FirstWorks Presents Exuberant ‘Festival of Colors’ Concert with Red Baraat
Immersive celebration features vibrant visuals, joyful dancing and electrifying North Indian bhangra music
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – FirstWorks, a leading non-profit arts presenter in Providence, Rhode Island, announced bhangra brass band Red Baraat’s return to Providence this spring with their vibrant concert spectacle, “Festival of Colors.” The event takes place at The Strand Ballroom and Theatre, 79 Washington Street in Providence, RI on Thursday, April 3, 2025 at 7:30 p.m. and is an immersive celebration that features kaleidoscopic visuals, joyful dancing and the hard-driving rhythms of North Indian bhangra music. Tickets are available online starting at $25 at https://firstworks.org and at The Strand Box Office, (401) 618-8900.
Led by the dynamic bandleader Sunny Jain on the dhol, Red Baraat has transformed the festive spirit of the Hindu holiday of Holi into an exuberant, year-round musical extravaganza. Red Baraat has been described by NPR as “the best party band in years.” Their performances meld North Indian bhangra music with elements of hip hop, jazz and punk. Their “Festival of Colors” is not just a concert, it is a movement of spirited celebration and communal joy.
Traditionally, the holiday of Holi is marked by public gatherings of families and strangers sharing songs, dance and the exchange of “colors” — colorful powders playfully thrown amongst crowds of revelers. The holiday signifies the victory of good over evil, the arrival of spring, and for many, a festive day to meet, play and laugh, forget and forgive, and repair ruptured relationships.
“Audiences can expect astonishment! FirstWorks is creating a one-night festival experience with Red Baraat, in the spirit of our 20-plus year history of building extraordinary arts experiences in Rhode Island,” said Kathleen Pletcher, Executive Artistic Director of FirstWorks. “We invite our audience members to wear their brightest colors, bring their joy and come together for this special global journey at a time when the world needs it most.”
The concert experience will feature a drink special at the Strand Ballroom and Theatre bar, “Bhangra on the Beach” and complimentary glowsticks for audience members to dance with and share their light with others.
In addition to the concert, bandleader Sunny Jain will conduct a morning workshop at George J. West Elementary School as part of the FirstWorks Education Program, which introduces over 2,000 Rhode Island students to diverse global and local performing arts annually. To learn more visit https://firstworks.org/learn.
This FirstWorks engagement is made possible with support from Collette, Providence Tourism Council and Rhode Island Commerce, with media support from Rhode Island Public Media. The related arts education engagement is supported by Providence City Council through the Community Development Block Grant program.
FirstWorks is a non-profit based in Providence, Rhode Island whose purpose is to build the cultural, educational and economic vitality of its community by engaging diverse audiences with world-class performing arts and education programs. Now marking its 21st year, FirstWorks festivals, performances and programs have attracted more than 1 million participants since its founding in 2004. Across its 2023-24 season, FirstWorks produced 60+ events, employed 100+ artists, and reached 3,300+ Rhode Island youth. FirstWorks is the founding partner of PVDFest and has collaborated with the City of Providence to curate and produce the City’s free, signature arts celebration since 2015. Embracing collaboration, FirstWorks has fostered over 90 community partnerships across business, social service, government, arts and education sectors. Visit firstworks.org to learn more.
Listings Information:
WHO: Red Baraat
WHAT: “Festival of Colors,” an immersive celebration featuring vibrant visuals, joyful dancing and electrifying North Indian bhangra music
WHEN: Thursday, April 3, 2025 at 7:30 p.m.
WHERE: The Strand Ballroom and Theatre, 79 Washington Street, Providence, RI
TICKETS: $25-40 at firstworks.org and the Strand Box Office, (401) 618-8900