full-length album out within a year of their inception, it was obvious D2D had something people wanted. Word spread about their ridiculously energetic live show, and tours grew from regular jaunts across the country and down through the States, to include festival performances in Europe, Asia and Australia. The band kept up with the pace, producing a new album bi-annually and a remix album alternating years.

With seven albums out, 2014 has Delhi 2 Dublin releasing their very first, and much anticipated, LIVE album, recorded at the iconic Commodore Ballroom in Vancouver, BC on their 8th birthday. This year also brings about more additions to the D2D touring family: Serena Eades joins on violin (in lieu of fiddle player Sara Fitzpatrick starting a family of her own!) and James Hussain on guitar. Jaron Freeman-Fox continues being a featured guest at select shows, along with former member Andrew Kim.