The Dhol Foundation
Johnny Kalsi, the UK's most celebrated player of the Punjabi dhol drum, is no stranger to audiences across Europe. As a member of Afro Celt Sound Sytem, Imagined Village and Trans-global Underground he’s featured in more bills than most. But it’s The Dhol Foundation that’s his pride and joy, the organisation that delivers a now legendary wall of sound, global rhythms and thumping contemporary beats with the effervescent Johnny at the heart of their live shows.
The full stage show features an energetic batteria of dhols up front, bass, drums, guitar, dholak and can include bhangra dancers and guest singers powering out a sound that’s as eclectic as it is forceful. TDF The musical influences are drawn from a rich pallet of global sounds and it’s the openness to exploring the music of other cultures that has always set TDF apart from other Dhol groups.
The band have featured in the music of Hollywood films, Gangs of New York and Incredible Hulk. They have also worked with Peter Gabriel on the soundtrack for films including Rabbit Proof Fence and The Last Temptation of Christ.
The Dhol Foundation will performed as the opening act with STOMP at the Royal Variety Performance which was screened on ITV1 in December 2011. Peter Kay hosted the star studded event which also featured Tony Bennett, Barry Manilow, Cee Lo Green, Nicole Scherzinger and Pixie Lott. The show was staged at The Lowry on Salford Quays and also on the bill were comedians Jason Manford, Greg Davies and Tim Minchin.
