LAHORE, Nov 13: American bluegrass band Della Mae played to an enthusiastic audience at the Ali Auditorium on Tuesday.

The five-member women’s band is currently touring Pakistan as part of the US Department of State’s ongoing cultural exchange efforts.

Della Mae is a Boston-based band formed in 2009 out of yearning for a tradition bluegrass sound in the heart of New England. The band includes Kimber Ludiker on fiddle, Celia Woodsmith on vocal/guitar, Shelby Means on bass, Jenni Lyn on guitar and Courtney Hartman on guitar, vocal and banjo.

Della Mae’s musical style seamlessly blends years of experience with traditional mountain music and modern singer sensibilities. Della Mae has toured throughout the US playing at festivals.

The evening at Lahore was quite lively. The band opened the evening with a few songs. The audience comprised mostly young people who immensely enjoyed the evening. There was continuous clapping and wolf whistles as the audience enjoyed the music.

‘Paper Prints’ was a romantic slow number. ‘What will become of you’ was a cool song and ‘Pine Tree’ again a slow romantic melody. The most fascinating moment of the concert was when Della Mae band sang Iqbal’s ‘Lab pay aati hai dua ban kay tamana meri.’

They also played music to Nazia Hassan’s song ‘Dil Bolay Boom Boom’ sung by a Pakistani singer, Afshan.

The band members told Dawn that it was their maiden visit to Pakistan. Although they were afraid of travelling to this part of the world, after reaching here all their fears had gone, they said.

They said Pakistani people were most generous and hospitable.

The band has earlier performed at Islamabad and would proceed from Lahore to central Asian states. — Staff Reporter