Singer-songwriter Azmyl Yunor and his band The Truly Asia, comprising Ammar Khairi (drums), Kristopher Chong (bass) and guitarist N.R. Lohan, are ready to rock the Beale Street Music Festival.
The musicians arrived in Memphis, Tennessee, in the southern United States, yesterday morning after a long flight from Malaysia.
The band is one of three Malaysian acts invited to be a part of the Memphis in May International Festival.
The other Malaysians who will showcase the country’s food and culture are the National Department for Culture and Arts Malaysia dance troupe, and Chef Datuk Ismail Ahmad.
Malaysia is the eighth Asian nation to receive special recognition during the city-wide festival. The year-long event will celebrate Malaysian cultural and educational exhibitions throughout May.
From Saturday until May 14, there will be live performances, seminars, and business development activities.
“We had some last-minute issues at the airport on May 2, but managed to sort everything out,” said a tired but happy Azmyl.
“We then had a 12-hour layover in Tokyo, Japan, before continuing on to Memphis.”
Azmyl said the trip to the ‘music capital of the world’ was a dream come true, more so, as they will open the Beale Street Music Festival. They will play two sets.
Each performance is 65 minutes long and will feature Azmyl’s original songs, such as Tanah Air Ku, Lupa Diri, It’s Not Easy, Fall Into Her Arms, Orang Kita, Skodeng Blues and many more.
They are the only Asian act at the festival which features big names, such as Robert Plant, Earth, Wind & Fire, Los Lobos, Alison Krauss, Ziggy Marley, and Lucinda Williams.
“We owe a debt of gratitude to the Tourism, Arts, and Culture Ministry for shortlisting us for the festival,” said Azmyl.
“There were two other bands in the running. In the end, the organisers chose us. We are honoured to represent Malaysia on the world stage.
“We want to show America what Malaysian blues and rock & rock are all about.”
Lohan, who has known Azmyl for nearly two decades, was equally excited about the show.
“Never in my wildest dreams did I expect to be playing in the United States. I have Azmyl to thank for this opportunity,” said Lohan, the band leader of Cats In Love.
“We have known each other for so long and played in several other bands. It is good to be in the same band and to have the opportunity to play in Memphis, the home of the blues and rock & roll.
“This has been a good few months for me, as Cats In Love released our first single, Black Monday, in December. It received good response.”
Meanwhile, the National Department for Culture and Arts Malaysia dance troupe will perform at the Cannon Centre on May 11.
Chef Ismail will be presenting the finest in Malaysian cuisine at the Peabody Hotel’s Chez Philippe restaurant on May 13, where he will prepare a six-course Malaysian dinner at the French fine dining restaurant.
Other activities include Doing Business in Malaysia and International Luncheon (May 10), and the ‘Magical Night in Malaysia’ International Gala (May 12).
There are also exhibits at the National Ornamental Metal Museum, Benjamin Hooks Library, the Museum of Science and History, and Cinema of Malaysia Film series, in collaboration with Indie Memphis.
